Gay Vacations: Escorted tour to Jordan for gay and lesbian travelers

“LAWRENCE'S ARABIA: Historical Jordan”
February 28 to March 8, 2011

Optional 3-night Pre-Tour or Post-Tour Extension in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

Wadi Rum	Dead Sea	Petra
• 9-day trip begins and ends in Amman, Jordan • • Deluxe hotels in Amman, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea • • 1 night in traditional Bedouin desert camp in Wadi Rum • • 6 lunches, 5 dinners, all breakfasts included • • Venture Out escort along the way plus local guides • • Optional 3-night pre-tour or post-tour extension in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt •

Overview	Itinerary-At-A-Glance	Detailed Itinerary	Pricing	Accommodations
Flights	Tour Manager	Climate	Activity Level / Trip Demands	Travel Documents

OVERVIEW

Jordan’s sites of antiquity are straight out of an archaeologist’s wildest dream, including fabled Petra, the long-lost city of the Nabateans and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Jerash, a fabulously preserved Roman city. The ancient legacy of Jordan is rivaled by the stunning beauty of its landscape, from the dramatic desert canyon of Wadi Rum, haunt of T.E. Lawrence ("Lawrence of Arabia"), to the legendary Dead Sea. World-class snorkeling and diving are on offer at the Red Sea resort town of Aqaba. In addition to all that Jordanians themselves enjoy a reputation for being most hospitable, and along the way we’ll enjoy wonderful interactions with the Jordanian people.

ITINERARY-AT-A-GLANCE

	Optional Pre-Tour Extension to Sinai Peninsula (3 nights)
Day 1	Arrival - Amman	Arrive Amman airport (AMM); private transfer; hotel check-in; welcome dinner.
Day 2	Amman, Jerash	City tour of Amman. Excursion to ancient Roman settlement of Jerash.
Day 3	Dana, Shobak, Petra	Travel down the King's Highway to Dana Nature Reserve. Onward to one of the 12th-century Crusader castles. Finish with "Petra by Night."
Day 4	Petra	All day at legendary Petra -- an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 5	Petra, Wadi Rum	Free time in Petra. Continue to the stunning desert scenery of Wadi Rum.
Day 6	Wadi Rum, Aqaba	Optional hot-air balloon ride. Jeep safari through Wadi Rum. Continue to Red Sea and the resort town of Aqaba.
Day 7	Aqaba, Dead Sea	Boat ride with options for snorkeling and diving. Last leg of journey to the Dead Sea.
Day 8	Dead Sea	Full day of relaxation at the Dead Sea with spa treatments available.
Day 9	Departure	Transfer to Amman airport.
	Optional Post-Tour Extension to Sinai Peninsula (3 nights)

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival in Amman
Upon arrival in Amman, you’ll be met and transferred to our deluxe accommodation in the city. The transfer time is about an hour. You may want to take the opportunity to rest up or venture out and stretch your legs.

Amman is one of the most ancient cities in the world, with some archaeological finds dating back 8,500 years. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, the city is mentioned in the Old Testament as Rabath Ammon, capital of the Ammonites, and it was here that David met Bathsheba. Amman is also the very modern capital of Jordan.

This evening we’ll meet our fellow travelers and enjoy our group welcome dinner.

Overnight Amman
Dinner

Day 2 – Amman / Jerash
This morning we explore the Citadel which includes the 2nd-century Temple of Hercules and the 8th-century Umayid Palace. A short tour of the area on foot will begin to weave together the long and complex history of Jordan. Amman is a modern city built over the Roman ruins of Philadelphia. Next is a visit to the nearby National Archaeological Museum which contains an eclectic collection of items ranging from 6000-year-old skulls from Jericho to fragments of the Dead Sea scrolls found in 1952. Also of note is some of the world's earliest sculpture of humans: three statues dating back to 6500 BC. We'll enjoy a fresh and delicious lunch at our favorite Amman eatery. From the café there are wonderful views of Amman’s many hills dotted with white limestone buildings and even a direct view of the Citadel.

