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Explore the ‘rose-red’ city of Petra
The ruins of ancient Petra are simply unforgettable. This magnificent site was voted as being one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Famously called the ‘rose-red city half as old as time’, Petra’s extraordinary coloured rocks, grand tombs, and elegant carved façades are among the world’s most impressive archaeological treasures.
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Visit Petra by Candlelight
A magical and unforgettable experience unfolds every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at Petra when after sunset the Siq and Treasury of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra are bathed in the light of a thousand flickering candles. Visitors walk slowly through the dramatic gorge of the Siq and emerge through a narrow crack in the rock to find the forecourt in front of the Treasury (El Khazneh) awash with candles.
3
Echo Lawrence of Arabia on a Desert Camel Ride
Discover the mystic, beauty, and silence of the stunning desert of Wadi Rum as you travel though it ‘in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia’ on either camel or horseback. The experience is particularly recommended in the late afternoon when the colours are at their most dramatic. Different lengths of excursion as available.
4
Hike into the Wilderness at Wadi Dana
One of the best ways to get to know a country is on foot. We offer a range of interesting and dramatic walks and hikes that will enable you to engage with nature and the people of Jordan while enjoying some exercise. The 5 – 6 hour trail from Dana to Feynan is a wonderful experience as is walking in the Shara Hills around Petra.
5
Indulge in Spa Treatments by the Dead Sea
The shores of the Dead Sea and the thermal springs at Ma’in are perfect locations for unwinding at the end of a cultural tour. Both locations offer luxurious accommodation complete with extensive spas operated by the likes of: Six Senses, Anantara, and Zara Spas. Ozone-rich air, mineral-loaded sea water, and mud enhances the luxurious treatments performed by highly trained therapists.
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Discover a kaleidoscope of colours at the Red Sea
Diving and snorkelling in the Red Sea is simply unforgettable. The Red Sea offers superb visibility (up to 50 metres), abundant and diverse marine life (there are over 1,000 species of fish), and countless varieties of hard and soft coral. The comfortable year-round water temperature ranges between 18° and 26° C.
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Gladiator and Roman Army Re-enactments
Legionaries in full armour, gladiators, and chariots, bring ancient Jerash’s hippodrome alive on a daily basis in spring and autumn. The exciting display is performed by the Roman Army Chariot Experience (R.A.C.E) and involves displays of army drill, a mock gladiatorial contest and culminates in a chariot race. The re-enactments are popular with adults and children alike and are a great way to bring the stones of ancient Jerash to life.
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Travel in the Footsteps of Moses & the Early Church
Biblical Moab is rich in early Christian sites. The Baptism Site of Bethany on the banks of the River Jordan where John the Baptist baptised Jesus of Nazareth is perhaps the best known location, but there are literally hundreds of others including: Mt. Nebo where Moses is buried and from where the ‘Promised Land’ was first seen, Mukawir were Salome once danced for Herod, and Umm Qeis, the site of the biblical incident of the Gadarine Swine.
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Stride along the Battlements of Crusader Castles
Dating from a turbulent period in Jordanian history, the land that the Crusading Knights called Oultrejordain was fiercely contested. The great fortress of Kerak with its awe-inspiring walls was one of the most important fiefs in the Crusader kingdom and was once the seat of the controversial Raynald de Chatillon. To the south, Showbak castle dates to 1115, and was built by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem. North of Amman, the picturesque castle of Ajlun was built by a cousin of Saladin.
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Middle Eastern Cookery Classes & Fine Cuisine
Mealtime in Jordan is not just a routine; it’s a special event. In one of Amman’s oldest neighbourhoods we can arrange for private morning, afternoon, and evening Arabic cookery classes where you may enjoy the mouth-watering taste of authentic home cooked Arabic cuisine and experience the thrill of preparing it yourself. At Petra there is also an opportunity to prepare your own meal at the Petra Kitchen; while at the village of Rassoun, it is possible to arrange for you to enjoy a home cooked lunch. We can also advise on restaurants choices, so you may sample the best food in Jordan.
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Uncover the Majesty of Imperial Rome
Northern Jordan was an important and wealthy part of the Roman Empire which has left a rich historical legacy. Jerash (ancient Gerasa) is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved ancient cities in the Middle East. Umm Qeis (ancient Gadara) a city carved from black basalt is dramatically sited over-looking Lake Tiberias and the Golan Heights was once called ‘a new Athens’. Ancient Pella in the Jordan Valley is in a particularly beautifully location.
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Gaze on Superb Byzantine Mosaics
The bustling Ottoman period town of Madaba is noted for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics. St. George’s Church houses a famous 6th century mosaic map, while the Madaba archaeological park preserves a number of recently discovered masterpieces including the fantastic mosaics from the Church of the Virgin and the Hippolytus Hall. Nearby, the Church of St Stephen at Um er-Rasas has a superb mosaic floor and has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status.
13
Ascend into the Dawn Sky in a Hot-Air Balloon
As the rosy fingers of dawn start to creep over the horizon you will slowly ascend over the spectacular red desertscape of Wadi Rum in a hot-air balloon and glide through the crisp clear sky with a birds eye view over what is arguably the most dramatic scenery in Jordan. It is possible to take this excursion from Petra if you make a very early start (3 a.m.), alternatively you might want to combine the experience with a night camping in the desert.
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Spend a Night Camping in the Desert
A night camping in the desert of Wadi Rum is an extraordinary experience. In the late afternoon when the colours of Wadi Rum will be at their most dramatic, you may journey silently across the desert on camelback to a picturesquely sited campsite. After sunset a delicious meal will be cooked, then you can sit back and admire the brilliance of the desert night sky. For a special occasion we can arrange for a private traditional zarb dinner. Our campsite offers timed electricity, running hot and cold water, good food, and proper beds. The standard is basic but the experience is magnificent.