Jordan: The Business of War Tour

DESCRIPTION

There are few places in the world quite as surreal as the annual international arms fair in Amman, Jordan. This vast display is hosted by King Abdullah of Jordan and is attended by the world’s generals, dictators and other assorted people in need of the latest killing machines on the international market, as well as those who are more than happy to sell their wares. This is the place where the men who usually hide in the shadows come to see and be seen – this is the YPT Business of War tour, and business is booming!

Kicking off in Amman, the capital of Jordan, we will first explore this hectic, fascinating and ancient city before heading off for an otherworldy experience, unlike anything you’ve felt before: swimming in the Dead Sea. It is nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean and this high salt content makes the water incredibly buoyant, so you’ll float effortlessly without even trying. It’s like lying on a giant waterbed!

Our group will then arrive at one of the seven wonders of the world, Petra, a mind-blowing hidden town literally carved out of desert cliffs, which was created in 312 BC and remained hidden from Western eyes until the 19th century. We will then round off our exploration of Jordan with Bedouin tribesmen, camel rides and an adrenaline fuelled day tearing through the desert in a 4×4 vehicle!

After that, it will be time for the mother of all arms shows, SOFEX, where we will spend two days. It happens every two years and, after the fun we had last time, boy were we eager to come back. Royalty from all over the Middle East will be in attendance, there will be displays from military forces neutralizing mock enemy forces featuring helicopters, explosions, and gunfire that will convince you that you are in a war zone. We will have the chance to examine and try out the latest military technology on the market and rub shoulders with some very ‘’interesting’’ individuals.

ITINERARY

Friday 30th August – Amman

Morning

Arrive at your convenience into Amman – the capital city of Jordan, which is well connected to many countries within Africa, Europe and the rest of the world.
Pre-tour meeting will be held at 8:30 at the lobby of our hotel to discuss tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
We’ll then set off to explore Amman and see some of its incredible sights such as the ancient Citadel, Roman Theatre, Al Husseini Mosque, as well as the market shops.
We’ll transfer to the Royal Automobile Museum, which displays more than 70 classic cars and motorbikes from the personal collection of King Hussein. Vehicles range from pre-1950s glories to modern sports cars, taking in chrome-clad American cruisers to regal Rolls-Royces along the way, with accounts of presidential visits, Hollywood stars, and defunct Middle Eastern monarchies.
As we stroll through the souk, you can try some serious street food, including a freshly squeezed cane juice, some nuts and dates
For lunch, we’ll stop at Hashem Restaurant which offers crispy Falafel with Hummus, Ful, Fatet Hummus and tea with fresh mint.

Afternoon

We’ll then continue to Habibah Sweets, the place in town to try Kanafeh, a popular cheese layered dessert with nuts. Like a local, eat around the patio area.
The tour will continue in Rainbow Street, a buzzing hub of activity, lined with many of the trendiest restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques in the city.
In the evening, we’ll head out to try some amazing Jordanian cuisine and wind off the night with drinks and Shisha.
Overnight in Amman

Saturday 31^st August – Amman and Dead Sea

Morning

Let’s prepare for SOFEX at the Royal Tank Museum, where we will walk along the famous Sherman M-4, the legendary T-34, the Centurion and the Challenger tanks. This is not just a showroom though, and this visit will be a good opportunity to learn more about the wars of the World, the Great Arab Revolt and the Battle of Karamah between the Israel Defense Forces and combined forces of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Jordanian Armed Forces, on 21 March 1968. We’ll also be told about the tactics of wars and battles, tank engines and modifications.
Before we embark on an epic visit of Jordan, we’ll have some time for a last stroll in Amman, to buy souvenirs or taste delicious street food.

Afternoon

After lunch, you’ll get to discover one of the most unique spots on earth – the Dead Sea. Experience the strange sensation of floating effortlessly in this incredibly buoyant water, which feels like lying on a giant waterbed!
The Dead Sea is surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes, with rolling hills and mountains on one side and the sparkling blue water on the other. It’s a truly beautiful sight.
Overnight at a resort by the Dead Sea

Sunday 1^st September – Petra

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll begin our private transfer to the mind-blowing wonder of the world, Petra.
On arrival, you’ll pass the Siq, a narrow gorge where you’ll get the first close views of the colourful sandstone, ending at the beautiful Treasury. Walk along the Street of Facades to the Royal Tombs, the Theatre, all the way down to the Nymphaeum and Qaser El- Bent. While we’ll have a local guide, you’ll also have free time to explore on your own at your own pace and take some incredible photographs.
Dinner, and overnight in Petra and chance to meet some local Bedouin tribesmen.

Monday 2^nd September – Wadi Rum

Morning

We’ll drive for around 1.5 hours to Wadi Rum, one of the most impressive desert landscapes in the world!
On arrival, we will enjoy an adrenaline-fuelled, wilderness adventure of a 4×4 jeep tour of Wadi Rum desert, following in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, climbing sand dunes and rock bridges.

Afternoon

Led by our English-speaking Bedouin guide, the jeep tour will be around 4 – 5 hours, taking in the sights such as the Nabatean temple, Lawrence Spring, Sand Dunes, Khazali Canyon, Little Bridge, Um Fruth Rock Bridge, Lawrence House, Burdah Rock Bridge/Burdah Arch & more.
On the way back, an optional one-hour camel ride from Lawrence Spring to Rum Village. Extra cost of 10 JD/15 USD per hour per camel.
We’ll then drive to the coastal city of Aqaba. From there, on a clear day, you can see four countries: Jordan of course, but also Egypt, Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Dinner and overnight in Aqaba

Tuesday 3^rd September – Aqaba

Morning

This morning will require you to dress smart, grab breakfast, then meet our drivers who will transport us to the desert, where the Mother of all Arms shows is held.
Your YPT guide will deal with the group registration and issue everybody with an entry permit.
You’ll have many chances to buy very cool merchandise and souvenirs.
We will witness the mind blowing opening ceremony and SOF Demonstration.

Afternoon

You’ll get to take part in a Royal Tour of the Halls, see the awesome Jordanian Royal Falcons Display and then head to see the intense Ground/Air Mobility and Tactical Displays.
Transfer back to Aqaba
Free time in the evening for people to rest up and check out the awesome photos from the day.
In the evening we head out for group dinner and drinks.
Overnight in Aqaba.

Wednesday 4^th September – Aqaba

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and meet our drivers to head to the second day of the show.
This day will be spent exploring the vast tents and witness the buying and selling of some of the most lethal military equipment, vehicles and aircraft currently on the market as well as a chance for you to handle and try out a simulation of many products.

Afternoon

Visit the Small Calibre Live Firing at ranges where you can test out some of the equipment for sale.
All the awesome displays from the previous day will be repeated, so the group is free to spectate again if they wish.
Transfer back to Amman and final group dinner and drinks.
Overnight in Amman.

Thursday 5^th September – Amman

Breakfast at hotel
Tour concludes – airport drop-offs can be arranged according to your flight details – YPT is also able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for flights.

GALLERY