Port
Aqaba (for Petra), Jordan
Activity Level
Strenuous
Excursion Type
All,68
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$729.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
2 Days/1 Night
Meals Included
Meals not included
Day 1 (D)
A one-hour drive from Aqaba takes you to Wadi Rum -- also known as Valley of the Moon. This the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes -- a stupendous, timeless place, virtually untouched by humans. A maze of monolithic rockscapes rise up from the desert floor to heights 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 that 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 along with a Bedouin astronomer, who will introduce you to his amazing 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 located 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:
Due to this tour’s popularity, exclusivity, and strict booking conditions, tour bookings must be confirmed 60 days prior to the actual call to Aqaba with no cancellations allowed thereafter.
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 certain time of the night.
Important:
It is each guest's sole responsibility to obtain (before traveling) any visas, vaccinations or tourist cards that are required for participating in Overland Adventures or Overnights, unless noted otherwise in the description. Please be aware that you may need a visa for any and/or all countries that you will depart from and travel through as part of your Overland Adventure or Overnight, and for the country in which you will re-join the ship. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is VisaCentral. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email:
US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email customerservice@visacentral.com
Canadian citizens: 888 665 9956 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca
VisaCentral 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 our website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the VisaCentral website at https://visacentral.com/hollandamerica. You must advise VisaCentral of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.