Program photograph
Upcoming Programs:

Discover Jordan

October 22–November 3, 2010
Faculty: Tyler Jo Smith, Professor of Classical Art and Archeology

Price: $4,195 per person, double occupancy, land program*
Single Supplement: $1,295
registration

Registration is Open

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Overview

Discover Jordan ... a fabled land, a crossroads of the exotic and the mysterious, the Occident and the Orient, a land built on the wealth of ancient trade: gold, spices, silks and ivory. In Jordan the footsteps of history run deep—you are treading the same routes as the prophet Moses, Alexander the Great, Roman emperors, crusader knights and merchant caravans from afar. The ages casually click by with each passing building—one classical antiquity, the next a medieval marvel. Bazaars and markets, largely unchanged for centuries, tempt even the most experienced traveler with their unique and superbly crafted offerings. Desert vistas are visual symphonies of rock, canyon, sand and wildlife, including fleet-footed ibex and desert fox. And then there is the crown jewel of this land—Petra, famously described as the "rose-red city half as old as time." One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is a place that truly causes the soul to stir at the glory of it all. Like the outstanding Roman mosaics that can be found throughout the country, each piece of Jordan’s heritage, environment and culture combines to make a dazzling whole.

On this 11-day journey, you will enjoy all that this rich historical land has to offer, from modern cities to ancient artifacts, architecture, natural landscapes and people. Expert guides will ensure that your experience is enriching and enlightening.

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Program Highlights

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Accommodations

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Meals

Breakfast daily (B), nine lunches (L), eight dinners (D)

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Faculty

Tyler Jo Smith, Professor of Classical Art and Archeology
Tyler Jo Smith is a classical archaeologist who specializes in Greek and Roman material culture. Among her areas of research and teaching are the archaeology of Greece, Turkey, and the eastern Mediterranean. Many of her publications focus on art and religion, ancient performance, and the history of collecting. As an active field archaeologist, Professor Smith has participated on excavations and surveys in Greece, Turkey, Sicily, and England. Her book entitled Komast Dancers in Archaic Greek Art is being published by Oxford University Press (2010). She was recently elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. Tyler Jo is a popular faculty leader among Cavalier Travelers.

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Itinerary

Day 1 - Friday, October 22
Washington D.C. / En Route
The excitement of your odyssey begins as you board your overnight flight to Cairo. (Meals aloft)

Day 2 - Saturday, October 23
Cairo / Amman
Arrive in Amman via Cairo this evening. You are transferred to the Grand Hyatt Hotel. At least 5,000 years old, Amman is sprinkled with Roman ruins, including a beautifully preserved citadel and forum. Built on the foothills of the city’s many hills, with an abundance of ornate mosques, Amman is a beautiful and exotic city.
Grand Hyatt Hotel Amman (D)

Days 3 & 4 - Sunday, October 24, and Monday, October 25
Amman / Jerash
The capital of the Hashemite Kingdom, Amman is known as the “White City” because of the white sandstone used in its buildings. As you drive through this vibrant city you’ll see great contrasts between the oriental and cosmopolitan, the modern and traditional. Your visit includes museums, the Citadel, a Roman amphitheater, bustling souks and the modern part of town. You’ll continue on a tour of Desert Castles built in the early Islamic Period in the eastern desert of the Kingdom. Qasr Amra, with its fresco art and the zodiac dome of its baths, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Further along the King’s Highway you’ll see the fortress-like and enigmatic Qasr Karana, the Roman fort that became an Umayyad residential palace at Qasr el Hallabat, and the black basalt Roman/medieval Islamic fort at Azraq. This evening you will have a welcome dinner in your hotel.

The next day, you’ll proceed north of Amman for a 45-minute drive to Jerash, one of the best-preserved examples of Roman civilization in the world. Jerash, part of the Decapolis, has been called the "Pompeii of the East" for its unique state of preservation. The city features theaters, churches, temples (Zeus and Artemis), a Nymphaeum and colonnaded streets. Proceed to the Saracen castle at Ajlun, a 12th-century castle built by Saladin in his successful campaign to drive the Crusaders from Jordan in 1189, and an outstanding example of Arab and Islamic military architecture.
Grand Hyatt Hotel Amman (B, L, D and B, L)

