Jordan: Where history and adventure beckon... (Land Only)

DURATION: 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS
• Amman • Dead Sea • Petra • Aqaba

Situated at the ancient crossroads, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is a relatively young country rich in diversity and easily accessible. Tourists are amazed by the great natural beauty and its ever-changing vistas that range from spectacular mountains to desert canyons to the wilderness of the magnificent Wadi Rum, where monolithic mountains of sandstone and granite soar high into the skyline. From the rich greenery of Ajloun to the coral reefs of the Red Sea, Jordan's deserts are dotted with daunting castles and fortresses. Wander around ancient cities where remains dating from as far back as the Bronze Age can be found. Jordan also has its own spiritual legacy and prizes amongst its artifacts numerous Biblical ruins including the earliest surviving map of the Holy Land dating from around 560 A.D. Its capital city of Amman is both ancient and modern and is a convenient base for any tour.

But of course, the most famous attraction in Jordan is the Nabataean city of Petra which abounds in archaeological riches. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra was rediscovered in 1812 and today most of its appeal comes from its spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge. Jordan is a country that is proud of its rich legacy ever present in its monuments dating from a bygone era. Its people are friendly and hospitable and will greet you warmly.

Day 1, AMMAN
Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport. After securing a Jordanian visa (cost not included) and clearing customs and immigration, you will be met and transferred from the airport to the selected hotel, where accommodation has been reserved for the next two nights. After checking in, the balance of the day is free. Dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 2, AMMAN
Following breakfast enjoy a half day city tour of the dynamic capital of Amman built on seven hills and often called the "White City". High above the city is the ancient Citadel which offers a sweeping view of the city below. See the regal columns of the ancient Roman Temple dedicated to Hercules, the remains of a small Byzantine Basilica and the Umayyad Palace complex known simply as Al-Qasr which dates back to the Islamic Umayyad period. At the foot of the Citadel is the Roman Theater which is still in use today.

After our visit of Amman we descend into the Beqa’a Valley arriving in Jerash, a member of the Decapolis and one of the major attractions in Jordan second only to Petra. Acknowledged as one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world, Jerash was hidden under the sand for centuries. See the Triumphal Arch built to honor Emperor Hadrian in 129 A.D., the South Gate and the Street of Columns where ruts from chariot wheels are still visible centuries later. A short drive to the Islamic Castle of Ajlun built in 1184 by Saladin, not far from Amman, but seeming to belong to a different world. The approach through olive groves and pine forests suddenly reveals this well preserved fortress which was one of the many castles and observation towers which allowed a message to be transmitted from Cairo to the Euphrates. Return to Amman for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Day 3, AMMAN/BETHANY/DEAD SEA
Leaving Amman travel some 40 minutes to Bethany where stunning archaeological discoveries since 1996 have identified the area between the Jordan River and Tell al-Kharrar as Biblical "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" where John the Baptist preached and baptized Jesus. It was once known as "Saphsaphas" and is depicted on the 6th century mosaic map of the Holyland found in Madaba. Also found here is a hill known as St. Elijah's Hill, where the Prophet Elijah ascended into heaven. Afterwards a short drive brings you to the shimmering waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Virtually little has changed here since the ancient times. Proceed to the selected hotel for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Day 4, DEAD SEA/MADABA/ MOUNT NEBO/KERAK/PETRA
The day begins with a morning visit to Madaba known as the "City of Mosaics". Its chief attraction being a vivid 6th century Byzantine mosaic map depicting Jerusalem and the Holy Land proudly displayed in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. The mosaic school of Madaba was famous throughout the Christian world until the city was destroyed by the Persians in 614 A.D. A few miles from Madaba is Mount Nebo, the most revered site in Jordan where according to legend, Moses was buried and the Church on Mount Nebo erected on the location of his grave by Byzantine Christians. From the platform in front of the church enjoy a breathtaking view of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.

The next stop is Kerak and for those who are fascinated by the gallantry of the Crusaders, this visit is a must. Built in 1132 A.D. in a strategic location on the caravan road linking Egypt to Syria, the Fortress of Kerak itself is a dark maze of stone-vaulted halls and endless passages. The mood is set as you pass through the precipitous Wadi Mujib. The castle itself is more imposing than beautiful though it is all the more impressive as an example of the Crusader’s architectural military genius. Kerak’s most famous occupant was Reynauld de Chatillon, whose reputation for treachery, betrayal and brutality was unsurpassed.

