Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Mystical Mid-east...time to go is now…

Emiratis & Jordanians            

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls” – Anais Nin

Middle East is a grand epic, a cradle of Civilisations & a beautiful, complicated land that is home to some of the Planet's most hospitable people. It is a geo-political region encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Turkey, Egypt, Iran & Iraq. Here, history is not something you read about in books. It is a story written on the stones that litter the region, from the flagstones of old Roman roads to the building blocks & timeless Pyramids of ancient Egypt & the delicately carved Tombs & Temples from rose-red City of Petra to Persepolis. From the soaring iconic Skyscrapers of Dubai to the ancient ruins of Palmyra in Syria, the region is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored.    

And with its man-made palm shaped Islands, an array of opulent Hotels, palatial Beach Resorts & the sci-fi-esque cities of Skyscrapers, the newly minted United Arab Emirates has always been a show-stopping, headline-grabbing destination, offering an intriguing blend of Islamic Culture & Modernity. An intriguing land that combines old-world Souks & modern city-sized Malls, rolling Sand Dunes, indoor Ski slopes, championship grass Golf Courses & remote Bedouin villages. The 7 Emirates defy an easy definition with a mix of evolution especially, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, are a stirring alchemy of profound traditions & ambitious futuristic vision.

Incredible Jordan - the charming yet confounding Hashemite Kingdom that has delighted visitors for centuries with its World Heritage Sites, friendly towns & inspiring desert landscapes. A safe haven in a region of conflict, the Kingdom has a tradition of welcoming visitors: Camel Caravans plied the legendary King’s Highway transporting Frankincense in exchange for Spices while Nabataean Tradesmen, Roman Legionnaires, Muslim armies &d zealous Crusaders all passed through the land, leaving behind impressive monuments including Roman Amphitheatres, Crusader Castles & Christian Mosaics, have fascinated subsequent travellers in search of antiquity & the origins of faith. The tradition of hospitality to Guests remains to this day. Come…discover the Sheikhdoms with us & prepare to be charmed…

Middle East, is a crossroads of Culture & Modernity, evoking images of rolling Sand Dunes, majestic Deserts, bustling Bazaars & awe-inspiring Architecture. Wherever you find yourself, the past is always present because here, perhaps more than anywhere else on earth, history is the heart & soul of the land. Quite simply extraordinary, one of the world's most fascinating & rewarding travel destinations - a tapestry of enchantment awaiting adventurous souls.

As you step into this fascinating region of ancient Wonders & vibrant Cultures, let the words of ancient intrepid Travelers, Poets & Dreamers guide you through an inspirational journey that transcends borders & speaks to the wanderlust in the heart of modern Marco Polos or Ibn Battutas & so many others who travelled on ‘land’ (we are not referring to the seafaring Explorers).

This is where humankind first built Cities, learned to write & it was here that some of the most significant Civilisations of antiquity rose & fell and where the 3 great monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity & Islam - were born.

The Middle East is home to some of the world's most significant cities - Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Isfahan, Istanbul, Jerusalem, Teheran. These Cities, read like a roll-call of ancient historical heavyweights. Aside from ranking among the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, these ancient-modern Metropolises are places to take the pulse of a region. It is here, that you find the stirring, aspirational Architecture that so distinguishes the 3 great monotheistic Faiths.

Left behind is an astonishing open-air Museum of ancient cities & historic buildings, the stones of which, still resonate with the sounds of the Faithful. The ruins of the once similarly epic cities of history - Petra, Persepolis, Ephesus, Palmyra, Baalbek, Byblos, Leptis Magna & the bounty of ancient Egypt, also mark the passage of centuries in a region where the ancient world lives & breathes.

The landscapes of the region are equally spellbinding, from the unrivalled seas of Sand Dunes & palm-fringed Lakes in Libya’s Sahara Desert to the stunning mountains of the north & the underwater world of the Red Sea.

