Aqaba Highlights
Duration: 3 3/4 hours
Tour Code: aqj-001
Discover the only Jordanian city with access to the sea during this interesting half-day orientation tour of Aqaba.
Depart the pier for the drive to the 14th-century Aqaba Fort. Located on the city's waterfront, the Aqaba Fort was built by one of the last Mameluke Sultans, Qansah al-Ghouri, and dates back to the 14th century. An interesting Hashemite Coat of Arms hangs at its main entrance, and was placed there during World War I after the Turks were expelled from Aqaba by combined British-Arab forces in 1917.
Next, you will take a brief stroll 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 museum's collection of ceramics reflects Iraqi, Egyptian and Chinese influences, and provides evidence that Ayla was a busy trading port in the Middle Ages. A brief visit will then be made to the souvenir shop opposite the Aqaba Museum to browse from a variety of interesting handmade goods.
The highlight of your tour will be a visit to the Aqaba Gate, where you will take in the Jordan Experience Show. The largest motion-based theatre in the area, the Jordan Experience Show offers a unique opportunity to experience a bird's-eye view of Jordan as if you were seated on a flying carpet. Before entering the theater, you will pass through a time tunnel that recreates some of the caves to be found within Jordan and Siq-like areas with easy to understand timeline maps. This walk is approximately ten minutes and the movie lasts for another 13 minutes, so you should allow a total of 25-30 minutes to participate. The entire experience is air-conditioned.
After the performance, a brief shopping stop will be made before proceeding to the city center. Upon arrival, you will have approximately 30 minutes of free time to shop or stroll about the city center before re-boarding your coach for the return drive to the pier.
Please note: There are approximately 250 yards of walking over flat, even surfaces with approximately 20 steps to reach the Aqaba Fort, museum and souvenir shop.