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Upgraded - Treasures of Jordan

Jordan - Trip code DJP Explore Upgraded
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382Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Journey through Jordan's rich history in comfort on our premium tour. Discover the rock-carved city of Petra and walk in the footsteps of the Nabateans before racing across the dunes of Wadi Rum to spend a night under the stars. Witness the ancient sites of Amman and beyond and unwind on the calm waters of the Dead Sea on this fast-paced trip through Jordan's highlights.

Why we love this trip
  • The Rose Red City of Petra - Spend two full days exploring the tombs and temples of this astounding wonder of the world.
  • Camp on the dunes of Wadi Rum - Experience Bedouin living at a premium camp on the planes of the Wadi Rum desert.
  • Float in the Dead Sea - Feel rejuvenated after a dip in the saline waters of the lowest point on earth.
  • Upgraded Range - Immerse yourself in Jordan's breathtaking highlights with our hand-picked selection of Premium hotels and desert camp
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 8

    Lunch: 1

    Dinner: 3

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    4WD

  • i

    Accommodation

    7 nights premium hotel

    1 nights premium tented camp

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Full on

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Amman

Our tour of Jordan starts in Amman, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Home to almost half of Jordan's entire population, Amman is a fascinating city of contrasts, where the ancient and the modern collide. Get lost in the bustling souks of downtown, where you'll be tempted by falafel and baklawa stalls, or visit the hillside Roman Theatre for a taster of the city's varied history.

There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive in Amman at any time. A transfer from Queen Alia International Amman Airport (AMM) to the named start hotel is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days prior to departure. The airport is a 30-minute drive from our hotel.

Due to most flights arriving late in the evening, our Explore Leader will meet you for a welcome meeting the next morning. You'll find the meeting information on the notice board in the hotel reception. When choosing your flights, keep in mind that our tour starts right after breakfast on day two so be prepared to dive straight into the adventure.

If you'd like to add on extra days in Amman before our tour starts to explore the capital at your own pace or simply catch up on rest, contact us to book accommodation. Our boutique hotel is in the heart of Amman and it is walking distance from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Explore Ajloun castle and visit to Jerash

After breakfast, we'll gather for an introductory meeting before heading out for a guided tour of the city. We'll then travel north to the green and fertile area of Ajloun. Sitting high on a hilltop, Ajloun Castle is the highlight of our morning. Originally built as a defence post from crusaders, it's now a stunning example of medieval architecture and offers fantastic views over the Jordan valley.

After enjoying a special lunch at a café owned and managed by women, we'll journey north of Amman to ancient Jerash. Inhabited for 6,500 years, the city's golden age was in Roman times when it became part of the Decapolis League - a confederation of important Middle Eastern cities.

One of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, only 10% of the city has been uncovered since excavation began more than 100 years ago but you can still get a feel for how life in the city once was. Walk the colonnaded streets, visit the hilltop temples, explore the chariot-racing stadium, and hear your voice amplified in the ancient theatre.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3 - Amman city tour in the morning. Visit Mt Nebo and Madaba in the afternoon

This morning we'll visit the Citadel Jabal al-Qal'a, the highest point in Amman, giving us panoramic views across the sprawling capital. Our tour will include the Roman Theatre and, prayer time permitting, a panoramic tour of the Blue Mosque. Making our way downtown, we'll weave through the winding streets of the souk, soaking up the energetic ambiance and the aroma of spices and delicacies on sale. Artifacts found here indicate that the area has been a royal city for thousands of years. Whilst earthquakes and invasions have taken their toll, two pillars of the Roman Temple of Hercules still stand strong alongside sections of the 7th-century Umayyad Palace.

This afternoon, we head to Mount Nebo, referenced in the Old Testament as the place where Moses once stood to look over the Promised Land. From here, on a clear day, you can see out to the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem.

Our final stop of the day will be Madaba. Aptly dubbed the 'City of Mosaics', Madaba is home to hundreds of Byzantine-era mosaics, the most famous of these is a 6th-century map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, created with two million pieces of stone.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Journey to the south. Visit Kerak Castle and free time in Petra

This morning, we'll leave Madaba and travel to Petra for a two-night stay. Along the way, we'll visit Kerak Castle. This ancient Crusader stronghold is the most famous in a chain of fortresses built for the Holy War against Islam. We'll stop to learn about its history and explore the maze of stone-vaulted halls and passageways.

Abandoned centuries ago, Petra was the rock cut stronghold of the Nabateans. Surrounded by imposing mountains and approached through a deep, narrow cleft in the rocks, known as the Siq, it is a unique and unforgettable place and, enhanced by the play of light and shadow, an altogether overwhelming experience. On arrival, you can choose to either start exploring the archaeological site at your own pace or simply rest and enjoy the hotel's rooftop pool with a view of Petra's entrance and the tops of its canyons.

