Lawrence of Arabia
Jordan Jordan: (IT-JORT01)
URL: http://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/jordan_laurence_arabia_ride.aspx
Introduction
Jordan
Jordan
Jordan is an exquisite country with a unique history, culture, natural beauty showcasing mountain terrain, the Dead and Red Seas, the famous Wadi Rum desert and the new world wonder of Petra.
Discover the breathtaking scenery of the authentic “Lawrence of Arabia” on a horseback riding adventure from the mountainous region of Petra to the vast sand plains and steep rock formations of the incredible Wadi Rum. The Wadi Rum is one of the most
impressive natural wonders in the world - this vast, echoing and
colorful desert is a true paradise for lovers of nature and adventure! You will find the nature experience in Jordan is very diverse, beautiful and rugged, creating an adventurous horseback riding challenge for those who wish to delve deeper into the secrets of the desert and the Middle Eastern lands.
Accomodation
Accommodation
Day 1 and Day 6: Overnight in the 3* Larsa Hotel in Amman, including dinner and breakfast.
Day 2: Overnight in the 3* Petra Palace Hotel with swimming pool at a
walking distance of Petra, including dinner and breakfast.
Optional Day 6 (last night): Upgrade to relax and overnight at a 4 or 5* hotel at the Dead Sea, including
dinner and breakfast (if available, otherwise we can go for a 5* Hotel in Amman).
-- If the described hotels stated above are fully booked, we will reserve a similar hotel.
The rest of your trip's accommodations are in basic tent camps during the ride, fitted with basic sanitary facilities.
Meals
Daily you enjoy delicious Arabic dishes like ‘sanniya’ (hot dish with vegetables, potatoes and chicken), ‘maglouba’ (rice with spices and chicken or meat) or barbeque and fresh salads and fresh fruit for dessert.
Meals not included on itinerary: Lunch in Petra and at the Dead Sea. Some beverages. Alcoholic beverages are available during the horse tour upon request (Beer 3 JD, wine per bottle 15 JD).
Riding
There are 15 quality horses - mainly purebred Arabian horses from Jordan, Syria and Iraq, some are Arabian crossbreeds. They are all well behaved and they enjoy working.
In August 2007 the new stable was completed in the beautiful mountains with views over Petra and close to the Marriott Hotel. The area around the stables has good riding trails and it is from here we start our horse treks to the famous Wadi Rum Desert.
Riders must be fit, able to trot, canter and gallop at ease and have experience in trail riding. All saddles are English and every horse has a bit according to his temperament. The saddle pads have pockets for small water bottles, camera, sunscreen, etc.
Itinerary
1. 8-day Itinerary
2.
10-day Itinerary
8-day Itinerary from Petra to Wadi Rum
Day 1: Arrival day
You
arrive in Amman and will be assisted by our airport representative in
getting an individual visa, the cost is 20 JOD per passport. Transfer by car
and English speaking driver to the hotel in the nice town Madaba. You check
in the hotel. Madaba is a mostly Christian town and the center is in walking
distance of the hotels.
You can visit the St. George church and we can
recommend you a very nice Jordanian dinner at the local and unique style
restaurant: Haret Djoudna. This is located in the same street as the church
and the same street with nice souvenir and local shops. Overnight at a
nice 3* hotel near the center.
Day 2: Departure to and visit Petra
At 08.30 am an English speaking driver will pick up all the guests/
riders from the hotel and transfer to Petra (about 3 hours). Upon arrival in
Petra, we see if the hotel can already check in the guests with their
luggage and after that the driver will walk with them to the entrance of
Petra and organizes the entrée tickets and the private guide for the group!
The guide will go on a 3 hour city tour in Petra via the Siq, treasury,
façade of tombs, the colonnaded street, until the location of the
restaurants. Here he will leave the group to have free time. You can choose
in which restaurant you would like to have lunch and spend the rest of the
day as you like. You can also climb up to the monastery or even do the high
place of Sacrifice. When you arrive back at your hotel, there is a Turkish
bath nearby - a great experience especially the steam bath, body scrub and
soap massage. The buffet dinner in the restaurant of the hotel can be taken
between 7 and 10 pm.
Around 8:30 pm your host/guide will meet you
in your hotel and you can ask him questions about the tour. He will explain
the program, discuss more details, ask for special wishes and diets and
about the riding experience of each client, so he can select the correct
horses suitable for each rider. Each rider receives a Jordanian scarf
(Kafihe).
Day 3: Start of the Ride!
A transfer around 8.30 am
will take you from the hotel in Petra to the stable (10 minutes drive).
Please dress in horse riding outfit and take the needed things with you for
the riding (helmet, sun cream and camera). We will provide water bottles for
drinking. At arrival at the stable your host Rami or the guide will select a
suitable horse for each rider. The horses are already brushed and saddled.
