Introduction

Petra, the “rose-red city half as old as time”, is for many the most impressive site in the Middle East. More than 2,000 years ago the ancient Nabateans carved from the ochre sandstone a series of magnificent tomb façades on a scale that defies belief even today. We spend an exhilarating day at Petra, exploring the site on foot, before travelling south to Wadi Rum, whose magical landscapes so inspired Lawrence of Arabia.

Tour information

The Dead Sea and Petra
First we head south to the Dead Sea, whose mineral-laden waters are said to be a tonic for the skin and somehow support us as we float, rather than swim. Heading south along the ancient and, dramatic Kings Highway we arrive in Petra. There are a handful of places that can genuinely be described as breathtaking, but Petra is definitely one. The dramatic approach on foot through the winding siq (gorge) creates a sense of mounting anticipation before suddenly the glowing pink façade of the Treasury appears before you. This however is only the beginning of the city as our route leads us on to explore the rock-cut theatre and Royal Tombs. In the afternoon we recommend the dramatic walk up to the vast and impressive Monastery for far reaching views of the Wadi Araba.

To Wadi Rum
Travelling south through the increasingly impressive landscapes of southern Jordan we arrive in Wadi Rum. On arrival we explore the twisting canyons by 4WD then mount camels to trek through the Siq al Barrah gorge, appreciating why for Lawrence of Arabia this landscape was at the same time so humbling and so inspiring. Tonight we camp Bedouin-style among echoing cliffs whose golden colours intensifies at sunset to a deep pink, then purple, before the still desert night settles and the sky fills with stars - the perfect way to end our journey.