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Aqaba (for Petra) Cruises, Jordan

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As Jordan’s only port, Aqaba is your gateway to the magnificent ancient city of Petra. Petra, nicknamed the Rose City due to the colour of the stone from which it’s carved, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the last 30 years. Found in the middle of a deep valley, carved into the rock and surrounded by craggy mountains, it’s one of the world's most famous archaeological sites. And when you see it, you’ll understand why.

  • No trip to Petra is complete without visiting The Treasury. Soak in the atmosphere with a refreshing cup of mint tea, as traditional Jordanian music sounds out. Top tip – beat the heat and see it in all its lantern-lit glory by night.
  • While a hike up to The Monastery will offer some decent views, it’s the High Place of Sacrifice that offers the most impressive panoramic vistas. Climb the 800 plus steps up to the summit, and you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of The Royal Tombs and The Colonnaded Street.

Map of Aqaba (for Petra)

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Petra - The Rose Red City

Walk in the footsteps of Indiana Jones and discover this amazing city that was lost to the world for over 1000 years. Jordan’s biggest national treasure, Petra is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites with 2000 years of history and 800 monuments still standing. Some archaeologists call it the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World – and it’s not surprising. Put simply, this place is out of this world. Pick a path through steep rocky slopes and craggy mountain tops, admiring the temples, tombs, theatres and stairways that have been carved into the rock. First off, you’ll walk to the entrance of the Old City of As-Siq. As you wander down to Al-Khazneh, also known as the Treasury, you might get a sense of déjà-vu – this place landed a starring role in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Your adventure carries on past the Roman Theatre to the spectacular Royal Tombs, carved into the face of Jebel Khubtha. From here, you’ll head down the Colonnaded Street. You’ll have time to yourself to wander round and take some pictures before making your way back via the same route. Rounding off your adventure is lunch at one of the local hotels.

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Movenpick Hotel & Beach

Ready to kick back and relax? Then come and spend some time on a private beach in Aqaba, at the Movenpick Hotel. This 5 star hotel has got a great pool complex, too, complete with two turquoise swimming pools, roomy sun terraces and an outdoor café. On top of that, the hotel’s got a great range of watersports and activities that you can pay for when you get there. As well as cafés and restaurants, you’ll find souvenir shops and a foreign exchange service at the hotel. And there’s no need to bring a towel with you – you’ll be given one when you get there.

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Petra - Trek to the Monastery

In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, only the penitent man could pass into Petra. But that’s not true in real life. In fact, the city known as ‘half as old as time’ is Jordan’s top visitor attraction. On this trip, you’ll follow the well-worn tourist trail around this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see temples, tombs, theatres and stairways that were carved out of the rock face almost 2,000 years ago. Then, you’ll get to see a part of Petra that most visitors don’t get to see. The monastery has remained on the whole incognito, because it takes almost an hour to climb 800 steps to reach it. And, even if the height of this place doesn’t dizzy you, its vital statistics will. It’s 50 metres tall by 45 metres wide, and even its front door is multi-storey-tall. The flat plaza that’s been carved out of the rock in front of the building was once used for religious ceremonies. Before you contemplate the trek back down to on-the-radar Petra, you’ll have time for a drink in the cave café, opposite the monastery.

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