After all the riders have a horse and are mounted, the tour will start and
takes you directly into the mountains with great views over Petra. The
beginning is rocky area and we always recommend wearing a riding helmet on
the first day. The first part this morning will be riding for 3 hours via
the mountains, via the back of Taybet, through the beautiful Rajev village,
where will be the first lunch under Prince Hassan castle, at an area with
natural springs and tree gardens with amazing views over Petra and Wadi
Araba. The support team is already there and laid out the mattresses and the
ropes/chains for the horses. When the riders arrive; the horses receive care
first with water and food and then the guests can relax and will be served
lunch and drinks.
The lunch/rest will be for about 2 hours (depending on
the time of the year with daylight).
After lunch the ride continues for
about 2 -2.5 hours via mountain area, the viewpoint of Dlaaga and then
descending down to Wadi Thugra with more possibilities for trotting and
cantering - the riders will be used to their horses by now. We make camp in
Wadi Thugra! When we arrive, again the horses are tied first and the saddles
are taken off, the horses are given water and food, then the guests can set
up their tents. Tea is already made and by the time everyone sits down,
dinner will be served on a table (small buffet style). If there is wood, a
campfire is made and the first evening under the starts can be enjoyed!
Day 4:
Breakfast is usually served around 07.30 – 08.00 am, the guests
take down their tent, brush and saddle their horses and the riding usually
starts at 09.00 – 09.30 am. The jeep will be loaded again and will catch up
with the group later and drive towards the lunch location where they will
all meet again. The riding will be via a small Bedouin village into a desert
area, the riding will be about 2.5 hours until the 3 trees for lunch, the
only shady place in this area. The rest for lunch will be about 3 hours and
again, first the horses are taken care of, but of course the mattresses and
tea is ready for the guests and soon after lunch is served. Most of the time
after lunch the riders will take a short nap in the shade. After the lunch,
everyone brushes and saddles his horses and the riding will be now via the
town Humayma, here we cross the Desert Highway. We get off the horses and
take them by hand. Because of the speed bumps the traffic is slow in the
area and easy to cross. On the other side, everyone will get on and then we
ride into the Kharaza area of Wadi Rum, the north area. Here is also a nice
opportunity for a trot and canter. The riding is about 2 - 2.5 hours to the
camp location.
The second night we always camp in a beautiful U shape
rock and sand area with bushes. From here when it is full moon, you can see
the moon rising over the mountains and in the morning a beautiful sunrise.
Here for sure a campfire is made this evening and everyone is taken care
off. The sand is soft and the horses love to roll in it. Also for the tents
it is a nice area to set up. Enjoy!
Day 5:
After breakfast,
everyone brushes and saddles the horses and the third day of riding begins
in a very stunning part of the desert, also a part where it is not busy with
tourism at all. Today we will see a small rock bridge, the "Mushroom", a
nice path for cantering, then again 2 rock bridges and inscriptions. The
riding will be 2 – 2,5 hours until the lunch location. We have made sure
this is in the shade. Again it is time to relax, enjoy the lunch, maybe a
small nap, or take your time to make pictures and enjoy the scenery. After
lunch we cross into a sandy area with a nice long canter path. By now
everyone knows his/her horse and can enjoy a nice long canter through the
desert. In this area the sand has many colors and it is very nice for taking
pictures while riding. The riding will be 2,5 - 3 hours until the camp
location, this night we stay in a small canyon out of the wind and nice and
sandy for the horses and the tents. Camp is made, the horses taken care of
and then the dinner will be served and a campfire will be made.
Day 6:
Last day of riding for the 8 day trip and evening at the Red Sea!
After breakfast we brush and
saddle the horses and ride via the mudflat, where we can do a gallop with
the horses, 2 by 2. Again this is a beautiful area. We ride towards the
desert village of Disi. There is a area with natural springs and this has
made a beautiful oasis in the desert with high trees, grass, water and a
small pond for swimming if the weather is good. Where the lunch is prepared
the horses can be washes with the water hoses, they will enjoy the water
after a few days desert and the horses love to eat the grass. Most of the
riders enjoy this part very much. While the lunch is served the horses are
drying in the sun. A small heaven on earth for all! After lunch we ride via
the mud flat, where we can do a good canter! Then we ride into the last part
of the desert; also with a nice gallop before we let the horses to walk to
cool.
