Farrah travel & logistics

Transcription

1 Special Tailor Made Itinerary 2 nd to 11 th APRIL

2 Friday, 2 nd of April: 1335hrs Departure from Fiumicino International Airport in Rome (Royal Jordanian RJ102) 1800hrs Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. Meet and greet service inside the airport will be provided by Farrah Travel & Logistics (FT&L) staff to assist the group with visa, immigration and customs procedures. Transfer to Four Seasons Hotel in Amman. Check in to Four Seasons Hotel. Dinner: At your own leisure. Saturday, 3 rd of April: Full day city tour of Amman: The city tour will include the Citadel within which the Archeological Museum is located. The Archeological museum was built in 1951 and houses a diverse collection of artifacts which spans from the Paleolithic era (1000, 000) up to the Islamic Ear of the Ayyubid/Mamluk period ( AD). Of the most important exhibits are the plaster statues of 'Ain Ghazal which are dated to 6000 BC and the Dead Sea Bronze Scrolls. The city tour will continue on to the Roman Theater, within which houses the Jordan Folklore Museum. Founded in 1975, the museum consists of various costumes and daily life items that represent the 3 types of Jordanian Cultures: The Desert (Beduin) culture, the village culture, and the city/town culture. After which the tour will continue as a stroll downtown through the bazaars and the Gold Market. Lunch: Canvas Restaurant at the National Gallery Park After lunch the "City Tour" will continue on to The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. The visit will include a specially guided Tour of the Original building, the New Building and the Sculpture Park by the Director-General of the National Gallery, Dr. Khalid Khreis. The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts is one of the major art museums in the Middle East. Its unique and vast permanent collection of contemporary art from the Developing World is internationally recognized. The collection comprises over 2500 works including paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, installations, weavings, video art and ceramics by more than 800 artists from 59 countries mainly in Asia and Africa. 2

3 Saturday, 3 rd of April: Continued Afternoon Tea: Wild Jordan Café. The café is renowned for serving whole foods. The Wild Jordan Café is located in the Amman Nature Center, of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), which is an independent non-profit nongovernment organization devoted to the conservation of Jordan's natural resources. RSCN was given the mandate of protecting Jordan's wildlife by the Jordanian Government through the management of its nature reserves. The Amman Nature Center has the biggest nature shop of the region. The products in the shop all come from the different socio-economic projects throughout Jordan's nature reserves. Any purchase made from here will directly contribute to the protection of Jordan's natural heritage. The City Tour will end with a guided leisurely walk around one of Amman's favorite old neighborhoods. The houses date back to the 1920 s and up to the 1950 s, which was one of the important eras in the establishment of Jordan. This is reflected in the architecture of that time. The area has become a hip location, where many houses have been renovated to be preserved and are being used for cultural activities as well as for small businesses. Return transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel. Welcome Dinner: Levant Restaurant is one of the select restaurants that specializes in gourmet Levantine cuisine Return transfer to Four Seasons Hotel. Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel, Amman. 3

4 Sunday, 4 th of April: Drive north to visit the Greco-Roman city of Jerash. Second only to Petra in tourist appeal, the ancient city of Jerash (Jerasia) is remarkable for its long chain of human occupation. Remains from Neolithic times have been found, as well as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad and others. A member of the Decapolis, Jerash s golden age, was under the Romans. Today it is acknowledged as one of the best-preserved province cities of the Roman Empire. Lunch: Um Qais Rest House which is romantically perched on a hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. One can easily loose track of time as they take in the mesmerizing views of three countries simultaneously. After lunch you can enjoy the famous Um Qais, which was Gadara in ancient times. It was one of the important Decapolis cities and even minted its own coins. At the time it was regarded as a cultural center and home of quite a few famous classical poets and philosophers. One such example was Theodorus. Afternoon: Visit to the Ayyubid Castle, "Qal'at Ar-Rabad" in Ajloun, built by one of Saladin's generals in 1184 AD to protect the iron mines and defend the three major trade routes to Syria. It was a strategic aspect in the defense against the invading Crusaders. Return transfer to your hotel in Amman, the Four Seasons Hotel. 4

