Amman To Riyadh (23 Days) Oasis Caravan
23 Days Starting in Amman, Jordan and ending in Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Visiting: Amman, Madaba, Dead Sea, Kerak, Wadi Musa, Wadi Rum Village, Aqaba, Jebel al Lawz, Tabuk, AlUla, Hegra, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, Jeddah, Taif, Abha, Aseer National Park, Farasan Islands, Riyadh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
455
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Physical rating:
All Ages / Not applicable
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in incredible history as we travel through Jordan, visiting Byzantine mosaics, Israelite and Roman archaeological sites, culminating in the Nabataean masterpiece that is Petra. A site that thoroughly deserves its UNESCO status, we spend an entire day revelling in its glory. After a 4x4 jeep safari exploring the colourful sands and exotic desert of Wadi Rum, we cross over into Saudi Arabia and spend our first night at the base of Jebel Al Lawz, "Mountains of Almonds". A visit to Neom to check on the development of "holographic teachers" contrasts with our next stop, Tabuk, an ancient stop for hajj pilgrims travelling to Mecca. The history continues with a visit to Madain Saleh, Arabia's answer to Petra, before we discover some of Saudi's gems: laidback Jeddah, bohemian Abha and beautiful Aseer National Park. The trip ends with the bustling streets and sparkling lights of one of the richest cities in the world.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Amman
Location: Amman, Madaba
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mariam Hotel - Madaba (Amman)
Welcome to Jordan. Your first day is a free day for you to arrive, check in to your hotel and introduce yourself to the local area. You can meet your Tour Leader and your group this evening.
On Day 2, you will have your Pre-Departure Meeting in the morning, after which you can head out on a walking tour of Madaba and visit St. Georges Church, with a Byzantine mosaic floor map of the holy land - the oldest in existence. Madaba has been inhabited for 4500 years and there are many other archaeological sites from the Israelites and Romans as well as 6th and 7th century churches. This afternoon there is an optional city tour of Amman or you can visit Mount Nebo.
Day 3 - 4 : Dead Sea To Kerak
Location: Dead Sea, Kerak
We head to the Dead Sea this morning, where you have the chance to cover yourself in Dead Sea mud or float in the salty water. Next stop is Kerak, where we'll visit the ancient Kerak Crusader Castle, one of the main highlights of Jordan. Here Crusader knights from Europe battled with the Islamic armies of Saladin. Leaving Kerak we travel for our overnight in Wadi Musa, the town that nestles above Petra.
Day 5 : Petra
Location: Wadi Musa
What can we say about this Nabataean masterpiece that has not already been stated in thousands of guidebooks? Suffice to say it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD. We will spend 2 nights in Wadi Musa giving you a full day at Petra, and enough time if you wish to visit Little Petra.
Day 6 - 7 : Wadi Musa To Jebel Al Lawz
Location: Wadi Musa, Wadi Rum Village, Aqaba, Jebel al Lawz
Accommodation: Camp
After leaving Petra, we leave the truck and head off on a 4 x 4 jeep safari to Wadi Rum. It was here in his desert hideaway that Lawrence of Arabia organised the Arab Revolt against the Ottomans and learnt to ride camels with the best of them. Since Lawrence wrote the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, this incredible desert landscape has become renowned for its stark geographical beauty. Here nature outdoes even the magnificent man-made structure of Petra. We'll spend the night under the stars in the desert, before heading to Aqaba for the morning market. After a look around the bustling seaside town, we'll head out to cross the border into Saudi Arabia. Tonight, we'll camp at Jebel Al Lawz, or "Mountain of Almonds" in Arabic. It's one of the only places in the country to receive snow and is famous for some interesting rock paintings. For the energetic amongst us there will be time to climb to the top of this particular Jebel.
Day 8 - 9 : Jebel Al Lawz To Tabuk
Location: Jebel al Lawz, Tabuk
We visit Neom this morning, Saudi Arabia's futuristic mega-city, to see if they have managed to produce artificial clouds for rain, or holographic teachers - and whether the estimated $500 billion project really will be worth it! Our next stop is Tabuk, an ancient stop for hajj pilgrims travelling to Mecca. The Ottomans controlled Tabuk and the pilgrimage routes that led here for centuries - remains such as the old Hejaz railway and Tabuk Castle serve as reminders. We'll have a free day to explore the area - be sure to visit the souqs for handicrafts or some good food.
