The Green & Gold Army is heading to Amman to support the Matildas at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018 (19th edition) which will be held in Jordan between 6 and 20 April 2018. It is also the final stage of Asian qualification for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top five teams qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019. Jordan (host), Japan, Australia, China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines have qualified for the event.

The final draw was held in early December 2017 and the 8 competing teams were drawn into two groups of four teams.

Group A: Jordan, China, Thailand and the Philippines

Group B: Japan, Australia, South Korea and Vietnam

The top two teams of each group qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup as well as advance to the semi-finals. The third-placed team of each group enter the fifth-placed playoff match. Games will be every 2-3 days and played at the 17,600-seater Amman International Stadium and the 13,000-seater King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman. All games will be played in Amman. Games will be played at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm.

In April in Amman, sunrise is 6am and sunset is 7pm. Temperatures range from between 21c and 32c with very little rain and low humidity. In 2016 approximately 2.5 million visitors travelled to Amman, which made it the 5th most visited Arab city. The city has a population of 4 million and is among the most popular locations in the Arab world for tourism and business. Jordan is a fascinating mix of modernity and ancient wonders. We will live it up in the cosmopolitan city of Amman, explore the biblical sights at Mt Nebo and Madaba, float in the Dead Sea, explore the Roman town of Jerash and visit the stunning ruins of Petra on an enriching and exciting tour of Jordan. With cultural gems, ancient artefacts and warm hospitality waiting around every corner, Jordan is an enthralling and magnetic land to visit and combine with supporting the Matildas at the Asian Cup.

Tour Packages do not include return international flights. Guests are able to add to their package a Green & Gold Army group flight which is provided at the best price available at the time of booking. Green & Gold Army group flights can be ordered when completing the booking process. Guests who wish to organise their own flights will be advised of the arrival time (window) and recommended services in order to meet up with tour supplied airport/hotel arrival transfer services.

• Group Stage: 6-14 April 2018

• Finals Stage: 14-21 April 2018

• 4.5* Accommodation at The Boulevard Arjaan by Rotana, Amman

• 4* Accommodation at the Petra Marriot, Wadi Musa

• Daily Breakfast

• Airport/Hotel/Airport arrival and departure transfers

• Guided vehicle stadium transfers for all games and selected Matildas’ training sessions

• All Match Tickets including Matildas fixtures: 7 April (v South Korea) | 10 April (v Vietnam) | 13 April (v Japan)

• Matildas pre-game functions including food/drink and entertainment

• Experienced Green & Gold Army tour host/guide/s

• Qualified & experienced local guides

• Cultural & Sightseeing Tours (including all entrance fees) to sites as detailed in the itinerary

• Overnight Wadi Rum desert safari (Semi-final/Final Stage only)

• Iconic Green & Gold Army Matildas Scarf & tour pack/gift

• Guests Booking both Group and Finals stage enjoy a $250 discount

• Guests who have been on a tour with Green & Gold Army previously enjoy a loyalty discount of $250 which is deducted from your balance payment.

• 50% of tour fee is payable at time of booking with the 50% balance due on 1^st February 2018.

• Important Travel Information & Our Travel Tips

GS- Day 0: Thursday 5 April 2018

GGA Group Flights depart eastern Australia (BNE/SYD/MEL) in the evening.

GS- Day 1: Friday 6 April 2018 (Amman)

GGA Group Flight arrive in Amman approximately 09:50. Our local guides will meet the group and transfer to the Amman Hotel. Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan, cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in biblical history. In the afternoon following the tour briefing  the group will get out on to the streets, where you’ll soon hear “Welcome to Jordan” from the locals, and maybe pick up a coffee from one of the cafés and partner it with an ara’yes, a toastie filled with spicy mincemeat. Late afternoon transfer to the opening matches of the event, Jordan v Philippines and China v Thailand.

Overnight in Amman.

GS- Day 2: Saturday 7 April 2018 (MATCH DAY: Matildas v South Korea)

In the morning visit Amman Citadel with its amazing sweeping views of Amman, the Jordan Museum – home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, King Abdullah Mosque and the Roman Theatre, right in the middle of downtown Amman. Enjoy lunch at Hashem Restaurant – a place with bragging rights for being a favourite of royals, diplomats and celebrities travelling through Amman. Dinner will consist of their famous Jordanian stuffed falafel, which is fresh and crunchy on the outside while fluffy on the inside and mansaf, delicious lamb with fermented, dried yoghurt sauce. There’s also the chance to dip bread through smooth creamy hummus and moutabel; similar to hummus but with yoghurt, lemon juice and Arabic salad. After a filling meal, head on to the decades old Habibah Sweets shop for a slice of warm knafeh – delicious buttery cheese pastry soaked in sweet, sugar syrup. At 3pm, have some drinks at a pre-match event. This event includes finger food, drinks (beer, wine, soft-drink) & entertainment. At 6pm, transfer to the King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman for the Matildas vs South Korea game 8pm (time confirmed). The stadium is between a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Return to the hotel after the game.

