Your journey to the mesmerizing city of Jordan and its surrounds offers a unique opportunity to visit some of the oldest, most spectacular, and well-preserved ancient cities and landmarks in the world. During this immersive, five-night overland excursion, journey back in time to explore the cities of Jerash, Bethany, Madaba City and Petra, along with the world-renowned Dead Sea. After disembarking the ship in Salalah, depart for the scenic drive to Muscat Airport, then take a scheduled flight to Muscat and a connecting flight to Amman. Upon arrival, transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel for check-in, then proceed for a welcome dinner at a local Lebanese restaurant in Amman. Following an overnight stay and breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Amman City. Along the way, drive up Jabal al-Qala'a for a visit to the Citadel and breath-taking panoramic views over Amman City. Next, visit the Roman Theatre, the most prominent and impressive relic of ancient Philadelphia. From here, drive to Jerash City and stop for lunch at the Umm Khalil Al-Reef Al-Lebnani restaurant, then visit an archaeological site in Jerash to explore ancient artefacts. Following your visit, drive to the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea for check-in, the remainder of the day at leisure, dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants and an overnight stay. The next morning, head to the ancient city of Bethany to explore an archaeological site. Afterward, transfer back to the hotel for lunch and the afternoon at leisure, then proceed for dinner at the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex. Following an overnight stay and breakfast, some free time is made available to relax and/or take an optional, revitalising swim/float in the Dead Sea. Later, take a guided visit to Mount Nebo for magnificent views over Jordan, the Dead Sea and Israel, followed by a picturesque drive to Madaba, the 'City of Mosaics'. Upon arrival, take a tour of Madaba City tour, and visit the St. George Church and Church of the Apostles. Following your tour, transfer to the village of Haret Jdoudna for lunch at the 'Haret Jdoudna' restaurant, then take a scenic drive to Petra. Proceed for check-in at the Movenpick Resort Petra, followed by dinner and a live folkloric show at the 'Nabatean Cave Bar'. The next day, explore the ancient city of Petra and have lunch at the 'Basin' restaurant, located inside the Gates of Petra and amidst its ruins. Following dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants, an overnight stay and check-out, a visit is made to Little Petra. A miniature version of Petra, Little Petra contains a number of notable tombs and a collection of stairs leading up to higher viewpoints. Next, a scenic drive takes you to Wadi Rum, the largest, and most magnificent, of Jordan's desert landscapes. Here, lunch is served under a Bedouin tent and followed by a live Bedouin show. Afterward, depart for a fun-filled and exciting, two-hour desert excursion via 4WD vehicle. At the conclusion of your desert drive, your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure concludes on Day Six with a transfer to the pier in Aqaba. Upon arrival, embark the ship.
Mesmerizing Jordan
Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights
Departs from: Salalah
Re-join ship: Aqaba
Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing
IMPORTANT NOTE
This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.
Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.
VISA INFORMATION:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Oman & Jordan. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.
LOCAL CURRENCY:
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD); local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and major credit cards are accepted in larger shops and hotels.
Explore the spectacular, well-preserved ancient cities, landmarks and culture of Jordan during this unforgettable, five-night overland excursion to Jerash, Bethany, Madaba City, Petra, and the Dead Sea.
DAY ONE - Sunday, March 29, 2020 - Salalah/Muscat/Amman
Scenic drive to Muscat Airport, a scheduled flight to Muscat, and a connecting flight to Amman
After disembarking the ship in Salalah, meet your guide and depart for Salalah Airport where you will take a flight to Muscat and from there you will connect flights to Amman. Upon arrival, check-in for your scheduled, approximately 1.75-hour chartered flight to Muscat, and a connecting, approximately two-hour flight to Amman.
Hotel transfer, check-in and free time at your leisure
Upon arrival in Amman, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in, and some free time at your leisure.
