Rose Red City (EXRR)

Duration: 5 days (may vary)
Areas: Jordan
Tour types: History & Culture, Nature & Wildlife, Short Breaks, Walking & Trekking

Description

The Dead Sea & Wadi Rum
First we head south to the Dead Sea, whose mineral-laden waters are said to be a tonic for the skin and somehow support us as we float, rather than swim. Heading south along the ancient and dramatic Kings Highway we arrive at Wadi Rum. On arrival we explore the twisting canyons by 4WD. You can really appreciate why for Lawrence of Arabia this landscape was at the same time so humbling and so inspiring. We camp Bedouin-style among echoing cliffs whose golden colours intensifies at sunset to a deep pink, then purple, before the still desert night settles and the sky fills with stars - the perfect way to start our journey. The following day we mount camels to trek through the Siq al Barrah gorge.

Petra
There are only a handful of places that can genuinely be described as breathtaking, and Petra is definitely one. The dramatic approach on foot through the winding siq (gorge) creates a sense of mounting anticipation before suddenly the glowing pink façade of the Treasury appears before you. This however is only the beginning of the city as our route leads us on to explore the rock-cut theatre and Royal Tombs. In the afternoon we recommend the dramatic walk up to the vast and impressive Monastery for far reaching views of the Wadi Araba.

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Join Amman.

Day 2

Drive via Dead Sea along Kings Highway to Wadi Rum; explore by 4WD; Bedouin-style camp.

Day 3

Camel trek through Siq al Barrah. Drive to Petra, guided tour of Petra; optional walk to the Monastery.

Day 4

Free day in Petra to explore.

Day 5

Drive to Amman via Desert Highway; tour ends.