Explore four sites in a four-night short break in Jordan, each very different from the last. Relax in the Red Sea resort of Aqaba, visit the Crusader Castle of Shobak, discover the ancient remains of amazing Petra, and enjoy a Bedouin camp lunch in the Wadi Rum desert
Aqaba - 2 nights
Petra - 2 nights
Good things come in small packages, and this tour packs very varied experiences into its short stay in Jordan, providing a glimpse of the facets of this fascinating country; yet, far from feeling like a whistle-stop journey, the tour is unhurried, with built-in leisure time, a sunset cruise, and the chance to simply stand and stare. Staying in 5-star Mövenpick hotels, it begins with a breath of fresh air in Aqaba, which boasts a 16th-century fort, a Roman church, and a Heritage Museum, but its real draw is the Red Sea shore and marine life around the reef. From here we drive to the 12th-century Shobak Castle, remote, rewarding, and despite its battle-scarred state, or perhaps because of it, still imposing and atmospheric; and continue to ‘Little Petra’, the ancient Nabatean site of Siq al-Barid (cold canyon), a descriptive name as its narrow rock-hewn passage allowed no warmth in from the sun. Petra, “a rose-red city, half as old as time”, was a secret seen only by Bedouins for six centuries but is famous now as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (and as the film set for Indiana Jones); and, forever linked with Lawrence of Arabia, Wadi Rum’s iron-oxide sands make its wind-sculpted wilderness the reddest place in Jordan.
Cultural & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
2 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Day 1 Fly direct from London Gatwick to Aqaba and transfer to the 5-star Mövenpick Aqaba Resort for a two-night stay. The hotel is centrally placed and has a private beach.
Day 2 Relax on a day at leisure in the easy ‘gone fishing’ tempo of Aqaba, Jordan’s only port, with sandy beaches, seafront cafés and fabulous fish restaurants. Perhaps take an optional excursion on the semi-submersible ‘Yellow Submarine’, dipping three metres beneath the Red Sea’s surface to view the colourful marine life of the protected Coral Reserve (£35, bookable locally). Later, see Aqaba from the water, enjoying a cocktail on a sunset cruise. (B)
Day 3 Visit the ruins of Shobak Castle, built by the Crusaders, with additions by the Mamluks, on an isolated conical hill. Within its enclosing wall are archways and arrow slits, a church and a chapel, a well shaft, a watchtower, and a subterranean spring. Continue to the Siq al-Barid, known as ‘Little Petra’. Short in length (just 400m) but tall in height, it is home to storeys of carved houses reached by rock-cut stairs, to halls and a temple, and to the faded frescoes of Cupid and Pan in the famous Painted House. Check-in at the 5-star Mövenpick Petra for a two-night stay, and, this evening, perhaps join an optional Petra by Candlelight tour at the tall-walled slot-canyon Siq and the Treasury, when flickering candles add a touch of magic to the rose-red city (bookable locally). (B)
Day 4 A morning tour is your introduction to Petra, the legendary City of Stone, carved entirely out of sandstone rock, over 2,000 years ago. With caves and corridors camouflaged in desert canyons, the gargantuan scale of Petra is not revealed without some effort on the part of the pilgrim. This guided walking tour (4 hrs) takes you through The Siq approach, a tight gorge with soaring red-pink walls, and leads to tombs and temples, the Street of Façades, and the magnificent Treasury. Afternoon free for independent discovery, perhaps to climb the 800 steps to the monumental Monastery al-Deir. (B)
Day 5 Travel to the desert wilds of Wadi Rum to view the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, leaning against each other in the frontage of a towering rock, and enjoy lunch at a Bedouin camp. Transfer to Aqaba airport for your return flight to London Gatwick, or extend your stay in Aqaba. (B, L)
Notes
Petra visit involves several hours of walking.
Optional excursions subject to minimum numbers.
For safety reasons 4x4 drives would have to be done whilst sitting inside the vehicle.
A central 5-star resort hotel. Private beach, outdoor pools (one heated), jacuzzi and gym. Restaurants, bars, café, bakery shop and WiFi (free). 235 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
In a perfect location at the entrance to the site, a 5-star hotel with oriental architecture and intricate interior design, authentic antiques and artworks. Restaurants, bars, library, gym, pool and WiFi (free). 183 rooms with air-conditioning, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Aqaba Extension
Stay 3 extra nights at the 5-star Mövenpick Aqaba. Jordan’s Red Sea coastline offers sandy beaches, coral reef, seafront cafés and fish restaurants as well as snorkeling, scuba diving and glass-bottom boating.
Day 1 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 2 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 4 Return flight to London Gatwick. (B)
A central 5-star resort hotel. Private beach, outdoor pools (one heated), jacuzzi and gym. Restaurants, bars, café, bakery shop and WiFi (free). 235 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
2023
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
easyJet from Gatwick
| November 14 | £1595 |
2024
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
easyJet from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single Supplement £245 (Mar £295)
Extension Options
Extension - Aqaba
3 nights £295
Single supplement £215
Tour Only
Save £250
Arrival transfer add £39
Departure transfer included with group
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, visa procurement+ (British passport holders), transfers, 4 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily and 1 lunch, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
+ The Jordanian visa is not included if choosing independent arrival and you are arriving on a different flight to the rest of the group.
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