Dinner at a Lebanese restaurant in Amman
This evening, meet your guide and transfer for a welcome dinner at a local Lebanese restaurant in Amman. After dinner, transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in a Deluxe Room at the Four Seasons Hotel - Amman
DAY TWO - Monday, March 30, 2020 - Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea
Breakfast, a scenic tour of Amman City and drive up Jabal al-Qala'a en route to the Citadel
After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and depart for a scenic tour of Amman City. Along the way, take in renowned landmarks that include the Citadel. Towering over Amman from atop Jabal al-Qala'a, the Citadel offers a wonderful vantage point for breath-taking panoramic views of the cityscape below.
Visit to the Citadel for breath-taking panoramic views over Amman 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 the Umayyad Palace grounds.
Roman Theatre
Downhill from the Citadel and a five-minute walk east from downtown, the Roman Theatre is the most prominent and impressive relic of ancient Philadelphia. The theatre, which was built during the reign of Antonius Pius (138 A.D. - 161 A.D.), 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 Jerash Amphitheatre, and can accommodate 6,000 spectators. The Roman Theatre is still used periodically for sporting and cultural events.
Drive to Jerash City and stop for lunch at the Umm Khalil Al-Reef Al-Lebnani restaurant
Next, re-board your coach and proceed to the Greco-Roman city of Jerash, nestled in the hills of Gilead, for lunch at the Umm Khalil Al-Reef Al-Lebnani restaurant. This elegant dining option features authentic Lebanese cuisine, and offers a diverse menu with exceptional Lebanese service, and Arab hospitality and gastronomy.
Visit to an archaeological site in Jerash to explore ancient artefacts
After lunch, continue on to an archaeological site in Jerash, where archaeological remains from Neolithic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad eras have been found, amongst others. Jerash's golden age, however, arrived with Roman rule. Today, Jerash is acknowledged as one of the best-preserved province cities of the Roman Empire. Jerash was also a member of the Decapolis, a dynamic commercial league of ten Greco-Roman cities that were grouped together because of their language, culture, location and political status, with each functioning as an autonomous city-state.
Hotel transfer and free time at leisure
Following your visit, transfer to the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Dinner is at one of the hotel's restaurants.
Overnight in a Superior Room (Main Building) at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea - Dead Sea
DAY THREE - Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - Dead Sea/Bethany/Dead Sea
Breakfast and a scenic drive to the ancient city of Bethany
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the ancient city of Bethany.
Archaeological excavations in Bethany
Archaeological excavations conducted at Bethany unearthed a 1st-century A.D. settlement featuring plastered pools and water systems, which were almost certainly used for mass baptisms. Also uncovered here was a 5th-century Byzantine settlement with churches, a monastery and other structures which likely catered to religious pilgrims.
Explore an archaeological site in Bethany
Upon arrival at Bethany, a visit is made to an archaeological site. A survey made about the site has documented an ancient sacred pilgrimage route that linked Jerusalem, the Jordan River and Bethany, which was known as 'beyond the Jordan' in the Gospels. This was to separate it from the 'within the Jordan' locations, namely Jerusalem, the Holy Land and Mount Nebo.
Lunch at the hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure
Following your visit, transfer back to the hotel for lunch. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Dinner at the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex
Tonight, meet your guided and transfer for dinner at the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex. After dinner, transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in a Superior Room (Main Building) at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea - Dead Sea
DAY FOUR - Wednesday, April 1, 2020 - Dead Sea/Mount Nebo/Madaba/Petra
Breakfast and free time at leisure, with an optional swim/float in the Dead Sea
After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is at your leisure. During this time, you may opt for an unforgettable swim/float in the mineral-rich, therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea.
About the Dead Sea
Ever since the days of Herod the Great, people have flocked to the Dead Sea in search of its curative secrets. Due to warm annual temperatures, low humidity and high atmospheric pressure, the air is rich in oxygen and magnesium, making breathing a lot easier. With the highest content of minerals and salts in the world, the Dead Sea water possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and the dark mud found on its shores has been used for over 2,000 years for therapeutic purposes.
Later this morning, check-out, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to Mount Nebo.
Guided visit to Mount Nebo for magnificent views over Jordan, the Dead Sea and Israel
Mount Nebo is the mountain mentioned in the bible where Moses was granted a view of the Holy Land, but was not allowed to enter it. Today, the mountain is a memorial site where the 'Church of Moses' stands. Ever since the first days of Christianity, this mountain has been a holy place and a destination for pilgrimage. From here, take in magnificent views over Jordan, the Dead Sea and Israel. When the weather is clear, you may even be able to see Jerusalem, which is approximately 37 miles (about 60 kilometres) away.