5 Dinner with Guest Speaker: At Fakhr El Din Restaurant, the most popular Lebanese restaurant in Amman with guest speaker H.E. Mr. Akel Biltaji. His Excellency has held many high positions in Jordan some of which are: Chairman of the Tourism & Heritage Committee, Past Senator of the Upper House of Parliament, special advisor to his Majesty King Abdullah II on tourism, and the former Minister of Tourism in Jordan. H.E Mr. Akel will talk about the challenges that are facing Jordan and the area. Fakher El Din Restaurant Return transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel. Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel, Amman. Monday, 5 th of April: Visit to the mosaics of Um Er-Rassas discovered by the late Italian archeologist, Father Piccirillo. Listed as one of UNESCO s WORLD HERITAGE sites. Continue to Madaba with walking tour in the beautiful city of Mosaics taking you first to the Visitors Center, then to the Archeological Park with the school of Mosaic, continue on foot through the houses and shops to St. George Church and with its oldest mosaic floor-map of the Holy Land. 5

6 Lunch at Haret Jedoudna Restaurant, which is an old restored country residence. Then continue to visit the Apostles Church in Madaba. Proceed to Mount Nebo. It was here that Moses looked at Moab Mountains and was finally laid to rest. You will also have the opportunity to visit the small Byzantine Church which was built by early Christians. Return transfer to Amman, to the Four Seasons Hotel. Dinner: Exclusive Cocktail Reception & Dinner at the Royal Automobile Museum catered by the Four Seasons Hotel. The Royal Automobile Museum depicts the history of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, from the early 1920 s until the present. The featured cars highlight the life of His Majesty the late King Hussein and his reign, as well as the many aspects of his leadership. The Museum affords the visitors an insight into the history of the Kingdom through the exhibited cars from the era of King Abdullah I, the founder of the Kingdom, into the era of His Majesty King Abdullah II. These exhibits retell the development of the Kingdom in pace with the automotive advancement in the country and its transformation as early as the Great Arab Revolt during World War I. Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel, Amman. 6

7 Tuesday, 6 th of April: Checkout from hotel Drive via the King s Highway to Kerak. Tour of the 12 th centaury Crusaders Castle of Kerak, it is said to have been one of Saladin's favorite artillery position. This fortress has been around since Biblical time and its architecture has withstood the test of time as it possesses some of the best preserved underground passages and hallways. Lunch: At your own leisure. (The group will stop at a rest house on the way to Kerak) Proceed south to the famous Rose Red City of Petra, Arrangements for pre-check in will be made at the Petra Mövenpick Resort to ease your arrival and ensure you receive your rooms as quickly as possible. Dinner:* Tonight you will have the opportunity to encounter the Petra Kitchen Experience which is a delightful way to round out your Jordan travel experiences. Like any home kitchen, The Petra Kitchen is a relaxed, informal atmosphere where you will gather to prepare an evening meal, working alongside local women under the supervision of an experienced chef. The evening dishes are all typical Jordanian dishes that will tantalize your senses. The first course which include a heart warming soup, cold and hot mezza, fresh salads, a main course and a tantalizing dessert, all typical Jordanian dishes. You will have the opportunity to get an inside glimpse of the secrets behind the famous regional cuisine of the Levant. The Petra Kitchen offers an evening of learning, fun and a very special dining experience, with each dish gaining the special flavor of a reward well-earned. Great care has been taken to make The Petra Kitchen a truly Jordanian experience right down to the furnishings, all crafted in Jordan, the tableware, all produced by the Iraq-al-Amir Women s Co-operative, and the aprons and table linen, all hand-embroidered by the Jordan River Foundation. *The Petra Kitchen Experience will be booked exclusively for our group. Overnight: Mövenpick Resort, Petra. Wednesday, 7 th of April: Full day visit of Petra, one of the Wonders of the World, known as the rose-red city half as old as time. Start the visit with a horse ride from the main gate of Petra to the entrance of the old city (around 800 meters ride). Then walk on foot along the "Siq" to visit the rose-red city of Petra. The ancient city of Petra was built from 800 BC to 100 AD by Nabetean Arabs. In this era Petra was a fortress, carved out of sandstone in an area, which was virtually inaccessible. The city spans an area of about 100 square km, where over 800 monuments can be 7

