Wadi Rum & Bedouin Camp Overnight Tour (Single)
-
Port
Aqaba (for Petra), Jordan
-
Activity Level
Strenuous
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$1099
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
2 Days/ 1 Night
-
Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1 (D)
A one-hour drive from Aqaba takes you to Wadi Rum -- also known as the Valley of the Moon. This is the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes -- a stupendous, timeless place virtually untouched by humans. A maze of monolithic rockscapes rise from the desert floor to elevations of 5,700 feet, creating a natural challenge for serious mountaineers. Hikers also enjoy the tranquility of the boundless empty spaces. Bedouin camps are evident throughout the wadi, and these are still home to a number of Bedouin families who welcome visitors with the hospitality and generosity for which Bedouins are so famous.
Upon arrival, follow your guide into a Bedouin camp, where the hospitable Bedouins welcome you. They will serve Arabian coffee before showing you to your own Bedouin tent.
In the late afternoon, set out to view the sunset over Wadi Rum from the back of a camel -- a ride you will never forget. After this memorable experience, head back to camp and enjoy dinner.
The night sky is a starry blanket, and you will enjoy stargazing with a Bedouin astronomer, who will introduce you to his fascinating map of stars.
You will sleep in comfort in your Bedouin tent -- a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is likely to thrill even the most jaded traveler -- it is the stuff of which great travel stories are made.
Day 2 (B)
Sunrise sees you out in the desert, riding about in a 4x4 Bedouin vehicle of uncertain vintage. Part of the fun is relaxing, channeling your inner Bedouin, and accepting that the vehicle you're in is quite different (significantly more mature and less aesthetically agreeable) than your car at home! You will visit the setting for the film Lawrence of Arabia and the actual location where T.E. Lawrence set up his camp. In fact, Lawrence's book The Seven Pillars of Wisdom was named after the seven natural columns in the desert near Wadi Rum.
After sunrise, return to camp for breakfast. Leave the camp and board your coach to return to the 21st century and your ship at the pier in Aqaba.
Notes:
The 4x4 vehicles are provided by a charity to assist the local Bedouin people. The vehicles are not air-conditioned, and their condition is very basic. Ride will be bumpy. Pregnant women and guests with back or neck conditions are not allowed to participate. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair. The stars are visible only at a particular time of the night. 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.