Above all else, however, your most endearing memory of the Region, is likely to be its people. At some point in the Middle East, you will be sitting in a Coffeehouse or looking lost in a labyrinth of narrow lanes alongside the more secular charms of Bazaars, when someone will strike up a conversation & within minutes, invite you home to meet their family & share a meal. Or someone will simply approach & say with unmistakable warmth, ‘Welcome’. These spontaneous, disarming & utterly genuine words of welcome can occur anywhere across the region. Their gracious Welcome, many Kindnesses & boundless Hospitality speak of an altogether more civilised age. And when they do, they can suddenly (& forever) change the way you see the Middle East portrayed in the West.

Enough & now let us talk about the barely 100 years old UAE.

For most people, the United Arab Emirates means just one place: Dubai, the sci-fi-esque city of iconic Skyscrapers, palm-shaped Islands, city-sized Malls, indoor Ski Slopes & palatial Beach Resorts. But beyond the glitter, awaits a diverse mosaic of different Emirates, each with its own character & allure & Ruler.

The United Arab Emirates is a union of 7 sovereign Sheikhdoms, formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. The Sun always shines here, it's naturally desert climate & convenient location in the Arabian Gulf has endowed it with warm seas & cozy Beaches. Together with a booming economy, where Trade & Tourism are encouraged, it also makes for the ultimate Shopping destination.

Comprised of little more than Sand Dunes, crumbling Forts & Fishing villages, a century ago, UAE has grown into a show-stopping, headline-grabbing destination which offers an intriguing blend of traditional Islamic Culture, Modernity & rampant Consumerism.

Every year, tourist attractions are constantly being upgraded & added - from one of the world's largest Aqua Parks to Cultural & Wildlife Museums. From Wind Towers to towering Skyscrapers, the country has a unique blend of the traditional Arab, Islamic culture combined with the modernity of a cosmopolitan living environment. Its state-of-the-art tourist infrastructure with numerous world-class Hotels, Sports events & Shopping spectaculars held annually, ensures its position as the Middle East's number one tourist destination

Powered largely (but by no means exclusively) by oil wealth, UAE today is defined by opulent Hotels, ultra-modern Architecture & a seemingly unending thirst for new & innovative Mega-projects. Man-made Islands in the shape of Palm Trees? Tick. Billionaire Royals taking over Premiership of Football Clubs? Tick. Tallest building on the Planet? Naturally.

While the UAE these days appears to be little more than a stage for Dubai (one out of 7) to strut its increasingly crazy stuff, there is far more to this fabulous little federation than Disneyesque dioramas. The UAE is a contradictory destination, an Islamic state where the DJs’ turntables stop spinning just before the Muezzins’ morning call to Prayer can be heard & where a traditional Bedouin lifestyle & customs continue alongside a very Western version of rampant Consumerism. While many visitors marvel at the fantastic (in the true sense of the word) Hotel & real estate Projects, the real wonder is how the savvy Sheikhs manage to harmonise such disparate & seemingly opposing forces.

An hour's drive south of Dubai, oil-rich Abu Dhabi, the Capital of UAE, is positioning itself as a hub of Culture, Sport & Leisure. Beyond, looms the vast Al Gharbia region, which is dominated by the northern reaches of the Rub' Al Khali Desert. Its magical silence is interrupted only by the whisper of shifting Dunes rolling towards Saudi Arabia.

North of Dubai, Sharjah does Art & Heritage best, while tiny Ajman & Umm Al Quwain provide glimpses of life in the pre-oil days & Ras Al Khaimah snuggles against the mighty Hajar Mountains. For the best swimming and diving, though, head across the range to Fujairah to frolic in the clear waters of the Gulf of Oman.

But the most exciting is the Emirate of Dubai.

Hospitality| Innovation| Shopping| Cultural Dynamism| History

It is hard not to admire the ‘happening’ Emirate of Dubai, for its indefatigable verve, gutsy ambition & ability to dream up & realise Projects that elsewhere would never get off the Drawing Board. This is a superlative craving society that showcases the world's tallest building, an artificial Island shaped like a Palm Tree, a huge indoor Ski Slope, the world's fastest Roller Coaster & Starchitect designed & Art Museums of international stature. Sci-fi concepts such as flying Taxis, a lightning-fast Hyperloop Train & an army of Robocops are all reflections of a mindset that fearlessly embraces the future.

