Salalah, Oman

During your voyage, enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations in small, private groups, with knowledgeable guides to help you discover off–the-beaten-path gems. On an Overland Program, you will disembark the ship for one night or more to enjoy a more authentic insider’s view, experiencing firsthand the colorful cultures, dramatic landscapes and exquisite landmarks before rejoining your ship.

During the Essential Jordan overland program, you will visit historically important ancient cities, including Amman, Jerash, Bethany and Petra, and see fascinating landmarks such as a fortress, a Roman theater, pilgrimage sites and the expansive Wadi Rum desert wilderness.

Day 1 – April 30, 2021

After disembarking the ship, you will transfer to the Salalah Airport and fly to Muscat. Upon arriving, you will take a connecting flight to the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. Our staff will meet you inside the airport prior immigration and will assist with visa and immigration.

The Jordanian visa can be done with ease upon arrival at the airport for U.S. and most other nationalities. After passing through immigration and gathering your luggage, you will go through customs.

Note: Guests should refer to their local Jordanian embassy for any visa restrictions that may pertain to their nationality.

You will then transfer to the Intercontinental Amman Hotel. Pre-check in will be arranged, allowing you to go directly to your room.

Later that evening, you will transfer to Fakhr El Din restaurant, where you will be served a traditional Arabic dinner. Afterwards, you will spend the evening at the hotel.

Day 2 – May 1, 2021

Following a buffet breakfast and check out at the hotel, you will begin a panoramic tour of Amman, beginning at the Citadel, which towers above the city from atop Jabal al-Qala’a. The Citadel is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon and excavations here have revealed numerous Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic remains.

The most impressive building in the Citadel, known as al-Qasr or the Palace, dates back to the Islamic Umayyad period. Its exact function is unclear, but it includes a monumental gateway, an audience hall and four vaulted chambers. A colonnaded street also runs through the complex. To the north and northeast are the ruins of Umayyad palace grounds.

A five-minute walk downhill will bring you to the Roman theater, the most obvious and impressive relic of ancient Philadelphia. The theater, which was built during the reign of Antonius Pius (138-161 CE), is cut into the northern side of a hill that once served as a necropolis. The 6,000-seat theater is still used periodically for sporting and cultural events.

You will then drive to the Greco-Roman city of Jerash for lunch at the Lebanese House Restaurant before touring the ancient downtown. Here, at a well-watered site in the hills of Gilead, remains from Neolithic times have been found, as well as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad and others.

Jerash's golden age, however, arrived with Roman rule. Today it is acknowledged as one of the best-preserved province cities of the Roman Empire. Jerash was a member of the Decapolis, a dynamic commercial league of 10 Greco-Roman cities.

Following the enlightening city tour, you will transfer to the Kimpinski Hotel Ishtar on the edge of the Dead Sea. Dinner will be on your own. You might dine in house or the concierge can suggest a restaurant nearby.

Day 3 – May 2, 2021

After breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer to Bethany. Excavations here have uncovered a 1st-century settlement with plastered pools and water systems that were used almost certainly for mass baptisms. A 5th- to 6th-century Byzantine settlement with churches, a monastery and other structures catering to religious pilgrims has also been found.

The site has been documented as an ancient sacred pilgrimage route that linked Jerusalem, the Jordan River and Bethany, “beyond the Jordan” as mentioned in the Gospels, to separate it from the “within” the Jordan, that is Jerusalem, the Holy Land and Mount Nebo. John the Baptist started his mission in the land of modern Jordan, where he baptized Jesus and was later beheaded upon the request of Salome.

Following your exploration of Bethany, you will return to the Kimpinski Hotel Ishtar. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure, during which you might swim and float in the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea is believed to be the site of five biblical cities, including Sodom and Gomorrah, and ever since the days of Herod the Great, people have come to the sea in search of its curative secrets. With the highest content of minerals and salts in the world, the Dead Sea water possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and the dark mud along the shores has been used for therapeutic purposes for more than 2000 years.

Day 4 – May 3, 2021

The morning will be at your leisure, allowing you plenty of time for breakfast and to relax before checking out. You will then drive to Mount Nebo, where you will find the “Church of Moses,” built by the first Christians. Ever since the early days of Christianity, Mount Nebo has been a holy place and a destination for pilgrimage. From here, you will enjoy a spectacular view over Jordan, the Dead Sea and Israel. If the weather is clear, you should be able to see Jerusalem in the distance.

Continuing on, you will soon arrive in Madaba, a city esteemed for the quality and quantity of its ancient mosaic flooring. At St. George’s Church, you will see a mosaic floor depicting a map of Palestine and a detailed mosaic map of Jerusalem as it was during the 6th century.

You will also view the mosaic floor at the Church of the Apostles, which depicts the Dead Sea and the central figure of a woman surrounded by creatures, vegetation and an inscription.

Lunch at the Haret Jdoudna restaurant follows, after which you will transfer to the Movenpick Resort Petra to spend the evening. Dinner will be on your own. You might dine in house or the concierge can suggest a restaurant nearby.

Day 5 – May 4, 2021

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will tour the ancient rose-red city of Petra, which was built by the Nabataeans more than 2000 years ago. Back then, Petra was an impenetrable fortress carved out of the rocks. The city reached the peak of its fame during the Roman period in the 1st and 2nd centuries.

Your exploration of the city will begin with an optional horse ride from the main gate of Petra to the Siq, a narrow gorge that is the main entrance to Petra, a city with more than 800 monuments.