After lunch we head north to Jerash (about 45 minutes' drive) which is considered to be one of the best-preserved provincial cities of the ancient Roman Empire. As you walk through Hadrian’s gate, the entrance to the city, the intricate beauty will amaze you. Jerash is an archaeological masterpiece framed by the hills of Gilead. It was founded by the soldiers of Alexander the Great during the 4th century BC and later joined the Roman Decapolis. Monuments of this prosperous Roman city include a triumphal arch, a stadium, a huge fountain, and temples.

We return to Amman, and this evening dinner will be on your own. Our Tour Manager can help you choose a place, of which there are many good ones!

Overnight Amman
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 – Shobak / Dana / Petra
Leaving the city behind this morning we drive south along the famous King’s Highway to Petra via the Dana Nature Reserve and Shobak Castle. The King’s Highway is the world’s oldest continuously used trade and communication route and is mentioned early in the Bible. In Numbers 20 Moses requests the king of Edom to allow his people to "travel along the king’s highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory."

The Dana Nature Reserve is the largest reserve in Jordan. It claims thousands of species of flora and fauna. The nearby village is inhabited by traditional Jordanian families and Bedouins. The warmth of the people alone warrants a stop here. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) insists upon employing people that are local to the many reserves throughout the kingdom. In turn, there is a sense of pride, ownership, and protection instilled in the people involved. We’ll have a tranquil lunch at a local guest house overlooking some of the most lovely terrain of the reserve.

A bit farther down the road Shobak is just one of many examples of a 12th-century Crusader castle in Jordan. We choose this one as it has a romantic, hilltop location and far less tourist traffic. In addition it is well preserved and lends some insight into the Crusader history of Jordan.

From here we will continue south to fabled Petra.

Overnight Petra
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

{This evening there's an option to experience “Petra by Night” (additional cost applies). This is not only a performance, but an atmospheric look back at the pilgrimage made by so many to this holy city during Nabatean times. You walk slowly and in silence through the candlelit Siq until reaching the Treasury (featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). Once there, spectators are seated and served tea while listening to the music and stories of the people who inhabited the rock-cut monuments of Petra for hundreds of years.}

Day 4 - Petra
We rise early and view the sleepy ancient city by the dawn’s light. Getting to the site early has its benefits. We’ll beat the heat as well as enjoy a more solitary experience which few visitors take advantage of. This will also allow you to capture those sought-after photos of the rose-red city in the morning light with less tourist interruption.

Petra is beyond imagination and far beyond the scope of any photos or written accounts. It’s the world's largest archaeological site with over 800 excavated monuments, but don't be intimidated. We’ll spend the day exploring some of the site by foot accompanied by a local guide with special knowledge and insight. Capital of the ancient Nabateans, Petra is one of the great sights of Arabia – and indeed it is now one of the “new” seven wonders of the world. The nomadic Nabateans settled in the area around the 6th century BC and became wealthy first by plunder and then by levying safe passage tolls from passing trade caravans. But by the Arab invasion of the 7th century AD, Petra was a forgotten city and remained so until it was rediscovered in 1812 by the young Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt. Petra is spectacularly set on the edge of the Wadi Araba, where sheer sandstone hills form a deep canyon that protects the city in all directions. The sandstone is a deep rust color banded with gray and yellow and shades in between. The modern town outside of Petra is called Wadi Musa (Valley of Moses). This is the spot where Moses is thought to have struck the rock, bringing water flowing forth as it does today.

Tonight there’s an option to attend a cooking class at Petra Kitchen (an extra cost applies). Here you can rub elbows with locals and fellow travelers alike while participating in the creation of a real Jordanian meal. As enjoyable as the cooking is sitting down to eat what you’ve had a hand in making. It’s a fun and relaxing evening. You also get the recipes to take with you so you can recreate your culinary experience back home.

