JORDAN
In the Footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia
October 10 – 19, 2008
Jordan has fascinated me for decades so it was with great anticipation that I flew there last December to explore the land and map out this trip. I covered Amman, Jerash, Mount Nebo, Madaba, the Dead Sea, Petra and the Wadi Rum which Lawrence of Arabia described as “vast, echoing and godlike”. Deserts are a favorite destination of mine, but one like this I had never experienced before. It is spectacular! Lawrence was on the mark. This is where we will ride.
And then there is Petra, the hidden city carved out of the rock by the Nabataeans, another jewel in the crown of Jordan! A full day will be dedicated to exploring this amazing place (on foot). Our last night and day will be spent on the shores of the Dead Sea, at one of the exclusive spas, soaking up the benefits of the Dead Sea salt and minerals. In between, for 6 days and 5 nights, following in “the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia”, we will ride Arabian horses and camp under the stars in the Wadi Rum, entertained by the Bedouin. A never to be forgotten experience.
THE RIDE
Day 1 Oct 10 Fr
Arrive Queen Alia International Airport, meet and assist at the airport, transfer to your Hotel for the night (most international flights arrive in the evening or later).
o/n 4 Seasons Hotel
Day 2 Oct 11 Sa
Buffet Breakfast, meet our guide for Amman city tour (visit the Citadel with the archeological museum, The Roman Amphitheater with the 2 museums) then drive on to Mt. Nebo (view over the Jordan Valley) and Madaba for Lunch (visit Madaba Saint George Church). Drive along the King’s Highway to Moujeb Canyon, then proceed along the Desert Highway to Wadi Mousa and our hotel for the next two nights.
Buffet dinner & overnight.
Taybet Zaman Village
Day 3 Oct 12 Su
After an early Breakfast, drive to Petra (12 kms), for a full day visit with lunch at the Basin Restaurant.
Return to Hotel for dinner & overnight.
Taybet Zaman Village
Day 4 Oct 13 Mo
After breakfast, early departure to Wadi Rum Visitors Center (visit the Wadi Rum museum and watch an 8mn introduction movie of this unique and amazing place). Transfer to the stables, introduction and attribution of horses. Start our Desert Adventure with a short ride to Lunch spot, siesta and ride on to a fixed campsite for dinner & overnight.
Permanent tented camp
Days 5 to 8 Oct 14 – 17 Tue/Fr
The next 4 days are spent on a progressive ride through the “vast, echoing and Godlike” Wadi Rum. Nights are in our own private mobile Desert tented camp. Two consecutive nights will be spent at one special camp site close to the Saudi border.
o/n Mobile Desert tented camp
Day 9 Oct 18 Sa
Early breakfast and morning ride back to the stables where we say goodbye to our horses. Lunch at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center restaurant.
Afternoon set off for the Dead Sea for one last night at a Dead Sea Spa resort.
Dinner & O/N Moevenpick Resort & Spa
Day 10 Oct 19 Su
Relaxing day at leisure on own, (enjoy some Dead Sea Spa treatments). Buffet lunch included. Most international flights depart during the night and early morning, your room is reserved for the night of Oct. 19 and airport transfers will be scheduled according to departure times.
End of service
Horses
The horses are mostly pure Arabian and Arabian crosses of Jordanian, Syrian and Iraqi origins. They average 15 hhds to 15 1⁄2 hhds. These are Desert horses used to living outside, as a result they are rustic, strong, sensitive and spirited. They are well schooled and extremely well taken care of.
Saddles
English Wintec style. Saddle blankets with Velcro-ed pockets for personal belongings.
Pace
The pace is moderate to brisk with long trots and wonderful sustained canters when the terrain permits.
Experience
It is important to have a reasonable amount of previous riding experience over varied terrain, be at ease and able to control a horse in any given circumstance. No beginners.
Hours of riding
From 3 to 6 hours in the saddle per day.
Weight limit: 185 lbs / 85 Kg.
Accommodations
Some of the top 5* hotels in Jordan (Amman & Dead Sea), a charming village style hotel in Petra Wadi Mousa and a private tented camp with large 4m x 4m furnished tents, shared hot water showers and chemical toilet facilities.
COST
Cost $5,980.00 p/person in twin/double accommodation on the basis of 10 riders
Cost $6,300.00 p/person in twin/double accommodation on the basis of 8 riders
Single supplement $380 (hotels only, no supplement if using a small dome tent)
Single supplement $780 (hotels and large 4mx4m tent)
Includes: Meet and assist at the airport upon arrival and departure. All accommodation as mentioned on the itinerary, on B&B in Amman, half board on last day at Dead Sea Resort, full board everywhere else and while camping in the Wadi Rum. English Speaking Guide: Day2 + Day3 + Day4 and Day9. Transportation in Air-conditioned bus. Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites. Horses and equipment. Mineral water in the bus during the excursions with the guide, and on the ride.
Excludes: Visa fees (JD10 per person at the airport, paid in dinar, equivalent to USD15)… the departure tax is already included in the flight ticket, in case of any departure through the land border to the port, a departure tax of JD5 must be paid on spot. Drinks during meals. Personal expenses. Tips for guide, bus driver, grooms and camp staff. Insurance.
For further information about this ride and possible extensions, please call
Christine at (1) 212-421 0671, or email christine@adventuresonhorseback
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