Overnight in Amman.

GS-Day 3: Sunday 8 April 2018 (Amman Citadel & Jerash Roman Ruins)

In the morning you will leave Amman for a short drive north (approximately 80 minutes) to Jerash, once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world. These are some of the best preserved Greco-Roman ruins around. The city thrived due to its position on the route of the spice and incenses trade, and it reached its zenith as a favourite of the emperor Hadrian around AD 130. The ancient walled town that survives today is a remarkable evocation of life 2,000 years ago. It has a striking collection of archways and theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets, and is a beautiful place to spend a day exploring. Discover Hadrian’s arch, the partially restored hippodrome, ornate public fountains, the south amphitheatre, and see the collection of daily artefacts uncovered during excavations. Grand ionic columns encircle the city’s centrepiece, the Oval Plaza, a wonderfully atmospheric place to linger after uncovering Jerash’s riches. After a full day of exploring arrive in the hilltop town of Madaba. In the evening dine at the excellent Haret Jdoudna Restaurant. Popular with locals and discerning diners from Amman, and set in a restored Ottoman house, this restaurant is always worth a visit. Sit indoors by a roaring fire in winter or in the leafy courtyard in summer and sample traditional Jordanian dishes that will make your mouth water.

Overnight in Madaba.

GS-Day 4: Monday 9 April 2018 (Dead Sea/ Madaba/ Mt Nebo)

In the morning tour the historical town of Madaba, famous for its Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the famous 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St George’s Church. Other mosaic masterpieces found within churches and the Archaeological Museum depict a rampant profusion of flora and fauna, as well as scenes from mythology and daily life. In the early afternoon, drive to the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level). This isn’t actually a sea but a super-salty lake (dead because of the lack of life in it) where the density of the water means you’ll go for a float, not a swim. Spend some time relaxing here and get some classic floating pictures. The mud here is supposed to have healing properties, so why not cover yourself from head to toe for a nutrient-rich natural mineral mud bath. There are wellness rooms for those that wish to be pampered. This body of water is famously salty – 9.6 times saltier than the ocean as a matter of fact. As a result, it’s believed to have healing properties that can be tested first hand during an optional swim. After drying off, prepare for a traditional picnic lunch, mezze style. Mezze consists of setting up a series of small appetisers with a group of friends, then scooping them up with bread. Think of it like a much better version of sharing dips and bread/crackers with friends. Kibbeh (fried meat with wheat), manakish (flatbread with za’tar and olive oil), spinach bread and cheeses are all served, followed by a cup of shaneeneh (an aged goat milk yoghurt drink) and a serving of hareeseh (a sweet, syrupy pudding) for desert. Continue the Bethany Baptism site. Situated in a pristine natural environment the site is believed to be the location where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist. It features Roman and Byzantine remains including churches and chapels, a monastery, caves that have been used by hermits and pools in which baptisms were celebrated, testifying to the religious character of the place. The site is a Christian place of pilgrimage. Moving on you’ll reach Mt Nebo, the spot where the prophet Moses is said to have seen the ‘promised land’ and where he’s supposedly buried. Explore this sanctuary and view the remarkable mosaics of the 4th century church. Return to Madaba in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Madaba.

GS-Day 5: Tuesday 10 April 2018 (MATCH DAY: Matildas v Vietnam)

Free morning to explore more of the pretty town of Madaba. Madaba, which has a population of 180,000 has one of the largest Christian populations, per capita of any city in Jordan. Jordan contains some of the oldest Christian communities in the world, Christians having resided in Jordan after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ early in the 1st century AD. Christians today make up about 6% of the population of Jordan, down from 20% in 1930. Over half are Greek Orthodox. After lunch, transfer the 45 minutes back to Amman arriving at your hotel at 2pm. At 3pm, have some drinks at a pre-match. This event includes finger food, drinks (beer, wine, soft-drink) & entertainment. At 6pm, transfer to the Amman International Stadium for the Matildas vs Vietnam game 8pm (time confirmed). The stadium is between a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Return to the hotel after the game.

Overnight in Amman.