Overnight Petra
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Petra / Wadi Rum
One day is just not enough in this magical place, and you may find that you want to take in more. This morning is free: explore Petra on your own; ask our local guide to design a second day hike suited to your interests; or perhaps just enjoy some down time at the hotel. Turkish bath, anyone? You can also stroll the shops.

Regrouping after our free morning at Petra we head south again to fantastic Wadi Rum. It is a protected desert area that covers nearly 300 square miles with Jordan's RSCN again having a major hand in this. Wadi Rum’s majestic rock formations make for extraordinary desert scenery and an other-worldly atmosphere! This remarkable desert is also home to the Bedouin in their black goat-hair tents. Once we reach the reserve our own camel caravan awaits us! Our “ships of the desert” will sail us to our private Bedouin camp in the desert, and here we settle in for what promises to be a beautiful and memorable evening in the desert under the stars.

We’ll be treated to a traditional Bedouin Zarb — a local method of underground BBQ — and you won't believe how delicious the results are. After dinner enjoy some time by the fire with the sounds of desert music all around and nothing but the moon and stars above.

Overnight Wadi Rum traditional camp
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 – Wadi Rum / Aqaba
If you’re an early riser of the adventurous variety, you’ll find Wadi Rum is worth getting out of bed for. This morning we’ll have the option to witness the natural rock formations of Wadi Rum from above. There’s an option to take either a balloon ride or an individual micro-light, with a pilot of course. (Extra cost applies for these activities.) Take in Wadi Rum from a bird’s eye view and watch the ever changing palette of colors below in the early-morning light.

Later this morning is the thrill of a 4 x 4 jeep safari through the desert. Wadi Rum was the headquarters of Prince Feisal bin Hussein and T. E. Lawrence during World War I as they fought the Arab Revolt against the Turkish Ottoman empire. Parts of the film Lawrence of Arabia were staged here, and Lawrence’s famous book, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, was named after Wadi Rum’s natural landmark of seven jagged rock columns. Many of the people that we interact with are the direct descendents of the famous tribe that fought for that liberation. During the safari we can view some of the ancient petroglyphs at Jebel al-Khazali. And there is of course “the rock bridge,” a natural arch at Jebel Burdah, one of the most beautiful formations in all of Rum and certainly its most iconic attraction.

We’ll return to our camp and enjoy a light lunch before heading south to Aqaba. Aqaba is not only a flourishing Middle Eastern port but a bustling Red Sea beach resort and diving center as well. We find our way to a lovely resort and spend the night out in the city enjoying the sea breeze and an amazing seafood dinner at one of Aqaba’s top restaurants.

Overnight Aqaba
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Aqaba / Dead Sea
A private glass-bottom boat ride is in store for us this morning. Anyone interested will have the option to jump in fins first and explore the impressive underwater world here. We stay on our boat through lunch in order to have plenty of opportunities to see the colorful and varied marine life on offer in the Red Sea. (Certified scuba divers as well as those interested in taking an introductory scuba lesson will also have these options, but you’ll need to let us know ahead of time. These will be separate activities from the glass-bottom boat.)

On the last leg of our journey this afternoon we’ll transfer to one of the earth’s most peculiar natural wonders – 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 high annual temperatures, low humidity, and high atmospheric pressure, the air is extremely oxygenated. With the highest content of minerals and salts in the world, the Dead Sea waters are thought to possess healing properties, and the dark mud found on the shores has been used for therapeutic purposes for over 2,000 years.

Overnight Dead Sea
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 – Dead Sea
The Dead Sea has no marine life or waves lapping the shore. Instead it offers the surreal experience of floating like you've never experienced before (no matter how much you've indulged in the local cuisine). The Dead Sea, at over 30% salinity, is the world's most buoyant body of water. You will also have the experience of being at the lowest point on earth — at 1,384 feet below sea level! Its waters are said to have many healing properties and its mineral content is unmatched by any other source. Float, cover yourself in therapeutic mud, sunbathe, and enjoy this natural phenomenon. Please note: you can't actually swim in the Dead Sea because of the water's hyper buoyancy. You can only float on the surface.

