Petra, among the most magnificent sites in the Middle East, and Wadi Rum, arguably Arabia's finest desert, are explored in depth on this unique hiking tour. As well as retracing the steps of the ancient Nabateans and hiking through breathtaking siqs and wadis, we have time to absorb some of the other attractions of this compact yet diverse kingdom - from the Dead Sea to the remarkably preserved city of Jerash.
WADI RUM JEEP SAFARI & CAMEL TREK
A drive south along the Desert Highway brings us to the northern reaches of Wadi Rum, where we walk or take an optional camel ride through the twisting siqs (gorges) and wadis (dry river valleys) to our camp. The scenery here is breathtaking, especially at dusk, when the hue of the golden cliffs intensifies to a deep pink, and at dawn, when crisp morning light bathes the surrounding desert. To appreciate the stillness of this majestic landscape which so inspired Lawrence of Arabia, we travel mainly on foot and camp Bedouin-style, surrounded by the echoing granite walls of the mountains beneath star-filled skies.
ON FOOT IN PETRA
Visitors to Petra are never less than astonished by its sheer expanse, and yet few stay for more than a few hours. Our walking tour spend the best part of two full days hiking the ancient trails near Petra - ancient paths that were used by camel caravans travelling with their precious cargo of spices from Arabia via Petra to the Mediterranean. Camping amongst little known valleys, we sense the weight of history all around us.
JERASH & THE KING'S HIGHWAY
Heading north along the 5000-year-old King's Highway, we pause to walk through the dramatic gorge of Wadi Ibn Hammad and for a soak in the Dead Sea before visiting some of the most cherished sites in the Holy Land - including Moses's Mount Nebo and Madaba, the 'City of Mosaics' We end our journey with a tour of ancient 'Gerasa' - Jerash, a Greco-Roman city straddling the trading route from the eastern Mediterranean into the Orient. Jerash is still resplendent with its colonnaded streets, baths, theatres and marketplace.
Included