Today at the end of the afternoon the horses will be sent back by truck to the stables in Petra and you will be transferred to a nice 3* hotel in Aqaba (Red Sea). The drive is one hour and you can check in immediately and have a nice warm shower after 4 days of desert! Tonight we have not included dinner, since you are in the middle of the centre of Aqaba with many nice restaurants, ideal for an a la cart dinner! Overnight at the 3* My Hotel in Aqaba or the 3* Qidra Hotel in Aqaba, their rooms are very clean and nice. Enjoy your evening in Aqaba. Tip: Aqaba is nice for souvenir shopping, it is just a 10 minute walk to the shopping centre.
Day 7: Dead Sea and Madaba
Breakfast is
served this morning at the time discussed the evening before with the
riders. The transfer for the guests will be at 09.30AM on way to the Dead Sea (the drive will be about 3 hours). They will arrive around 12.30 at the 4* Dead Sea Spa, and they can have their lunch first. The Dead Sea Spa hotel offers a great buffet and we have reserved it for all the guests (only drinks are not included). After lunch, you walk down towards the pool and beach area. There are changing rooms, and if the guests do not have their own towel, they can rent one for 2.5 JOD (they pay 5 JOD and when they bring back their towel and ticket, they get 2,5 JOD back).
Transfer to Madaba around 17.00 pm via Mt. Nebo way, a nice scenic way in the mountains. They can check in the same hotel again and have a free evening in Madaba. We have not included dinner, since the restaurant Haret Djoudna offers great atmosphere, good food for great prices! And this is a nice location to finish a holiday with all the riders!
Day 8: Departure
The breakfast at the hotel will be served from: 07.00 – 09.30 Am.
Depending on your flight time, the driver will pick you from the hotel about 2,5 – 3 hours before departure time of your flight, you need to check in at least 2 hours before departure and from Madaba to Amman airport is just a 35 – 40 minutes drive.
If you like to stay longer in Jordan, or you prefer to stay overnight at the 4* Dead Sea Spa Hotel or the 5* Marriott Jordan Valley at the Dead Sea instead of in Madaba, you can by an extra charge - inquire with Hidden Trails.
10-day Itinerary from Petra to Wadi Rum
Day 1 to 5: -- see Day 1
to 5 of the 8-day trip!
Day 6
This morning after
breakfast the jeeps will be changed into jeeps from the protected area and
we ride via the mudflat area to Um Salab, here we cross into the protected
area of Wadi Rum. This area is absolutely amazing. The riding will be about
3 hours. We ride via a stunning canyon to Um Ishrin, here we have lunch. It
is time to relax again. After lunch we ride via the highest sand dunes in
Wadi Rum and the inscriptions of the Nabateans, via Laurance house to Burdah
Bridge, the riding will be 3 hours. Tonight we make camp at Burdah bridge!!
Day 7
This morning after breakfast we ride from Burdah bridge to the
back of Um Fruth bridge and in this area we organize the lunch. The riding
will be 2 – 2,5 hours this morning. After lunch, we ride from Um Fruth
Bridge to Barrah Canyon and the riding will be about 3 hours. Tonight we
will stay overnight in the 6 km long Barrah canyon. Dinner will be served
and campfire is made, enjoy this silent part of the desert!
Day 8
After breakfast we continue to ride through the Barrah canyon and from there towards and in Siq Um Foos and Siq Um Atawaki where we will have the lunch.2 – 2,5 hours is the riding this morning. A small heaven on earth for all! After lunch we ride via the mud flat, where we can do a good canter! Then we ride into the last part of the desert; also with a nice gallop before we let the horses to walk to cool down. Today at the end of the afternoon the horses will be sent back by truck to the stables in Petra and
you will be transferred to a nice 3* hotel in Aqaba. The transfer is one hour and you can check in immediately and have a nice warm shower after 4 days of desert! Tonight we have not included dinner, since you are in the middle of the centre of Aqaba with many nice restaurants, ideal for an a la cart dinner!
Overnight at the 3* My Hotel in Aqaba or the 3* Qidra Hotel in Aqaba, their rooms are very clean and nice. Enjoy your evening in Aqaba; Tip: Aqaba is also nice for souvenir shopping, it is just a 10 minute walk to the shopping centre.
Day 9: Dead Sea and Madaba
-Breakfast is served this morning-
The transfer for the guests will be at 09.00 or 09.30 Am, they will take the way to Dead Sea (the drive will be about 3 hours) They will arrive around 12.30 at the 4* Dead Sea Spa, and they can have their lunch first. The Dead Sea Spa hotel offers a great buffet and we have reserved it for all the guests, the only thing they need to pay of their own drinks. After lunch, you walk down towards the pool and beach area. At the pool area are changing rooms, and if the guests do not have their own towel, they can rent one for
2.5 JOD. They pay 5 JOD and when they bring back their towel and ticket, they get 2,5 JOD back. Transfer to Madaba around 17.00 pm via the nice Mt. Nebo way, a nice scenery way in the mountains. They can check in the same hotel again and have a free evening in Madaba. We have not included the dinner, since the restaurant: Haret Djoudna offers great atmosphere, good food for great prices! And this is a nice location to finish a holiday with all the riders!
