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One
of the great attractions of Jordan are the excursions
& tours that are on offer here making it a superb
destination for divers and non-divers alike.
The
ancient city of Petra is about two hours North of Aqaba. 2000 years
ago Petra was a refuge for nomadic Nabateans who travelled North
from Arabia. From a few caves in a rocky outcrop they created Petra
as a concealed fortress city. To reach the city you will travel
through the awesome 'siq', a winding, kilometre long fissure between
overhanging cliffs.
At
the end of the Siq, towering in the brightness appears Petra's most
impressive monument El Khazneh,'The Treasury'. This massive royal
tomb was carved into the side of the mountain out of the solid rock.
Beyond
El Khazneh there is a complete city carved from the rock. Soaring
temples, elaborate tombs,a Roman theatre and paved streets are there
for you to explore.
But
Petra, with its multi-hued pink rock, is not only about the Nabateans.
There are Roman settlements on the same site and, within 15 minutes
drive of Petra, there are 8,000 year old excavated stone age villages
at Beidha and Basta.
The
vast area is truly awe-inspiring, with island jebels (hills) rising
800m or more from the desert floor. There are deep hidden ravines
and soft sandstone hills carved by nature into spectacular and often
weird formations. Much of the Eastern desert is virgin and untouched
by tourism. In earlier times this was a major route for the Nabatean
civilisation, whose amazing rock carvings and drawings can still
be seen. In recent history, Wadi Rum has become famous as the starting
point for T.E. Lawrence's attack on the coastal town of Aqaba. Many
scenes from the film were shot in Wadi Rum with local Bedouin families
taking part. A journey through Wadi Rum will take you away from
the hectic bustle of modern living and back to the basics of life.
In his book 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom' Lawrence declares; "Rum the
magnificent - vast, echoing, godlike- a processional way greater
than imagination."
If your time
is limited, a half day 4-wheel drive excursion is all you need to
capture the beauty of Wadi Rum. If you linger for a full day you
can explore a Bedouin village and go into the desert by camel. If
you stay overnight you can experience true tranquillity - sleep
in a Bedouin tent under a blanket of stars.
12
DAYS / 11 NIGHTS 'CHILL OUT & TOUR' COMBINATION.
- Day 1
- Depart Heathrow a.m. Arrive AMMAN evening, connect with internal
flightto Aqaba with 15 minute car transfer to the hotel of your
choice. Stay 7 nights with breakfast.
- Days 2-6
- 5 days for relaxing by the hotel pool, exploring the market,
the ancient ruins of AQABA, snorkelling or Scuba Diving. Learn
to dive courses available or guided dives for experienced divers.
- Day 7
- Morning: Free in Aqaba - explore or relax. Afternoon: Half day
excursion to WADI RUM, the desert region made famous by Lawrence
of Arabia. A fascinating glimpse into the life of the Bedouin.
Car to Dici Village and transfer to 4x4 vehicle, for approx. 1
hour Wadi Rum desert trek. A full day tour is also available with
lunch and camel trek instead of 4x4.
- Day 8
- Depart early for the magnificent ancient city of PETRA. Your
day includes an excursion into the famous 'Rose red city' of Petra
including guide, short traditional horse ride and lunch. Overnight
at 4 star Panorama Hotel or the 5 star Petra Movenpick, dinner
and breakfast included.
- Day 9
- Depart Petra approx. 9.30 am. by car for a trip along the King's
Highway visiting KERAK's desert castle en route. Continue to the
3 star Hisham Hotel or the 5 star Grand Hyatt in AMMAN. Arrive
late afternoon for 3 nights stay including breakfast.
- Day 10
- Full day trip to the Roman city of JERASH - one of the best
preserved Roman cities in the world and continue to the historic
AJLUN CASTLE with its stunning views.
- Day 11
- Full day trip to the DEAD SEA, MADABA (famous for its mosaics)
and MOUNT NEBO - reported burial place of Moses - with fantastic
views over the JORDAN VALLEY. Don't forget your swimming costume
for your float in the Dead Sea!
- Day 12
- After breakfast, depart by car to Amman Airport for your Royal
Jordanian flight to London. Arrive Heathrow at tea time. All excursions
are by private hire car or minibus with English speaking driver
- no coach tours. The above tour can be increase or reduced to
suit your preferred holiday duration
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