Day 5 - Tuesday, October 26
Amman / Madaba / Mt. Nebo
Drive to Um Ar-Rassas, a World Heritage site with the world’s only monument of the monasticism movement—the Stylite’s Tower. The recently unearthed Church of St. Stephen contains a mosaic floor decorated with Jordanian, Palestinian and Egyptian city plans. Embark on a walking tour of Madaba, where you will see the oldest map of the Holy Land laid out in mosaics on the floor of St. George’s Church. At the ruins of the Apostles Church, see the stunning mosaic entitled Woman of the Sea. Drive to the alleged burial site of Moses at Mt. Nebo, adorned by a soaring serpentine cross, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.
Grand Hyatt Hotel Amman (B, L)

Day 6 - Wednesday, October 27
King’s Road / Kerak / Dana
Follow the King’s Highway—the approximate route in use since the time of Moses. Continue through the scenic canyons of Wadi Mujib to the Crusader Castle at Kerak. This 12th-century hilltop fortress includes galleries, towers, chapels and ramparts from the era of the Crusaders.

Continue to Dana Nature Reserve. A series of nature trails through the reserve allows you to learn about the plants of the valley and appreciate the stunning semi-desert scenery of scrubby trees and rugged hills. The village of Dana was settled about 400 years ago by the Al-Ata Bedouin who still live here today. Following a visit through the village share in a dinner prepared for you by women in the village. Your guides and hosts will tell you about some of the history, customs and way of life of the people who live here.
Dana Guest House (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Thursday, October 28
Dana / Petra
Set off this morning on a walk through the Dana Nature Reserve, a diverse landscape that includes wooded highlands, rocky slopes and sand dunes. Over 600 species of plants, 190 of birds and 37 of mammals, including the rare Nubian ibex, find refuge here. On the way to Petra, stop off at Shobak Castle. Enter its forbidding gate and stare down an ancient rock shaft that has 375 steps leading to a water supply. Arrive at the Nabatean capital of Petra. A short drive north stands Little Petra filled with tombs, temples, water channels and painted frescoes dating from the first century A.D. At the Petra Kitchen prepare your dinner aided by women from the Iraq al Amir Women’s Co-operative and an experienced chef.
Petra Movenpick Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Friday, October 29
Petra
Depart for a full day tour of Petra, the soul-stirring rose-red city and Jordanian national treasure, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra was an ancient Nabataean capital settled by industrious Arab traders more than 2,000 years ago. Petra’s unique location enabled the Nabataeans to dominate the ancient Arabian trade routes, and the city became wealthy from the tolls it levied on the caravans that sheltered there with their precious cargoes of spices, silks, ivory and animal hides. In the ancient world, Petra was renowned for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious system of dams and water channels. In the years following the Emperor Trajan’s annexation of Petra, the city declined and slipped into obscurity until it was “discovered” in 1812 by a Swiss traveler. Excavations that revealed the astounding workmanship and the incredible ruins at Petra did not begin until 1924. Ongoing excavations continue to reveal more information about the Nabataean kingdom.

Petra still forms part of the domain of the Bedouin. You will see them with their horses and camels as you begin your unforgettable trip into this cultural landmark. After passing tombs outside the city, you come to the "Siq," an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone almost one half mile long. This winding fissure separates overhanging cliffs that appear to meet 300 feet overhead. Near the end of the passage, the Siq makes one last turn and out of the gloom Petra's most impressive monument, Al Khazneh (The Treasury), appears in the sunlight. One of the most elegant remains of antiquity, Al Khazneh is nearly 140 feet high and was carved from the mountain’s solid rock in the first century B.C. Originally used as a Nabataean king’s tomb, Al Khazneh was later used as a Nabataean temple. Film buffs will recognize it from its starring role in the final scenes of the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

Beyond Al Khazneh you are surrounded by hundreds of Petra's sculpted structures, soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a Roman amphitheater (seating 3,000), large and small houses, burial chambers, banquet halls, water channels and reservoirs, baths, monumental staircases, cultic installations, markets, arched gates, public buildings and paved streets—it’s quite overwhelming! This afternoon return to your hotel in Petra. You will want to visit the nearby shop where you can buy the fine traditional crafts.
Petra Movenpick Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Saturday, October 30
Wadi Rum
Visit Little Petra this morning before continuing to Wadi Rum for lunch at the Abu Rami rest house. Otherwise known as Valley of the Moon, the landscape of Wadi Rum creates an almost supernatural atmosphere. Parts of the film Lawrence of Arabia were filmed here, and you will visit the area favored by T.E. Lawrence, whose book The Seven Pillars of Wisdom was named after the seven natural columns located en route to Wadi Rum. The Wadi is still home to a number of Bedouin families. You will have tea at one of their camps, then go out to explore the amazing forms and colors of the sandstone cliffs in 4X4 vehicles. Your drivers prepare tea as the setting sun designs patterns in brilliant hues on the canyon walls.
Petra Movenpick Hotel or Bedouin Tents (B, L, D)