Set your sights on the rose red city of Petra, the legacy of the Nabateans with its spectacular setting deep inside a narrow gorge. On arrival proceed to the selected hotel for your two night stay. Dinner at the hotel. This evening enjoy a Petra by Night Tour which is an awe inspiring experience. Lit by 1800 candles, you walk through the Siq to the Khazneh following a candlelit path and enjoy the haunting music of the Bedouins at the Treasury. The Tour starts at 830 PM and finishes around 1000 PM. On arrival at the Treasury, you will be invited to sit on mats on the ground and listen to some traditional Jordanian music while being served tea. It starts with a guitar like instrument which is a rectangle covered by goat skin and only has one string. The highlight is when the flute music comes out of the dark treasury. Return to the hotel for overnight. (B/D)

Day 5, PETRA
This will be an unforgettable day stepping back in time to discover the secrets of the huge archaeological site of Petra, one of the most stunning sites in the entire Middle East. Enjoy a five hour tour of Petra, a forgotten city known only to the local Bedouins from the 16th to 19th centuries. Then, in 1812, a Swiss traveler named Louis Burkhardt overheard the locals talking about the fantastic ruins hidden in the mountains of Wadi Musa. His discovery yielded Petra's secret - literally hundreds of buildings, tombs, baths, temples and of course, Petra's most famous monument, the Treasury which was used in the final sequence of the film "Indian Jones and the Last Crusade". Much of Petra’s appeal comes from its spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge. These sites are at their best in early morning or late afternoon. Today, Petra has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Day 6, PETRA/WADI RUM/ AQABA
Another great day has been planned! Leaving Petra focus on the timeless and unspoiled Wadi Rum, one of the world's most outstanding desert landscapes where monolithic mountains of sandstone and granite rise out of the rose-red desert sand creating a magnificent scene. Lying 120 Kms. south of Petra and 68 Kms. north of Aqaba, Wadi Rum is the classic picture of a sandy desert with sandstone hills rising sheer out of the valley floor. There are many ways to explore this unspoiled desert retreat. It is the ideal location for hiking, climbing and trekking. The scenery here has not changed since Colonel T.E. Lawrence’s time. Wadi Rum is still one of the most striking natural landscapes in the world. Enjoy a short Bedouin 4x4 jeep ride inside the wadi. The day concludes in Aqaba, the only sea resort in Jordan. Transfer to the selected hotel for the next two nights. Dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Day 7, AQABA
Breakfast, then the day is free to enjoy this charming little city shaded by palm trees and pristine sandy beaches or to discover the coral reefs considered by divers to be the richest in the world. All you need is a diving mask. Dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Day 8, AQABA/AMMAN/
Early morning departure for Amman via the Desert Highway. Services end on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport. (B)

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Jordan (Land Only)
4-Star Accommodation	Number of Travellers	Price (CDN)*
Regency Palace Amman Dead Sea Spa Hotel Petra Panorama Hotel Aqaba Gulf Hotel	2 PEOPLE	$2,840.00
	3-5 PEOPLE	$2,415.00
	Single Supplement	$435.00
5-Star Accommodation	Number of Travellers	Price (CDN)*
Grand Hyatt Amman Movenpick Dead Sea Hotel Movenpick Petra Hotel Movenpick Aqaba Hotel	2 PEOPLE	$3,524.00
	3-5 PEOPLE	$3,077.00
	Single Supplement	$575.00

* Price in Cdn per person sharing, valid to October 31, 2009

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Please Note:

Prices are based on current sales tax and service charges. Any increase on these taxes is not included in the rates quoted.

• The above rates are per person sharing for FIT's only. The rate for six people and over available on request.
• Supplement for additional nights in Amman or Aqaba available on request.

Booking Information and Conditions

YOUR LAND COST INCLUDES:

• Meet and assistance upon arrival and departure
• Porterage at the airport only
• All transfers in an air conditioned deluxe private car based on 2 passengers and a 7 seater minivan for 3 – 5 passengers
• Accommodation based on double room with private facilities as selected in Amman for 2 nights, in the Dead Sea for 1 night, in Petra for 2 nights and in Aqaba for 2 nights
• Breakfast and dinner daily
• Sightseeing as indicated including entrance fees to sites mentioned in the program
• Permanent English speaking guide from day 2 until day 8
• Standard horseride in Petra
• 2 hour 4 x 4 Bedouin Jeep Tour inside Wadi Rum

