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Jordan

10 Day Classic Jordan – 2024

Prices from £2,999 pp

Single Supplement £699

Next available tour:

Tour leader: The Revd Alison Newman

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McCabe 40th anniversary special departure - 20 February 2024

Jordan has delighted visitors for centuries with its World Heritage Sites, friendly towns and inspiring desert landscapes. Jordan has a tradition of welcoming visitors: camel caravans plied the legendary King’s Highway transporting frankincense in exchange for spices while Nabataean tradesmen, Roman legionnaires, Muslim armies and zealous Crusaders all passed through the land, leaving behind impressive monuments. The tradition of hospitality to visitors remains to this day.

Welcome to a  pilgrimage in the footsteps of Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, John the Baptist, the Wise Men and, of course, Jesus and his disciples! With all excursions, visits, entrances, meals and good quality hotels, welcome to a pilgrimage without compromise.

We begin in Amman including a visit to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman towns in the world. We travel to lost desert castles, the amazing rock-cut city of Petra and the stunningly beautiful desert landscape of Wadi Rum and stay in a luxury desert camp.

Petra is the high point of any visit to Jordan, but the country offers so much more, including numerous sites of biblical importance: we will also visit Mount Nebo, from where Moses viewed the Promised Land, and Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was baptised by John. We will celebrate worship together at these special areas.

During our travels, we will have the opportunity to meet with local people:  the Revd Luay Haddad at the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf in Salt, the Bedouin living in tents with herds of camels, sheep and goats giving us a rich insight into their traditions and culture.

 

Jordan

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Itinerary

  1. Travel to Jordan (D)

    Meet your fellow travelling companions and Tour Leader at Heathrow Airport and check-in for your flight to Amman.

    Late evening: on arrival you will be met at Queen Alia International Airport by our expert Local Guide (who will be with you throughout), expedited through visa control with our included fast track service and transfer to your hotel in the centre of Amman to check-in for a three-night stay.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  2. Desert Castles & Amman city tour (B, L, D, DR)

    Morning: later breakfast before a visit to three of the best-preserved castles in the Eastern Desert all built between the seventh and eight centuries and house impressive examples of early Islamic art and architecture. Qasr Kharana built on a ridge overlooking the valley below, Qasr Amra renowned for its ceiling frescoes, and Qasr Al-Azraq where during the Arab Revolt, T.E. Lawrence based his operations here in 1917–18, an experience he wrote about in his book Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

    Afternoon: return to Amman for lunch in a local restaurant followed by a tour of the capital city occupied at various stages in history by the Ammonites, Assyrians, Persians and the Greek Macedonians who all left their mark. Stops include the Citadel, Roman Theatre, Archaeological and Folklore Museums.

    Evening: welcome drink get-together and a brief introduction from your Local Guide and Tour Leader followed by dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  3. Jerash – As Salt - Umm Qais (B, L, D)

    Morning: visit Salt City to meet the Reverend Luay Haddad from the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf, a Christian organisation that extends a helping hand to deaf and deaf-blind children in Jordan and the Middle East regardless of their social, religious, political or economic backgrounds. The institute enables them to obtain a meaningful place in family and community and to make their unique and valuable contribution to society. After, travel to Jerash with a picturesque stop at the Jabbokk River a tributary of the River Jordan where we recall the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel. In Jerash visit the site of the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gerasa, also referred to as Antioch on the Golden River. Remains include the Corinthium column, Hadrians Arch and two large temples dedicated to Zeus and Artemis.

    Afternoon: traditional Arabic lunch in a local restaurant followed by a visit to Umm Qais which is perched on a hill-top overlooking the Sea of Tiberius, the Golan Heights and Yarmouk Gorge.  Previously known as Gadara, a city renowned as the site of the famous miracle of the Gadarene Swine. Promenade through Um Qais and see its colonnaded street, vaulted terrace and ruins of its two theatres. Optional worship will be offered today at al Khader Orthodox Church, the most visited Christian faith site in As-Salt.