Day 10 - 11 : Tabuk To Al Ula
Location: Tabuk, AlUla, Hegra
Travelling onwards, we visit the oasis of Tayma, the oldest known settlement in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and possibly the entire Arabian Peninsula. The Oasis owes its existence to the natural wells that still exist today - the Haddaj Well apparently dates back as early as the 6th century! From Al Ula, we'll explore the other Nabataean masterpiece, the incredible Madain Selah, often dubbed the "second Petra", but many believe to be better than Petra. There are some great photo opportunities with the red rock mountains contrasted against the black basalt.
Day 12 - 14 : Medina To Jeddah
Location: Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, Jeddah
This morning we head to Medina, the "City of the Prophet". Medina is where the founder of Islam, Muhammed, was given refuge after being forced from Mecca. While the central area of the city is off limits to non-Muslims, we are still able to visit many major sites and our guide will help explain different sections in more detail. From Medina we travel to Jeddah, the most cosmopolitan, liberal city in the Kingdom. The city's architecture takes inspiration from the Red Sea's spectacular underwater coral, and you can spend your time here exploring a more laid-back Saudi, the souqs or perhaps you might fancy some scuba diving - use your free time as you choose!​
Day 15 - 18 : Jeddah To Abha
Location: Jeddah, Taif, Abha, Aseer National Park, Farasan Islands
Our next stop is Taif, where we head up into the hills and into the cooler climate. Keep a look out for the wild baboons that populate the roadsides; visit the largest souq in Saudi Arabia and sample the fresh fruits the region is famous for. We climb higher still as we travel to Abha, our base for a few nights. Described as being the country's most bohemian town, it's a world away from the Saudi we've experienced so far. You can visit Al Muftaha village, a cultural gem famous for its calligraphy graffiti, and head out to explore the hanging villages of Aseer National Park. You might like to use your other free day to head South to the stunning Farasan Islands, visiting pearl merchants on land or the incredible marine life under the sea.
Day 19 - 22 : Abha To Riyadh
Location: Riyadh
It's a long drive inland to Saudi Arabia's capital, so we'll break up the journey with a camp in the desert - a chance to break out those sleeping bags again!
From a mud-brick walled oasis town along desert trading routes, Riyadh - which means "garden" in Arabic - is now one of the richest cities in the world. You can explore the world-class museums, travel up the sky bridge or enjoy the many great cafes and restaurants.
From here, we take a 4 x 4 desert safari trip into the Empty Quarter, where you can gaze at the awe-inspiring dunes and strain your eyes for the elusive Arabian leopard. A harsh yet romantic landscape, it's like nowhere else on earth.
We'll have a final night in Riyadh before we continue our journey.
Day 23 : Riyadh
Location: Riyadh
Your trip ends after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation - approx. 90% simple hostels/hotels & 10% camping
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Airport Transfer on arrival
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Guided walking tour of Madaba
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Kerak Crusader Castle Entrance
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Entry and guided tour of Petra
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Wadi Rum jeep safari
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Tabuk
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Neom
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Tayma - the oldest known settlement in Saudi Arabia
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Madain Saleh Entrance
What's Not Included
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Visas
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Optional Excursions
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Flights
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Airport Taxes & Transfers
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Travel Insurance
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Meals - approx. 60%
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Drinks
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Tips
More Info
Immerse yourself in incredible history as we travel through Jordan, visiting Byzantine mosaics, Israelite and Roman archaeological sites, culminating in the Nabataean masterpiece that is Petra. A site that thoroughly deserves its UNESCO status, we spend an entire day revelling in its glory. After a 4x4 jeep safari exploring the colourful sands and exotic desert of Wadi Rum, we cross over into Saudi Arabia and spend our first night at the base of Jebel Al Lawz, "Mountains of Almonds". A visit to Neom to check on the development of "holographic teachers" contrasts with our next stop, Tabuk, an ancient stop for hajj pilgrims travelling to Mecca. The history continues with a visit to Madain Saleh, Arabia's answer to Petra, before we discover some of Saudi's gems: laidback Jeddah, bohemian Abha and beautiful Aseer National Park. The trip ends with the bustling streets and sparkling lights of one of the richest cities in the world.
