Jordan: Ancient Cities, Iconic Petra & Red Sea Swimming - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this Jordan tour?

  Experience a food tour in As-Salt and enjoy tea at a local home, visit the Roman archaeological site of Jerash, explore Little Petra before hiking to the iconic Petra, enjoy optional activities in the Red Sea, and have a traditional Jordanian lunch at the tour operator-supported Al Safi Kitchen.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this trip?

  You will stay in hotels for 7 nights and a desert tented camp for 1 night.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers.

• Who will be leading our group during the tour?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout the trip.

• How will we travel between destinations on this tour?

  Most journeys will be by air-conditioned private buses. En route to Wadi Rum, you will travel in 4x4 vehicles.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. Some tours may include them; please check with your booking agent for specific details.

• What are the health considerations for traveling in Jordan?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water. While there are no specific health requirements, protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, and polio is recommended. Consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure.

• What are the general safety tips for this itinerary?

  Use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and mind your personal belongings in cities. In major cities at night, it's recommended to stay in small groups and take taxis. Water-based activities should only be participated in with a guide.

• How should I dress to respect local customs in Jordan?

  When visiting mosques and other religious monuments, dress modestly, covering your shoulders and avoiding short shorts or skirts. In more conservative areas, loose-fitting clothes with covered shoulders are recommended for both men and women.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. Minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation is required. Policy should also cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• What is the currency in Jordan and how should I handle money?

  The currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). ATMs are available in main cities for Visa and Mastercard. Carrying both card types is recommended, along with some cash (Euros, British Pounds, or US Dollars are easy to exchange). US Dollar notes should be new and in good condition.

• Do I need to carry emergency funds?

  Yes, you should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  Tipping is customary. A tipping kitty of approximately $60 USD per person will be collected by your CEO to tip service providers. Tipping your CEO is also appreciated, with $11-13 USD per person per day as a general guideline.

• Are there any extra costs for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers are paired with someone of the same sex. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include a Turkish Bath in Petra, and in Aqaba, you can choose a boat trip with snorkeling, a Saayadia cooking class, or an Aqaba beach club pass with lunch.

• What is Planeterra and how does it relate to this tour?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, and you can support their mission through their Dollar-a-day Program.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. Bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested for personal laundry.

• Is there a departure tax to be paid?

  Yes, there is a 10 JOD departure tax for all nationalities if departing overland, to be paid in cash.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources, such as the Equaldex tool, to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.