    Evening: dinner including water and tea or coffee in your Amman hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  4. Machaerus- Shobak - Petra (B, L, D)

    Morning: travel via the King’s Highway towards Machaerus, known as the location of the imprisonment and beheading of John the Baptist. Visit the remains of the Fortress reconstructed in 30 B.C. by Herod the Great.

    ‎Afternoon: lunch in a local restaurant and the continue to visit Shobak Castle a Crusader castle built in 1115 by Baldwin I of Jerusalem. It sits on a dramatic hill (formerly called Mons Realis, or the Royal Mountain), imposing its might on the surrounding countryside.  Later, continue to Petra and check-in for a three-night stay.

    Evening: dinner including water and tea or coffee in your Petra hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  5. Petra the Rose City (B, L, D)

    Morning: the city of Petra, capital of the Nabataean Arabs also known as the rose-red city, a name it gets from the wonderful colour of the rock from which many of the city’s structures were carved. At the time of Jesus Petra was a city of enormous wealth controlling much of the trade that passed through the region. Enter through the narrow Siq and the stand before the Treasury with the sun highlighting how it is hewn out of the red sandstone. Enjoy a full guided tour of many of the breath-taking monuments and buildings as well as the Royal Tombs.

    Afternoon: lunch within Petra followed by free time to explore Petra at your leisure.

    Evening: dinner including water and tea or coffee in your Petra hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  6. Return to Petra - free afternoon (B, L, D)

    Morning: a further chance to visit the “Rose City” and it's honeycomb of hand-hewn caves, temples, and tombs carved from blushing pink sandstone. Hidden by time and shifting sand, Petra tells of a lost civilization. Little is known about the Nabateans—a nomadic desert people whose kingdom rose up from these cliffs and peaks, and whose incredible wealth grew from the lucrative incense trade. Your guide will try to shed more light on this.

    ‎Afternoon: wander Petra at your leisure or visit take a short inexpensive taxi to the nearby small town of Wadi Musa to explore under your own steam or enjoy the hotels facilities. Reflection and optional worship will be offered by your Tour Leader.

    Evening: dinner including water and tea or coffee in your Petra hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  7. Little Petra - Wadi Rum (B, L, D)

    Morning: a fifteen-minute drive away is Al Beidha, better known as Little Petra. It is believed that this was an important suburb of Petra and the entry and exit point for trade routes to the north and west and caravan routes from the Negev, Gaza, Jerusalem, Egypt and the Mediterranean. Here too buildings are carved in Sandstone and used as residences and tombs with water channels and cisterns. In one building the remains of frescoes can still be seen dating from the 1st century A.D.

    Afternoon: lunch in a local restaurant before driving to Wadi Rum: known as the Valley of the Moon, inhabited by many cultures since pre-historic times. Explore this amazing desert landscape in jeeps. Made famous in the film Lawrence of Arabia, which followed the story of TE Lawrence during the Second World War, you will see the rock formations known as The Seven Pillars of Wisdom. In recent years, Wadi Rum has become a popular filming location for movies looking for lunar, moon-like, landscapes. Notable recent movies filmed here include ‘The Martian’, and scenes from ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’. Today only a handful of Bedouin tribes live in the area. After, check-in to your luxury desert camp for an overnight stay.

    Evening: dinner including water and tea or coffee in your desert camp under the stars.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  8. Madaba - Mount Nebo - Bethany baptismal site (B, L, D)

    Morning: drive to Madaba to visit the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church famous for its spectacular sixth century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Here we have short optional worship. After, continue to Mount Nebo; the mountain-top memorial of Moses with captivating views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and River Jordan. According to the Bible , this place is mentioned as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land that he would never enter. We take the chance for optional worship on the mountain.

