Compare Petra & Dubai by Encounters Travel vs UAE & India in 15 days - Luxury Dubai & Rajasthan - LUXURY by Exoticca

Day 1: Arrive in Amman. Hotel transfers included Once you arrive in Amman, you will be welcomed by our staff before we transfer to your hotel. We'll help you check in and show you where the local shops, cafés and restaurants are before we give you some free time to explore the city before we officially start the tour tomorrow. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel | MEALS: None | EXTRAS: Superior hotel upgrade, Single room supplement (required if no same-sex room share available), Extra day in Amman - pre-tour, As-Salt and Bethany tour Day 2: A city tour of Amman and exploring Jerash We start the day by heading to the nearby ruined city of Jerash. It's hard not to be in awe of this masterpiece of Roman architecture which was once hidden under sand. You'll explore some of the city's ruined highlights, which includes theatres, baths, fountains, winding paved streets and striking hilltop temples. In the afternoon we take a city tour back in Amman, which is known as the 'white city' due to its vast collection of white limestone buildings. Your guide will give you a glimpse into Amman's rich history, pointing out the excavations and renovations made during from the Neolithic period, the Hellenistic period and the late Roman to Arab Islamic Ages. The Citadel is another highlight and you can see the ancient temple of Hercules, the 8th century Umayyad Palace, the Byzantine Church and the 6,000 seat Roman theatre. This intricate 2nd century theatre is still used today for cultural events. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel | MEALS: Breakfast | EXTRAS: Amman evening food tasting tour Day 3: King's Highway to Petra with stops at Madaba & Kerak Castle King's Highway to Petra via Madaba and Kerak Another day of exploration awaits, starting with a drive along the picturesque King's Highway to Petra. Although this route takes a bit longer, its alluring views makes it worth going the extra mile. As we drive, we'll pass numerous wadis, olive groves and rural villages. We'll stop in Madaba to visit to the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Your guide will also show you the famous 6th century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land along with other biblical sites. Next, we'll make our way up Mount Nebo, which offers breath-taking views of the Holy Land. Back on the road, we'll cross more wadis, including the impressive Wadi al-Mujib before we reach Kerak Castle - which is one in a chain of Crusader fortresses lined across Jordan on the ancient Egypt-Syrian caravan route. This mammoth fortress was built in 1132 AD by the Crusader King Baldwin and then fell to Saladin in 1188AD. We won't make any more stops until we reach Petra, where we'll help you check into your hotel for the evening. You have some free time to do as you please, but we do suggest going on the Petra by Candlelight tour through the Siq to the Treasury. | OVERNIGHT: Petra hotel | MEALS: Breakfast | EXTRAS: Petra by Candlelight (arranged locally) Day 4: Full day exploration of Petra, camping underneath the stars in Wadi Rum Today is all about venturing around the prominent Nabatean site of Petra. Until the Romans took over in 106AD, the historic city was the ancient capital of the Nabatean commercial empire. For a while Petra was forgotten and then rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. Perched on the edge of Wadi Aruba and protected by canyon walls and hills, this city is hard to reach. To enter, you must walk through a small cleft in the rock called the Siq. You will notice that there are very few freestanding structures in the city, as the Nabateans decided to fashion their homes and buildings into the colourful sandstone cliffs. After a 2-3 hour guided tour of this remarkable ancient city, you have plenty of time to amble around and do some discovering. During the guided tour, you will be taken through the Siq, rising 200m above and just 2m wide. There are still the remains of the terracotta pipes that brought water into the city along this wall as well as the ancient Nabatean water channel. When you leave the Siq, one of Petra's most impressive landmarks will blow you away - the Khazneh, also known as the Treasury. You'll get a glimpse of the ruined Roman amphitheater and Petra's colonnaded streets. We also suggest walking along the narrow gorge past the multi-colored sandstone cliffs to the Monastery. This is Petra's biggest carved monument at 50 metres high and 45 metres wide. From this point, the views of the Wadi Aruba and the Jordan Valley are breathtaking. This afternoon, we leave Petra and drive into the beautiful desert scenery of Wadi Rum, where friendly Bedouin hosts are ready to greet us at a comfortable camp beneath the towering rocks and cliffs. We spend the evening and night relaxing at the camp, watching the stars and enjoying a delicious traditional Jordanian meal. | OVERNIGHT: Wadi Rum Bedouin camp | MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner | EXTRAS: None Day 5: A Jeep safari in Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Swim Wadi Rum jeep safari, Dead Sea swim We spend more time amidst the desert scenery of Wadi Rum today on a jeep safari that passes by more sharp cliffs and intriguing rock formations. This area and its huge rust coloured rocky 'jebels' was made famous by the film Lawrence of Arabia, that celebrated TE Lawrence's time here during the Arab revolt of 1917-18. From Wadi Rum, we drive up north to the banks of the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth, at over 400 metres below sea level. The sea receives a variety of incoming rivers including the Jordan River. When the rivers reach the sea, they merge together before evaporating and leaving behind a unique blend of salts and minerals, supplying local industries with high quality products. West of the Dead Sea, you can view the hills of Jerusalem. This area is believed to have been the home of 5 biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar (Bela). The tour will come to a stop and allow you to splash around in these salty waters. Normal swimming is not possible, so we suggest floating instead. As the water is so salty, avoid getting it in your eyes. Later today, we make our way back to Amman. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel | MEALS: Breakfast | EXTRAS: None

