Jordan and the Rose City - 8 days
FROM USD $1,989
Witness Hergé’s fictional creations magically spring to life on this Arabian adventure through the enchanting Kingdom of Jordan. In eight fun-filled days, you’ll take a dip in the mineral-rich Dead Sea; explore medieval Shobak Castle; uncover the Rose City of Petra – the jewel in Jordan’s glittering archaeological crown and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World; camp under the stars in the vast silent landscape of the Wadi Rum desert; and snorkel the warm waters of the Red Sea by Aqaba.
While we’ll hope to avoid mischievous Abdullah and his famously exploding cigars, we’ll catch sight of real Sheikhs, trek through pastel-coloured stretches of sandy desert on one-humped camels, have our own tea ceremony in Bedouin tents – and if we’re lucky - see a mirage or two. Adventure is in the air – and Jordan will not disappoint!
Day 1: Amman
After our arrival into Queen Alia International airport, we drive to our hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. The remainder of the day is free to relax and ease ourselves into the adventure ahead. Overnight - Dead Sea
Day 2: Dead Sea – Skobak Castle – Little Petra:
Start the day reading your favourite Tintin album afloat in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. After a leisurely morning we drive along the Dead Sea’s eastern shoreline and ascend the scenic ‘Ghor Fifa’ route to Shobak – a crusader castle. It’s then over the Heisha Mountains, towards Little Petra, on a dusty desert road to our hotel, a renovated authentic 17th century village set in the mountains near Petra. Overnight - Petra (B, D)
Day 3: Petra
A fascinating full day’s exploration of Petra! Accessed by foot through a narrow, deep and winding cleft, your first glimpse of the spell-binding Rose City is bound to stop you in your tracks. Full of ancient tombs, temples and ruins – Petra is a real archaeological treat – and ripe for modern-day discoverers like us! If you’re feeling fit, climb the stone steps up to Ad-Deir, better known as the Monastery, for extraordinary views of the area. Overnight - Petra (B)
Day 4: Petra – Wadi Rum:
It’s back to Petra, this time by a secret road, for some further exploration – we know you wouldn’t want to leave any stone unturned. In true Tintin style, we escape through Petra’s back door, and travel by jeep to our remote campsite in the heart of the Arabian Desert. Settle into your tent and then pull back the canvas on an Arabian night of Bedouin music, entertainment and dinner, under the desert stars. Overnight - Wadi Rum (B, D)
Day 5:
Wadi rum – Aqaba: For something of a different commute this morning, straddling the one-humped Dromedary camel, we trek through the stunning rock formations of the Wadi Rum desert. After a refreshing stop at a local village for tea, we travel on by road to the Red Sea port of Aqaba. Wash the dust of the desert off with a cool dip in the Red Sea or explore Aqaba on your own – the afternoon is free to do whatever you wish. Overnight - Aqaba (B)
Day 6: The Red Sea
Spend today at leisure by the Red Sea or embark on our Pharaon Island - optional excursion. Setting sail for Pharaon Island in the Red Sea, we explore the islands Byzantine fortress and snorkel around colourful coral reefs in its crystal waters – without an encounter with the Red Sea sharks of course! Working up an appetite for the BBQ lunch aboard, we head back to Aqaba late this afternoon. Overnight - Aqaba (B)
Day 7: Aqaba - Amman:
A free day free to relax and unwind by the Red Sea before our late afternoon transfer to Amman, where we dine out and no doubt have a lively evening reminiscing over the adventures of the past week Overnight - Amman (B, D)
Day 8: Amman
Amman: Time to say goodbye – it’s the end of our Arabian journey. We are transferred to the international airport for our onward flight home – or perhaps on to Egypt in search of the Cigars of the Pharaohs!
(B)
Extend your stay: 2 days
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There’s plenty more to see in Jordan and we recommend a 2-day extension to see the 2,000 year-old Graeco-Roman ruins of Jerash as well as biblically related Madaba and Mount Nebo, with amazing views over the Dead Sea to Israel. Both sites are easily accessible from Amman, making this a perfect extension to your holiday. |
