General information

General information – Customs and immigration

Map Tours will not be held responsible if passengers are stopped or held by any government departments, e.g. Police, Customs, Immigrations or any other authorities of the destination country.

Prices

Prices mentioned in our web site are listed per person and based on a minimum of two adults sharing a room. The child rate will be applicable for children aged from 10 to 11 years depending on hotels conditions and below that are being accompanied by two full paying adults. There will also be a charge payable for infants below 23 months.

Single Supplement charges are for individuals travelling on their own.

Passengers travelling alone will be required to pay (Solo Traveller supplement)  plus a single room supplement for accommodation.

Ages are calculated on the return date.

Special requirements

In many cases, Map Tours work with intermediary agents (Hotels, Transport Companies, Other Suppliers etc.) to arrange a holiday. If passengers have special requirements with regards to the service provided by the intermediaries such as a rooming request, seating request or a special meal request etc., then they should advise Map Tours at the time of booking, and we will endeavor to ensure the intermediary is advised of the request. It is important to note that Map Tours cannot guarantee the request and that the passenger should confirm their request with the concerned intermediary themselves before their departure.

Accessibility

Visitors with a valid passport may obtain a visa at any Jordanian embassy or consulate abroad. A visa can also be obtained at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (for unrestricted nationalities) or at any other border crossing except King Hussein Bridge and the ferryboat from Egypt. Visas are valid for one month, but can be extended at any police station.

General information – Credit cards

Credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger shops, including American Express, Visa and MasterCard. Please note that many smaller shops still prefer cash payment in the Jordanian currency, and it’s essential for shopping in the local souks.

Language

The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken especially in the cities. Many Jordanians have traveled, or have been educated abroad, so French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken, but to a lesser extent. When Arabic is written in Jordan using the Latin alphabet, English spelling is applied; however, these spellings can be interpreted in various ways – the spelling, for example, of street addresses can vary widely. For this reason, the sounds of the words are a much better guide than the spelling.
Speaking Arabic is easier than you might think; attempting a few basic words will gain you respect from the locals and is a good way to break the ice. The Jordanian people are extremely understanding and will help you whenever they are able.

Wheelchair

Map Tours does not provide specialist tours for the less abled. However, we will attempt to accommodate as to our best ability. Mobility aids such as walking aids and manually collapsible wheelchairs can also be stored in the baggage lockers; Bear in mind that they will need to be collapsible and electric wheelchairs cannot be stored on any of our coaches. The driver will load and unload the wheelchair from the coach for the passenger however they will need to be physically fit enough to be able to board and disembark the coach on their own.

General information – Hotels

Map Tours carefully select all hotels ensuring that a minimum 3* category is provided (ratings are subject to local and hotels conditions) unless otherwise stated. Facilities include in-suite bathroom, TV, and telephone. Some of the hotels also include facilities of bars, restaurants and 24-hour reception. Hotels do not provide baby cots. Please remember that most hotels in Jordan have small rooms unlike many other countries and also some camps will not have air-conditioning in tent, tea/Coffee or kettle facilities in rooms. They are also governed by local laws and policies, which may restrict access to certain facilities. Hotels are outside the major cites.

Room configuration

Most hotels can only accommodate a maximum of three persons in each room however if you are a family of four, i.e. two adults and two children, then your first child will be given an extra bed but the second child will be required to share the bed as no extra bed can be provided. The extra bed provided will either be a sofa bed or roll-away bed. These extra beds will not be full sized double beds and are usually suitable for one individual only. If your group consists of one adult and one child, the child must pay a full adult fare to make up the cost for the room required. (Please see below).

*For Example: if tour cost was – Adult $100 / Child $50

*Where a quad room is not available .