Day 6: Fly from Amman to Dubai - Transfers included, but flight not included
You will be transferred to Amman's Queen Alia International Airport today to board your flight to the United Arab Emirates. Upon arrival in Dubai, one of our staff members will be there to meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city - which is known for luxury shopping centres, ultramodern architecture and busy nightlife scene. You have the rest of the day free to explore independently, or rest after your journey to the United Arab Emirates. Note: The international flight from Amman to Dubai is not included in the price of the tour. It is normally most cost effective to purchase this flight as part of your main international flight ticket. However if you would like us to arrange a single ticket for you, we will be happy to book this for you. Please contact us for current prices.
| OVERNIGHT:
Dubai hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast

Day 7: A city tour of Dubai and an optional desert safari
Today is all about exploring the beautiful city of Dubai - as we head out on a shared half-day guided city tour starting at Jumeirah Public Beach and Burj Al Arab, whose sail-shaped design and 321 metre height has made it one of the signature sights in Dubai. We'll also drive through the plush district of Jumeirah full of hotels and villas, before heading into the old Al Bastakiya quarter to discover Dubai's past. Here we'll navigate mudbrick courtyards and houses with wind towers to catch the cooling breeze. The tour also visits the 18th century Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in Dubai and home to the Dubai Museum. A boat trip on an abra follows as we cross Dubai Creek to Deira and the bustling and vibrant Spice Souk, full of colourful stalls of herbs, spices and sweets. Finally there is time to explore the nearby Gold Souk before you are dropped back at your hotel. An optional desert safari tour is then available in the afternoon. You'll be collected from your hotel in a 4x4 and make your way to the desert along the Al Awir Road for some fun on the dunes, including dune riding, sunset photography, belly dancing, a fire and Tanura dancing show and lots more before you enjoy a barbecue dinner underneath the starry sky. The tour lasts around 6 hours in total before you are dropped back at your hotel in the evening.
| OVERNIGHT:
Dubai hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast

Day 8: Free time in Dubai. Evening Dhow Dinner Cruise
You have the morning free to sleep in a little later, relax by the pool or explore Dubai independently, perhaps purchasing some gifts from one of the many malls. Later in the afternoon, you'll be picked up from your hotel and make your way to the Dubai Creek for a dhow cruise, where you enjoy dinner and enjoy entertainment such as live music and a Tanura dance show.
| OVERNIGHT:
Dubai hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Free day in Dubai.
Your day is completely free today to relax or explore Dubai further. There are great beaches to enjoy the sun and swim from, and a wealth of great shopping opportunities available. Alternatively for the more adventurous, there are fascinating day trips available to nearby Abu Dhabi.
| OVERNIGHT:
Dubai hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast Day 10: Free time in Dubai. Hotel to airport transfers included
You have some free time to do some last minute sightseeing or shopping before we collect you and transfer you to the airport to board your flight back home.
| OVERNIGHT:
N/A
| MEALS:
Breakfast
| EXTRAS:
Extra day in Dubai - post-tour

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight * to Dubai. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Dubai

Arrive in Dubai and transfer to the hotel.* The remainder of the day is free to discover this modern Emirati metropolis at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and a symbol of the city of 828 meters and 160 floors. Since its inauguration in 2010, it offers the best views of the desert and the city. Underneath is the largest shopping center in the world, the Dubai Mall where 1200 stores of all kinds are located. A shopping paradise! Overnight stay in Dubai. * You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in Dubai (before 3:00 p.m.) in the next step of the booking process.

