Gladiators, Castles and Bedouins Tour Itinerary

Gladiators, Castles and Bedouins Tour Itinerary
REF: MEF3
VERSION: 3

Duration:	10 days - Amman to Amman
Countries Visited:	Jordan
Age Guide:	Child 5-11 years Adult 12-65 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Private Vehicle, Jeep, Horse, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotels (8 Nights), Desert Camp (1 Night)
What's Included:	9 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner - All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary - Escorted Tour - English Speaking Driver and Local Guides - Royal Automobile Museum - Roman Army & Chariot Show - Petra Visit including Horse Ride - Desert Camp Wadi Rum
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Jordan - Amman - Panoramic View from Citadel - Royal Automobile Museum - Jerash - Roman Army & Chariot Show - Dead Sea - Kerak Crusader Castle - Petra - Wadi Rum - 4x4 Jeep Tour - Camel Ride - Bedouin Styled Desert Camp - Aqaba - Red Sea
Optional Highlights:	Jordan - Hammam (Turkish Bath) - Snorkelling Red Sea - Diving Red Sea - Glass-Bottomed Boat Trip - Water Activities
Introduction:	Explore the fascinating Kingdom of Jordan on our exciting family adventure. We see the old royal cars of the late King Hussein, and get a real insight into the Roman lifestyle as we watch racing chariots and fighting gladiators in an original setting at Jerash. We float in the salty Dead Sea, explore a crusader castle and then visit the famous rose red rock city of Petra, a World Heritage Site built over 2000 years ago. Next stop the desert, where we retrace the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia. We take a jeep across the dramatic desert landscape of Wadi Rum with its weird and wonderful rock formations, and also ride on a camel - the "ship of the desert". We spend the night under the stars in tents in a Bedouin style desert camp, before basing ourselves in Aqaba on the Red Sea. Here there are plenty of options to keep the family entertained, before we end our journey back in the capital, Amman
Meeting Point:	Toledo Hotel Jabal Al-Hussein Al Razi Street Amman Jordan Tel: +962 6 465 7777
Day 1:	Amman. Today is an arrival day, and the pre-departure meeting is held at 6pm at the meeting point. This will give you the chance to meet the Local Guide, as well as your fellow travellers. The rest of the evening is free. If arriving into Amman today, then an arrival transfer is included, so please ensure that you have provided Kumuka with your flight details. At Amman Airport one of our representatives will welcome you and assists you through immigration. He will match you with your driver, who transfers you to your hotel in Amman and helps you with the check-in. The drive takes about 30 minutes. If you arrive into Amman early before the pre-departure meeting, then you are free to relax.
Day 2:	Amman - City Tour. After breakfast you start your day with a private city tour of Amman, Jordan's capital. We visit the Citadel where you will see remains from three different periods, and also have a panoramic view over the city. In the traditional area of downtown Amman, we have a look at the Roman Theatre dating back to the 2nd century, before we head to the modern parts of the city. We visit the Royal Automobile Museum where classic cars of the late King Hussein are exhibited. After an exciting day return to your hotel. If you have any fee time in Amman, you may like to visit the Children's Museum, the only one of its kind in the whole Middle East. (B)
Day 3:	Jerash - Roman Chariot Races - Dead Sea. This morning after breakfast, we drive about. 50 kms to the north to Jerash. This is the best preserved Roman provincial city in the whole Middle East. You enter the historical place via Hadrian's Arch, continue to Oval Plaza, and the Roman Colonnaded Street. The Roman lifestyle gets alive during the Roman Army & Chariot Show where you can see racing chariots and fighting gladiators in an original setting. We end the day with a drive to your hotel at the Dead Sea After checking in, you have leisure time at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, where you can float on salty waters. The high salinity of the sea makes swimming a treat. The extra density provided by the salt in the sea, means that it takes very little effort to stay afloat. (B)
Day 4:	Dead Sea - Kerak Crusader Castle - Petra. Today we leave the Dead Sea, and head south towards Petra, the drive taking about 3 hours. En route we visit the Crusader castle Kerak, perched on a rocky hill with impressive underground halls and corridors. After exploring the castle, we continue to our hotel in Petra where the rest of the day is free. Petra is the city that the Nabateans carved out of solid rock, and is a World Heritage Site. (B)
Day 5:	Petra. Today you have a full day to visit Petra. The only way in which to see Petra is by foot so be prepared to do some walking. Special shoes are not a requirement; but make sure you have comfortable shows on that you can walk in. After breakfast, we start our visit of the rock city Petra. If you like to you can take a short horse ride or walk to the narrow gorge, the Siq, from where you go on to the beautiful Treasury. From there you can continue to the Street of Facades and the Royal Tombs. After the guided tour you can continue to explore Petra at your leisure, or return to the hotel to relax, or maybe hunt for souvenirs. Alternatively you may like to experience a traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam). We recommend the Hammam Bab Al Harah, located close to the entrance of Petra. Please ask your driver or guide if you would like them to make a reservation on your behalf. (B)
Day 6:	Petra - Wadi Rum. This morning you are again free to discover Petra further, relax at the hotel or stroll in the souvenir shops. We check out at noon from the hotel, then we drive 1.5 hrs to Wadi Rum, one of the most impressive desert landscapes in the world. We explore the area – following the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, on a 4x4 adventurous jeep tour, stopping at Nabatean rock inscriptions and sand dunes. Also included is a ride on a camel, the "ship of the desert". After the amazing sunset you will have dinner at a Bedouin styled camp, where you spend the night in tents. You can experience the magnificent starry desert sky. Please note that bathrooms will be shared. (B,D)
Day 7:	Wadi Rum - Aqaba (Red Sea). After breakfast and a leisurely morning in Wadi Rum, we leave the desert behind and hit the road to Aqaba at the Red Sea. After checking in to the hotel, the rest of the day is free. There are plenty of water activities available. (B)
Day 8:	Aqaba (Red Sea). Today is a leisure day in Aqaba, Jordan's only seaport. Relax at the beach or try one of the water activities to discover the varied marine life of the Red Sea. You may like to go snorkelling or maybe take a glass bottom boat ride. Alternatively you may like to head into Aquaba to explore the town. (B)
Day 9:	Aqaba - Amman. We check out at noon at the latest from our Aqaba hotel, then drive the 3.5 hours back to Amman, where the rest of the day is free. (B)
Day 10:	Amman. The tour ends after breakfast. (B) A departure transfer is included for those clients flying out of Amman today, so please ensure that you have provided Kumuka with your flight details. If you prefer to extend your stay, then additional nights accommodation can be organised for you.