Days 10 and 11 - Sunday, October 31, and Monday, November 1
Dead Sea
Follow the Araba Valley Road to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, lying some 1,300 feet below sea level. Enjoy the wonderful facilities of your hotel and world-class spa. You may want to take a trip to the tip of the Dead Sea to Lot’s Cave, an ancient cave believed to have been used as a sanctuary by Lot and his daughters after the destruction of Sodom. The site, marked on the Madaba map of Palestine, was just recently discovered. Artifacts from 3000 B.C. have been found here. This is a hot and arid place filled with extraordinary geological formations. Enjoy the tranquility of your resort and its natural resources. Float in the saltiest sea in the world while the ozone-rich air fills your lungs and sunshine warms your skin. Reminisce about all you have seen and experienced at tonight’s farewell dinner.
Movenpick Dead Sea Resort (B, L, D and B, L, D) www.moevenpick-hotels.com/hotels/dead_sea

Days 12 and 13 - Tuesday, November 2, and Wednesday, November 3
Amman / Cairo / Washington, D.C.
Relaxed, rejuvenated and filled with incredible memories, you return to Amman and board your flight to Cairo where the rest of the day is at your leisure. Next morning return to the airport and board your flight home.
Fairmont Heliopolis (B, Meals aloft)

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Program Fees

$4,195 per person, double occupancy, land program
$1,295 single supplement

Price includes:

Price does not include:

$6,095 per person, double occupancy with economy-class roundtrip airfare
$1,295 single supplement

In addition to the inclusions noted in the land-only pricing, air-inclusive price includes:

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How To Register

Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646. Or e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.

A deposit of $900 per person is required to reserve your spot. Final invoicing will be done approximately four months prior to departure. Final payment is due August 8, 2010.

Deposits can be made via check (should be made out to Classic Escapes) or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover).

Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

Upon registration, you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with reissuing the ticket.

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General Terms & Conditions

OPTIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION: Roundtrip economy-class jet transportation from WASHINGTON D.C. via EGYPTAIR and/or other IATAN carriers. Rates based on special promotional fares and cancellation fees apply once tickets are issued. Departures from other cities in the USA are possible at additional cost. Kindly inquire at the time of reservation. Please note that these promotional fares are subject to 10 passengers traveling together on the same airline routing and itinerary. If this minimum is not met, the special group rates are not applicable and it might become necessary to issue instant purchase tickets earlier than when final payment is due in order to take advantage of airfares that are similar to the group rates. Should this occur, you will be contacted with the details.

AIRLINE SEATING: For EgyptAir, we request seats together for the group. All planes are non-smoking. We can request a seating preference on your behalf; however, this is only a request and not guaranteed. Requests should be made in writing no later than 60 days prior to departure. Bulkhead and/or emergency row seats can only be requested at airport check-in on the day of departure. Boarding passes will only be issued at the airport on the day of departure. You may inquire during check-in to have a seating change made; however, this change is based on availability and is at the sole discretion of airport staff.

FREQUENT FLYER MILEAGE: At time of publication, EGYPTAIR does not participate in any other carrier’s frequent flyer programs. The airline has instituted its own program, EgyptAir Plus, which offers a point system based on rewards such as upgrades to Business Class and on waitlists. Applications for this program may be made on their website: http://www.egyptair.com.eg

BAGGAGE: International flights from the U.S. allow two pieces of checked luggage, each not exceeding 50 lbs. However, we recommend you travel as light as you can manage, as it is more comfortable for you. Also, the size and the structure of the bag is limited. Soft duffel bags are ideal as they stow best in vehicles. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU OBTAIN THE OPTIONAL INSURANCE POLICY.