Additional Excursions

We design our itineraries so that all the necessary excursions and places of interest are included to give the passenger the best possible holiday at an affordable price. However, often, the tour rep and driver will offer passengers optional excursions that are designed to enhance their holiday experience and are not included in the tour cost. These excursions are priced separately and operated solely by the driver and tour leader. However, Map Tours’ have set the individual prices to ensure consistency in the pricing. Additional excursions are not pre-bookable and must be paid for by cash to the Tour rep prior to the excursion being conducted. Passengers are entitled to refuse any optional. The operation of additional excursions is subject to availability, logistics, and feasibility, and in no part guaranteed to be operated on tours.

Baggage

One piece of luggage per person (weighing up to a maximum of 20kg It will be the passenger’s responsibility to carry their luggage to and from the coach as well as their hotel room). In addition, they are also entitled to carry one piece of hand luggage (weighing up to a maximum of 7kg, and not exceeding dimensions of 20 x 20 x 48 cm / 8 x 8 x 19 inches), which can fit under their seat or in the overhead compartment.

If you do bring an extra baggage, or baggage beyond the limits outlined here an additional fee of 100$ per bag (subject to availability). All baggage is placed at the owner’s risk, Map Tours accept no liability for loss or damage to bags howsoever caused.

Clothing and accessories

During summer months it is advisable to wear light garments and perhaps keep a light jacket or sweater handy. It is advisable to carry a light waterproof jacket or umbrella. Passengers should also carry suitable footwear as per the itinerary of the tour. Passengers should also carry travel adapters so they can charge their electronic items in their hotel room. Passengers may also want to carry a small travel iron, hairdryer, kettle etc. as not all hotels will have these in the rooms. Passengers should consult with Map Tours at the time of booking if they are unsure.

Coaches and transportation

All coaches are fitted with air cooling and toilet facilities (WC facilities on coaches have limited capacities, and therefore we advise passengers to use them only on an ‘emergency’ basis as once capacity has been reached the WC will be locked). On rare occasions, your coach may not have a WC facility on board. On our tours, please note that your touring coach will not have a WC facility on board as standard. We have a strict no smoking policy; this includes the use of Electronic cigarettes (including e-cigars, e-pipes, and other vaporizers). Alcohol consumption is also prohibited on all our Coaches. During transfers, we may use an alternative vehicle without the above facilities (WC facilities will not be present on smaller coaches or vehicles).

Currency

Map Tours’ advises passengers to exchange any spending money before they commence their tour. Whilst on tour it may not be possible for the tour rep to arrange for a passenger to be specially taken to exchange money and not all places of interest will have ATM machines or accept credit/debit cards. We also advise our passengers to keep some JOD & USD or Euro.

Distances and journeys

An important point to note whilst on a touring holiday is that some long journeys are unavoidable especially when travelling from city to city as distances. Map Tours recommends that passengers wear comfortable clothing on these days and bear in mind that a major part of these days will be spent on the coach. It is advisable for passengers to carry necessities which they may need for the day such as water, dry snacks, tissues, medication etc. with them in their hand luggage.

Food

Passengers will have an option to choose from vegetarian or non-vegetarian (wherever possible Jain/Halal) meals. Passengers should advise Map Tours of their preferred diet at the time of their booking so that this information can be provided to the caterers. Passengers are requested to inform Map Tours of any food allergies at the time of booking. However, special arrangements cannot be guaranteed for allergies or requests such as Halal or Jain meals. Passengers with severe food allergies or dietary requirements are advised to make appropriate arrangements prior to commencing their tour. The meals are pre-set buffet style, and a choice of menu is not available. On some of our tours meals are provided at restaurants, or hotels; a set menu in a buffet style .

Lunch is served in a picnic style buffet arrangement. On some days, Map Tours may provide packed lunches or dinners to suit the itinerary of a particular tour. Dinners are usually provided within a hotel or restaurant in a separate dining facility.  If for any reason Map Tours are unable to provide the meal; Map Tours will provide the passenger with of 20 Euros for lunch and 20 Euros per dinner.

