Aqaba & Surrounds

Duration:

1 day

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Highlights:

Half day tour of the highlights of Aqaba and surrounds.

Aqaba Castle, Aquarium.

DETAILS:

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FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION

This easy-walking half day orientation tour takes you to the popular highlights of Aqaba, Jordan�s only city that has access to the sea.

Begin with a visit to the Aqaba Fort. Located on the city�s waterfront, the Fort dates back to the 14th century and was built by one of the last Mameluke Sultans, Qansah al-Ghouri. An interesting Hashemite Coat of Arms hangs at its main entrance, which was placed there during WWI after the Turks were expelled from Aqaba by the combined British-Arab forces in 1917.

A short walk then brings you to the Aqaba Museum, which houses an interesting collection of artifacts and information about the old medieval city of Ayla, located a few minutes north along the waterfront road. The collection of ceramics showing Iraqi, Egyptian and Chinese influences provides evidence that Ayla was a busy trading port in the Middle Ages. Following the visit, enjoy some time to browse the souvenir shop opposite the Aqaba Museum, offering a variety of interesting handmade items.

Back on the Car, take in the many sights on an approximate one-hour drive to the outskirts of town, where you�ll stop to visit the Aqaba Aquarium at the Marine Sciences Centre. Established in 1980, the aquarium is a popular attraction with its varied collection of marine species, some of which are found only in the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Driving back to Aqaba, enjoy approximately 30-minutes of free time to shop or �soak up the local colour� around the City Centre before returning to your ship.

SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION

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This easy-walking half day orientation tour highlights the popular attractions of Aqaba city and surrounds. Visits to the 14th-century Aqaba Fort, its Museum with artifacts from the Middle Ages, and the Aquarium all combine with some free time to offer an excellent introduction to Jordan�s only city that has access to the sea.

TIMING BREAKDOWN

00:00 � 00:15 Disembark, board on the car.

00:15 � 00:30 Departure Aqaba Port

00:30 � 01:30 Visit Aqaba Castle and its Museum

Free time to visit the Souvenir shop opposite to the Museum

01:30 � 02:30 drive to the Aquarium and visit

02:30 � 04:00 Back to Aqaba City Centre, and free time for self-exploration

04:00 Back to Aqaba Port

Approximate duration: 4 hours

OPERATIONAL NOTES

- Red carpet at dock on arrival

- Flowers for the ladies upon arrival

- Pre-paid tickets to the sites, so there will be no queuing or waiting at the entrance

- Uniformed staff with clear nametags available at the pier, the site, and the restaurant to assist the guests at any time

- Aqaba Museum opens daily from 08:00 till 19:00 and is open 7 days a week

- Aqaba Aquarium opens daily from 08:00 till 16:00 and is open 7 days a week

- There is no exact time for shops to open and close, and each shop keeper has his own timing, but in general shops in Aqaba are open around 09:30 till 13:30 and then again from 15:30 till 20:00 and most shops close on Friday, our weekend

- Easy walking: Approximately 250 yards of walking over flat, even surfaces with approximately 20 steps to reach the Aqaba Fort, museum and souvenir shop