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Timeless traditions meet modern eco-tourism in Jordan
A CULTURAL ODYSSEY
THE WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS
Jordan is a small, semi-arid, virtually landlocked sovereign state with a constitutional monarchy and a population of some 10 million, which includes a substantial Christian representation. Four million of the people are Bedouin, which translates as 'desert dwellers' – nomadic by tradition that stretches back over thousands of years. Hospitable by nature, tourists will often be invited into homes to dine and many Bedouin work as guides passing on knowledge, stories and their views of this challenging environment – the desert, naturally, but also ancient ruined cities, wetlands, shorelines as well as thriving, urban conurbations.
Surprising to most, there are wildlife viewing opportunities here in abundance. The crystal seas of the Gulf of Aqaba provide an ideal warmth for coral to thrive with some 120 species of hard coral and 110 species of soft coral recorded. Starfish, seahorses, sting rays, manta rays, turtles, dolphins, sea cucumbers, plus over 1,000 species of fish provides fantastic diving experiences.
Good news for birders! - sitting under the flight path of significant bird migration routes across three continents, Africa, Asia and Europe, Jordan sees some 220 migratory bird species pass through the country, travelling both north and south, and is home to a further 150 indigenous species.
And while the Arabian White Oryx is Jordan’s national mammal, it was almost completely extinct in the wild by the middle of the 20th century. A breeding programme launched in the 1960s allowed the oryx to be gradually released back into the wilds of Jordan. Some 70 species and subspecies of mammals live in this country including the Asiatic Jackal, the Desert Fox, the Striped Hyena along with Wolves and Camels.
Jordan is often referred to as an oasis of stability, and is a major tourist destination due to the wealth of antiquities, four being designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In modern times, the negative pressure of tourism in these areas has been highlighted - however, we believe with some environmentally considerate preparation, there are many attractions here for the responsible traveller.
Brelade understands that our clients want to take the time to see the world from a different perspective – we create interesting and diverse itineraries whilst keeping the pace relaxed and standard high – just like the illustration below.
Knowledge: Our Operations Director, Laurence, has lived on the Arabian Peninsular, guiding in the desert and becoming well acquainted with the local culture. He is due to return to the area shortly – retracing some old routes, and discovering some new ones. He's the man to talk to about your next trip to the region!
OVERVIEW
Nights: 13
Price: from £4,000 per person [excluding international flights, and based on 2 people sharing]
This is a journey of journeys – colourful & vibrant, but with moments for quiet contemplation – always breathtakingly beautiful.
Luxurious accommodation, tented opulence, fine dining and traditional fare encompassed by a hospitality of warmth and culture.
This is a fully guided experience where you will be accompanied by English speaking certified guides, many of who’s lineage can be traced far back into their Bedouin heritage.
Perfect for :
- Anniversaries, Honeymoons, Active Adventure, March to May
- Vistas, Photography, Birdspotting, Conservation
- Rebalancing mind, body and spirit
WHAT YOU COULD SEE...
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Day by day...
Arrival at Amman Queen Alia International airport guests are met and driven in a luxury air-conditioned car to the Four Seasons Hotel in the city, Amman. Originally set on 7 hills, the capital is now a thriving conurbation of busy streets stretching across nineteen. Ancient ruins, modern buildings and a vibrant culinary culture make Amman highly attractive.
Tour the city, visit Jerash to the north for Roman ruins, Rainbow Street for the lively bar and cafe scene and wander in the Citadel on Jebel Al Qala.
Guests will travel in a luxury 4x4 have plenty of time to spend at the Azraq Wetland Reserve, before turning back west to the Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea is a high point and a low point. Certainly one of the high points in your journey, but it is also the lowest point on planet, being some 431 metres below sea level.
Guests check into the Kempinski Ishata Hotel, a luxurious contemporary designed hotel with direct access to the longest beach in Jordan. Float in the exceptionally buoyant water where the mud is rich in minerals, enjoy the beach activities and visit the locations referenced in many religious works.
An early start will see guests head overland in a luxury 4x4 to the Dana Nature Reserve, where they will check into the Dana Guest House offering breathtaking views across the Wadi Dana.
The accommodation is basic, food is fine tasting traditional Arabic and eaten around an open fire.
Guests rise early and after breakfast, take a full day's hike through the Dana Nature Reserve, and down to the Feynan Ecolodge, where they will spend their sixth night. The lodge is best approached after dark as it is lit by candles and no other lighting surrounds.
As with the Dana Guest House, the Feynan Ecolodge is operated by operated by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. It has received international awards as one of the best ecolodges globally with commendations for contributions to local economies, conservation of nature, and sustainable travel.
From here guests will enjoy the opportunity to explore the wilderness of the Dana Biosphere Reserve.
Travelling overland by road, guests will check into the Movenpick Resort, Petra before venturing out to explore this 2000 year old “Rose Red City” – A UNESCO World Heritage site – much of it carved into the hillsides concealing colourful caves.
In modern times the most well-known sites are the Siq, the winding canyon - which was also the location for the 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ film, The Treasury, and The Monastery, a vast carved temple at the top of 800 steps.
On one day during their visit, guests have the opportunity to be coached in local cooking skills – including bread cooked in the sand.
Guests travel overland in a 4x4 to Wadi Rum, for an early evening balloon trip, and to set out on a camel safari.
Reminiscent of a 'Lawrence of Arabia' expedition travelling across vast sands and spending nights sleeping in luxury Bedouin tented accommodation, guests will enjoy sumptuous meals prepared in traditional fashion by their own private chef.
On the final day of this unforgettable adventure you will arrive back at Wadi Rum village, before transferring to 4 x 4 to travel overland to Aqaba and check into the Al Manara Hotel
To complete this adventurous cultural odyssey, guests will have the opportunity to explore Aqaba, a ancient port city on the Red Sea – there has been a settlement here since 4000 B.C. – and enjoy modern water sports facilities, including scuba diving on the Yamanieh coral reef in the Aqaba Marine Park.
Guests depart from the King Hussein International Airport to their country of origin.
Back to your daily routines, but now the sights and sounds of the desert will never be out of your mind. Yes, it was that special, for some even life-changing. We look forward to hearing all about your adventures and we'll be here when you are ready to make the call and book your next trip.
All the best from the Brelade Travel team!
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