Desert by Horseback

Day 1: Amman Arrival

You will be met and assisted at Queen Alia International Airport before being transferred to your hotel in Amman. Check-in, then the rest of the day is free-time. Overnight in Amman.

Day 2: Amman – Jerash – Dead Sea – Amman

This morning, drive north to Jerash, one of the best preserved and most complete Roman provincial cities in the world. With your guide enjoy a 2 hour walking tour through the ruins of this city, entering through Hadrian’s Arch and visiting the Hippodrome, Temple of Zeus, Roman Theatres, Temple of Artemis, colonnaded streets and more. Then travel along the Jordan Valley to the Dead Sea. Here, at a 5* resort hotel enjoy a buffet lunch and a chance to float in the therapeutic waters of the Sea. Return to Amman for overnight.

Day 3: Amman – Madaba – Mt Nebo – Karak – Petra

After breakfast, drive along the Kings’ Highway to the 6th Century St George Church in Madaba to see the oldest known mosaic map of the Holy Lands. A short drive brings us to Mt Nebo where God permitted Moses a view of the Promised Land before he died. From the lookout see Jericho and the Dead Sea. Taking the Kings’ Highway we pass through the magnificent Wadi Mujib canyon before arriving at Karak. Stop to explore the Crusader Castle before continuing on to Petra. Along the way you will pass Dana Nature Reserve and Shobak Castle. Check-in to your Petra hotel for overnight.

Day 4: Petra

Following breakfast meet with your English speaking guide for a 3-4 hour tour of the rose-red city of Petra. Walk the mile-long Siq (chasm) passing shrines, tombs and carvings before exiting to the breathtaking sight of the Treasury. Walk the Street of Facades, passing the Roman Theatre to reach the Royal Tombs. See the Byzantine Church, Temple of the Winged Lions and Great Temple. At the museum your tour ends. Spend the rest of the day exploring more of the city or climb to the Monastery and/or High Place of Sacrifice. Make your own way back to your hotel for overnight.

Day 5: Wadi Rum – Horse Riding

This morning travel south to the desert of Wadi Rum. Meet with your Bedouin guide and your horse. Learn some simple techniques of riding a horse. After a short time you will be comfortable handling the animal on your own, make your way through the canyons and across the vast tracks of red sand, see ancient inscriptions, extraordinarily colored sand dunes and majestic mountains. Return to your camp to watch the sunset before enjoying a traditional Jordanian dinner under the stars. Overnight Wadi Rum Camp.

Day 6: Kharazah – Disi

Following breakfast we will make our way on the horseback at a leisurely pace to the area of Disi. The area is flatter however,it still affords wonderful views and astonishing rock formations. Bivouac will be at Disi. Overnight: Disi campsite.

Day 7: Disi – Wadi Rum

Today by horse we will again reach the majestic landscape of Wadi Rum, made famous by T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) who was stationed here during the Arab Revolt of 1916. The desert is extraordinary – rugged mountains, narrow canyons, Nabataean and Thamudic rock inscriptions and huge red-coloured sand dunes that you will be able to explore and admire taking a different route than the previous days. We ride to the spectacular Barrah Canyon between high, wind carved cliffs.

Day 8: Departure

This morning we will head north along the Desert Highway to the Queen Alia International Airport for your departure flight.