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 the wild city of Amman, we will first explore this hectic, fascinating and ancient city before spending two days at the mother of all arms shows which happens every two years and, after the fun we had last time, boy were we eager for 2020. 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.
When the show is over, it doesn’t end there, we then set off to explore 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 the tour with Bedouin tribesmen, camel rides and an adrenaline fuelled day tearing through the desert in a 4×4 vehicle!
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.
Make your way to our centrally located hotel. Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at noon to discuss tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
Explore Amman and see some of its incredible sights such as the ancient Citadel, Roman Theatre, Al Husseini Mosque.
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.
In the evening, we head out to try some amazing Jordanian cuisine and wind off the night with drinks and Shisha.
Sunday 30th October – Petra
Breakfast at hotel and begin our private transfer on a 2.5 hour journey via the Desert Highway to the mind-blowing wonder of the world, Petra.
Meet our local guide at the Visitor’s Centre and start to explore this mystic site. You pass the Siq, a narrow gorge where you 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, and Qasr Al Bint. Free time to explore on your own at your own pace and take some incredible photographs.
Free time in the evening at Petra hotel before we grab dinner.
Dinner, and overnight in Petra and chance to meet some local Bedouin tribesmen.
Monday 31st October – Wadi Rum
Breakfast at the hotel in Petra.
Drive for around 1.5 hours to Wadi Rum, one of the most impressive desert landscapes in the world!
On Arrival, we then 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.
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.
Meet our driver again for the drive back to Amman
Dinner and overnight in Amman
Tuesday 1st November – Amman
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.
Take part in a Royal Tour of the Halls, see the awesome Jordanian Royal Falcons Display then then head to see the intense Ground/Air Mobility and Tactical Displays.
Transfer back to Amman
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 Amman.
Wednesday 2nd November – Amman
Breakfast at hotel and meet our drivers to head to the second day of the show.
After witnessing the main events on the opening day, 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.
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.
Free time in the evening before heading out for group dinner and drinks.
Diner and overnight in Amman.
Thursday 3rd November – 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.