At our deluxe resort take this free day at the Dead Sea to wake when you want to. Reflect on the amazing journey you’ve just had. Bask in the Jordan Valley sun. Spa treatments are very big here. Indulge in a massage if you wish – a very relaxing finale to the wonders of Jordan!

Overnight Dead Sea
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Departure
Today you’ll be transferred from the Dead Sea back to the Amman airport according to your individual flight time. The ride is about one hour.

Breakfast

TOUR PRICING

MAIN TOUR
$2,995 (14-16 participants)
$3,195 (11-13 participants)
$3,295 (7-10 participants)
Single supplement: $695

Please note: There is limited availability of single supplements.

TOUR COST INCLUDES:
• 7 nights' deluxe hotel accommodations
• 1 night's accommodation at a traditional Bedouin desert camp
• all breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
• water with group meals
• tour manager throughout trip
• local tour guides at each stage of the program
• airport transfers on first and last days of tour
• sightseeing as noted in program with entrance fees to the sites mentioned
• land transportation in a comfortable minibus

TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• international airfare
• visa fee for Jordan (approx. $14), obtainable upon arrival for U.S. citizens
• any meals not specified after each itinerary day
• beverages (other than water) at group meals
• gratuities to local tour guides and tour manager
• any extra hotel nights that may be needed or desired
• expenses of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, spa treatments, etc.).
• pre-trip expenses such as medical immunizations, travel insurance, passports

If you would like any extra hotel nights in Amman (pre-tour or post-tour), we can arrange those for you at the group hotel.

To offer the lowest possible cost, most of our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. Costs are based on double occupancy; if you are traveling alone and wish to have a single room, the single supplement fee will apply. If you are willing to share accommodations we will match you with a roommate if one is available. However, if we cannot match you with a roommate, the single supplement will apply.

Because the prices published for our program are set so far in advance of the trip dates, we are occasionally faced with exceptional cost increases and/or currency fluctuations that affect the actual cost of running the trip. In most years, no price changes are necessary. However, we do reserve the right to raise or lower the trip price if there is a significant change in costs or exchange rates. If this is the case, your final invoice, sent out 75 days prior to departure, will reflect the difference in trip price. Please note that Venture Out staff and guests of Venture Out such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.

TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE
We highly recommend that all clients purchase trip cancellation insurance. A travel insurance application will be provided with your confirmation letter.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Following is a description of the hotels we intend to use on this tour. We reserve the right to make changes to these accommodations if necessary.

Amman
Opened in 2005, this 5-star hotel, with its unique and avant-garde design, offers a spectacular view of the city combining the charming sights and sounds of the past with sleek and futuristic architecture. It occupies a prime location in the café and restaurant quarter of the Shmeisani district standing as a distinctive attraction in the heart of Amman. Facilities include three restaurants, high-speed wi-fi Internet, and health club, which has a 24-hour gym and a heated outdoor swimming pool. The spa includes a sauna and Turkish bath, and Swedish massage and reflexology treatments are also offered. Stylish rooms are equipped with minibar, desk and chair, climate control, pillow menu, wireless Internet connection, and in-room safe.

Petra
Our chosen locale for accommodation near Petra is a 19th-century village transformed into a very comfortable hotel complex. The refurbished village houses are in keeping with the original look while providing modern amenities for today. Guest rooms are actually in these refurbished houses and retain a 19th-century style of decor and come with spacious sitting areas, satellite television, mini-bars, and in-room safe-deposit boxes. The main bar serves up drinks with a marvelous view over the rose-colored mountains of the area. There's a heated indoor swimming pool with outside terrace. The grounds are a feast for the eyes with original olive presses, a Roma-era aqueduct, vineyard, and olive, fig, and citrus trees. Original stone village homes and buildings stand harmoniously side-by-side with recently built structures.