Finishing Hotel:	Toledo Hotel Jabal Al-Hussein Al Razi Street Amman Jordan Tel: +962 6 465 7777
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken.
Pre-departure meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm The Day of the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your tour leader and fellow passengers. In addition the guide will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunisation certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: Passport. Vaccination Certificate. Travel Voucher. Travel Insurance Policy. Two photocopies of passport.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Middle East trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.columbusguides.com/region/atoz.asp provides up-to-date visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot always be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, so please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Jordan - If you are joining the tour in Amman it is advisable to get your visa before departure, although visas for most nationalities are generally available at Amman airport. If you enter Jordan as part of a group of 5 people or more then a group visa can be organised for you. Please ensure that you have provided us with accurate Passport details. Please note, at the moment South African passport holders cannot get a visa at the point of entry and must get one in advance.
Medical Information and Vaccination:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in the countries we visit in the Middle East however we do advise that you are up-to-date with your diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, polio, and tetanus vaccines. You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. - That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Climate:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com. Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Security:	Do not take unnecessary valuables with you. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in the Middle East, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. - Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft. All the transfer vehicles will have secure doors and windows but it is never foolish to be cautious.
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.Generally conditions will be warm and dry however do account for long sleeves and long trousers in religious or more remote areas. Also remember that in desert regions, or during the winter months, evenings can get very chilly so don’t forget to pack a jumper or two. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen, a small flashlight, and a sleeping bag. NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-45 per day (not including optional excursions) for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. US Dollar cash is more widely accepted than pounds sterling when changing money. You will need to obtain the currency of the country you are visiting upon arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport, and also during your trip. Most general expenses in restaurants and markets are payable in the local currency. US Dollar cash are needed to pay for visas on borders and for optionals. . Credit cards are accepted in the larger cities. You can also get money from ATMs in most towns or cities. Do not however rely on using your credit card as your major source of funds. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful.
Local Customs:	Be aware that revealing bare flesh can cause offence. Covering shoulders, arms and legs can save you a lot of hassle. This is true for men as well as women. Similarly we advise against tight or revealing clothing. Generally on beaches you can wear what you like. Be sure to exercise a conservative approach in smaller more remote areas and in large cities. Many Middle Eastern countries are predominantly Muslim influenced. For this reason attitudes towards women can vary greatly from very liberal at the coast to very conservative in small towns and areas of Jordan. If you are prepared to tune yourself in to the social code of the area your trip should run relatively hassle free. Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. Pack essentially for hot conditions: days are generally hot but nights, especially in the desert may be cool. Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!
Time:	All Middle Eastern Countries we visit are 2 hours ahead of GMT. Remember that time is not quite so valuable to Middle Eastern People. Often tasks that should take five minutes can take 1 hour. Be patient and consider it as all part of the Middle Eastern experience. Some countries in the Middle East have summer and wintertime changes.
Language:	Arabic is the official language of the countries you will visit. English is widely spoken as a second language in the larger towns. As mentioned above, learning a few words of the language of the country you are visiting can make your experiences that much more enjoyable.
Food:	Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka Middle East trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine. Egyptian and Jordanian food, is spicy and flavoursome. Try the shish tawook, which is spiced chicken or lamb on a skewer and cooked over coals. Falafel is a great snack, made from mushed chick peas and herbs, and then thrown in a flat bread with tahini. The Shwarmas, are always a favourite, its the Arabic equivalent of a doner kebab. Try the lot and make the most out of your culinary experience on your travels.
Photography:	All types of camera film are readily available in the Middle East however it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free. As a guideline, most people use approximately one to two rolls of 36 per week. Fast film (200-400 ASA) may be useful at times and black & white film is nice to use for portraits of local people. A zoom lens is also useful. Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations. Most Middle Eastern countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders and in any government buildings. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your film and/or camera confiscated.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation	This tour begins with a pre-departure meeting the DAY OF the tour commencing, when you meet your tour leader, and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. If you would like to book extra nights accommodation in the final destination city, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
Tipping and Bargaining:	Tipping is expected almost everywhere. For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. Sales and service taxes are imposed in some restaurants and bars. Bargaining is also expected and in all souq’s and bazaars prices are inflated to accommodate such a practice. Rule of thumb is to cut the offer in half and work upwards. This can sometimes be hard work but so not let yourself be intimidated by stallholders, you can always say no and walk away
Optional Activities:	Kumuka endeavours to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereas, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka can not be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. There may be times when your Tour Guide offers other optional activities to you as they arise. Kumuka are not responsible for if any of the optional activities suggested are not available on your particular tour, or if the prices have risen.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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