GS-Day 6: Wednesday 11 April 2018 (Petra)

Leave early at 7.30am for the fabled city of Petra. (approximately 3 hours) by private van. On arrival, check into your hotel, have lunch and explore the ruins. Petra is justifiably on most people’s list of ‘must-visit’ places. It’s the jewel of Jordan, the lost city of the biblical Nabateans, an impressive series of tombs and dwellings hidden behind ornate façades carved directly into the rock, and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Dating back to the 6th century BC, the site was lost to Western minds until it was rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer – he dressed up like a local to sneak in and then revealed the secret to everyone. Thankfully he did though because this isn’t something you’d want to miss. Squeeze through a mile-long narrow path, known as the Siq, through huge towers of rock and get your first glimpse of the iconic Treasury – it’s impossible not to imagine the armies and traders who made their way down here in the ancient times. It’s amazing to think that this awesome, intricate building entrance was hand carved out of the rock. The site is surprisingly big, and you can explore the old Roman road, temples and several old tombs, as well as the rock-hewn amphitheatre. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to explore the rest of the site at your own pace.

Overnight in Petra.

Please note that when entering Petra as a group, a complimentary horse ride is included in the ticket price from the entrance point down to the Siq. We don’t recommend that you take this option due to the safety and insurance liability involved. Please also note a lot of walking is required to see all the sites and viewpoints of Petra. A basic level of fitness will enhance your enjoyment of your visit.

GS-Day 7: Thursday 12 April 2018 (Petra/ Amman)

The group will rise early as today’s breakfast will be shared with a local shepherd as you bask in awe of the beautiful dry countryside. By this stage of the adventure, it should be apparent that a Jordanian breakfast is fairly varied but sticks to a few staples; breads and garnishes being two of the favourites. A typical breakfast can consist of hummus, falafel, salad, pickles and khubz (a pita style bread), although dipping flatbread into olive oil then za’atar is also fairly common. A mezze style breakfast under this towering scenery will be the perfect setting to chat with the shepherd and learn about the life and culture of a Petran local. Return to Petra at 8.30am and enjoy the early morning light which changes the colour of the Treasury, rock hewn Siq and the Roman road. Do the challenging, but highly rewarding walk up the steps to the stunning Monastery (approximately 1 hour) which is the highlight of Petra for many people. The Monastery, is an impressive seven-storey structure with a doorway that’s eight metres high. Though less ornate than the Treasury, the sheer scale of this building makes it an amazing sight. Reportedly it was used as a temple by Christians in the Byzantine period. Return to your hotel for lunch, freshen up and board your van for the 3-hour journey back to Amman. En route to Amnan, you’ll travel the King’s Highway to the historic crusader castle of Kerak, which stands on a cliff commandingly overlooking Wadi Karak and the Dead Sea in the distance. You’ll have time to explore the evocative ruins and discover the legends of the 12th-century battles between the Crusaders and the Muslim armies led by the Arab hero, Saladin. Arrive back in Amman at about 6pm and eat at the magnificent Fakhr El Din Restaurant. Jordan vs China is on 8pm tonight and the group can watch this match at an extra cost.

Overnight in Amman.

GS-Day 8: Friday 13 April 2018 (Match Day: Matildas v Japan)

This morning is free to relax by the hotel pool or in the hotel’s cafe. At 12pm, have some drinks at a pre-match event. This event includes finger food, drinks (beer, wine, soft-drink) & entertainment. At 2pm transfer to the King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman for the Matildas vs Japan game at 4.45pm (time confirmed). The stadium is between a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Return to the hotel after the game.

Overnight in Amman.

GS-Day 9: Saturday 14 April 2018 (Tour End)

The group stage is now finished so for those on the Group phase of the tour program only sadly it is time to return to Australia or other onward journeys, check out of the hotel and transfer to the Amman airport for your international flight home.

Those guests only joining the tour for the FINAL STAGES are required to arrive into Amman on Saturday 14 April in order to join the program as detailed below.

We depart the hotel at 8am on April 14 for the Wadi Rum overnight tour and all flights land after 8am on April 14 so you will need to arrive in Amman on April 13 in order to join the Wadi Rum tour. If you don’t wish to do the Wadi Rum tour on April 14, you will be able to stay at our Amman hotel on April 14 and join the group on our return from Wadi Rum at 4pm on April 15.

Accommodation including airport transfers is available from us for April 13 as follows: 

• Price per person twin/double share: AUD$220
• Price per person single (own room): AUD$380

This accommodation can be added on during the booking process. If you are booking a Combo Package, this add-on is not required. 