ACCOMMODATIONS: You will marvel at the wonderful accommodations provided throughout your tour. All rooms have private facilities, and all rates are based on double occupancy. Most rooms are twin-bedded, but king-size beds are occasionally available and should be requested in advance. Accommodations listed in this itinerary are correct at time of writing, but on rare occasions can change for similar lodging.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Rate quoted is valid for first two single rooms booked. If more than two single rooms, additional supplement will apply. Singles are assigned on a first come/first serve basis. Single accommodations are not guaranteed, but will be provided at additional cost if available (see reservation form for cost.) The single room supplement pays for privacy, not better accommodations. On occasion, in smaller lodges, you may be required to share with other members of your tour group if single rooms are not available upon check-in. If this is the situation, appropriate per diem refunds are made to pas­sengers in the event they paid for a single room but had to share during any portion of their trip. For passengers who are traveling alone and wish to share a room with another tour member, we will do our best to provide a roommate. However, if this is not possible, you will be required to pay the single room supplement prior to your departure from the USA.

MEALS: Breakfast daily, nine lunches, eight dinners.

TRANSFERS: Roundtrip transfer of passengers between airport and hotels are included in the tour.

TIPS AND TAXES: Gratuities for baggage handling, service charges and taxes imposed by hotels, lodges and tented camps, and entrance fees to all reserves as outlined in the itinerary are included. U.S. and foreign airport taxes are included in the air cost and are subject to change prior to issuance of tickets. Tips to driver/guides and specialist-guide are not included.

INOCULATIONS: We would suggest you contact your personal physician or local health department for their recommendations as to inoculations. At the time of printing, no vaccinations are required for entry into Jordan. Water is safe to drink, but we always recommend bottled water.

RATES: All rates quoted are based on tariffs and value of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar in effect as of July 16, 2009, and are subject to change. Rates are based on a minimum of 15 passengers traveling together (with a maximum of 24 passengers). The right is reserved to levy a surcharge if minimum is not met, but that is rarely done. We will do our utmost to keep to the prices as published. Should increases be forced on us by airlines, exchange rates, etc., we reserve the right to surcharge.

ESCORT: Group will be accompanied by enrichment lecturer and university host with a minimum of 15 passengers on both trips.

TRIP INFORMATION: Upon receipt of your application, instructions will be sent to you concerning all aspects of your trip, such as itinerary, photographic equipment, documents, clothing, insurance, etc.

INVOICING: Final invoicing of your trip will be done approximately four months prior to departure. Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure (August 8, 2010).

FINAL DOCUMENTS: Final documents and tickets will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure. We regret to advise that no documents can be released if final payments are not received.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: A deposit of $900 per person must be submitted with each application, plus the cost of the optional insurance if you wish to take advantage of the pre-existing medical condition exclusion. Deposits may be paid by check or charged to American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. Final payment is payable by check or money order ONLY and is due no later than 75 days prior to departure (August 8, 2010).

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations are only effective on receipt of written notification. The following per person fees are applicable on this tour:

These cancellation fees are also in addition to any imposed by airlines. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU OBTAIN THE OPTIONAL INSURANCE POLICY. INFORMATION WILL BE SENT TO YOU UPON RECEIPT OF RESERVATION FORM. INSURANCE PREMIUMS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.

DEVIATIONS: Should additional reservations be required, including extensions in other countries, we will be happy to make all the arrangements. However, there will be an extra charge of $150 per person for such deviations, over and above the cost of the services required.

CHANGE FEES: Once you reserve your tour, changes are possible subject to availability of air or land space at the time of request. Should there be any change fees imposed by airlines or ground operators, or additional costs incurred due to availability of any space, this cost will be invoiced to you.

NOT INCLUDED: Cost of passport and visa fees, and service charges for obtaining visa fees; excess baggage charges levied by airlines; beverages and meals not specified in itinerary; gratuities to driver/guides and specialist-guide, and other conveyance attendants; laundry and other items of a personal nature; gratuities not imposed by hotels and/or restaurants for included services; optional personal, baggage and tour cancellation insurance policy; U.S. and foreign airport taxes; cost for anything not specifically included in listing above.

PASSPORT AND VISAS: The onus is upon the guest to ensure that passports and visas are valid for the countries visited. The company, their staff and their agents cannot be held liable for any visas, etc. not held by the guests, nor the cost of visas.