Children under the age of two years will be charged an infant fare, a nominal supplement applies. Child/Infant booster seats are not provided by Map Tours on coaches, and it is strongly advisable to carry your own, which is adaptable to coach seats. Milk and baby food cannot be provided by the hotel or restaurants and passengers are advised to carry ready baby milk cartons whilst on tour. Please also note that not all hotels provide a kettle so if hot water is required for warming milk etc. in the hotel then it is advisable to carry a bottle warmer / kettle. Pushchairs can be kept in the baggage lockers of the coach. Children will not be allowed to occupy seats near the front of the coach.

The itinerary and time keeping

Please note that during the tour, the tour rep reserves the right to modify the itinerary as they deem fit. These changes are usually due to unexpected delays or major local events that can often arise. Whilst travelling on organized group tours, adhering to timings given by the tour rep is very important. it is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure all departure times are adhered to. Map Tours will not take responsibility for passengers left behind due to not adhering to itineraries and times stated by the tour rep for whatsoever reason, and any subsequent impact this may cause financially or non-financially. It is a passenger’s responsibility to ensure that they are clear in understanding of the departure time from any given point.

Lost property and thefts

It is the passenger’s’ responsibility to keep their property and valuables safe at all times including on coaches, excursions, and hotels. If an item has been left at the hotel or supplier, then the passenger can call the relevant supplier. In the case of theft, passengers should advise their tour rep immediately and report the theft to the appropriate authorities, so they can be provided with a police report or crime reference number. Passengers are advised not to carry unnecessary valuables and to be vigilant at all times as tourist spots are well-known target locations for pickpockets. It is strongly recommended by Map Tours that all passengers have valid travel insurance. Map Tours will by no means retrieve the item on behalf of any passenger, or be responsible for acquiring the item on behalf of any passenger to keep in line with company policy and law. Map Tours maintain a strict policy of not carrying anyone’s property across international borders whether it is authorized in writing or by any other means.

Single traveller’s (Solo Traveller)

• All our prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy for minimum 2 adults.
• Passengers travelling alone will be required to pay Solo Traveller supplement.

General information

Is this trip your right choice?

• Jordan requires a certain level of modesty in terms of clothing, although on the beach the usual swimwear is acceptable.
• At most of the historical sites in Jordan there is no shade. Bring a hat, sun protection, and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. Winters can get quite cool, so if you’re visiting at this time, don’t forget to pack some warmer layers too.
• There are some long travel days on this trip, with driving times adding up to between six and eight hours. This is a good opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and soak up the diverse scenery.
• Travel is always an adventure and as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

• Jordan is a great food destination for vegetarians. With wonderful fresh produce and many delicious local dishes, you’ll have a great time on this trip. For vegans we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to Jordan which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.

• Some of the best scenery in Petra and Wadi Rum is found on hikes. While this trip doesn’t require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to participate in all activities.
• The desert camp in Wadi Rum is basic but incredibly memorable, we stay in a permanent tented camp with shared bathroom facilities. While the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cold at night and warm clothes are highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months even in the warmer months, the temperature can be low in the mountains.

• Ramadan: As many Middle Eastern countries are of Islamic faith, it is important to note many restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating on reduced hours during Ramadan. As a result, some optional and included activities on your trip may be affected. Ramadan, which dates vary depending on your year of travel, is an incredibly important and sacred month for Muslims. When equipped with some basic knowledge, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in this special tradition and experience all its highlights. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience

• Please be aware that consumption of alcohol outside of approved venues or in the streets is illegal.

• Please be aware that while the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night and warm clothes and a sleeping bag is highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months (Hike trips). Despite this, the warm Bedouin hospitality and chance to be out under the stars certainly makes up for the camp’s simplicity. “The desert camp in Wadi Rum is basic”. There are tents and shared western bathroom facilities. “sleeping bag is not recommended”

• Some kinds of trips takes you to many religious sites, so it’s best to come prepared. You will need to bring clothes that cover arms and legs – a light scarf is a good idea for hot days.

• To complete this trip it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
• On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back marker.
• For those looking to all the riding but with a little less effort an e-bike option is available (on request) on this trip.