Adventure holidays to see Petra, Jordan
Adventure holidays to see Petra
This ancient 'rose-red' city is one of the most stunning archaeological sites on earth and was quite rightfully included in the New Seven Wonders of the World. All our adventure tours to Jordan include a full day in Petra – entering through the mysterious siq, a narrow canyon which opens up to reveal the dramatic rock-hewn masterpiece that is the Treasury.
The city was founded more than 2000 years ago by the Nabateans using taxes from trade caravans and includes houses, tombs, temples and a (Roman-built) amphitheatre. Whether it is on our short week-long adventure holiday to Jordan or part of a longer multi-country itinerary from Turkey through to Egypt and North Africa you can experience one of the great wonders of the world on an adventure tour to Jordan with Imaginative Traveller.
Petra Facts
Petra takes its name from the Greek word for 'rock'
Petra was discovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer J.L.Burckhardt, a convert to Islam
Burckhardt stumbled across the siq as he made a short detour to sacrifice a goat
2012 marks the bicentenary of Petra's discovery – many festivities are planned
The Treasury is so-called because the Bedouin believed it contained a cache of gold and jewels
The Treasury (or Khazneh) featured prominently in the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade movie
Why visit the Middle East with Imaginative Traveller
Itineraries
The Middle East was where we began operations back in 1991 - we have been taking our travellers down the Nile for 20 years! Our itineraries to the Middle East reflect decades of experience and client and tour leader feedback. They include multi-country trips, overland expeditions, cultural tours, beach holidays, cruises, family holidays, honeymoon and tailor-made tours.
Extra Facilities
In Egypt all 3 day felucca trips now include the services of an amenities boat with bathroom and toilet facilities – more comfortable for you and better for the environment. On our Nile cruiseboats each cabin is air-conditioned and has private facilities. The boats have swimming pools and rooftop bars - plus fantastic food.
Grassroots travel
Stay with people you've only read about, visit places few have seen and use a variety of local transport to really experience the culture. In the Middle East we use donkeys, feluccas, local buses, overnight trains, cruise boats, jeeps, ferries, horse and cart and camels.
Local leaders
They're from the country we're visiting so speak the language, understand the culture and know the history. They are passionate about their homeland and will provide insights that you would never discover independently.
Flexibility and Fun
Our small group adventure tours offer convenience, security and companionship with the freedom and flexibility for you to make your own discoveries independently.
Unique Product
Homestays in Uzbekistan, exploring a salt cathedral in Colombia, swimming with manta rays in Mozambique, trekking amongst the minority hill tribes in Burma – just some examples!
Small Groups
Small numbers have less impact on the environment and offer more chance for cultural interaction.
Responsible Travel
At the heart of ALL our adventure and activity holidays to the Middle East. By 'going local' we ensure that the economic benefits derived from your holiday remain with the communities that you visit. We also have long-standing relationships with some of the best local Egyptologists and the family of Nubian sailors operating our feluccas providing long term employment (even during lulls in tourism) and fair wages. Plus by working directly with the 'donkey men' and carriage drivers our visits to Karnak and the Valley of the Kings involve no 'middle men' ensuring all revenue goes directly to the locals.
You may only travel to the Middle East once so make the most of it on an authentic and affordable adventure holiday with Imaginative Traveller.
