Your Itinerary
Welcome to Amman!
This evening, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
AMMAN. EXCURSION TO JERASH
Ancient sites
This morning, start your Jordanian discovery with a guided sightseeing tour of Amman, the capital of Jordan, and the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. See the city highlights including the impressive Roman Amphitheater, that is still used today. Later, continue to Jerash for a fascinating visit of the magnificent Greco-Roman archaeological site. (B,D) 68 mi/110 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Explore the remarkable Roman ruins of Jerash’ ceremonial gates, colonnades, temples, and auditoriums. Considered one of the world’s largest and best-preserved sites of Roman architecture, Jerash gives a glimpse into a world of chariots racing before 15,000 spectators in the Hippodrome, and religious sacrifices carried out in the Temple of Zeus.
Red Roving in Wadi Rum
Admire the scenery as you depart Amman and arrive at the spectacular red-stone desert landscape of Wadi Rum. Enjoy a [LF] fascinating 4-wheel drive tour in the stunning desert landscape and see the Seven Pillars of Wisdom made famous by Lawrence of Arabia. Receive a keffiyeh (traditional headscarf) as a keepsake. Later, arrive in Petra to enjoy some free time. (B,D) 273 mi/440 kmLOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Climb aboard for a visually thrilling 4-wheel drive you’ll never forget. Explore a spectacular Mars-like landscape spanning nearly 200,000 acres in the painted desert and rocky masterpieces of Wadi Rum.
Cinematic Treasures
Take a guided walking tour of stunning Petra, featuring the Siq and the Treasury, which may look familiar from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Enjoy free time for lunch, followed by [LF] traditional tea service in a Bedouin tent. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE PICTURE PERFECT Enjoy an unforgettable experience as you walk down the Siq, the narrow gorge made famous by Indiana Jones. Stand in awe in front of the iconic and famed treasury. See spectacular temples and tombs created out of the rose-hued sandstone, and sip tea in an authentic Bedouin tent.
PETRA–KERAK–WADI MUJIB–DEAD SEA
A River Wild
This morning drive to Kerak to visit the formidable Crusader Castle, the largest, best-preserved castle in Jordan. Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing to Wadi Mujib for a fantastic opportunity to capture photos of the impressive canyon with its dramatic rock formations and scenic riverscape. Later, arrive at your Dead Sea hotel. (B,D) 200 mi/322 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Stop for a photo opportunity at the spellbinding canyon of Wadi Muji. Towering above Jordan’s Mujib River on its way to the Dead Sea, the Mujib Biosphere Reserve is home to fascinating and rare wildlife species who call this spectacular natural landscape their home.
DEAD SEA. EXCURSION TO MADABA, MOUNT NEBO & BETHANY BEYOND THE JORDAN
The Promised Land
A fascinating day awaits! Drive to Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics.” Visit St. George’s Church, home to an exquisite mosaic map of the Holy Land, and explore the Madaba Archaeological Museum. Continue to Mount Nebo for an orientation walk on the legendary mountain ridge. Reach Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist, and follow an orientation walk. Later, return to your Dead Sea hotel for a farewell dinner. (B,D) 29 mi/46 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Explore the market town of Madaba, home to a bounty of breathtaking Byzantine mosaics. See the most famous of these ancient works discovered amid the rubble of the floor of St. George’s Church – revealing a treasure of early Christianity and the oldest existing map of Palestine.
Hello Dubai!
Today, bid good-bye to Jordan as you board your flight to Dubai, one of the U.A.E.’s most famous emirates. On arrival a Local Host will meet you and accompany you to the hotel. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT REACH FOR THE SKY The drive to your hotel gives you the first taste of the U.A.E., a relatively young country built on a rich heritage, driven by grand aspirations, and thriving on a mosaic of cultures. Get your first glimpse of the glittering skyline, composed of opulent buildings that blend innovation and heritage. Keep your eye out for the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building!
City of Gold
Wake up in Dubai! Enjoy a full day at leisure discovering its different facets; perhaps take a step back in time with a visit to the Old Town and Gold Souk or look to the future and admire the modern landmarks and man-made islands. Dubai could be the exception to the saying “all that glitters isn’t gold” – look out for edible gold on gourmet ice-cream and ATMs distributing gold bars! (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTBOLD ASPIRATIONS AND INCREDIBLE TRANSFORMATIONS. It’s hard to imagine that in the 1960s Dubai was a small community with limited resources. The unification of the Emirates under Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan brought about transformation, he famously said “The race for excellence has no finish line”; Dubai is the perfect example of this, 20% of the world’s cranes are located here to enable construction and growth to continue.
DUBAI – ABU DHABI (EMBARKATION)
Cosmopolitan Capital
This morning enjoy a relaxing drive to Abu Dhabi to embark your Celestyal cruise ship. Spend the day relaxing onboard or discovering the different facets of Abu Dhabi, the cosmopolitan capital of the U.A.E. Why not join an optional shore excursion to marvel at the stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque, an architectural masterpiece boasting 1000 pillars and 82 marble domes. For tasty treats head to the date market and be amazed at the huge variety on offer. (B,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE and visit the splendid Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a true spiritual landmark. Its serene white marble exterior and sweeping domes reflect a blend of diverse Islamic architectural traditions. Inside, the mosque features remarkable handcrafted details, including the world’s largest hand knotted carpet and immense crystal chandeliers enriched with 24 karat gold.
DESERT JEWEL
Enjoy a full day exploring Doha, the capital of Qatar; a modern city that has risen from a small pearl-diving community. Join an optional shore excursion to fully immerse yourself in Doha’s history and culture. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMECULTURAL JOURNEY Follow your guide on an optional excursion; starting at the colorful Souq Waqif where you can browse the labyrinth of alleyways lined with stalls offering spices, perfumes, souvenirs, and traditional Qatari clothing. Later take snapshots of the luxury artificial island Pearl-Qatar before heading to the Katara Cultural Village, Doha’s destination for art, culture, and cuisine. At the Dhow Harbor see the traditional wooden boats and admire views of the spectacular Museum of Islamic Art.
Pearl of the Emirates
Today, sail into the scenic port of Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost Emirate, famous for its diverse panorama, from stunning beaches to desert dunes, to the UAE’s highest peak. Perhaps join an optional shore excursion to discover more. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMECULTURE AND HERITAGE Delve deeper into UAE heritage and visit the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, an abandoned, authentic pearling village that replicates life before the discovery of oil. Wander the streets of this ghost town and see typical examples of Gulf architecture.
Norway of Arabia
This morning, admire rugged cliffs and fjord-like inlets as you sail into the port of Khasab, an Omani exclave overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. Khasab has lots to gems to uncover, both on land and water, why not join an optional shore excursion to get more out of your day. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Roam, explore, and discover when you select an optional shore excursion. Head inland to ascend the Jebel Al-Harim Mountain in a 4x4, visit the Portuguese built fort and Khasab city center, ride a traditional Arabian dhow, or sit back and relax as you sail over the turquoise waters admiring the majestic mountains and small fishing villages; keep your eye out for dolphins!
ABU DHABI (DISEMBARKATION)
This morning, disembark your ship. Enjoy a free day in Abu Dhabi, absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores in one of the malls, or try local specialties. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE There are countless ways to enjoy free time in Abu Dhabi. If you like art, visit the Louvre or Guggenheim museums or watch traditional craftspeople at the House of Artisans. Absorb culture at the magnificent Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, browse stores for gifts and souvenirs, or linger in a sidewalk café and enjoy local specialties.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)