Picturesque drive to Madaba, the 'City of Mosaics'
Following your visit, re-board your coach for the drive to nearby Madaba. Known as the 'City of Mosaics', Madaba is perched on an archaeological site with more than 4,000 years of history buried beneath it. The quality and quantity of the mosaic flooring found here has made Madaba one of the most prominent cities in the world for mosaics.
Madaba City tour and a visit to the St. George Church
Upon arrival, take a guided tour of this ancient city. Along the way, visit the St. George Church, which houses a world-famous mosaic floor containing a large mosaic map of Palestine, and features a detailed map of Jerusalem as it existed during the 6th century.
Stop at the Church of the Apostles
Next, continue on to the Church of the Apostles. Located at the southern entrance of the city, the church features a mosaic floor attributed to the craftsman Salamanios and depicting the sea, with the central figure of a woman encircled by a selection of creatures, vegetation and an inscription.
Transfer to Haret Jdoudna
Following your visit, re-board your coach and head to Haret Jdoudna. This authentic restaurant in the city of Madaba offers everything from amazing traditional food and entertainment to local crafts, mosaics and souvenirs.
Lunch at the Haret Jdoudna restaurant
Upon arrival, proceed for lunch at the Haret Jdoudna restaurant. This restaurant is a 19th-century house, still with its original features and floors. The exquisite menu offers local mezza dishes, oven-baked delicacies and traditional, homemade meals. The restaurant also hosts special events with Oriental music and entertainment. During the winter months, you can relax by the fireplace, accompanied by soothing music and a hot cup of mint tea.
Scenic drive to Petra, and check-in at the Movenpick Resort Petra
After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the scenic, approximately four-hour drive to Petra. Upon arrival, proceed to the Movenpick Resort Petra for check-in.
Dinner and a live folkloric show at the Nabatean Cave Bar - Petra
This evening, meet your guide and transfer for dinner at the Nabatean Cave Bar (non-private) with a live folkloric show. After dinner, transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in a Superior Room at the Movenpick Resort Petra - Petra
Please note: The Nabatean Cave Bar is not exclusive to Silversea guests.
DAY FIVE - Thursday, April 2, 2020 - Petra
Breakfast, a guided stroll to Petra's Visitor's Centre and an optional horse-ride to the entrance
After breakfast, depart for a guided stroll to Petra's Visitors' Centre. Upon arrival, begin your tour of Petra, the ancient world of wonder. Your visit begins with an approximately 437-yard (about 400-metre) stroll, or an optional horse-ride, from the main gate of Petra to the Siq (entrance) of the Old City.
Enter Petra via the Siq (entrance)
The ancient city of Petra was built between 800 B.C.-100 A.D. by Nabatean Arabs. During this era, Petra was a fortress, carved out of the jagged rocks in an area that was virtually inaccessible. In the 1st and 2nd centuries, after the Romans invaded, the city reached the peak of its fame.
About Petra
Petra covers an area of approximately 38.6 square miles (about 100 square kilometres), and is home to 800 monuments. When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city's importance gradually dwindled, it fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was re-discovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burkhart. Today, Petra is a popular tourist attraction, known as the 'rose-red city half as old as time'. The Khazneh (Treasury), was featured in the movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Lunch at the Basin restaurant, located inside the Gates of Petra and amidst its ruins (buffet-style)
Following your tour, proceed for lunch at the Basin restaurant, located approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres) inside the gates of Petra, amidst its ruins and near the Crowne Plaza Petra. The Basin restaurant stands amongst all the splendour of Petra, making it a great place to stop and rest. There are very few places to eat once inside Petra, aside from the snack food available for purchase from local Bedouins. Luckily, the Basin restaurant provides a heartier meal to ensure that you are ready to continue exploring this wonderful city.
Following your guided tour, return to the hotel on-foot. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Dinner is at one of the hotel's restaurants.