    Afternoon: lunch and continue to Bethany to visit the Jordan River and Baptismal site of Christ for a moving and memorable visit with worship. The Bible confirms that John preached and baptised in a place called Bethany Beyond the Jordan, which Byzantine and Medieval texts, as well as modern archaeology identify as the site called Tall Al-Kharrar and Elijah’s Hill. Stunning archaeological discoveries have revealed pottery, coins and architectural remains from a fifth century Byzantine Monastery. Later continue to your hotel by the Dead Sea and check-in for a two-night stay.

    Evening: dinner including water and tea or coffee in your Dead Sea hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  9. Floating in the Dead Sea

    Free day or optional excursion (B, L, D)

    Morning: take the day to relax and bathe in the briny waters of the Dead Sea right in front of the hotel with its own private beach. Or join our optional excursion to Amman to visit famous and lesser known churches of the Jordanian capital. Visit Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox places of worship and learn how Christians live in this part of the world and the Jordanian royal family's involvement in Christian projects and faith preservation.

    Afternoon: lunch will be a Street Food experience sampling an array of local delicacies and simple dishes sold open air. After, visit a local Caritas Christian charity and its work in alleviating poverty, assisting refugees and a range of humanitarian causes. Return to the hotel mid-afternoon and still time to take a bathe in the Dead Sea.

    Evening: farewell drinks followed by dinner in your Dead Sea hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  10. Depart for the UK (B)

    After breakfast transfer to Queen Alia International Airport (90 minute drive) for the return flight to the UK, bid farewell to your Local Guide and fellow travelling companions.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

Essential Information

Included excursions

  • From Amman: Desert Castles tour
  • From Amman: City Tour
  • From Amman: Greco-Roman City of Jerash
  • From Amman: Umm Qais
  • The Kings Highway to Machaerus site of the beheading of John the Baptist
  • The Kings Highway to Shobak Castle a crusader stronghold
  • Petra the Rose City guided walking Tour
  • Little Petra guided walking tour
  • Wadi Rum and the Seven Pillars of Wisdom Jeep safari
  • Desert camp dinner under the stars
  • Jordan River: Bethany and Jesus Christ Baptismal site with worship
  • Mount Nebo with optional worship
  • Visit of Madaba and St. George Greek Orthodox Church with optional worship
  • Swim in the Dead Sea

Optional excursions

Day 9 - Churches of Amman, street food lunch and Caritas visit - approx $70 - payable locally

Included extras

  • Entry visa for Jordan
  • Hotel  baggage porterage
  • Local guide and drivers’ gratuities
  • All restaurant, hotel and many small local gratuities
  • Personal audio guiding system

Included meals & drinks

Meals: all meals are included. Throughout your pilgrimage you will enjoy lunches in local restaurants and dinners for the most part will be in your hotels. In your luxury desert camp you will enjoy dinner under the stars.

Drinks: welcome and farewell drinks. Juices and tea or coffee are available with all breakfasts. Water and tea or coffee is included with all lunches and evening meals. All other drinks will be at your own expense. Please note that some local restaurants, due to local beliefs, may not serve alcohol.

Our team in Jordan

This holiday includes a qualified local guide to bring the holy sites and ancient wonders to life. They will be staying with you and escorting you throughout. Each departure also includes a member of clergy who will offer optional opportunities for worship and reflection for all during and after these moving visits.

Your journey

The flight is direct to Amman with Royal Jordanian Airlines from London Heathrow. Regional connecting flights to Heathrow from some UK airports and flight seat upgrades, for that extra comfort and ease through the airport, can be arranged at a supplement. An overnight stop at Heathrow may be required which we can assist you with. Please enquire at time of booking.

Outbound

Flight departs Heathrow: 17:05                               Arrives Amman: 00:10

Inbound

Flight departs Amman: 12:00                                 Arrives Heathrow: 15:25

Length of flight to Amman: approximately five hours

Flight times are subject to change and confirmed with your final paperwork

Jordan visa - included and made easy!

Jordan operates a visa on arrival system which is included in the cost of your pilgrimage. Our representative in Amman has this ready for you to avoid queues and expedite your arrivals process through the airport. Please ensure we have your passport details 11 weeks prior to departure. Please ensure your passport is valid for six months beyond your return date.

