JORDAN ADD-ON

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Amman · PETRA · Wadi rum · THE DEAD SEA

February 4-9, 2024
6 days from $4299

Ask most gay men who are avid travelers to list the top three destinations that they are dying to visit, and Petra, in the Kingdom of Jordan almost always makes the list.

Petra is an archeological city that was established around the 6th century BCE as a capital for the Nabataeans. Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, and UNESCO considers Petra "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage."

Today, it is widely considered one of the world's most awe-inspiring architectural gems.

Zoom Vacations®' trip to Jordan is a perfect add-on to the Zoom Israel trip and explores the history, culture, cuisine, and gay nightlife with sensational guides, while enjoying the finest hotels in Jordan.

Jordan Itinerary

Day 1 ~ Arrive in Amman

Welcome to Jordan! 

Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. You will be met by our representative inside the airport, holding a sign with your name on it and be assisted through customs and immigration.   Your driver will take you to the elegant St. Regis Hotel Amman by private vehicle, for overnight.

Tonight, dinner reservations have been made for our group for who have arrived and are interested in joining. 

Accommodations: St. Regis Hotel Amman
Meals Included: Full Breakfast

Day 2 ~ Amman to Jerash
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Amman tour, including Lunch, returning to the hotel at approximately 5:00 PM.

The Citadel which towers above the city from atop Jabal al-Qala’a is a good place to begin a tour of the city. 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 of the Citadel, known simply as al-Qasr ("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. 

Downhill from the Citadel and five minutes’ walk east from downtown, the Roman Theatre is the most obvious and impressive relic of ancient Philadelphia. The theatre, 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-or graveyard. It is very similar in design to the amphitheatre at Jerash, and can accommodate 6000 spectators. The theatre is still used periodically for sporting and cultural events. 

Lunch Included at a local restaurant. 

Al Reef Al Lebnani is an elegant dining option specializing in genuine Lebanese cuisine, offering a varied menu along with exceptional Lebanese service and Arab hospitality and gastronomy.

Accommodations: St. Regis Hotel Amman
Meals Included: Full Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 ~ Petra
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel.

Arrival at Petra.  Built from 800 BC to 100 AD by Nabetean Arabs as a fortress, Petra was carved out of craggy rocks in an area which was virtually inaccessible.  In the first and second century, the city reached the apex of its prosperity under Roman rule.  When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, however, the city’s importance gradually dwindled.  Petra fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was “re-discovered” by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.  Today, Petra is Jordan’s number 1 tourist attraction, known as the “rose-red city half as old as time”.  The city covers an area of about 100 square kilometers, where over 800 monuments can be found. 

Afternoon at leisure.  We suggest eating before tonight’s event.

8:15 PM: Meet your guide who will walk with you to the visitor’s center to join the night walking tour in Petra. The tour starts at 8:30, and goes until 10:30.

Experience the magical atmosphere of a candle-lit visit to the rose-red city of Petra. The special aura of the ancient Nabatean trading empire comes to life as you enjoy a stroll through the mysterious Siq of Petra.

At Al- Khazneh (The Treasury), listen to music and stories and experience Petra just as the travel-weary traders of old must have known it. The excursion departs from the Petra Visitors Center at 8:30, returning at around 10:30.

10:30 PM:  Walk back to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Accommodations: The Movenpick Nabatean Castle
Meals Included: Full Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 ~ Wadi Rum
Full Breakfast is served at our hotel.

We drive about 1.5 hours to Wadi Rum

Otherwise known as Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is the largest - and most magnificent - of Jordan's desert landscapes and has been virtually untouched by humans. A maze of monolithic rock formations rises up from the desert floor to heights of 1,750 meters (5,740 feet), creating a natural challenge for serious mountaineers. However, Wadi Rum may be best known for its connection with British officer T. E. Lawrence, who passed through several times during the Arab Revolt of 1917–18. In the 1980s one of the rock formations in Wadi Rum was named "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom" after Lawrence's book penned in the aftermath of the war, although the 'Seven Pillars' referred to in the book have no connection with Rum.

Afternoon: Meet your guide and explore the desert on a board a 4x4 bedouin vehicle.

Enjoy a two-hour excursion of Wadi Rum in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Please note that this excursion is conducted on board a basic, but comfortable, vehicle, which is operated by a local charity foundation. All money generated through these tours helps support the livelihood of the local Bedouins.

Accommodations: Desert Camp
Meals Included: Full Breakfast

Day 5 ~ Dead Sea
Full Buffet breakfast at the camp

We drive to the Dead Sea, enjoying, movies, snacks, and laughs on the way. The Dead Sea has for centuries been a spa retreat, so it is befitting that we stay in the best hotel in the area, with the best rated spa in the Middle East. The Dead Sea is world renowned for its healing properties. It's also a LOT of fun.

Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to float in the Dead Sea, take in a spa treatment, and more.

Accommodations: The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar
Meals Included: Full Breakfast

Day 6 ~ Dead Sea, Optional Spa Treatments, and Departure
Full Buffet breakfast at our hotel.

Early morning: At leisure to float in the Dead Sea, take in a spa treatment, and more.

After your morning enjoying the Dead Sea, you will be assisted with your luggage and check out, and transferred to Queen Alia International Airport for our departure.

Meals Included: Full Breakfast

Gay Friendly, Luxury Accommodations

Four Seasons Hotel Amman

Experience a crown jewel in the heart of Jordan’s bustling capital city: Four Seasons Hotel Amman, a majestic luxury hotel set atop the highest of the White City’s famous seven hills. Set between the upscale Sweifieh neighborhood and Shmeisani financial district, this luxury hotel atop the city’s highest hill is 2 km from Baraka Mall and 6 km from King Abdullah I Mosque. 

The Movenpick Nabatean Castle

The Mövenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel is a 10-minute drive from the entrance to the historic site of Petra. Situated at an altitude of 1,400 m, this hotel offers breathtaking views over sweeping hillsides. The hotel was designed by the recipient of the Agha Khan Award for Islamic Architecture, Engineer Rasem Badran.

The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar

Embrace the magic of Jordan’s most enchanting setting, where nature and history have so wonderfully conspired. Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is the most ideal venue from which to explore the rich culture and deep history of the area. This 5 star luxury hotel is situated on the edge of the famous salt lake - the lowest point on earth - and provides uninterrupted views across the vast sea towards the west bank and access to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, including religious sites and majestic countryside.

Air: International and domestic airfare not included.

Passports: Your valid passport should have at least two blank visa pages and should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the country you are visiting. 
Note: Passport pages titled "Endorsement Pages" are not visa pages.

Visas: Please note that currently US citizens must have a Visa to enter Jordan. If you are not a US citizen, please contact your nearest Jordanian Consulate to determine your visa requirements.

While Zoom Vacations will assist when possible, please note that passport, visa, and vaccination requirements vary from country to country and are the sole responsibility of the traveler. If you are a US resident, you may click here for more information on passport, visa, and vaccination requirements for various countries..

*Land only Introductory rate, based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to change. Need a roommate? Zoom Vacations® is happy to match you with someone, at no additional charge. Or, you may pay a single supplement and go as a single.

Please read Terms and Conditions prior to booking.

For more information on entry and exit requirements, see here.