Overnight in a Superior Room at the Movenpick Resort Petra - Petra
Please note: The optional horse-ride from the main gate of Petra to the Siq (entrance) of the Old City is approximately 437 yards (about 400 metres). It is already included in Petra's admission fee, and guests have the choice to take it or not. However, this ride is not insured, and is at the risk and responsibility of each guest. Even though, there is no charge for this service but the horseman will expect a gratuity.
DAY SIX - Friday, April 3, 2020 - Petra/Little Petra/Wadi Rum/Aqaba Port
Breakfast, check-out and a transfer to Little Petra
After breakfast at the hotel, check-out, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Beidha (Little Petra). Hidden away in the centre of a mountain just north of Petra, this miniature version of Petra contains a number of notable tombs, and a collection of stairs leading up to higher viewpoints. Like Petra, it is believed the site here dates back to the 1st century and features some well-preserved structures. Archaeologists believe this to have been a suburb of the larger city, perhaps where merchants lived.
Scenic drive to Wadi Rum for lunch served under a Bedouin tent with a live Bedouin show
Next, re-board your coach for the approximately two-hour drive to Wadi Rum. Upon arrival, a comfort stop is made before proceeding for lunch served under a Bedouin tent, with a live Bedouin show.
About Wadi Rum
Also known as the '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 approximately 5,740 feet (about 1,750 meters), creating a natural challenge for serious mountaineers. Wadi Rum is perhaps best-known for its connection with British officer T. E. Lawrence, who passed through here 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 the Wadi Rum.
Approximately two-hour desert excursion via 4WD vehicle, and a transfer to the port of Aqaba
After lunch, board a 4WD vehicle with your Bedouin guide for a fun-filled and exciting, approximately two-hour drive through the desert.
Please note that this excursion is conducted using a very 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.
Transfer to the port of Aqaba, and your ship
Following your desert-ride, commence the approximately one-hour drive to the port of Aqaba. Upon arrival, embark the ship.
Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven, rocky, gravel, sandy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 4WD vehicle and optional horseback-ride, and board/de-board the airplane, and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition, as all sites visited require extensive walking, gravel surfaces and inclines/declines. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests who suffer from vertigo, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, swimwear, beach or water shoes, a sweater or light jacket for evenings, an electric socket convertor that fits Middle Eastern plugs, a camera, and local currency for purchases from the ship; avoid wearing sandals, as most of the sites visited are dusty. Proper attire is required to enter the churches; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. The tour sequence and itinerary may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD); however, US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and major credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (shopping stops are planned during the program).
Airlines restrict baggage on domestic flights to one bag at approximately 51 pounds (about 23 kilograms) and one carry-on bag at approximately 15 (about 7 kilograms). Airlines restrict baggage on International flights to two bags at approximately 50 pounds (about 23 kilograms) and one carry-on bag at approximately 15.4 pounds (about seven kilograms). Additional bags can be checked in at the service desk, and the fee is payable at the check-in counter at the time of booking. Please note that luggage restriction are subject to change.
Programme Includes:
- One-night stay in a Deluxe Room at the Four Seasons Hotel - Amman
- Two-night stay in a Superior Room (Main Building) at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea - Dead Sea
- Two-night stay in a Superior Room at the Movenpick Resort Petra - Petra
- Scheduled flights: Salalah/Muscat/Amman (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating
- Five breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners with drinks inlcuded
- Welcome dinner at a Lebanese restaurant in Amman
- Lunch at the Umm Khalil Al-Reef Al-Lebnani restaurant in Jerash City
- Dinner at the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex
- Optional swim/float in the Dead Sea
- Lunch at the Haret Jdoudna restaurant
- Dinner and a live folkloric show at the Nabatean Cave Bar - Petra
- Optional horse-ride to the entrance of Petra
- Lunch at the Basin restaurant - Petra
- Lunch served under a Bedouin tent with a live Bedouin show - Wadi Rum
- Approximately two-hour desert excursion via 4WD Bedouin vehicle
- All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary
Not Included:
Any meals and drinks not specified above, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items. All Land Adventures require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Silversea's published cruise cancellation policy will remain in effect. All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.