People who are not British Citizens holding a British passport are advised to check as to whether entry requirements differ.

Touring information

Touring is by air-conditioned private coach. Days generally start at 8am to 9am and finish around 5pm with dinner served around 7 or 7.30.

Your accommodation

Nine nights in four- and five-star hotels based on occupancy of a double or twin room. Double rooms for sole occupancy are available for a supplement.

AMMAN – GRAND PALACE HOTEL (4*) – Three nights

Centrally located in Amman's most progressive district, Shumesani, this hotel has an idyllic setting for business or leisure, next to the Royal Cultural Centre and the Amman Stock Market. Classic in style with large spacious rooms. Enjoy buffet dinners in the Tyche Restaurant, nibble on snacks 24 hours a day in the lobby lounge or Bar, and savour outstanding Polynesian cuisine at the World Famous Trader Vic’s Restaurant and Lounge while listening to live Latin tunes played by the in house Cuban Band.

Hotel facilities: heated indoor pool and outdoor pool with terrace and views over the city, health club with modern fitness equipment, massage rooms, hairdresser, beauty salon and on-site shops. Room Service is available around the clock, international restaurants and a bar are available 24/7. ATM and on-site currency exchange.

Your room: air conditioning/heating, comfortable seating area and desk, flat screen TV with international channels, complimentary WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge and safety deposit box.

Your bathroom: shower or bath, hairdryer make-up and shaving mirror, pool towels and complimentary toiletries.

 

PETRA – MOVENPICK NABATEAN CASTLE HOTEL (5*) - Three nights

Explore the magnificent Red Rose City of Petra from an elevated fortress-style hotel in the rolling hills of the captivating Rift Valley. Mövenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel is only a 10-minute drive from the historic site of Petra. Enjoy your stay in one of the 90 renovated hotel rooms with balconies and terraces that face out across the striking landscape.

Hotel facilities: indoor pool, fitness centre, dining room, terrace bar or Bedouin tent bar with magnificent views across Petra. Complimentary WiFi is throughout the hotel

Your room: balcony, air conditioning/heating, balcony, flat screen TV with international channels, iron and ironing board, complimentary WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge and safety deposit box.

Your bathroom: walk-in shower, hairdryer, slippers and complimentary toiletries.

 

WADI RUM - ALADDIN DESERT CAMP - One night

Escape to Aladdin Camp in Wadi Rum and enjoy a unique blend of traditional Bedouin culture and modern comfort. Surrounded by stunning mountains and conveniently located near popular tourist attractions, guests can relax and experience a peaceful and authentic Bedouin glamping experience. The campsite offers comfortable amenities and various desert activities to explore the magic of Wadi Rum. Book your stay today and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Bedouin people.

Camp facilities: dine in the main tent or under the stars with a wonderful buffet, enjoy a drink on cushions and sofas by the open fire.

Your Deluxe Tent: terrace, air conditioning/heating,  desk and safety deposit box.

Your private bathroom: walk-in shower, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

CLICK TO VIEW DETAILS OF THE ALADDIN DESERT CAMP

 

DEAD SEA – MOVENPICK HOTEL (5*) – Two nights

The Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea is found in a traditional village setting nestled amongst lush gardens that serve to restore your well-being and balance. Set on the northern shores of the Dead Sea, the resort is an oasis of tranquility.

Hotel facilities: a range of restaurants, two bars with lounges, four swimming pools including a heated winter pool including an adults only infinity pool.

Your room: air conditioning/heating, balcony, comfortable seating area and desk, flat screen TV with international channels, iron and ironing board, complimentary WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge and safety deposit box.

Your bathroom: shower over bath tub, hairdryer, shaving mirror, slippers and bathrobes, additional towels for pool use and complimentary toiletries.

