From inception to completion…our first adventure tour in Jordan was everything we envisioned, and MORE! There’s nothing like seeing a vision become a reality.
Cycling the mud flats in Jordan
You might recall our initial blog about Andy’s visit to Jordan where he and local guide, Rakan, created what was to be our new active adventure in Jordan. Well…here is the result! Jordan…DuVine style!
Yes, our first group proved that there is certainly no need to fear a visit to Jordan. They encountered nothing but a safe, welcoming and truly magical place! Each day was filled with plenty of fun, fascinating history and packed with adventure.
The Petra experience was filled with awe inspiring moments. A visit to Petra is, in and of itself, a truly awesome event, but when combined with some DuVine touches, it takes on a whole new dimension.
Riding.
It began with a scenic off-road ride from Shobak to Little Petra – an amazing up-close and personal way to experience this unique landscape. Riding from Shobak to Little PetraUpon arriving in Little Petra, they met up with Ahmad Ammarat, one of the best local guides, who offered a fascinating history about the rose of Petra. From there, they headed out to hike a back trail into Petra – definitely not a conventional approach, but well worth the ‘wow’ moment. Not only did they happen upon the magnificent Monastery monument, but a picnic lunch awaited their arrival at the top of the mountain with sweeping views of Wadi Araba.
The back trail approach to the Monastery
The adventure continued with an extensive visit to the sites of Petra, accompanied by another local guide whose knowledge of both the history and the local scene inspired an impromptu change in the itinerary to accommodate a unique dining experience. Guests were invited to participate in cooking a meal of local cuisine in a Petra Kitchen with the chef, along with some fellow travelers from around the world, followed by drinks at the Cave Bar (located in an actual Petra carved cave). Talk about a great night and a magically wonderous place!
Invitation to cook in the local kitchen
It was then off to another other-worldly place…the Wadi Rum desert for a journey into Bedouin life. They began the adventure with a pleasant ride in the vast mud flat region. On the ride back, the sun was setting, and they made a spontaneous stop to climb one of the sandstone rock formations to sit and watch the sunset in complete silence – a truly ethereal experience.
Biking in Wadi Rum
Next stop, Rum village, where they met Salem, their Bedouin host and guide, and rode in a jeep deep into the desert, where an authentic Bedouin tent (specially built for them) was set at the foot of small mountain, seemingly aglow, bathed in the light of candles.
Hiking the sand dune
A special traditional dinner: a Zarb of lamb, chicken and vegetable cooked in a sand oven ensued. After a day of transformational moments, the guests decided to continue the experience and chose to sleep outside of the tent underneath the starry night.
Their transformational moments in the Wadi Rum continued the next day with a new adventure – climbing (well, a combination of hiking and scrambling) to the Burda rock bridge with Salem, followed by a well-earned BBQ picnic lunch waiting for them in the shade. A jeep tour around the desert followed, where they were able to climb a giant sand dune and let out their inner-child with a hopping, skipping and carefree run down the dune. Silly, clumsy, and childlike…but wow…pure freedom!
Can it get any better? Well, that’s for you to decide…
Camel ride
The next morning found them at Khazali mountain, mounting camels to start their trek back to the village. Then it was off to the Red Sea for some snorkeling and off to Feynan Eco Lodge in the desert mountains of Wadi Araba for a special candle-lit dinner and an after dinner rooftop stargazing experience.
The perfect end to a awe inspiring trip, right?
Well…not yet…
The next morning was a bike ride with another local Bedouin guide through the region. He treated the guests to an interesting look into Bedouin life and culture – with a visit to the copper mines, a ride through Feynan village and a stop in a Bedouin family’s tent for fresh yogurt and Bedouin tea. The day finished with a ride back to the lodge for lunch, and a drive to the Dead Sea and their new home for the next two nights, Kempenski Ishtar resort. Here they enjoyed excursions to Madaba, the Dead Sea Panorama complex and a hike into the Mujib Canyon.
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end…but not without a great last night featuring a slide show of their awe-inspiring adventure in Jordan. A simple reminder of their magical experience of Jordan…DuVine style!
The random camel
And a hint that the only thing to fear is perhaps a random camel..
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