8 found. In the first and second centuries, after the Romans took over, the city reached the peak of its fame. The city s importance gradually dwindled when sea shipping slowly displaced caravan routes. It 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 primary tourist attraction. The Khazneh (Treasury) was featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Lunch inside the ruins of Petra at Basin Restaurant. Back to your hotel, Petra Mövenpick Resort. In the evening drive to the old site of Beida or Little Petra as it is called among the local people, for a private dinner A path illuminated by small paper tea lights, dancing in the wind, will lead the guests to an open area, surrounded by rocks; special dinner catered by Petra Movenpick Resort will be served in the beautiful site with its special setting. Overnight: Petra Mövenpick Resort. Thursday, 8 th of April: Drive down to the famous red sands of Wadi Rum for an excursion in the desert by 4X4 vehicles. The cars are provided by a charity foundation which aims to support the local Bedouin community. (They are the only mode of transport allowed into the reserve.) Lunch: Light snack will be served at the Wadi Rum Rest House 8

9 Dinner: You will experience a special traditional private dinner in a Bedouin tent under the star filled skies of Wadi Rum. You will be served Zarb ; an exquisite herb infused lamb which has been buried in the dessert sands with special coal. This custom allows the aromatic flavors of the coal embers to be infused into the succulent lamb. The dinner will be accompanied by local folkloric dance and music. Overnight: at a Private Camp inside the desert of Wadi Rum. The accommodations are in traditional Bedouin Tents. Friday, 9 th of April: Breakfast: In Campsite. In the morning you will have time for an hour Camel ride in Wadi Rum, after that drive to the lowest spot on earth, the Dead Sea. Lunch: At your own leisure. (The group will stop at a rest house between Wadi Rum and Dead Sea) Evening: Arrival at Dead Sea Kempinski Ishtar Resort. The Babylonian-themed resort won 'Best Resort' at the 3rd Annual Grumpy Gourmet Awards held in Jordan in Dinner: At your own leisure. Overnight: Dead Sea Kempinski Ishtar Resort. Saturday, 10 th of April: You will have the whole morning to relax and enjoy the resorts facilities which include a world renowned spa at your own leisure. Lunch: At your own leisure. Afternoon: Visit to the Baptismal Pools where St. John baptized Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. Farewell Reception & Dinner at Dead Sea Kempinski Ishtar Resort: Overnight: Dead Sea Kempinski Ishtar Resort. 9

10 Sunday 11 th of April: Checkout from hotel. Transfer to Amman airport for departure flight. 10:55 Departure to Milan from Queen Alia International Airport: Royal Jordanian Flight Arrival to Malpensa Airport in Milan 11:15 Departure to Rome from Queen Alia International Airport: Royal Jordanian Flight :05 Arrival to Fiumicino Airport in Rome. Cost for the below itinerary is in Euros per person sharing a double room Euros 4, Single Supplement Euros 1, Hotels Four Seasons Hotel, Amman Deluxe Rooms 4 nights Movenpick Resort, Petra Standard Rooms 2 nights Private Camp in Wadi Rum Bedouin Tent 1 night Kempinski Hotel, Dead Sea Standard Rooms 2 nights Our rates include: Meet & greet service inside the airport by our staff that will assist the clients with visa, customs and immigration procedures. Transfers & excursions by a private air-conditioned deluxe large coach. Professional English speaking tour guide from 3 rd until 10 th April. All entrance fees to the sites as per the above itinerary. Optional short horse ride in Petra, approx. 400 meters. Accommodation at the hotels mentioned above. 4X4 excursion inside the desert of Wadi Rum for 3 hours. Lunch at Canvas Restaurant on 3 rd April. Tea at the Wild Jordan Café in Amman on 3 rd April. Dinner at Levant Restaurant in Amman on 3 rd April. Lunch at Um Qais Rest House on 4 th April. Dinner with guest speaker at Fakhr El Din restaurant in Amman on 4 th April. Lunch at Haret Jdoudna restaurant in Madaba on 5 th April. Cocktail Reception & Private Dinner at the Royal Automobile Museum on 5 th April. Exclusive Petra Experience Kitchen Dinner on 6 th April. Lunch at Basin Restaurant inside the site of Petra on 7 th April. Private dinner at the site of Little Petra on 7 th April. Light Snack lunch at Wadi Rum Rest House on 8 th April. Private special traditional dinner with folkloric show in Wadi Rum on 8 th April. Camel tour for one hour in Wadi Rum. Farewell cocktail reception & dinner at Dead Sea Kempinski on 10 th April. Bottled water onboard the coach at all times. Porterage at airport & hotels. Departure assistance by our airport staff. 10