Practical information

Health & wellbeing

If you haven't had a booster in the last ten years it is recommended that you be vaccinated for Tetanus and Polio. Food and waterborne diseases are more common, so we recommend vaccinations for typhoid (valid 3 years) and Hepatitis A (validity varies). Vaccination, Covid-19 and health information can change so please contact your local health care provider for the most up to date information. We will send up to date information on entry requirements with your final paperwork approximately 14 days before departure.

Adequate insurance cover will be required for all hospital emergencies and doctors’ visits.

Climate

Jordan has a warm, sunny and dry climate. The weather is nearly always sunny and clear in Jordan, especially in cities such as Jerash, Petra and the Dead Sea. It is one of the least cloudy and least rainy regions on Earth. However, please note that the capital Amman is at almost 3,000 ft above sea-level and evenings can be cooler so a warmer layer such as a cardigan or sweater may be required for the evenings.

Clothing

Jordan is more liberal than its Arabic neighbours and although many women choose not to cover their heads it is an Islamic country. In Amman you should dress inconspicuously and avoid wearing clothes that could be regarded as provocative (e.g. very short skirts, skimpy shorts, strappy tops where shoulders are exposed and low plunging neck lines). Shorts and t-shirts are fine as long as they are not too short and skimpy. Swimwear around hotel pools is perfectly acceptable. For some church and mosque visits legs and arms are required to be covered but a headscarf is not necessary and you will find next to no other restrictions elsewhere throughout your holiday in Jordan.

We recommend you take clothing for spring/summer weather and a couple of warmer items such as a fleece or sweater for the evenings and in Amman where it may be a bit cooler. Sports shoes with fairly thick cushioned soles for uneven pavements are also recommended.

Mobility

There is a certain amount of walking (and stairs) involved on a daily basis on this pilgrimage so please make sure you pack comfy footwear for this so that you are prepared. Your Local Guide will keep you updated on a daily basis with what to expect the following day. If you are finding it difficult to keep up then please make sure you tell them so they can help you to find places to rest and relax and then you can re-join the group at a later stage.

Whilst this is not a trekking or adventure holiday there will be some walking required where you may be on your feet for up to 90 minutes in the souks and at some ancient sites. The paving may not always be smooth and seating not always available.

Travel insurance

Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have specifically chosen Holiday Extras as our *preferred travel insurance provider to ensure that you are protected before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras offer McCabe Travel guests favourable rates for single trip, multi-trip and annual policies.

For more information or to obtain a quote click below for their website

https://www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance

Or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

Please quote AG628 upon calling to receive the best rates

The McCabe Educational Trust

The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity with the aim of helping inspiring people we meet on some of our pilgrimages. As ‘the haves’ encounter the ‘have nots’ the Trust has become a practical tool for one to help the other.

McCabe Pilgrimages invite all travellers to become partners in this work. A £20 voluntary donation to the Trust’s work is added to every pilgrim’s invoice and all money raised in this way is given in full to the projects the Trust supports. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Full financial security

All money paid to McCabe is fully secure. Holidays including flights are covered by our ATOL license from the Civil Aviation Authority, and holidays without flights are protected by our membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. If a pilgrimage is cancelled, for instance through lack of numbers or for political considerations, McCabe will promptly refund all monies paid.

AITO Quality Statement

McCabe Pilgrimages is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. McCabe abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter.

You can read McCabe reviews on the AITO website here

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
Classic Jordan 40th Anniversary 10 Day Jordan Departing From Heathrow Prices from £2999 pp The Revd Alison Newman 20/02/2024 for 10 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry
Jordan with Exmoor Extroverts 10 Day Jordan Departing From Heathrow Prices from £3999 pp Mrs Sue Shapland 15/04/2024 for 10 days

Limited Availability

 Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry
A spiritual journey through Jordan 10 Day Jordan Departing From Heathrow Prices from £3999 pp The Revd Sally Marchant 08/05/2024 for 10 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry
Classic Jordan 10 Day Jordan Departing From Heathrow Prices from £2999 pp Call for Details 05/11/2024 for 10 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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