With many more grand Projects always in the pipeline, it is clear that Dubai is a city firmly in charge of writing its own narrative. Famous sights like the Burj Dubai, the world's only 6* Hotel, the massive Palms Island mini-city & so much more - it is an exciting city & worth a stopover or an in-depth exploration.

Located at the cross-roads of Asia, Europe & Africa, Dubai is well positioned to attract Tourists looking for somewhere new & different, a destination combining the traditions of the East with the comforts of the West. It offers something for every traveller. It is one of the 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates & is one of the country's main cities, sometimes called "Dubai City" to distinguish it from the Emirate. Famous for its soaring Skyline rising from the Desert, it is a relatively new, world-class City, which is growing very quickly.

The first Middle Eastern City to make the UNESCO list of Creative Cities of Design, with Emiratis making up only a fraction of the population, Dubai is a bustling microcosm peacefully shared by cultures from all corners of the world. This diversity expresses itself in the Culinary landscape, Fashion, Music & Performance. Although rooted in Islamic tradition, this is an open society where it is easy for newcomers & visitors to connect with myriad experiences, be it eating like a Bedouin, dancing on the beach, shopping for local Art or riding a Camel in the Desert. Dubai is a fertile environment conducive to breaking down cultural barriers & preconceptions.

Ever since you first set foot in this tiny powerhouse Emirate, it will fascinate you with its energy, optimism & openness towards people from all over the world. For a die-hard Foodie, the staggering variety of authentic global fare is exhilarating & even the Shopping here is actually a joy instead of a chore. Dubai is a place that is constantly in flux & it is exciting to see it grow & mature as a city and as a society. Wait to see what the future holds.

Dubai is a city that provides a new setting at every turn, richly mixing together the old & the new; it is without a doubt the leading tourist destination in the Middle East & a city of ages that rises out of the desert & crowns the gulf coast with its presence. Sunshine, Shopping, Seaside, Sports & Safety - 5 of the key ingredients that have earned Dubai a growing reputation as one of the world's most attractive & rapidly developing leisure destinations. Long established as the Trading & Commercial hub of the Middle East, the Emirate combines the excitement of a bustling commercial Centre with the wide open spaces of a luxurious Resort.

After dark, Dubai sometimes seems like a City filled with lotus eaters, forever on the lookout for a good time. Its shape-shifting party spectrum caters for just about every taste, budget & age group. From flashy Dance venues, sleek rooftop Terraces & sizzling Beach Clubs to fancy Cocktail Caverns, Shisha lounges & Concerts under the stars, Dubai delivers hot-stepping odysseys. Most of the Nightlife centres on the fancy Hotels, but there is no shortage of more wholesome diversions either, including community Theatre, live-music Venues & the world-class Dubai Opera.

Dubai is also a top retail haunt that hosts not one but 2 huge annual Shopping Festivals. Shopping is a leisure activity here & Malls are much more than just mere collections of Stores. Some look like an Italian Palazzo or a Persian Palace & lure visitors with surreal attractions such as an indoor Ski slope, a giant Aquarium or an open-air Botanical Garden. Traditional Souqs, too, are beehives of activity humming with timeless bargaining banter. Meanwhile, a new crop of urban-style outdoor Malls has expanded the shopping spectrum yet again.

Now, let us talk about the other enchanting destination you would be visiting. Jordan, is a tiny desert Kingdom wrapped in history.

Ancient Antiquity | Desert Landscape | Cultural Dynamism

Once an important Trading Center of the Roman Empire, straddling the ancient Holy Land of the world's 3 great monotheistic religions, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which once captivated ancient travellers, continues to enthral a whole new generation as a modern, vibrant nation.