FS-Day 1: Saturday 14 April 2018 (Wadi Rum Desert Safari)

Depart Amman at 08:00 and arrive in Wadi Rum Desert at 12:00. Follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia with a journey to the extraordinary desert scenery of Wadi Rum, a rugged moonscape of huge sandstone mountains. A 4-hour jeep safari will take you through some of the most beautiful and sublime desert scenery on the planet, a true highlight of this trip. Wadi Rum is full of weird and beautiful lunar-like rock formations, and traces of ancient civilisations can be seen in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. The most enduring monuments in Wadi Rum are those carved by nature – the natural rock bridges, towering rose-coloured sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks. Tonight, you’ll sleep in a simple desert camp, with the choice of sleeping under a camel hair tent or out under the stars. Enjoy a delicious dinner cooked in an earthen oven by your Bedouin hosts. Conditions are basic at the desert camp, but the hospitality of your hosts is legendary and you’ll treasure the memory of sleeping beneath the twinkling desert night sky.

Overnight Wadi Rum Desert.

Please Note: A mattress and blankets are provided. Please be aware that while the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night and warm clothes are highly recommended. Western-style toilet facilities are available. However there is no hot water showers.

FS- Day 2: Sunday 15 April 2018 (Wadi Rum Desert/ Amman)

After waking up in the unique surrounds of the Bedouin camp this morning, you will enjoy a 1 hour relaxed walk through the desert. Wadi Rum is a truly beautiful place, where great gouts of rock on a carpet of bright red sand have been eroded into fantastical gnarled shapes. Explore the distinctive rock formations and soak in the vast silence of this lunar-like landscape. Wadi Rum is probably best known for its connection with the enigmatic British officer T.E. Lawrence, who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-18. Meaning ‘Desert Dwellers’ in Arabic, the Bedouins are a semi-nomadic people, and in Jordan up to 40 per cent of the general population is thought to have Bedouin ancestry. This might explain the legendary hospitality of the Jordanians – in traditional Bedouin culture, a huge onus is placed on taking in and feeding any visitor, and so you’ll enjoy brilliant hospitality while you’re here in this incredible place. Depart Wadi Rum at 11am, stop for lunch and arrive back in Amman at 4pm.

Overnight in Amman.

FS- Day 3: Monday 16 April 2018 (Matildas Training)

Transfer to the Matilda’s training grounds (subject to FFA approval) to watch the team train. Free afternoon/evening to relax by the hotel pool. You can experience urbane western Amman with its residential districts, cafes, bars, modern malls and art galleries; and in earthy eastern Amman, it’s easy to sense the more traditional and conservative pulse of the capital.

Overnight in Amman.

FS- Day 4: Tuesday 17 April 2018 (MATCH DAY: Matildas Semi Final)

In the morning relax and unwind in the hotel. Early afternoon we transfer to our pre-game restaurant to prepare for the Matildas Semi-Final match. After a local feast. we transfer to King Abdullah II Stadium for the Semi-Final games at 5 & 7pm (schedule TBA). The stadium is between a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Return to the hotel after the game.

Overnight in Amman.

FS- Day 5: Wednesday 18 April 2018

Experience urbane western Amman with its residential districts, cafes, bars, modern malls and art galleries; and in earthy eastern Amman, it’s easy to sense the more traditional and conservative pulse of the capital. An interesting optional activity (at an extra cost of 60 AUD per person) is experiencing a real food adventure with a self-prepared lunch at the Beit Sitti Cooking School, known as one of the most innovative developments in Jordan’s dining scene. Visitors to the school get to cook (and eat) an authentic meal under supervision, with tonight’s dish being maqluba. Literally translating to ‘upside down’, maqluba is a casserole with rice, vegetables and chicken which is cooked, flipped, then served with either yoghurt or an Arab salad with tahina sauce.

Overnight in Amman.

FS- Day 6: Thursday 19 April 2018 (Amman or Amman Citadel)

For guests joining the tour for the Final Stage only this is your day to explore the Amman Citadel. See the entry above for Group Stage Day 3 for activity descriptions.

Other guests can join in to secure another look at the Amman Citadel or alternatively experience more of urbane western Amman with its residential districts, cafes, bars, modern malls and art galleries; and in earthy eastern Amman, it’s easy to sense the more traditional and conservative pulse of the capital.

Overnight in Amman.

FS- Day 7: Friday 20 April 2018 (MATCH DAY: AFC WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP FINAL)

In the morning relax and unwind in the hotel. Early afternoon we transfer to our pre-game restaurant to prepare for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final. After a local feast. we transfer to Amman International Stadium for the Asian Cup Final. The stadium is between a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Return to the hotel after the game.

Overnight in Amman (including the celebrations with the Matildas after we take home a famous victory!)

FS- Day 8: Saturday 21 April 2018 (Tour End)

Sadly today is the final day. We check out of our hotel and transfer to the Amman airport for your international flights home. GGA group flight/s will depart Amman for Dubai and Australia at approximately 17.35.