Wadi Rum
This is our one night away from deluxe properties, here in the desert in Wadi Rum at a traditional Bedouin camp. This is a wonderful and special experience, but be aware that the set-up is basic. We sleep in a traditional communal goat hair tent. Mattresses are on the floor; no bed frames. There are toilet facilities but no showers. Your shower will await you the next day at our resort in Aqaba. We feel that this experience is worth getting off the beaten track for, and the one night of "roughing it" just a little bit is compensated by a beautiful, quiet, peaceful, warm, and authentic experience.

Aqaba
This is Aqaba's finest and most stylish digs, deserving of its five stars, with lovely interiors decorated with mosaics and Moroccan lamps. The huge pool and beach complex has three pools, a gym, lovely gardens, and the Red Sea Grill. Other restaurants include the Palm Court buffet, and Italian and Lebanese restaurants. This is the place to spoil yourself with Swiss ice-cream specials, buffet blowouts, and a fine health club. A lavish complex, dubbed by the locals as "the fairy palace" (!) for its twinkling lights, the resort complex features a mix of European and Arabesque designs, with a feeling of grandeur and luxury. Inside, it's airy, spacious and beautifully designed. Rooms are very well appointed, with everything you'd expect. The property boasts a few swimming pools, seaside location, fitness and spa facilities.

Dead Sea
Our selected resort offers three luxurious enclaves set amidst gardens dotted with lagoons, waterfalls, and private pools, where ancient olive trees mingle with bamboo palms, providing guests with absolute privacy in a serene and exclusive setting. Designed in affectionate tribute to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the property is built with local stone within a stylish Arabesque monument building that weaves clean and simple lines into an Arabian theme and delicately styled with contemporary fittings. All rooms boast enchanting sea view balconies, complimentary mini bar and Internet, and luxury Dead Sea inspired bathroom amenities. Home to some of the freshest and delectable eateries in the world, complemented by exquisite bars. Enjoy waves of mouth-watering buffets, or indulge in carefully selected a la carte menus.

FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS
Our guests are responsible for making their own arrangements for international air transportation. Please do not purchase your airline tickets until you are confirmed on the trip and have checked with us to make sure that your intended flights coordinate with the timing of the program’s first and last days. Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule. Note: The first and last name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport, first and last, otherwise you may be denied boarding. Please remember this when reserving your flights. In addition, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your return to the U.S. (in most cases), and it must have at least three blank pages for visa stamps.

Amman is the meeting and ending point for our Jordan program. If you choose to do the Sinai add-on before the Jordan tour, you will arrange your international flights to take you into Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. You fly from Sharm el Sheikh to Amman (a 1-hour flight) to begin the Jordan program. You would then fly home from Amman after the Jordan tour. If you decide to do the Sinai add-on after the Jordan tour, you will arrange your international flights to take you into Amman. You will fly from Amman to Sharm el Sheikh to begin the Sinai extension. You would then fly home from Sharm el Sheikh after the Sinai extension.

Airport codes: Amman = AMM; Sharm el Sheikh= SSH

TOUR MANAGER
We are very pleased to have Jaymie DiSaia, one of our favorite tour leaders, for this wonderful trip. Jaymie is originally from Providence, RI, but now considers herself a member of the Middle Eastern community. She has led dozens of trips in the region. While living and working in Jordan and Egypt for the past three years she has immersed herself fully into the local customs, culture, and history. Her favorite times are spent sipping Bedouin tea with friends in Petra or wandering the back streets of Cairo. She has developed a strong sense of belonging and a passion for the region and is excited to share it all with you!

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CLIMATE
We have scheduled our Jordan tour to "beat the heat" and enjoy comfortable temperatures as it tends to get very hot here soon afterwards. During the time period of our trip, recent years’ historical daily high temperatures are:

Amman: average high of 64 F
Petra and Wadi Rum: average high of 65 F
Aqaba: average high of 79 F
Dead Sea: average high of 77 F

There is a chance of some rain on this trip, with the higher likelihood during the first few days (the more northern part of the itinerary).