Jordan, an Arab nation on the east bank of the Jordan River, is defined by ancient Monuments, Nature Reserves & seaside Resorts. It is home to the famed archaeological site of Petra, the Nabatean Capital dating to around 300 BCE. Set in a narrow Valley with Tombs, Temples & Monuments carved into the surrounding pink sandstone cliffs, Petra earns its nickname, the "Rose City.”

Jordan has a tradition of welcoming visitors: camel caravans plied the legendary King’s Highway transporting frankincense in exchange for spices and Nabataean Tradesmen, Roman Legionnaires, Muslim armies & zealous Crusaders all passed through the land, leaving behind impressive Monuments. These include the Roman Amphitheatres, Crusader Castles & Christian Mosaics, that have fascinated subsequent travellers in search of antiquity & the origins of their Faith.

From the haunting, primeval starkness of Wadi Rum, to the teeming centre of urban Amman; from the majestic ruins of bygone Civilizations to the timeless splendour of the Dead Sea, Jordan is unveiled as a unique destination offering breathtaking & mysterious sights, high standard accommodations, exquisite Cuisine & countless activities that can provide visitors with inspiration, motivation & rejuvenation.

Marvelling at herds of Gazelles & Oryx and migrating Birds, camping amidst the grandeur of Wadi Rum or Dana Reserve, trekking the ancient Caravan trails from the highlands of Moab & Edom, hiking the wooded hills of biblical Gilead, or experiencing the unique, cleansing mud baths of the Dead Sea are just a few examples of the treasures awaiting visitors to this unique Kingdom.

There is no mistaking the fact that Jordan is steeped in history & culture. From the moment you arrive, you get a sense of its rich heritage, all around are remnants of ancient Civilizations long since past, yet they still remain, stamped into the very fabric of this amazing Kingdom and etched into the soul of the people who live here.

Riding through Wadi Rum at Sunset, it is easy to see why Lawrence of Arabia was so drawn to this land of weathered sandstone & reddened dunes. But Jordan's landscapes are not confined to the Desert, they encompass a salt sea at the lowest point on earth, Canyons flowing with seasonal water, Oasis of Palm trees & explosions of springtime Flowers scattered across arid Hills.

From the gravitas of the Sahara to the blue tiles of Isfahan, this is a region for discerning travellers, for those looking for the Story behind the Headline & where the Bridges between ancient & modern Civilisations are evident everywhere. If you believe what the Media & crooked Politicians tell you & decide not to visit, you would be missing out on the journey of a lifetime.

This 2 week experience will give you a glimpse of almost all the Emirates & an opportunity to sample the highlights of these spectacular City-states. Spend half a day with the Tour-guide, learning more about Dubai’s distinctive Islamic architecture, drift across the Creek in an Abra (water-taxi used by locals, mainly) & spend time in the glittering Gold Souk. Ride on a Camel over sun-soaked Dunes as this foreboding landscape unwinds eternally in front of you while participating in a Desert Safari & enjoying a sumptuous BBQ feast under the stars.

Visit Abu Dhabi, described by CNN as the richest City in the world. It features large Gardens & Parks, green Boulevards lining all the streets & roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, international luxury Hotel chains & of course, opulent Malls. Avail the free time to shop for bargains. Drive to the ‘Garden City’ - Al Ain.  Check out the mountains in the Gulf of Oman as you travel to the Emirate of Fujairah.

And then, fly to the neighbouring Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Commence with a sightseeing tour of Amman & then drive to Jerash, the ancient Graeco-Roman city that boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. Visit Bethany, where Jesus was baptized & experience the rejuvenating Mud Bath at the Dead Sea. Visit Madaba known as the “City of Mosaics". Climb atop Mt. Nebo which offers stunning views over the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley and the Holy Land towards Jerusalem. The trip continues on to the remote dead city of Petra, one of the great archaeological treasures in the world, to unfold the mysteries within. Enjoy a night at the Red Sea port of Aqaba before returning to Amman where the journey ends.

Welcome to an exciting region where nothing stands still…except perhaps the Herons in its mangroves of the Emirates - a stirring alchemy of profound traditions & ambitious futuristic vision. And as off-the-beaten-path destinations go, Jordan has delighted visitors for centuries with its world heritage sites, friendly Towns & inspiring desert Landscapes. It is going to be one exciting trip…& The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.

