HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the secrets of photographing celestial wonders and master the art of capturing the night sky like never before. Elevate your photography skills and embark on a celestial journey with Gabriel Biderman, as we take an in-depth tour back in time to the ancient world of Jordan. Jordan is a photographer’s delight, rich in spectacular landscapes and historic sites.

Gabe will teach you how to shoot at night in both urban and rural environments, how to capture well-exposed and tack-sharp images in low light and nighttime conditions, and how to edit both single and composite images in Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, and a night-sky-specific program called Star Stax. (No prior knowledge of any of these software programs is required, merely recommended.)  You will also learn how to create simple, short time lapse videos of the night sky and/or night landscape.

Starting in Amman, explore the city highlights and photograph the Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash. Moving on to Petra, you'll have time to thoroughly explore the ancient city both by daylight and lit by candle light at night. Capture the magical stars, ride a camel with local Bedouins, photograph the stunning mystic landscapes of Wadi Rum from a hot air balloon, while sleeping in a 5 star luxury tented camp for two nights.

All throughout our Quest, you will enjoy top-level photographic instruction from Gabe. From an abundance of opportunities for travel and landscape images  to long exposure and night photography that will captivate your mind and entice your senses to create once-in-a lifetime memories and images!

October 26 - Depart USA

Depart on your flight from the USA to Amman, Jordan

October 27- Arrive Amman, Jordan

Transfer directly to your hotel in Amman. You will have a welcome dinner at where you will enjoy the delicious traditional Jordanian dinner. Overnight in Amman. (D)

October 28 - Amman-Jerash-Ajloun

After breakfast head north to photograph Jerash, one of the most important and best preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. We will spend time exploring and photographing this stunning location. Then on to Ajloun and visit the castle, dominating the Ajloun skyline and built to ward off the Crusader armies at the key trade and pilgrimage intersection between Jerusalem, Cairo, Damascus and Mecca.
Overnight in Amman. (B,L)

October 29 - Amman -Petra

Early morning, head out to the old city of Amman to photograph the Temple of Hercules, a Byzantine church, the Umayyad Palace and the Roman Theatre, two of the most popular archaeological sites in the city.

Afterwards drive to the Nabatean Red Rose city of Petra, one of the 7 world wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter the city through the long narrow gorge called the Siq, which is flanked either side by 80m high cliffs! Photograph the dazzling colors and rock formations. The site is massive, and contains hundreds of elaborated rock-cut tombs, a treasury, Roman-style theatres, temples, sacrificial altars and colonnaded streets.  Dinner and overnight at Petra Marriott Hotel. (B,D)

October 30 - Petra by Night

Full day to discover Petra's canyons and the grand library and the archaeological sites. Great photo opportunities of Bedouins, camels and horses walking through the canyons to the hidden treasure of the magnificent rock-cut architecture of the library. Take a stroll down the Street of Facades, a row of forty houses and easily accessible tombs with ornately carved exteriors, or hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice, where you can get an up-close look at its famous obelisks and sacrificial platform - all while surrounded by panoramic views of the rocky desert below.

You might also trek up the 800 steps to The Monastery, a gigantic mountaintop temple. On the way, you’ll pass Qattar ad-Dayr, a pleasant, oasis-like grotto where water always flows, and the Hermitage, a pinnacle carved with decorative crosses. The Monastery itself is the largest monument in Petra. Tonight we will photograph Petra by night. Savour the opportunity to discover the legendary sights of Petra by night! Walk along the Siq Gorge before arriving at the iconic Treasury to photograph its legendary candlelit facade. A spectacular sight!  (B,D,) 

October 31 - Petra-Wadi Rum

After your visit to Petra you will drive to Wadi Rum. In Wadi Rum we will photograph the sunset and gaze at the stars in the night sky, while enjoying the legendary hospitality of the Bedouin. Gabriel Biderman will teach you the essential tips, tricks, light-painting techniques and composition ideas that will take your stargazing photography to the next level, with a humble sense of humor. He will also teach you advanced night photography skills including time-lapse, star trails, panoramas, and exposure-blending techniques for intermediate to advanced astrophotographers. Overnight in a luxury tented camp in Wadi Rum. (B,L,D)

