Petra & Dead Sea Overnight Tour (Double)
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Port
Aqaba (for Petra), Jordan
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$889
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1
Leave the ship in Aqaba and set out to explore the ancient, rose-red city of Petra, built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago.
At the Visitor Center, learn about this fascinating culture and the amazing relics they left behind. In the Nabataean era, Petra was a fortress, carved out of craggy rocks in an area that was virtually inaccessible from the outside. In the 1st and 2nd centuries, after the Romans invaded, the city reached the peak of its fame. Begin with an optional horseback ride from the main gate of Petra to the entrance of the Old City -- about a half-mile ride. Then, walk along the siq, or canyon, to visit Petra. Petra covers an area of about 38 square miles and about 800 monuments are found here. It was once the epicenter of trading caravan routes but gradually fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was re-discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burkhart. Nowadays Petra is Jordan's number one tourist attraction, known as 'the rose-red city half as old as time'. The Khazneh (the Treasury) starred in Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade.
A buffet lunch is served at a local restaurant in Petra.
Leaving the site, re-board the coach and transfer to the Dead Sea in Jordan. You will check in at the hotel and enjoy dinner in the main dining room.
Day 2
Breakfast buffet is served at the hotel; then, you'll have time to swim in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea before you check out.
Later this morning you're headed to Nebo -- the mountain from which Moses was allowed to see the Holy Land. Nowadays the mountain is a memorial site, with the Church of Moses built by the early Christians as a holy place and a destination for pilgrimage. Like Moses, you can take in the great view over Jordan, the Dead Sea and Israel. On a clear day, you may even be able to see Jerusalem, about 40 miles away.
Continue to Madaba, 15 minutes from Mount Nebo and south of Amman. This City of Mosaics is perched on an archaeological site with more than 4,000 years of history buried beneath it. The quality and quantity of mosaic flooring has made Madaba one of the most prominent cities in the world for this rather lovely art form.
St houses the world-famous mosaic floor depicting a large map of Israel. Centrally located on the mosaic floor is a detailed map of Jerusalem as it was during the 6th century AD.George's Church houses the world-famous mosaic floor depicting a large map of Israel. Centrally located on the mosaic floor is a detailed map of Jerusalem as it was during the 6th century AD.
At the Church of the Apostles, at the southern entrance of the city, the mosaic floor is attributed to the craftsman Salamanios. It depicts the sea, with a central figure of a woman encircled by a selection of creatures, vegetation and an inscription.
Re-board the coach and return to Aqaba port and the ship.
Notes:
There is a strenuous walk into and out of the Petra site along an inclined path that includes slippery and unpaved surfaces, suitably only for physically fit participants. It is approximately a half-mile walk (each way) from the entrance to the site to the beginning of the Siq (canyon). From there, participants must walk five to six miles (each way) through the canyon all the way to the ruins. Temperatures are high -- easily 105° at Petra. Please realistically assess your physical fitness and ability prior to booking, as the walking is uphill and over unpaved, rough walking tracks with steps. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses, wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. While a limited number of golf carts, camels and donkeys are available at Petra for transportation (at your own expense and responsibility), they are strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, and their use is in no way encouraged as they are not insured. If you choose to take the golf cart, you do so at your own risk, and there will be no narration during the bumpy ride that ends at the Treasury building. Your golf cart driver will schedule a meeting time with you in front of the Treasury Building for the return ride. Expect delays; 20 minutes late is not considered late in Jordan. Guests wishing to arrange for a golf cart ride must do so at the visitors center before entering the site. Not suitable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Even if you engage a carriage or service animal, you must still travel on foot over uneven and inclined terrain in order to completely view the site. No guest is obliged to stay with the guided tour; guests who feel they cannot continue (taking into consideration the return walk) can leave the group and return to the entrance on their own. Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. The cut-off date is 60 days before the ship's call at Al'Aqabah, with no cancellations allowed thereafter. Due to the popularity of this tour and strict booking conditions, cancellation fees start 60 days prior to the call at Al'Aqabah. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). Airport assistance and transfers, transportation by air-conditioned coach, all entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour.
Important information regarding visa requirements: It is solely each participant's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Overland Adventures and/or Overnights and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through and for the country where you will re-join the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email: US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email
customerservice@cibtvisa.com. Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca. CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of Holland America Line's website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica. You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.