Your Itinerary
ARRIVE IN AMMAN, JORDAN
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.
AMMAN–WADI RUM–PETRA
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.
PETRA
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.
DEAD SEA–DOHA, QATER (EMBARKATION
Welcome to Doha!
Today, bid good-bye to Jordan as you board your flight to Doha, capital of Qatar. On arrival a Local Host will meet you and accompany you to the port for embarkation. (B)
CRUISING: AT SEA
Beyond the Shore!
A day at sea gives you ample time to explore the ship’s numerous amenities, activities, and cuisine. Relax and enjoy the panorama as you sail from one amazing destination to another! (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SHIP SPOTLIGHT The Celestyal Journey takes you closer to incredible destinations with warm hospitality and indulgent amenities. Offering a number of ways to relax and recharge onboard—from swimming to spa treatments to gym and retail shops, the ship also offers eight bars and seven restaurants with a variety of culinary offerings. So, sit back, relax, and let the Celestyal Journey make your voyage an unforgettable experience.
CRUISING: DUBAI, U.A.E.
City of Gold
Experience your first glimpse of the Dubai skyline as you sail into the city port this morning. Enjoy a day exploring the different facets of Dubai; 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,D)ENHANCED FREE TIME CULTURE AND TRADITIONS. Why not go beyond the glitter and the glam of the skyline and head to the desert on an optional shore excursion. Enjoy a 4x4 ride over the dunes to admire the sunset before enjoying a barbecue dinner under the stars in a traditional desert camp.
CRUISING: DUBAI
Record Breakers
A full day at leisure to explore more of Dubai; there is so much to see! How about some retail therapy? Dubai is a shopper’s paradise and home to the world’s biggest shopping mall with over 1200 shops! Or head to the Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, affording incredible views of the city. Or get some great snapshots at the Dubai Frame. Don’t forget to sample delicious, local specialties. (B,L,D)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.
CRUISING: ABU DHABI
Cosmopolitan Capital
Sail into the port of Abu Dhabi, capital city of the U.A.E. and enjoy a full day exploring this cosmopolitan city. 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,L,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.
CRUISING: SIR BANI YAS ISLAND
Naturally Reserved!
Today’s port of call is the largest natural island in the U.A.E. – Sir Bani Yas Island. There is an abundance of things to see and do here; it is a leading eco-tourism destination, home to numerous archeological sites, and most famously a wildlife sanctuary. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIME NATURAL WONDERS In a bid to combat environmental degradation and to protect the U.A.E.’s natural heritage, Sheikh Zayed’s vision of a thriving wildlife reserve was turned into reality. Over 3 million trees were planted, an irrigation project supported by sustainable energy was implemented, an 8 mile no fishing zone was enforced to protect marine wildlife, and endangered animals, along with other species, were relocated there. It is now home to over 17 000 free roaming animals. Optional shore excursions are available to show you more.
CRUISING: BAHRAIN
Island of Smiles
Before lunch, dock at the island archipelago Kingdom of Bahrain, the smallest country in the Middle East. An afternoon of leisure time will introduce you to the warm hospitality of the country that led to it being called “The Island of Smiles”. Discover its fusion of heritage and modernity created as it moved from being an important trade hub and leading pearl supplier to the first Gulf nation to discover oil. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMECULTURE HUB Why not experience Bahraini culture and dive into the hustle and bustle of the Manama Souq, Bahrain’s most historic bazaar. Browse the stalls and stores bearing gold, pearls, spices, handicrafts, perfumes, and traditional halwa sweets. After, get more of a taste for the country and sit down to enjoy some local mezze!
DOHA, QATAR (DISEMBARKATION)
DESERT JEWEL
This morning disembark your ship. Enjoy a full day exploring Doha, the capital of Qatar; a modern city that has risen from a small pearl-diving community. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMECULTURAL JOURNEY There’s so much to see in Doha, why not start at the colorful Souq Waqif where you can browse the labyrinth of alleyways lined with stalls offering spices, perfumes, souvenirs, and traditional Qatari clothing. The luxury artificial island Pearl-Qatar offers some great photo opportunities, whilst the Katara Cultural Village is, Doha’s destination for art, culture, and cuisine.
DOHA
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)