Lawrence's Arabia – Tour Jerash and Petra, Jordan
Itinerary
Day 1. Sunday. Join tour
Amman
Arrive Amman and check-in at hotel. Overnight
hotel H+.
Day 2. Drive to Jerash
This morning we drive northwards to ancient
Jerash (where we meet any of our clients travelling on our ‘Grand
Tour of the Middle East’ and ‘Crusader Castles & Desert Cities’
tours). Located in the Gilead Hills, it is considered to be the
best preserved city of the Decapolis, a confederation of ten Roman
cities. One of the highlights of the Middle East, a triple arch
gateway gives way to colonnaded streets, theatres, temples and
baths. Particularly striking is the elegant forum. Overnight hotel
H+ (included meals: B).
Day 3. To Kerak via Mt. Nebo &
Madaba
We head south to Madaba, a small Christian
town with its collection of extraordinary mosaics, including the
Great Map of Palestine (6th century). Discovered in 1896, and only
fragmentary, it contains a good picture of Jerusalem. Moving on we
investigate Jebel Neba (808m). Better known as Mount Nebo, it is a
pilgrimage centre for Christians principally because Moses is said
to have seen the Promised Land from this summit. Then following one
of the oldest trade routes in the world, the King’s Highway that
once carried the richly laden caravans of Solomon, we reach Kerak,
imposingly sited on a hilltop. Kerak became famous in the time of
the Crusades as one of a chain of fortresses in the Holy War
against Islam. The castle was built in 1132 by Baldwin of
Jerusalem, a Crusader king.
Overnight hotel H+ (included meals: B).
Day 4. Walking tour of
Petra
Continuing south we set off early this morning
to reach Petra. Abandoned centuries ago, Petra is unique and
unforgettable: a strange otherworldly place, enhanced by the play
of light and shadow, an altogether overwhelming experience. A
guided orientation tour will take us to some of the key parts of
this remarkable site, and, for the rest of the day we have a chance
to walk through one of the most impressive and exciting sites of
ancient history anywhere in the world. 2 nights hotel H+ (included
meals: B).
Day 5. In Petra
A full free day at Petra, or ‘rock’ in Greek.
You can climb steep paths to the sacrificial ‘High Places’ (altars)
and hike to the top of Jebel Harin (1396m) for a stunning view over
Wadi Araba and the Negev Desert. A place to lose oneself in the
atmosphere of the past. You may wish to visit ‘Little Petra’.
(Included meals: B)
Day 6. By Four Wheel Drive to Wadi
Rum
We spend today experiencing the beautiful area
of Wadi Rum. We head off south for an exciting half day drive along
a 4WD drive route to Wadi Rum. Via the old Roman road, we explore
the lesser known northern areas of Wadi Rum, seeing natural rock
bridges and viewing incredible rock sculptures on the way to our
overnight camp. During the afternoon you may take an optional camel
trek through the dramatic Siq al Barrah. We ride and walk for 3
hours through a landscape of sandstone mountains and white and pink
coloured sands.
The desert is another world, inhabited by the
nomadic Bedouin peoples for generations. The whole area is soaked
in the Lawrence legend: those who still wish to search out the
strange hero will find his shade in the ‘Beau Geste’ Desert Patrol
post at Wadi Rum. Scenes of the famous film ‘Lawrence of Arabia’
were shot here – deep in the fabulous purple-black mountains that
rise from the sand of the desert. Before our night under the starry
sky, we may be lucky enough to witness a spectacular desert sunset.
We sleep in a single, large, traditional goat hair tent (the best
protection against typical desert extremes of hot and cold) which
is laid out with rugs, mattresses, pillows and sleeping bags. The
evening is normally spent around a campfire, with spectacular
desert stars overhead: Washing facilities and WC are available
close by. Overnight in Bedouin-style tent with C (included meals:
B, L, D).
Day 7. By Four Wheel Drive to
Aqaba
Leaving Wadi Rum in four wheel drive vehicles
we follow a desert track finally arriving at Aqaba on the Red Sea.
Here you have a chance to swim in the warm waters and go
snorkelling on the coral reef (optional). Overnight hotel H+
(included meals: B).
Day 8. Drive via the Dead Sea to
Amman
We drive on to the shimmering Dead Sea.
Surrounded by barren hills, this unique water body has an amazingly
high salt content (33%) that means no animal life survives and that
it is almost impossible to sink! Finally we drive on to Amman and
spend our last night in the bustling capital. Overnight hotel H+
(included meals: B).
Day 9. Monday.
Tour ends Amman (Included meals: B).
Quick
Links:
tour jerash petra jordan -
introduction
tour jerash petra jordan -
factfile
tour jerash petra jordan - map
tour jerash petra jordan - dates &
prices
tour jerash petra jordan - booking
enquiry
tour jerash petra jordan - before you
go
REF: Lawrence's Arabia JD - EE0007