This evening, we'll enjoy a Bedouin cookery demonstration and meal at a nearby restaurant, learning how to make a traditional Makloubah (upside down) dish, with meat, rice and fried vegetables, followed by Um Ali, a creamy Arabic dessert with croissant pieces, raisins and nuts.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 - Guided tour of Petra. Optional Petra by night

After an early breakfast, a guided orientation tour will take us to some of the key parts of this remarkable and ancient site. As you enter the site, you're led down a kilometre-long chasm (known as the Siq) where the towering canyon walls reach up to 200 metres high. At the end of the Siq sits the beating heart of the city, the Treasury - miraculously well-preserved, the façade stands at 43-metres-high. Beyond the Treasury, the ancient city becomes a sprawl of tombs and temples waiting to be explored. We'll take in the Colonnaded Street, the Royal Tombs and marvel at the amazing theatre, with its 8,000 seats carved from the solid rock.

The afternoon is free for you to uncover more of Petra. Climb the steep path to the High Place of Sacrifice for a panorama over Wadi Araba and the Negev Desert or trek up to the Monastery - Petra's largest monument.

In the evening, there's the option to witness Petra by night. Follow the candlelit Siq trail and watch how the light plays against the high canyon rocks, blanketed by stars, before coming upon the Treasury, lit up by night. Settle into the sands in front of the ancient temple and listen to a welcome speech from the Bedouin community that still calls the city home.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 - Journey to Wadi Rum to camp in the desert

This morning, early risers can choose to explore more of Petra for a few hours before we leave the Rose Red City behind. Today we'll embrace the nomadic lifestyle of the Bedouin and head into the dunes of Wadi Rum. We'll have the option of an exhilarating drive along the sands in 4WD vehicles, leading us through untouched parts of Wadi Rum.

Described by T.E. Lawrence as 'vast, echoing and God-like…', Wadi Rum occupies 74,000 acres with its monolithic outcrops of granite rock and sandstone rising out of the blankets of sand. The Bedouins learned to live within this hostile environment 3000 years ago, adapting to the elements to perfect their nomadic way of life.

We'll embark on exhilarating 4WD adventure to explore the hidden beauties of Wadi Rum. We'll have tea made in the traditional way on a fire and after watching the sun go down, setting the dunes aglow with fiery red and orange light, we'll head back to camp to experience Bedouin hospitality. We'll be served a traditional Zarb, a BBQ of chicken or goat meat (vegetarian options will be available) cooked under the desert sand and served alongside a selection of mezze.

Our spacious camp features private, ensuite tents - each one is fully furnished with beds and bedding and is set up with solar-powered electricity. There's also a central fire pit shared by all visitors that's perfect to gather around for a spot of stargazing.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Tented Camp

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 - Free day by the Red Sea in Aqaba

After a full-on few days exploring the highlights of Jordan, we'll head to Aqaba for downtime by the Red Sea. A resort town, Aqaba is where local Jordanians come to holiday, lounge on the beach, and have a go at water sports. The port city is famous for its preserved coral reefs and sea life and this afternoon there'll be the option to get out on the water for a snorkelling trip or to unwind at the private Berenice Beach Club.

If you don't have your sea legs, you can cool off in the hotel's rooftop pool or wander the vibrant souks. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to get a flavour for local life, too.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Leave the Red Sea behind and float in the Dead Sea

This morning, we'll depart Aqaba and head north along the King's Highway.

Our next stop is the Dead Sea. This unique body of water is the lowest point on the earth's surface. With a salt content of 33%, it's almost impossible to sink and we'll take a dip to experience the mysterious floating sensation. While we're there, you can indulge in the water's rejuvenating mud, famous for its healing properties, too.

After visiting the panoramic complex to take in the views, we'll continue back to Amman.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 9 - Trip ends in Amman

Our tour of Jordan ends at our hotel in Amman.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. A transfer from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) from the named end hotel is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your departure day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days prior to your tour departing.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Jordan

Climate

During April to November days are generally sunny and hot without rain with temperatures around 32°C. In spring and autumn evenings can be cool and night temperatures can drop suddenly especially in the desert. Expect cold nights in winter (December to February) when temperatures can drop to around 0 degrees. Some rain should also be expected at this time of year.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islam

Language

Arabic

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Petra - Petra by night JD17.00 pp; Ottoman bath JD25.00 pp; Little Petra - JD17.50 pp for return transportation from Petra.
Wadi Rum - Camel trek JD20.00 pp. Not available in July and August due to the heat.
Aqaba - Snorkelling on coral reef including lunch and snorkelling kit JD35.00 pp; Snorkelling from Boat (snorkelling equipment included) JD35.00 pp; Berenice Private Beach club - entrance fee JD10.00 pp.



Clothing

Lightweight clothing is essential in mid- summer, with a sun-hat and neck protection, though a sweater and light jacket are advisable for Wadi Rum. Early mornings throughout the year can be very cold in the desert and winters (Nov-Mar) in Jordan can be cold, so please bring suitable warm clothing. We recommend a waterproof and windproof jacket, fleece, hat and gloves for winter.

