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Page Text Content
EGYPT & MIDDLE EAST
Exploring Wadi Rum
JORDAN
Lawrence's Arabia
9 DAYS HOTELS/BEDOUIN CAMP WONDERS OF THE DESERT
Ref
JD
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
The mountains and desert of Jordan radiate a wild and desolate beauty all of their own. It is these sun-baked wadis and giant granite crags that Lawrence describes in his Seven Pillars of Wisdom the rock-hewn city of Petra, the sandy defile of Wadi Rum and ancient Jerash. We also have time to enjoy the Red Sea.
Jerash & the Kings Highway Beginning at Jerash, one of the most impressive Roman cities surviving anywhere, we journey via biblical Mt Nebo to Madaba and then southwards along the legendary Kings Highway towards Kerak. Here we explore the crusader castle of Kerak, imposingly sited on a crag overlooking the rocky desert. Relaxing in the Dead Sea/Lou McKaigue
Mediterranean Sea
Lawrences Arabia Ref JD
Jo rdan
SYRIA
JERASH
Ancient Roman city
AMMAN
Dead Sea Swimming
SYRIAN DESERT
Dead Sea
ISRAEL
Mt Nebo Madaba St Georges church
Camping at Wadi Rum/Lou McKaigue
Kerak Crusader castle
Rock-carved Treasury of Petra/Betsabe Dieppa
Highw
ay
JORDAN
PETRA
Rock-carved city Explore desert by 4WD
WADI RUM AQABA
Red Sea port Desert Camp 0
Kings
km 100
Exploring Petra We finally reach Petra, one of the worlds archaeological wonders. Tucked away like a long-lost Shangri-la, the Rose Red City is carved from a mountain of multi-coloured sandstone and approached through a narrow but towering siq (gorge). Local legend has it that the rock-cut Treasury once stored the gifts of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon. We have two full days at Petra: ample time to discover some of the hidden corners of the site, including the vast and impressive Monastery and the High Place with its fine views of distant Wadi Araba. Wadi Rum & the Red Sea Leaving Petra in 4WD vehicles, we push deep into the craggy desert and cliffs of Wadi Rum. This is Lawrence of Arabia country, where well sleep in a bedouin-style encampment,
under a star-filled desert sky. All around us stretch the solitary vertical cliffs of the wadi (dried -up river bed); we have the chance to explore this majestic landscape by camel. Then continue by 4WD to the Red Sea coast, where we can unwind and snorkel over the coral reef. Finally we return to Amman, pausing en route to experience the sensation of floating in the Dead Sea.
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Amman. 2 Drive to Jerash. 3 Drive via Mt Nebo, Madaba and Kerak en route to Petra. 4 In Petra; horseride to the Siq and guided tour of site. 5 Free in Petra. 6 4WD to Wadi Rum bedouin camp; optional camel trek. 7 Drive to Aqaba; optional snorkelling. 8 Drive via Dead Sea and Baptism site to Amman. 9 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts hotel, 1nt Bedouinstyle camp; 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/4WD vehicles/Horseback. Comment: We travel along some rugged routes using 4WD vehicles so be prepared for bumpy stretches. In Wadi Rum we sleep in a bedouin-style tent and you should bring a sleeping sheet (other bedding provided). A warm sweater/jacket is essential for cool, even cold, desert nights. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), & national guide, and some local guides. Group Size: Approx. 16 to 22.
For information, inspiration and latest tour availability visit www.explore.co.uk
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