Mode of Transport
The Oasis truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable, secure base with which to experience your trip. As part of the adventure you will be expected to have an active involvement in the day to day running of the trip, be part of the group and get stuck in and help with various tasks, whether it's cooking meals over open fires, pitching your tent or keeping the truck clean & tidy.
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seat belts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving.
Accommodation
Camping - Oasis provides tents for those nights you will be camping. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping, and on some occasions it is necessary to camp at overnight services, which are basic but equipped with showers and other facilities; the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed.
Simple Hotels/Hostels - At some locations we will stay at small locally owned hostels/hotels. These are usually basic places, and often the accommodation will be mixed sex dormitory style. Upgrades may be available on arrival, but cannot be reliably pre- booked. Please be aware that the quality of accommodation can vary quite a lot from area to area and sometimes in a small hotel the standard of rooms can vary even from one room to the next - so there needs to be a level of understanding within the group that your Oasis Crew does not often have power over room allocation or services provided by various hotels and it is unavoidable that they have to rely on the local staff. Please note if you choose to participate on an overnight optional activity, then you will not receive reimbursement for any accommodation or meals that you are missing out on with the rest of the group.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
Maximum 10 people.
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Do I need pre-trip accommodation?
We provide a free service for booking pre-trip accommodation and airport transfers. Just log in to My Oasis Account and select the accommodation / transfer required, or contact us direct. We will require your flight number, arrival time, and arrival date so please ensure this information is forwarded to us as soon as you have booked your flight. Please book this service as soon as you have booked your flight and no later than 6 weeks prior to departure, after which a late booking fee will apply. If you have booked through a travel agent you will not have an account allocated, so please contact your agent to request pre-trip accommodation and airport transfers. Cancellation of the room within 30 days of the trip departure will result in the payment to Mariam Hotel. Double and twin rooms will be provided subject due to availability, where requested. However when not available we may need to book other rooming arrangements, and will fit these as closely as possible to your request. Those travelling solo will be put in shared rooms to reduce the costs to them, which may be dorm rooms or twin/triple shares with other Oasis Overland travellers. Single rooms may be available in some cities for solo travellers, and we will arrange this for you on request, subject to availability. If you are arriving early in the morning and you would like to check in immediately, you will have to reserve your room for the previous night to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in time which is 2pm.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport Transfers are included in the cost of your adventure (provided you request these via the UK office or your account six weeks before your departure). The return airport transfer can be arranged through your hotel / hostel and is not included, it is at your own expense. We regret these services cannot be arranged via the Oasis office before departure.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Where does the trip start?
The trip starts from the ​Mariam hotel at approximately 6pm on the evening of Day 1 of your trip. The Mariam Hotel is a friendly family-run hotel and within a 25 minute drive from the Queen Alia International Airport. To relax, you can enjoy a swim in the wonderful large outdoor swimming pool or soak up the sun on the pool deck. All the rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and there is free Wi-Fi. Trip Joining Point: Mariam Hotel - Madaba (Amman) Start Time Day 1: 18:00 Address: Aisha Um Al Mumeneen Street, Madaba, 17110 Telephone: +962 5 325 1529 Website: www.mariamhotel.com Email: reservations@mariamhotel.com
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What to expect at meal times?
When 'on the road' or camping, we usually cook using gas or over open fires in a rota system and you can expect to cook in a group of two or three people approximately once every ten days depending on the number of people on trip and whereabouts you are. Your cook group will have to decide on what to cook, utilise stocks from the truck stores and locally obtain ingredients from markets, shops etc. and rustle up a meal. But don't worry if you're not a Gordon Ramsay, as the rest of the group and the Tour Leader usually lend a helping hand. Here is an idea of what to expect at meal times: Breakfasts: Usually simple - we help ourselves to cereal, toast, hot drinks and on occasion we will splurge with a cooked breakfast. Lunch: Cold and usually quick. The cook group will put out bread, tinned supplies and maybe make a salad. Dinner: Cooks come into their own in the evening, and will always attempt to cook up some delights. When staying in hotels in towns or cities we do not include meals. This is your chance to go out and explore and try local cuisine in local restaurants.
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Are flights included in this tour?
You can arrive at your departure city either on Day one of your trip, or a day or two beforehand. Return flights must be booked for at least the day AFTER the trip is due to end. You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities. One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry. Departure Taxes: Please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it does not - please budget for approx. US$30 to $70 USD - to be paid in US$ only.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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