Petra Uncovered

Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. Your Short Break adventure starts at 10 am this morning. You will be picked up from the Art Hotel in Amman, or from your alternate hotel (if advised prior to departure) before departing for Mt Nebo (approximately 1.5 hours). After enjoying the magnificent mosaics of Mt Nebo and the amazing views (which, on a clear day, extend all the way to Israel) you'll travel to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is 67 kilometres long and 18 kilometres wide at its widest point. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley with Israel on its west bank. A Dead Sea float is a must for any trip to Jordan. Here at the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level) the water is seven times saltier than a normal ocean at 30% salinity. The Dead Sea is the second saltiest body of water in the world after Lake Asal in Djibouti. When swimming, this means you are extremely buoyant and seem to float on top of the water rather than in it. The mud here is supposed to have healing properties and many visitors like to cover themselves from head to toe for a beauty mud bath. Stop at a private beach with less-salty pools and a gentle slope to the water. Don't forget to pack your swimwear for today (towels are available to hire)! After a hearty lunch, you'll continue on to the mountains of Petra where you spend the night.

Hewn out of the rose-coloured rock face, the ancient Nabataean city of Petra is one of the Middle East's most spectacular destinations, and one of the new seven wonders of the world. The site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was discovered by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer. It was once described as 'a rose-red city half as old as time' in a sonnet by John William Burgon and UNESCO has described it as 'one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage.' According to Arab tradition, Petra is the location where Moses struck a rock with his staff and water came forth. You will be met by your local guide who will accompany you through the site of Petra. We recommend you start early to avoid the crowds and the heat, and to best appreciate the changing light on the colourful rocks of the Siq (main entrance to the ancient city). The day starts with a mesmerising walk through the narrow Siq to the fabulous Treasury. After admiring this iconic view, continue through the site along the Roman road passing several impressive tombs and the city's amphitheatre. If you are feeling energetic you can take the 800 steps up to the Monastery. The evening is free to enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants in the village.

Today your Petra pass remains valid and you are free to explore more of the ancient city. You must check out of your hotel by 10:00 am. You can store luggage at reception. At 4:00 pm today you will arrive back to the Amman The Art Hotel in Amman after a transfer of around 5 hours. Alternatively, if you would prefer to be dropped off at a different hotel in Amman or at the airport, please speak to your leader and we can arrange this free of charge. If you require a airport departure transfer after this time, this can be pre-arranged with your booking agent. Accommodation is not included tonight. If you would like to book additional post-trip accommodation please speak to your agent at time of booking. If you would like to return to Amman earlier for a flight departure please also mention this at time of booking.