Road To Petra

8 days - from $1070

For anyone wanting to experience the highlights of the Middle East, Jordan is a 'must'. The people are extremely friendly, the food is excellent, and the monuments are among the best in the region. While Petra is undoubtedly the 'jewel in the crown', Jordan also boasts a fine crusader castle, at Kerak, and a fascinating Roman city, at Jerash.

Leaving Cairo, we explore the Sinai Peninsula, a beautiful, rugged region where we have the chance to ascend Mt. Sinai. We cross the Gulf of Aqaba and proceed to Wadi Rum where we get a taste of desert life, exploring our surroundings by jeep. We then head to Petra where we spend a full day examining the many monuments in this fascinating old city. The King's Highway yields further treasures, including Kerak, Madaba, and the ancient village of Dana. Our final highlight is Jerash, a beautifully preserved Roman city that reached its zenith during the 3rd century AD.

Highlights

• Sunrise on Mt Sinai
• Red Sea resort of Aqaba
• Wadi Rum's red earth desertscapes
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Petra
• Jordan's capital Amman
• 2000 year-old ruins of Jerash

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cairo2: Cairo-Mt. Sinai3: Mt. Sinai-Aqaba4: Aqaba-Wadi Rum-Petra5: Petra6: Petra-Kings Highway-Amman7: Jerash8: Amman

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guides in both countries.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Kings Highway; Dana ancient village; Crusader castle at Shobak; Madaba's Greek Orthodox Church of St. George; and Roman city of Jerash.

• Full day exploring Petra.

• Jeep safari in the Wadi Rum.

• Optional ascent of Mt Sinai (included in price).

• Free time to explore Amman.

• Hydrofoil from Egypt (Nuweiba) to Jordan (Aqaba).

International flights, arrival & departure transfers, visas, airport taxes, additional meals, drinks, optional sightseeing tours, insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.