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Introduction
In
earlier times travel was a much slower business, often on foot and
taking years to complete, entailing bold steps into the unknown and
the opportunity, indeed necessity, of assimilating more of the local
culture and language than is the case with the traveller of today.
The Swiss explorer Jean Louis Burckhardt was commissioned by the
'Association for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior Parts of
Africa' to discover the source of the Niger. After learning Arabic
at Cambridge he travelled first to Syria where after adopting the
name, clothing and manners of 'Ibrahim ibn Abdullah' undertook
preparatory journeys of exploration in Syria and Lebanon.
En route to Cairo (and in what is now present day Jordan) he visited
Jerash, Amman and Kerak and heard stories of an ancient 'lost' city
in the valley of Wadi Musa. On the pretext of making a sacrifice at
the Tomb of Aaron (Jebel Harun) he subsequently 're-discovered' what
he (correctly) thought to be the remains of the capital of Arabia
Petraea. Unlike many 'Wonders of the World', Petra is a complete
city hidden by mountainous terrain where every path and vantage
point brings a new discovery or perspective.
An
equally spectacular contrast is provided by the desert landscapes of
Wadi Rum featured in David Lean's film 'Lawrence of Arabia'. In this
spirit, but not of course to the same extent, we propose a week's
exploration for experienced walkers along lesser known and less
well-used paths accompanied by an experienced local guide. |
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Day by day tour itinerary
Day 1:
Meets and assist at
International Aqaba Airport and transfer to your chosen hotel in
Petra for five nights. |
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Day 2:
By bus to Little Petra
from where the trek starts towards Siq el-Barid. Then to the Neolithic
settlement of el-Beidha and the gigantic first century AD monument of
the Monastery (1075m) via Wadi el-Shamaseh and Wadi Marwan with a
lunch break (lunch box and mineral water provided) at the Monastery
(6km - 3 1/2 hrs). Descend to the Lower Basin - Qasr el Bint; an easy
walk in mountainous surroundings and on to the Winged Lions, the
Byzantine Church, the Sextius Florentinus Tomb, passing through Haret
al-Nassara, Eurf el-Deek down below the Crusader’s fort (el-Wae’yra;
5km - 2
1/2 hours). A lecture and slide show presented by the Director of the
Petra Archaeological Site.
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Day 3:
Explore the city of
Petra. The tour starts on horseback, passing by the Obelisk Tomb and
then on foot through the Siq to the Treasury. Proceed to theStreet of
Façades and climb up to the Royal Tombs which overlooks the Theatre.
An easy scramble up to Jebel Umm al ‘Amr (1km - 3/4 hr.) for the
ascent from 900m below the Royal Tomb to the top at 1070m giving fine
views over all of Petra including the Roman Theatre positioned
perfectly below, High Place of Sacrifice (opposite) and an unusual
view of the Treasury. Descend to the Colonnaded Street via the Palace
Tomb and continue to visit the only freestanding spectacular monument
of Qasr Bint Faroun (Pharaoh’s daughter). A drink at the Nabataean
Cave Bar has been arranged. Optional Petra by Night excursion. |
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Day 4:
A half-day walk. Start
from the Visitors’ Centre and then to the Obelisk Tomb and proceeding
to al-Maddrass and up to the High Place of Sacrifice(1055m). Descend
through Wadi Faraseh passing the Lion Fountain, Garden Tomb,
Triclinium and Roman Soldier’s Tomb. Visit the Museum in Jebel el-Habees. |
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Day 5:
A full day trek walking
through the Siq into the heart of Petra and climbing up to the Tomb of
Aaron; 1336m at the summit. (11km: 3 1/2 - 4 hrs one way). Donkeys can
be taken from the foot of the mountain (payable locally). Either lunch
boxes or a barbeque will be prepared at the summit with mineral water
and tea. |
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Day 6:
Travel to Aqaba for a
two-night stay at your chosen hotel. |
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Day 7:
A trek in Wadi Rum to
and through the Seven Pillars of Wisdom (15-20 mins). The walk through
the Siq will take about 40 minutes. Continue through Umm Eshreen
(lunch and mineral water) to the Sand Dunes and al-Nouqoush (2 1/2 - 3
hrs) and on to Umm Rashed. Return to Rum village passing near
Lawrence’s Spring. A four wheel drive vehicle will accompany the
group. Dinner under a black ‘bai’t Shaar’ Bedouin tent with local
musicians. |
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Day 8:
Morning free. Return
flight to your home. |
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Rates: starts at 499 USD per
person |
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Price
Includes
all
transportation, 7 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, itinerary as
described, services of guides and local representatives, guidebook.
entrance fee
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Not
Included
Not
included Travel insurance, optional excursions, gratuities, any
government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication. |
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3-star
Hotels
Petra Palace, Petra
A
privately owned 3-star hotel close to the site entrance. Restaurant,
bar, pool and courtyard. 83 air-conditioned rooms with private
facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Aqaba
Gulf Hotel, Aqaba
Although
officially categorised as a 4-star hotel, the Aqaba Gulf has been
included in our '3-star' hotel selection. It is a centrally located
hotel with pool, shop, restaurant, poolside terrace, piano bar and
café. 202 rooms with air-conditioning, private facilities, mini-bar
and satellite TV. |
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4-star
Hotels
Crowne
Plaza, Petra
Set in
landscaped gardens and close to the entrance to the site. Three
restaurants, a bar, outdoor pool, terrace, shop and 147
air-conditioned rooms, private facilities, safe, coffee and tea-making
facilities, mini-bar and satellite TV. |
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5-star Hotels
Mövenpick Resort Aqaba
A
central 5-star resort hotel on the shores of the Red Sea. Facilities
include private beach, three pools, jacuzzi and a Fitness Centre.
Restaurants, bars, a café and bakery shop. 235 air-conditioned rooms
with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
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Petra by Night
- This evening excursion ‘Petra by Night’ is an exclusive private
arrangement for the clients of Voyages Jules Verne and creates a
dramatic new perspective as the ‘rose-red’ city is transformed at
night into a world of magic with only the flickering light of candles
to guide your way. As night falls we follow a candle-lit trail under
the gaze of the moon and stars to hear Bedouin stories, folklore and
music in front of the Treasury. Continue through Petra to the 'Basin'
restaurant (opened exclusively for this arrangement) for dinner before
returning to your hotel by bus. |
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Note: This
excursion involves about 2 miles of walking over sometimes uneven
ground (lit only by candles and the stars!) – it is advisable to wear
comfortable shoes and bring a torch.
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