Women are advised not to wear shorts or dresses that are too revealing as this can attract unwelcome attention in the streets of Muslim towns - loose fitting trousers or slacks are ideal. Women should also cover their head and shoulders when entering a mosque and men should wear long trousers.

Footwear

We recommend taking lightweight walking/hiking boots with good ankle support, plus trainers or sandals for relaxing and travelling in.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece and a daypack. Remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage - so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

A high factor suncream and good quality sunglasses are essential. Walking poles may be useful for steps and the walks around Petra. A personal water bottle and small torch are useful. Water shoes are recommended for the Dead Sea. Towels are available to rent locally for the Dead Sea swim.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £25 to £30 per person per week as a guideline.

It is also customary to tip private bus drivers throughout the tour, please allow around £13 per person throughout the tour.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a standard part of service in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of services provided. To make things easier for you, your leader might organise a group kitty to cover tips throughout the trip. This will go towards staff at hotels, the Bedouins who welcome you in Wadi Rum and included activities and meals. Accordingly, you should allow JD25.00 (Jordanian Dinar) per person to contribute to the kitty.

For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

International Departure Taxes
The Jordanian government levies on all travellers a departure tax of JD10.00 per person. For travellers departing by air this is usually included in the taxes on the airline ticket and thus nothing will be collected from you at the point of departure. For those travellers departing by land, this will be collected by the immigration authorities at the port of departure from Jordan.

Jordan

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15
Dinner price
£20
Beer price
£5
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Jordanian Dinar
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Sterling and US$ are widely exchangeable though exchange rates tend to favour the US$. It is worth taking some money in cash. You may be able to order Dinars from your bank although the rate will usually be lower than purchasing currency in country.
Where To Exchange
Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available, but do not always work.
Credit Card Acceptance
In hotels and some larger shops/restaurants.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, 4WD

Accommodation notes

We've handpicked premium properties to enhance this journey through Jordan.

In Amman, we'll stay in a centrally located hotel with pool facilities. It's worth noting that Amman isn't very pedestrian friendly, but our hotel is just a walk or a short taxi ride away from the Citadel area and Rainbow Street, where you can find cafes and restaurants.

In Petra, our hotel is right by the entrance of the archaeological site. This is a family run and owned hotel, and it was built on the spot where the family's house used to stand. The atmospheric rooftop bar is your go-to place to relax and unwind in the evening.

While in Wadi Rum, we'll stay at a premium Bedouin-style camp. Each tent is comfortably furnished and has ensuite shower and toilet facilities.

On the Red Sea, our hotel is in the heart of Aqaba, opposite the souk and a short walk from the beach. There is an outdoor pool and sauna to relax in, too.

Please note, swimming pools may have seasonal opening hours, and some operate separate timetables for men and women. Refer to your final document for your departure's confirmed hotel list.


Jordan

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Jordan: Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the time you arrive.
Visa fees are waivered for tourists of British, American, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian nationalities on arrival at an international Jordanian airport. There are however, certain conditions that each tourist of these nationalities must meet in order to gain the free visa. Most of these are already met by Explore trips; however flight information, passport details and arrival date into Jordan all have an effect on qualifying for the free visa. Please see below for the category that is applicable to your flight arrangements:

The following information relates to the above nationalities travelling on flights to Jordan arranged by Explore arriving on the first day of the tour: In order to qualify for the free visa, the above nationalities must advise their passport details at least 16 days prior to your departure date to Explore and must be met by a representative who will assist with the visa process, this is already arranged by Explore as part of the transfer arrangements from the airport to the start of the tour.

The following information relates to the above nationalities with Land Only arrangements arriving on the first day of the tour: In order to qualify for the free visa, these tourists must advise their passport details at least 16 days prior to your departure date to Explore and must be met by a representative who will assist with the visa process. Land Only customers of the above nationalities arranging their own flights to arrive in Jordan on the first day of the tour must advise their full flight details to Explore at least 16 days prior to your departure date. We will then arrange for the representative to meet you as part of the transfer arrangements from the airport to the start of the tour.

The following information relates to the above nationalities arriving in Jordan prior or after the first day of the tour: In order to qualify for the free visa, tourists of the above nationalities must advise their passport details at least 16 days prior to your departure date to Explore and must be met by a representative who will assist with the visa process. To qualify for the free visa, you must contact Explore at least 16 days prior to your departure date to arrange and purchase a private transfer. We will then arrange for the representative to meet you as part of the transfer arrangements.

Please Note: For all tourists of the above nationalities that do not advise their passport details and for all above nationalities that arrange their own travel arrangements and do not advise their flight details to Explore within the above specified timelines, the Jordanian visa fee of JD40.00 (approximately £45) will be applicable. This must be paid on arrival at an international Jordanian airport in order for individuals to gain a visa to enter the country.

All other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate to determine if they are applicable for the above free visa on arrival or must gain a visa prior to departure.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Jordan

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Explore Upgraded information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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