YOUR LAND COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Airfare to and from Amman
• Departure Taxes
• Documentation including passport fees and travel insurance
• Jordanian Visa Charge to be secured on arrival in Amman - currently at $15.00 U.S. per person
• Jordanian Departure Tax - currently at $8.00 U.S. per person
• Cost of carriages at Petra (maximum 2 persons per carriage) - $30.00 U.S. per carriage.
• Porterage at the hotels
• Additional pre tour nights in Amman or post tour nights in Aqaba
• Meals not mentioned
• Beverages not included with dinner
• Optional tours not quoted
• Gratuities for individual services
• Tips to local guides and drivers, horseboy in Petra, restaurant and hotel staff

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT
A deposit in the amount of $600.00 Cdn. per person together with the single supplement and the insurance premium (if needed) is required at the time of booking. Written confirmation will be issued only after the deposit has been received. Should this deposit not reach us within 10 days of the booking, we will assume that you no longer wish to travel and will cancel any arrangements being held. The balance of payment is due 9 weeks prior to departure. Reservations received within 9 weeks prior to departure must be accompanied by full payment. Failure to comply with these provisions could result in the cancellation of the reservation by Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. without prior notice.

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS
All cancellations, changes or refund requests must be received in writing at the offices of Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. and shall be considered in effect as of the date received. Cancellation charges are per person and are based upon the date of the cancellation. Cancellation or changes made up to 60 days prior to departure will be subject to a penalty of $300.00 Cdn. per person. Those made between 59 and 30 prior to departure, a penalty of 50% per person. Between 29 days and departure day, no refunds will be granted thereafter. Should a participant be unable to join the tour on the day of departure or leave the tour prior to its completion, no refunds will be granted for unused services. For those participants making their own connecting flights to coincide with the program, we suggest that ample time be allowed between flights. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. does not accept any responsibility for additional charges or expenses that result from a change of flight times or misconnections and no refunds will be issued for services not provided. No claim or refund will be considered unless submitted in writing and received by CTA within 30 days of the termination of the tour. Any substitution of a passenger(s) will be considered a cancellation of the original reservation and the applicable cancellation charges will apply. If you cancel your trip after receiving your final documents, please note that the complete set of final documents must be returned to Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. before we can process your request.

CANCELLATION BY CANADIAN TRAVEL ABROAD LTD.
We reserve the right to cancel a departure and offer an alternative departure should there be an insufficient number of participants to make the tour viable. Should the participant(s) elect not to travel on an alternative date, a full refund will be made. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. is not to be held responsible for any other individual arrangements affected by our tour cancellation.

ACCOMMODATION
Rooms with private facilities in selected hotels as indicated in the itinerary are assigned by local agencies. Should it become necessary, accommodation in similar categories may be substituted.

CHANGES
Once a booking has been confirmed, should a participant wish to change to an alternative departure or make changes to the reservation, a handling fee of $125.00 Cdn. per person would apply. NOTE: Changes or adjustments to a reservation will not be accepted within 28 days prior to departure. Should cancellation by one or more passengers change the room requirements of the remaining participant, the passenger must pay the applicable rate for the new accommodation to be required.

INSURANCE
Comprehensive trip cancellation insurance (to protect against loss of monies incurred through cancellation due to illness, etc.) as well as personal travel insurance for baggage and accident coverage is available through Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. and must be taken out at the time of booking with the premium being remitted with the deposit. Once paid, the premium is non refundable. A signed waiver will be required if insurance is declined.

BAGGAGE INSURANCE
Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. cannot be held responsible for damage to your baggage. It is recommended that each participant purchase baggage insurance to protect their belongings.

INSURANCE WAIVER
Insurance affords protection against penalties caused by cancellation of your trip due to injury, illness or death of a tour participant or a member of a participant’s immediate family. This insurance is underwritten by RBC.

COSTS
All costs quoted herein in Canadian dollars are per person and are based on tariffs, exchange rates and airfares (where applicable) in effect as of September 17th, 2008 and are subject to change without prior notice. NOTE – There will be no refund provided for unused services.

INDIVIDUAL ARRANGEMENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH A TOUR
For individual arrangements in conjunction with a tour, a non refundable booking fee of $50.00 Cdn. per person will apply.

GRATUITIES
While gratuities for services provided are customary including the end of tour gratuity for the tour escort and driver, the gratuities are not included in the cost of the tour and are based upon your satisfaction of the arrangements provided.