November 1 - Wadi Rum

Optional early morning hot air balloon ride( weather permitting) in Wadi Rum, nicknamed the Valley of the Moon, which is made up of sandstone and granite rock surrounded by endless desert. The moonlike landscape of Wadi Rum is unique in the world. The desert of Rum is dotted with massive mountains, coloured in shades of red, yellow, and orange. Their hues spill over to colour the sand dunes around the desert and the horizon of its breathtaking panorama.Enjoy the wilderness adventure of a 4×4 Jeep tour. After dinner we will do another night photography session. Overnight in a luxury tented camp in Wadi Rum. (B,L,D)

November 2--Dead Sea-Free Day

Depart for the Dead Sea. The waters of the Dead Sea are intensely saline and rich in minerals. At the lowest point on the surface of the earth, at 400 meters below sea level.. This unique place is famous for its salty waters. The high concentration of minerals makes water and the dark mud on the shores precious for various health treatments. Enjoy a float in the Dead Sea and a Spa treatment. Or just relax by one of the many pools of the resort. (B, L, D)

 November 3- Amman, Jordan back to the USA

Transfer to the airport for your departure back to the USA. The transfer is included from the  Dead Sea to the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for international flight check-in.

Itinerary is subject to change*

Amman

The House Boutique Suites

DEAD SEA

MÖVENPICK RESORT & SPA DEAD SEA

Petra

MÖVENPICK PETRA

Wadi Rum

Palmera Camp

GABRIEL BIDERMAN

Gabriel Biderman is a travel and self-taught fine art photographer, who has been exploring the night topography for over 20 years. Gabe loves the “process” of creating the image and pushing the limits to what we can do when we capture time for seconds, minutes, or even hours! He is well versed in both film and digital, and enjoys blending the surreal look of the night to enhance historic and urban landscapes. Gabriel’s work has been exhibited in New York, London, San Francisco, and Hawaii and he is the author of the recently released book Night Photography – From Snapshots to Great Shots. Gabriel is also the special events and tradeshow point person for B&H Photo. See his work and read his popular blog at ruinism.com.

Language

Arabic is the official language of Jordan. English is widely spoken throughout the country; it functions as the de facto language of commerce and banking, and is also used for education purposes.

Weather

The best season is from October through May when the temperature is comfortable in the daytime, and cool or even cold at night. 

CLOTHING 

Bring materials that breathe; wear layers that can be taken off during the heat of the day and put back on for cool evenings.  Conservative clothing such as lightweight pants, loose shorts, long skirts or trousers and at least short-sleeved shirts are recommended for both sexes when sightseeing in towns. Long, loose Bermuda-style shorts are acceptable for both sexes, but women may feel more comfortable in a skirt or long trousers. Formal clothing is not necessary.Women should pack a scarf large enough to cover bare neck and shoulders. Pack a swimming suit.

Currency

Jordan’s unit of currency is the Jordanian Dinar. Israel’s unit of currency is the Shekel. Exchange money only at authorized outlets such as currency exchange kiosks, banks and hotels. Only exchange what you feel you will need while visiting.

Tipping

Tips are not included and will be collected at the end of our Quest.

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS

In order to enter Jordan as a citizen of the United States, you will need:
A signed, valid passport. Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of your trip. It is also imperative that your passport has enough blank visa pages available for entry and exit stamps. Visa fees are (approximately USD $$60) and are due upon arrival in Jordan.

Health

No vaccinations are currently needed for visitors. During your stay, it is preferable to drink only bottled water and to avoid eating from street stalls.

Be careful of  the sun, which can often feel cooler than it really is due to the cool breezes and lack of humidity. Drink plenty of water when staying outside during the day.

Time Zone

 Jordan is 7 hours ahead of New York (EST).

Electricity

All appliances require a double round pin type plug for 220 volts AC, 50- hertz. 

Is This Trip Right for You?

This is an active trip. Our small group covers a lot of ground each day. Expect to spend two to three hours on your feet during tours. The pace is fast. Some of the tours require walking over uneven surfaces or up and down steep slopes or steps. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking.