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.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Meets and assist at International Aqaba Airport  and transfer to your chosen hotel in Petra for five nights.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 6 Travel to Aqaba for a two-night stay at your chosen hotel.

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.

Day 8 Morning free. Return flight to your home.

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.

Price Includes

all transportation, 7 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives, guidebook. *Jordanian visa formalities for British passport holders will be arranged by Via Jordan Travel.

Not Included

Not included Travel insurance, optional excursions, gratuities, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication. entrance fee.