The Lost City of Petra - a Family Holiday in Jordan (EXFJD)
Duration:
9 days (may vary)
Areas: Jordan
Tour types: Family Adventures, History & Culture, Walking & Trekking
Description
JERASH & THE KING'S HIGHWAY
First we explore the impressively well preserved ruins of Jerash, one of the great cities of the Roman Decapolis, a confederation of ten prosperous trading cities spread across the region. Then for a complete change of scene we head to the lowest point on earth: the Dead Sea. At more than 400m below sea level, these waters have a salt content so high that you can enjoy the bizarre sensation of floating on the surface of the water, like a cork! Next we travel south along the historic King's Highway to Petra, visiting imposing Kerak Castle en route.
EXPLORING THE LOST CITY OF PETRA
We enjoy two full days at Petra: ample time to explore the extensive site on foot. One of the unexpected pleasures here is the sheer beauty of the setting: tucked away like a long lost Shangri-la, the 'Rose Red City' is carved from a mountain of multi-coloured striated sandstone. Following narrow gorges and half hidden, rock-cut stairways, we reach breathtaking vantage points and stumble across corners of the site scarcely changed in 2000 years.
WADI RUM & THE RED SEA
We continue by 4WD across the desert to the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum. This is 'Lawrence of Arabia' country, where we'll sleep in a Bedouin-style encampment amongst echoing granite cliffs and beneath a star-filled desert sky. To appreciate fully the beauty of the desert we trek on camels through the twisting Siq al Barrah gorge, perhaps appreciating why for Lawrence of Arabia this landscape was both so humbling and so inspiring. Finally we reach the Red Sea, whose crystalline waters and amazing undersea life make a fitting end to our journey.
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Join Amman.
Day 2
Morning visit Jerash, afternoon float in Dead Sea.
Day 3
Drive on King's Highway via Kerak Castle to Petra.
Day 4 & 5
Two full days at Petra, with guided visit plus time to explore independently on foot.
Day 6
By 4WD to Wadi Rum, via ancient Humeimah; camel trek through Siq al Barrah and camp overnight in the desert.
Day 7
Drive to Aqaba, on the Red Sea; PM swimming.
Day 8
Full day at Aqaba, with optional snorkelling over Red Sea coral reefs.
Day 9
Drive to Amman where tour ends.
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Comment
An active and exciting discovery of some of the Middle East's best sites and most dramatic scenery. Petra can only be explored on foot, so bring strong, comfortable footwear and be prepared for some walking. The overnight camp in Wadi Rum is traditional Bedouin-style: we sleep on rugs and sleeping mats in a large goat-hair tent (sleeping bags are provided).
Group
Approx. 16 to 22.
Introduction
Petra - the 'Rose-red city half as old as time' - is for many the most impressive site in the Middle East. More than 2,000 years ago the ancient Nabateans carved magnificent tomb facades from the ochre sandstone, but then for centuries the site was lost to all but a few Bedouin families who lived amongst the ruins. However since the rediscovery of Petra in 1812 travellers have come from far and wide to witness the amazing scale and majesty of the rock-cut city. But our journey encompasses much more than just Petra - Roman Jerash, magnificent Wadi Rum and the aquamarine waters of the Red Sea are just some of the other highlights.
Staff
Explore Tour Leader plus local guides, cameleers, horsemen and driver(s).
Tour End
Drive to Amman where tour s
Tour Start
Amman
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