HOLIDAY CHANGES
During national or local holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums and sightseeing tours may be limited. Where possible, slight itinerary adjustments may be made.

ITINERARY CHANGES
Your itinerary has been planned with the utmost care to ensure a pleasant trip. However, circumstances may arise whereby a slight change in the itinerary may be required due to business hours at a certain site. There will be no refund granted for any changes to the program.

MEALS
As specified in the itinerary. B = Breakfast, L= Lunch, D = Dinner. 

BEVERAGES
Not included with dinner.

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Any physical disability requiring special attention or treatment must be reported when reservations are made. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd./and or their agents reserve the right to accept or retain any participant who may, in their sole judgement, require care and attention beyond that which can be provided. Please bring any health or mobility issues to our attention at the time of booking.

PORTERAGE
Each participant will be responsible for carrying their own luggage through customs. Since porters and/or luggage carts are not always readily available, you should be comfortable carrying your own luggage.

PRE OR POST TOUR ARRANGEMENTS
Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. would be happy to assist you should you wish to add additional arrangements to your tour program.

REFUNDS
There will not be any refunds granted on any unused portion of the tour not taken.

SIGHTSEEING
As indicated, including entrance fees to places of interest as well as the services of fully qualified local English speaking guides. The sequence of tours and the cities visited is subject to change where necessary.

SINGLE ROOMS
A limited number of single rooms may be available for an additional charge. In Europe, single rooms are generally much smaller than a double room. Single rooms are never guaranteed and are subject to availability.

SPECIAL REQUESTS
Must be placed in sufficient time and although Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. will do their utmost to accommodate these special requests, we cannot be held responsible if such requests are not fulfilled.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
As indicated.

TAXES
All local taxes and standard service charges on accommodation and meals included in your tour price.

TOUR DOCUMENT DELIVERY
Travel documents are usually issued 21 days prior to departure provided that full payment has been received. In the event that late payment results in the late delivery of documents, Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. will not accept any responsibility for the consequences thereof and reserves the right to charge for courier expenses. Documents will be sent first class mail, however, should you prefer to have your documents sent by overnight courier, you will be advised of the additional charges which must be included with your final payment.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
All participants must be in possession of a passport that is valid for a minimum of
6 months after the duration of the tour and should have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd.  cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to any country due to non compliance of these arrangements. A copy of your valid passport is required to confirm any air reservations (if required). Due to increased security measures, passport information and emergency contact information is required for all passengers prior to the release of final documents.

VISA CHARGES
Visitors to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan are required to secure a visa. If secured upon arrival in Amman, the cost will be $15.00 U.S. per person to be paid in cash on arrival. If secured prior to departure from Canada, the cost will be $65.00 Cdn. plus a $20.00 Cdn. per person handling fee.

TRAVELING ALONE, BUT WISHING TO SHARE
Tour participants traveling alone but wishing to share accommodation with a suitable roommate must pay the single supplement until such time as a roommate is found. The single supplement would then be refunded with the final documentation. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. cannot assume any responsibility should such an arrangement not be available or suitable.

VISAS
For participants holding passports other than Canadian, please check with your local travel agent regarding entry requirements for the country visited.

SPECIAL NOTE – The right is reserved to change or cancel the pre-arranged itineraries including designated hotels if reasons beyond our control arise. Pursuant to the Travel Industry Act Regulations if price changes cause an increase of over 7% of the confirmed price (except for government taxes) or there is a change in the standard of accommodation or a delay of over 24 hours in transport arrangements of which we become aware prior to departure, you will be notified and given 48 hours to advise us of your desire to cancel the tour with a full refund. Otherwise, you will be considered to have accepted the change(s).

 

OPERATORS RESPONSIBILITY
All arrangements for land accommodation, transportation and sightseeing are made by Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. and/or their appointed representatives, who act only as agents in obtaining transportation, accommodation and other services for the tour members. They shall not be liable or held responsible directly or indirectly for any delay, injury (including death) loss of damage to any person, company or association providing accommodation, transportation or other services in connection with the tour. The right is reserved to withdraw all or part of the tour should conditions warrant and to make such alterations in the itinerary as may be found desirable for the convenience of the tour members and the proper execution of the tour. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person(s) as member(s) of the tour in which case equitable refund will be made at the discretion of the operators.

E. & O.E.

VALIDITY: NOVEMBER 01, 2008 – OCTOBER 31, 2009.

In accordance with the Ontario Travel Act, CTA is registered
(1040985 & 1039982).

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