 Come…be inspired & discover the World… 

 

Simply discover...the ‘old’ new Mid-east 

Emiratis & Jordanians         

Dubai * Abu Dhabi * Al Ain * Sharjah * Dubai * Amman * Jerash * Bethany * Dead Sea * Madaba * Mt. Nebo * Kerak * Petra * Wadi Rum * Aqaba * Amman   

14 Days | 13 Nights 

Prepare to be charmed - Mideast awaits…

Emiratis & Jordanians       

*Seat in Coach. Guaranteed departures with minimum 2 guests. There will be other Participants & group size may vary. Participants may come from all over the world & most of them will be English speaking. Private services with English speaking Tour-guide & vehicle can be arranged with a supplement cost. For less than 10 guests, the Tour will be guided by Tour-guide cum Driver. For 10 +, there will be a separate Tour-guide, in addition.

 

** Please note that the Program highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. The sightseeing tours combine ‘walking’ & driving. Some Landmarks would be seen from Outside, some from Inside. Some Monuments / places may require extra Entrance Fees to be paid for accessing some of the areas.

 

*** It is extremely rare that Programs need to be changed but it can occur. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the Itinerary if required, for example, occasionally the tour sequence & duration of time spent in each place / city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. The Price will not be affected.

 

Conditions related to specific Tours will be advised in due course.

 

 

 

 

 

Mystical Mideast-waiting to be experienced

Emiratis & Jordanians         

And last but not least:

Departures:

Arrive in Dubai on Any Day (minimum 2 guests)

Validity:

→ December 2024  

Prices:

We offer several accommodation choices for this tour. The price varies by selected accommodations. The Itinerary remains unchanged.

Exchange rates fluctuate with great frequency. As Rates are very fluid currently due to a host of reasons, there may be a slight change in the Pricing. Your personalised Proposal will depict the applicable Price. 

* Meals, except Breakfast, wherever indicated, may be at City Restaurants..   

** Airfare fluctuates by the minute & the approximate price range listed is for illustration only. Actual fare to be advised at
the time of Booking. Flight timings may involve a pre & / or post tour ‘extra’ night accommodation to be booked at a Supplement cost.

***Miscellaneous Supplements, if applicable, to be advised at the time of Proposal / Booking

Some important notes

• Flights are subject to constant modifications / delays & cancellations.  In such cases, we will do all possible to find the best available alternative / solution but will not accept any liability, whatsoever.
• Our rates only include those items which are specified in the Itinerary / Inclusions.
• The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs / conditions & in case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to revise the tour price accordingly.
• Supplements apply for special periods i.e. Christmas, New Year, Festivals, Fairs & Congresses, special national Events etc. & will be advised in the final Proposal submitted to the clients.
• Our quotations are calculated on base category of accommodation at each property & are subject to modification, if the same hotel / category of room not available at the time of reservation. In that case, we will confirm a superior category of room at a comparable or better hotel & supplement charges, if any, shall be advised accordingly. Final Itinerary will illustrate updated information & / or, it would be furnished at the time of confirmation.
• All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability at the time of booking. The “from” price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific “start date or dates” & also based on availability at the time of booking.
• Room availability is getting saturated due to heavy demands from the tourism industry, international Fairs & Congresses. Due to these constant sold- out situations the hotels are applying the cancellation rules more stringently. Once the reservation is guaranteed, the booking will be subject to full cancellation charges as per our Terms & Conditions (details will be advised at the time of deposit). We strongly recommend obtaining Insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen scenarios.
• Additional services including Optionals, if any, can be paid directly by the clients to our local offices.

The Journeys strongly recommends that all Guests purchase appropriate Travel Insurance (Trip Cancellation / Interruption & Medical) to cover any eventuality & / or Emergency. Between missed Connections, lost or delayed Luggage, or Medical Emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected. No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a Travel Protection Plan before you travel. Still unsure? Talk to us.