RESPONSIBILITY: Neither Classic Escapes (the Company) nor any person or agent acting for, through or on behalf of the Company shall be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from any cause whatsoever and without restricting the generality of the aforegoing shall particularly not be responsible for loss or damage arising from any errors or omissions contained in its brochure or other literature, loss or damage caused by delays, sickness, theft, injury or death. In addition the Company shall have the right at any time at its discretion to cancel any trip or the remainder thereof or make any alteration in route, accommodation, price or other details and, in the event of any trip being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable by weather, strike, war, government or interference or any other cause whatsoever, the extra expenses incurred as a result thereof shall be the responsibility of the passenger. The Company may at its discretion and without liability or cost to itself at any time cancel or terminate the guest’s booking and in particular without limiting the generality of the aforegoing it shall be entitled to do so in the event of the illness or the illegal or incompatible behavior of the guest, who shall in such circumstances not be entitled to any refund. The person making any booking will, by the making of such booking, warrant that he or she has authority to enter into a contract on behalf of the other person included in such a booking and in the event of the failure of any or all of the other persons so included to make payment, the person making the booking shall by his/her signature thereof assume personal liability for the total price of all bookings made by him/her.

PHOTOGRAPHY: The Company reserves the right without further notice to make use of any photograph or film taken on the trip by our photographers without payment or permission. We guarantee that no photographs of a compromising nature will be used.

CHANGES TO SCHEDULES: Although every effort is made to adhere to schedules it should be borne in mind that the Company reserves the right and in fact is obliged to occasionally change routes and camps on trips as dictated by changing conditions. Such conditions may be brought about by seasonal rainfall on bush tracks, airfields and in game areas, by game migrations from one region to another, or airline or other booking problems, etc.

REFUNDS: While the company uses its best endeavors to ensure that all anticipated accommodation is available as planned, there shall be no claim of any nature whatsoever against the Company for a refund either in the whole or part, if any accommodation or excursion is unavailable and a reasonable alternative is not found. If the guest is unable to use any service provided in the itinerary, then there are no refunds due.

AIRLINE CLAUSE: The airlines concerned are not to be held liable for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board their planes or conveyance. The passengers’ tickets in use by the airline or by other carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of these tickets and/or passengers.

DELAYS: We cannot be held liable for any delays or additional costs incurred as a result of airlines not running to schedule.

If one of our guides is unable to take a tour due to illness, etc. we reserve the right to substitute with another guide.

This agreement is made subject to and shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the country in which the tour takes place. Classic Escapes act merely as an agent for the operating companies.

To the best of our knowledge the itinerary is correct at the time of writing. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or changes that may occur after printing.

CONSENT: The payment of the deposit OR any other partial payment for a reservation on a trip constitutes consent by all guests covered by that payment to all provisions of the conditions and general information contained in this brochure whether the guest has signed the booking form or not. The terms, under which you agree to take this trip, cannot be changed or amended except in writing signed by an authorized director of the Company.

INSURANCE: It is a condition of booking that the sole responsibility lies with the guest to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependents/traveling companions for the duration of their trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: cancellation or curtailment of the program, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and goods. Classic Escapes, including their representatives, employees and agents will take no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guest’s dependents or traveling companions, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the above mentioned eventualities. Guests will be charged directly by the relevant service providers for any emergency services they may require, and may find themselves in a position unable to access such services should they not be carrying the relevant insurance cover. PLEASE NOTE INSURANCE PREMIUMS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE SHOULD TOUR BE CANCELED BY PARTICIPANT.

INSURANCE PACKAGE: Classic Escapes offers a comprehensive insurance package, which allows the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion to be waived if purchased within 7 days of the initial trip payment. Details can be found on our website at http://www.classicescapes.com/insurance.htmlor call our office for more details (800-627-1244). If obtaining this pre-existing condition waiver is not of importance to you, you may opt to wait until you receive your pre-departure packet of information which will include details on the insurance package.

INSURANCE PREMIUM: See premium schedule below, or call us for the exact amount and information on the policy. This is applicable to all coverage contained in the policy. You must be medically able to travel when you pay your premium. In the event that a claim is filed, the injury or illness must be substantiated to the Claims Department.

The cost of your insurance premium is based on the TOTAL cost of your trip including: the main itinerary, airfare, airline taxes, single supplements, optional excursions and optional extensions. The premium for your tour will be calculated as follows:

TOTAL TOUR COST

PREMIUM PER PERSON

$4,001 - $4,500

$305

$4,501 - $5,000

$340

$5,001 - $5,500

$407

$5,501 - $6,000

$445

$6,001 - $6,500

$483

$6,501 - $7,000

$517

$7,001 - $8,000

$579

$8,001 - $9,000

$655

$9,001 - $10,000

$731

$10,001 - $11,000

$805

$11,001 - $12,000

$884

Please contact Classic Escapes if you have any questions or need assistance calculating your premium.

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