Tuesday, 13 October 2015

84 Days And Counting.....

For the port of Aqaba, Jordan we have booked an excursion called 

Petra - Jordan's Treasure.  This will be a return visit for Myster but my first.  A description of that tour appears below.


"Enjoy the opportunity to visit Jordan's most famous attraction, the spectacular rose-red City of Petra during this full-day tour.

Petra
Depart the port in comfortable coaches and travel north along the Desert Highway. The last stretch is on country road through several small villages. Upon arrival at Petra, begin your visit on foot, walk through the half-mile-long (800 metre) siq, or chasm. The long, narrow gorge with steeply rising sides all but obliterates the sun. For those who wish, the entrance to the siq may be reached on horseback - at your own risk. (There is no charge for this service but the horseman will expect a gratuity.)

Khazneh (Treasury)
As you exit the gorge, it suddenly opens into a natural square dominated by Petra's most famous monument, the Treasury. Its intricately carved façade presents a magnificent sight in the dazzling sun. If you have seen the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, you will no doubt recognize the façade. Follow the guide farther into the site and discover other impressive structures carved out of the rose-coloured stone. They include temples, royal tombs and an amphitheatre that could seat 3,000 spectators. The Petra basin boasts over 800 individual monuments; to explore it all would take several days.

Your visit of approximately three hours concludes with the walk back via the same way. Optionally, a horse-drawn buggy can be hired to take you through the narrow pathway of the Petra Valley. It is the only transportation permitted. Buggies are limited and cannot be reserved in advance. However, local staff will provide assistance. The charge is $35 USD per two-person (at the time if printing) carriage to be paid on the spot. Be aware that you may have to wait in line. Each buggy carries two persons; the ride can be quite bumpy.

Afterwards, re-join the coach for the 2.5-hour drive back to Aqaba."


A picture of the Treasury appears below.




And the planning continues.....