11 Our rate excludes: Airfare tickets. Tips to guide, driver, horse boy in Petra, restaurants, hotel staff, etc. Travel, personal and health insurance. Items of personal nature, like phone calls, laundry, room service, etc. Beverages with meals. Any meals which are not mentioned in our itinerary. Horse carriages in Petra. Spa treatments. JORDAN Orientation The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan lies in the heart of the Middle East. Jordan is bordered by the West Bank and Israel from the west, Syria from the north, Iraq from the northwest, Saudi Arabia from the southeast and Egypt from the southwest. Time zone: Jordan is two hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) during winter, and three hours ahead during summer, from May 1 st till October 31 st. Climate: Hot and dry summers with cool evenings. The Jordan Valley below sea level is warm during winter and extremely hot in summer. Rain falls between November and March, while colder weather conditions occur in December & January. Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens are advised between May and September. Warmer clothes are necessary for winter and cool summer evenings. Rainwear is needed from November to April. Local daytime temperatures range as follows for the year ( C): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec AMMAN High Low Visas: All nationalities require tourist visas for Jordan. A visa can also be obtained at Amman s Queen Alia International Airport for most nationalities; payment must be in local currency. Group visa can be arranged free of charge for groups of 5 persons and over arriving together and staying in Jordan a minimum of 2 nights, provided you send us a visa list with full passport details prior group arrival. Departure tax: The departure tax is currently included within your international flight ticket. 11

12 FACT FILE Language: The official language of Jordan is Arabic. English is widely spoken, especially in the cities, and many Jordanians have travelled or been educated abroad. French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken but to a lesser extent. Currency: The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, or JD, which is divided into 1000 fils. The current exchange rate is Euro Euros is equal to JD Credit Cards: American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are widely accepted, whilst Access and Diners Club have more limited use. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability. Tipping: Tipping is never required but always appreciated. In hotels and restaurants, 10% may be added to the bill, but a small tip for the waiters is appropriate. For hotel bellmen and porters, 2 JOD, or US$ 3 is customary. In taxis, pay the nearest round figure to the price on the meter. Visitors would normally consider tipping their guide, driver on tours, hotel staff, and waiters in restaurants; however, tips for Porterage in airports and hotels are always covered by our staff. Photography: If you are taking photographs of local people, always ask their permission beforehand. Your guide can assist you in this. Do not take photographs of military installations or airports. Film is readily available in all tourist areas. It is advisable to carry your camera in a dust-proof bag. Electricity: The electrical system is based on 220 AC volts, 50 cycles, and requires rounded two prong wall plugs. Visitors from the United States of America will need a transformer; most hotels can provide one. Health: No vaccinations are needed for visitors to Jordan. During your stay, it is preferable to drink only bottled water, although it is all right to shower and brush your teeth using tap water. Shopping: Jordan is a shoppers paradise offering hand-blown glassware, inlaid boxes, silver, gold, jewellery, brass, copper, carpets, antiques, leather wear, spices, perfumes, alabaster, embroidered covers, wall hangings and furniture. It is prohibited to export any ancient artefacts. Be careful when investing in genuine antiques which in many cases are excellent forgeries. Dress Code: Jordan is primarily a Muslim country, although the freedom of all religions is protected. Revealing clothing is never appropriate and conservative clothing is advisable for both men and women in downtown Amman and in rural areas. Topless sunbathing is prohibited and one-piece swimsuits are preferred, although two-piece swimsuits are acceptable in hotel pools or beaches. Evenings can be cool in summer, so a sweater or a shawl is advisable. 12