Amman & Petra Overnight Tour (Single)
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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
$929
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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 (L/D)
Leave the ship in Aqaba and set out to explore the ancient city of Petra, built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. Back then, Petra was a fortress carved out of craggy rocks in an area virtually inaccessible from the outside. Nowadays, Petra is Jordan's number one tourist attraction, known as 'the rose-red city half as old as time.'
At the Visitor Center, learn about the Nabateans' fascinating culture and the fantastic relics they left behind. You will discover that the 1st and 2nd centuries after the Romans invaded saw the city reach the peak of its fame.
Begin with an optional horseback ride (at your own risk) 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 a Swiss explorer. Don't miss the Khazneh (the Treasury), which starred in Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade. Enjoy a buffet lunch inside Petra at a local restaurant.
Leaving the site, re-board the coach and transfer to Amman. Check in at the hotel and enjoy a dinner buffet in the main dining room.
Day 2 (B/L)
A breakfast buffet is served at the hotel. Check out and start the day with a city tour of Amman -- the capital of Jordan. A fascinating city of contrasts and a unique blend of old and new, Amman is ideally situated in a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley.
The Citadel is the premier among the archaeological sites of the city. It is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon, and excavations there have revealed numerous Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic remains. Its mountainside setting offers visitors a perspective of the city's incredible history and stunning views of the entire area. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the Roman Theatre, and the Folklore Museum.
Walk downtown through the bazaars and the Gold Market. This quarter of the city is much older and more traditional than modern Amman, with small businesses producing and selling everything from intricate gold and silver jewelry to everyday household items.
Next up is a visit to Jerash -- a close second to Petra on the list of favorite destinations in Jordan. The ancient city of Jerash boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. The city's Golden Age came about under Roman rule, and the site is now generally acknowledged as one of the world's best-preserved Roman provincial towns. Amazingly, it was hidden for centuries in the sand before being excavated and restored over the past 70 years.
After lunch, re-board the coach and return to Aqaba's 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.