Day 10:
Depending on your flight time, the driver will pick you from the hotel about 2,5 – 3 hours before departure time of your flight, you need to check in at least 2 hours before departure and from Madaba to Amman airport is just a 35 – 40 minutes drive. The breakfast at the hotel will be served from: 07.00 – 09.30 AM.
If you like to stay longer in Jordan, or you prefer to stay overnight at the 4* Dead Sea Spa Hotel or the 5* Marriott Jordan Valley at the Dead Sea instead of in Madaba, you can find the extra prices for these stays in the price indication. You can also contact us for these extra days or more nights in Jordan and we are happy to give you the information and prices you need.
Please Note: The
described locations during the tour can be change based on adverse weather
conditions or if the group as a whole wishes to make a ride longer or
shorter. In this case we go to other alternative locations then those
mentioned in the program.
Rates and Dates for Lawrence of Arabia
Rates include:
Accommodations with 3 nights in good 3* middle class hotels - optional 1 night in 4* Spa hotel at the Dead Sea, 6 (4) riding days, all transfers, visit to Petra with short horse ride from entrance to the Siq, English speaking guide
Transfer and Other Options:
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2012
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Transfers are included from Amman on first and last day
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Dates Note:
Additional dates are available for groups of 4+
Rates do not include:
Dinner on Day 1. Lunch in Petra and the Dead Sea. Dinner in Madaba. (or Dead Sea) Beverages not mentioned. Alcoholic beverages like beer and wine during the horse tour on request. Gratuities. Sleeping bag for camping nights - please bring your own.
Insurance (mandatory).
2 nights in Aqaba for Christmas/New Year ride is extra
Other Info
Meeting: Amman
Airport: Amman
Transfer: Amman
Climate:
Western Jordan has essentially a Mediterranean climate with a hot, dry summer, a cool, wet winter and two short transitional seasons. In springtime, from February to May, this area of Jordan is full of flowers and plants; over 2000 different species. However, about 75% of the country can be described as having a desert climate with less than 200 mm of rain annually. In the highlands around Petra temperatures drop considerably in winter and there is a good chance of snowfall. The only exception is Aqaba where temperatures are still around 15 degrees Celsius in winter.
What To Bring: We will provide
Arabic scarf (Kafihe) for protection against the sun (before they start the horse tour)
Sand bottle with name of the guest on the last day of the horse tour
Jeeps for luggage transport, material for the horses, kitchen material and supplies
Tents, normally per 2 persons, but in case of single room, a single tent per person
Per person 1 mattress to sleep on (during the day they will be used to sit on)
Standard EHBO kit, toilet paper, water basket and small bucket to wash yourself in the evening and/or morning
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the tour (please inform us in advance about special diets)
Water (bottles), tea, nescafe coffee en soft drinks
Alcohol is available upon request and against a surcharge of: Local white & red wine, per bottle: 15 JOD Amstel beer, per can: 3 JOD
You bring--
Comfortable and safe riding:
Horse riding pants
Horse riding boots or shoes
Chaps as extra comfort for the lower legs
A riding helmet: since it is a rocky area the first 2 days -- wearing a riding helmet in Jordan is not compulsory, but not wearing one is at your own risk.
Tips for women: wear a good (sports) bra
Tip for men and women: cotton underwear is most comfortable during riding in warm weather
You can also bring a woolen cover for the saddle as extra comfort during riding long hours
For protection against the sun:
A cap or scarf (especially to protect the neck from sunburn)
Light color of clothing and long sleeve
We do not recommend to wear dark colored clothes during the hot months in Jordan
Sun glasses, Sun cream, starting from factor 15 ( factor 20 – 30 protect better against the sun), Aftersun lotion
Camping:
A good and warm sleepingbag
Warm clothes for the evening time, we also recommend comfortable clothes after riding.
Torch or headlight
Anti-mosquito spray
1 or 2 towels (small size is fine)
Shampoo /conditioner
Normal soap bar (this is easier in use then shower gel and easier to rinse with less amount of water)
Personal toiletries
Extra's
Travel insurance with world coverage -- including horseback riding activities
Camera (this can go in the saddle bags during the ride, we do recommend a small camera bag)
Imodium (If you have any signs of diarrhea this will help)
Please take a big weekend bag or soft suitcase instead of hard suitcase like samsonite because of the transport by jeep during the horse tour.
Medication (It is possible that in Jordan the pharmacies don't have the same brand as yours)
Extra batteries for camera of headlight
For people who wear lenses: take your glasses just in case, since it can be dusty in the desert.
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