When shipping slowly displaced caravan trading, the city’s importance gradually dwindled. It eventually fell into disuse and was forgotten until 1812, when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burkhart re-discovered it. As you will see while walking about, Petra is spectacular.

Following lunch at the Basin Restaurant inside Petra, you will return to the hotel to spend the evening. Dinner will be on your own. You might dine in house or the concierge can suggest a restaurant nearby.

Day 6 – May 5, 2021

Following breakfast and check out at the hotel, you will transfer to Wadi Rum. Here, you will travel on in a 4x4 vehicle that is ideal for exploring the desert wilderness. Each vehicle will hold 4 guests and your local driver.

The immensity, color and awe-inspiring shapes of Wadi Rum create an almost supernatural atmosphere. It was setting for the film “Lawrence of Arabia” and where T.E. Lawrence set his camp. His book “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom” was named after the seven natural columns en-route to Wadi Rum. Bedouin camps will be evident throughout the desert, and you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy lunch in one of them.

Afterwards, you will drive to Aqaba and re-join the ship.

Land Program Step by Step

The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations, which are beyond our control. Program details, including times and flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review the final itinerary carefully for amendments.

DAY 1 – timings subject to flight details

AM Transfer from the ship to the Salalah Airport

11:40am Flight from Salalah to Muscat (flight details TBA and subject to change)

2:40pm Flight from Muscat to Amman (flight details TBA and subject to change)

5:00pm Arrive at the Queen Alia International Airport

Transfer to the Intercontinental Amman Hotel

8:00pm Transfer to Fakhr El Din restaurant for dinner

Overnight at the Intercontinental Amman Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 2

6:30am Enjoy breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Tour Amman

12:00pm Drive to Jerash

1:00pm Enjoy lunch at the Lebanese House Restaurant in Jerash

2:15pm Visit the Greco-Roman city of Jerash

4:30pm Proceed to the Dead Sea

6:00pm Arrive at the Kimpinski Hotel Ishtar

Dinner on your own at your leisure

Overnight at the Kimpinski Hotel Ishtar or similar hotel

DAY 3

8:00am Meet the guide in the lobby and drive to Bethany

8:30am Arrive in Bethany and visit the baptism site

10:00am Return to the Kimpinski Hotel Ishtar

Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure

Dinner will be on your own

Overnight at the Kimpinski Hotel Ishtar or similar hotel

DAY 4

6:30am Buffet breakfast at at the Kimpinski Hotel Ishtar

9:00am Enjoy free time at your leisure

11:30am Drive to Mount Nebo

12:00pm Visit Mount Nebo

12:30pm Continue toward Madaba

12:45pm Arrive at Madaba and visit St. George Church

1:30pm Lunch at the Haret Jdoudna restaurant in Madaba

2:30pm Drive to Petra

6:30pm Check in at the Movenpick Resort Petra

Dinner on your own at your leisure

Overnight at the Movenpick Resort Petra or similar hotel

DAY 5

6:30am Buffet breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Walk to Petra’s Visitors’ Centre

1:30pm Buffet lunch at the Basin Restaurant

2:30pm Walk outside the site of Petra

Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure

Dinner will be on your own

Overnight at the Movenpick Resort Petra or similar hotel

DAY 6

6:30am Buffet breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Check-out and drive to Wadi Rum

10:30am Arrive in Wadi Rum

11:00am Drive into the desert in a 4x4 vehicle

1:00pm Lunch under a Bedouin tent

2:30pm Transfer to a bus and drive to Aqaba

4:15pm Reach Aqaba and re-join your vessel

Expected Weather

Jordan is quite warm during April as it marks the onset of the hot summer season. Temperatures average about 74°F (24°C) and can reach as high as 86°F (30°C) and as low as 63°F (17°C).

What to Bring

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes, sun hats, sun glasses and sunscreen as well as a swimsuit for the Dead Sea. Cameras and insect repellant are also recommended.

Currency

The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the currency of Jordan.

Electricity

In Jordan, the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices, as not all hotels provide them.

Luggage

Guests are permitted to check in free of charge up to a maximum of 2 suitcases with a combined weight of 30kg (66lbs). Any fees for excess is at the expense of the guest. Details are subject to change.

Cameras

Although there are no fees for standard camera use, when taking photos of local people, as a courtesy , permission should be granted by the subject first.

Documents and Visa Requirements

Guests must have and bring with them a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after travel.

Guests should also refer to their local Jordanian embassy for any visa restrictions that may pertain to their nationality.

Accommodations

InterContinental Amman

Islamic College Street, Amman, Jordan

Phone: +962 6 464 1361

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea

Swaimeh, Amman, Jordan

Phone: +962 5 356 8888

Mövenpick Resort Petra

Tourism St, Wadi Musa, Jordan

Phone: +962 3 215 7111

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•1 overnight at the InterContinental Amman (Deluxe Room)

•2 overnights at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea (Superior Room)

•2 overnights at the Mövenpick Resort Petra (Superior Room)

•English-speaking guide throughout the program

•Transfers and excursion as per the itinerary

•Meals as mentioned as per the itinerary

•Drinks package with meals (lunches and dinner) to include 2 glasses of local wine or local beer or soft drinks, mineral water, coffee or tea

•Porterage at hotels upon checkout

•Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the above itinerary

•Short horse ride in Petra that guests may or may not choose to take. The ride is not insured and upon guests’ own responsibility

•2 hours 4x4 jeep tour in Wadi Rum

•Mineral water on board the vehicle at all times

•Departure tax - Aqaba Airport

•Internal economy class flights per the itinerary

Program Excludes for guests:

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

•Any meals or beverages not listed above

•Visa fees

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.