Day 3: Dubai

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the morning at your leisure, exploring the old town or sunning yourself on Dubai's idyllic beaches. We recommend an optional excursion to explore the older parts of the city.* At dusk, take an exciting 4x4 excursion to the desert. Pass through camel farms and spectacular desert landscapes, as the sand dunes are illuminated at sunset until arriving at a traditional camp. Here, enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner under the stars with traditional entertainment including Belly Dancing,* waterpipes and camel rides. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Dubai. * Optional Half-Day Classic Dubai Tour: Visit the Bastakia neighbourhood, home to old merchant houses and cafes, and learn about Dubai's history with included entrance to the Dubai Museum. Take a traditional river taxi, known as an 'Abra' across Dubai Creek to the aromatic souks of Old Dubai, filled with stalls selling exotic spices and golden wares. Please note: this optional excursion operates on Friday afternoons and Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday mornings only.

Day 4: Dubai

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying a shopping spree in Dubai's fabulous malls or relaxing at your leisure on the beach. We recommend an optional tour of the city's modern attractions.* Overnight stay in Dubai. * Optional Half-Day Modern Dubai Tour: Visit the most emblematic sights in the city including the Jumeirah Mosque and the Burj Al Arab, the world's most luxurious hotel. Travel to the man-made palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah to see the amazing Atlantis Hotel before heading back to the city on the monorail. Afterwards, explore glittering Dubai Marina, the Mall of Emirates, to see the impressive Ski Dubai, and the jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Please note: this optional excursion operates on Mondays and Fridays only.

Day 5: Dubai - Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Delhi. Arrive in India’s capital and transfer to hotel. Delhi is a city with a wonderful architectural legacy from its Islamic conquerors together with its spectacular historic city centre. The rest of the day free to start to get to know this fascinating city. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 6: Delhi - Mandawa

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road to Mandawa. En-route, pass through authentic villages and start to enter some of the most rural parts of India. On arrival in Mandawa, enjoy a walking tour through the streets of the city. See the amazing Havelis - mansions noted for their frescoes depicting images of British colonial rule. Overnight stay in Mandawa.

Day 7: Mandawa - Bikaner

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road through the arid lands leading to the Bikaner Desert Kingdom - a major centre of trade during the 16th century. In the afternoon visit the spectacular Junagarh Fort, with its impressively decorated interiors. End the day with a memorable Tuk-Tuk ride from the ancient city bazaar. Overnight stay in Bikaner.

Day 8: Bikaner - Jaisalmer

Breakfast at the hotel. Enter the Thar Desert by road on your way to the city of Jaisalmer. This was an important trading centre for many centuries and presently one of the few forts that are still inhabited. Transfer to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free for more discovery of this city. We recommend to visit the Thar Heritage Museum or the Maharaja's Palace for a taste of kingly splendour. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

Day 9: Jaisalmer

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a tour of the golden city of Jaisalmer. Discover the magical Gadisar Lake and the magnificent Golden Fort. Walk through the narrow streets of the city, to visit the famous palatial houses characteristic of the city such as Nathmal and Patwon. In the afternoon, take an excursion to Sam to see the dunes in the beautiful sunset light. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

Day 10: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the trip towards Jodhpur, known as The Blue City and enjoy a visit to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort with its bird’s eye view of the old city. Later continue to Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Day 11: Jodhpur - Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by road to Jaipur. Arrive at your hotel and the rest of the day is free to start to get to know the Rose-Pink City of India. We recommend a wander through some of the markets in the area to see the unique handicrafts and jewellery on offer. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 12: Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Amber Fort - The Old Capital of Thunder. En-route, take a brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal, The Palace of Winds. Arrive at Amber Fort by Jeep. Once inside, visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. In the afternoon, take a city tour, beginning with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace. Later, visit The Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 13: Jaipur - Fathepur Sikri - Agra

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Agra, and on the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive ghost town, where the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, is located. Arrive in Agra, capital of sultans and great Mughal emperors. Enjoy an unforgettable tour of the famous and spectacular Taj Mahal - one of The Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 14: Agra - Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, return by road to Delhi and once you have arrived, visit the Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Afterwards, transfer to the Gateway of India, the residence of the country's president, and visit the impressive Humayun's Tomb, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1993. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 15: Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day free to visit this fascinating city. We recommend an optional excursion to discover Delhi's most iconic temples.* Overnight stay in Delhi. * Optional Full-Day Delhi Temples Tour: Explore Delhi's most iconic temples. Experience the peace and tranquillity of the Lotus Temple, dedicated to the Baha'i faith and discover the extraordinary architecture of Akshardham Temple, dedicated to 10,000 years of Hindu culture. See the huge Jama Mosque and the downtown Sikh Temple with its golden dome before ending the tour at Lakshmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu.

Day 16: Delhi - US

Breakfast * at the hotel. Transfer to the airport ready to check-in for return flight back to the US. Arrive back in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.