ACTIVITY LEVEL / TRIP DEMANDS
This trip can be enjoyed by travelers in good health who have no mobility restrictions. The program requires a fair amount of walking in our normal course of sightseeing, and while it is not rigorous in nature it does require being on your feet and walking for a good part of the day in warm temperatures and in areas that may have little shade. It is important to note that some site visits, particularly in Petra, will require walking on uneven terrain such as rock or cobblestone as well as walking up and down often narrow stairways or somewhat steep hillsides. It is possible that the group might be split for some of the time while touring Petra in order to allow participants to cover more or less ground as they wish.

The hotels in this program are deluxe. We also spend one night in the desert in Wadi Rum at a traditional Bedouin camp. This is a wonderful and special experience, but be aware that the set-up is basic. We sleep in a traditional communal goat hair tent. Mattresses are on the floor; no bed frames. There are toilet facilities but no showers. Your shower will await you the next day at our resort in Aqaba.

Our camel ride to reach the desert camp in Wadi Rum will be about 45 minutes to an hour.

There are also some longish drives scattered throughout the itinerary:
Day 3: about 3.5-4.0 hours of driving time all together for the various stages combined
Day 5: about 2.5 hours from Petra to Wadi Rum
Day 7: about 3.5 hours from Aqaba to the Dead Sea

Starting times each morning will depend on the day's itinerary. The earliest wake-up would be at 6:00am; the latest about 9:00am.

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TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
A valid passport is required for your trip. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your departure from Amman. US citizens need a visa for Jordan. U.S. citizens can obtain a Jordanian visa upon arrival ($14 or 10 Jordanian dinars) at the Amman airport. If you are a citizen of any other country, check with a local consulate or tourist office for entry requirements.

MEDICAL INFORMATION / IMMUNIZATIONS
No immunizations are required for entry into Jordan, but you should consult with your physician or a travel clinic regarding recommended immunizations, such as hepatitis vaccines and tetanus and typhoid boosters. You can also check with the Centers for Disease Control for updates. Venture Out is not in a position to provide medical advice as to whether a certain individual should have a particular vaccination. Please consult with your personal physician, a travel clinic, the Centers for Disease Control, and/or MD Travel Health.

AND FINALLY . . .
We ask that you make a special effort to bring flexibility, a spirit of adventure, and a tolerance for organized, group travel so that everyone is able enjoy his or her adventure to the utmost.

While as accurate as possible at the time of printing, this itinerary should be considered an approximate indication of the schedule and scope of activities, trip routing, and meals, rather than an inflexible schedule of events; it is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. This trip is subject to the Limitation of Liability and all the Terms and Conditions as detailed in the Trip Application Form.

To realize the maximum enjoyment from your Venture Out trip, you must remember that it is an adventure. The essential requirements are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity and enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected. With a spirit of adventure and positive attitude, we’re sure you will have a very special travel experience. If you are uncertain about the level of comfort, difficulty, or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Venture Out at 1-888-431-6789 to discuss your concerns.

Please be advised that California has established a Travel Consumer Restitution Fund under the California Seller of Travel Law that took effect January 1, 1996. This fund is designed to protect consumers from unscrupulous practices by discount airfare ticket sellers or air charter operators. Unfortunately, this law does not cover non-California residents and, even in the case of California residents, it does not cover any foreign travel where the foreign "providers of transportation or travel services" are not in compliance with the Sellers of Travel Law (compliance being defined as registered as a Seller of Travel in California and a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund). Thus none of Venture Out’s tours qualify and we are required by law to advise each client that they are not covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. California law requires sellers of travel to maintain a trust account or bond. This business has a trust account.

California Seller of Travel #2036134-40

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