THE LOST CITY OF PETRA FAMILY HOLIDAY

Itinerary

• Flight Inclusive itinerary
• Land Only itinerary

Day 1

We leave London for Amman, on a scheduled flight with Royal Jordanian. On arrival we transfer to our hotel in Madaba. Those not travelling with the group from London will join us in Madaba in the evening.

Day 2

There is free time to relax this morning before heading south to the Dead Sea in time for a 'float' in the thick saline waters .We then head back to Madaba where we spend the afternoon, stopping at Mt Nebo on the way, which is where Moses was shown the 'promised land'. Known as "The City of Mosaics Madaba is best known for its spectacular 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

Day 3

Today we have a spectacular drive down the King's Highway, which winds its way up and down many wadis. We stop en route at Kerac, a castle that was hugely important in Crusader times. We then head south to reach Jordan's premier historical site and one of the world's most outstanding ancient cities, Petra.

Day 4

The whole day is spent here at Petra, an incredible site. The 'Rose-red city, half as old as time' - Petra was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Burkhardt made his great discovery in 1812. Petra was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe which arrived here in the 6th century BC. Building at Petra began in the 3rd century BC and continued through the Roman period, financed by taxes levied on the desert caravans. Two features of Petra are unique: firstly, it is a city made defensible by being built down a series of chasms, rather than on a hilltop; and secondly, it is built directly into the rock - beautiful red and yellow sandstone carved into the most impressive facades which glow in the brilliant sunlight.
After walking down the siq, the narrow chasm which is the only entrance to the city, we come out directly in front of El Khazneh, the Treasury. (Please note that due to current Jordanian group regulations the journey to the siq has to be taken on horseback - this costs US$10 and is included in the price). Continuing to the centre of the city, we pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens, and the amphitheatre. A long walk beyond the centre is El Deir, the monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn (the walk up is by a series of steps). Some of the exploration can be done on horseback. Included in this day is an informative two-hour guided tour to provide background and historical information about this incredible site.

Day 5

We now join the modern desert highway and make our way to Wadi Rum, a stretch of beautiful sand and rock desert. This is where Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War, and also where sections of the film of 'Lawrence of Arabia' were shot. Night skies can be spectacular here and we take a four-wheeled drive vehicle far into the area for an exciting desert adventure. There is also the opportunity to ride camels in this wonderful setting.

Day 6

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Day 7

Beyond Wadi Rum, the road drops sharply through dramatic scenery to Aqaba, Jordan's port and holiday resort, famous for some of the most beautiful coral reefs to be found anywhere in the world. Over the next two days we have time to lounge on the beach, swim, go snorkelling around the excellent coral, or relax by the pool in the hotel. There are several good restaurants in Aqaba for evening meals too.

Day 8

Today we drive back to Amman. It is a fairly long drive so depending on how people are feeling we can visit Jerash later that day. In Roman times this was one of the ten wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis, and was famous throughout the Roman world for the luxury of its lifestyle. Those who do not wish to visit Jerash will have some free time in Amman.

Day 9

A mid morning flight to London. Those not on the group flights will leave us in Amman after breakfast.