Petra Trails, Jordan

Overview

• Food & Accommodation

• Activities

• Travel Information

• Further Details

• Photo Gallery

• Weather

• Printable Version

• Check Availability

• Pricing

Programmes

• Petra to Wadi Rum Trail (10 Day)

• Petra to Wadi Rum Trail (8 Day)

• Dana to Petra

Reviews

“The riding tour was well organized and I must especially commend the excellent food. When you are out riding & camping in the desert, the last thing you want is bad food, so I was most pleased with the good food. Everyone was really friendly, and I had a great fun time. Before the trip, I was a little concerned about the weather (being December) but it turned out fabulous. The Wadi Rum desert landscape is beautiful; the Jordanians will tell you that you go there "to find yourself". The horses are well looked after and, being Arabians, are spirited which adds to the fun. I would recommend the tour / riding operator to anyone interested to visit Jordan. ”

Kevin L

“I had a wonderful time in Jordan. The scenery was stunning, the people incredibly hospitable and it was so well organized. Jessica did a great job of organizing everything. The food was wonderful and I had absolutely no problems with anything. It was the easiest trip I have had in a long time. My first concern is always the horses and that they are well taken care of etc. and I was very pleased with how Rami cared for and handled his horses. They are beautiful, in excellent health and I loved my horse. Spirited but easy to handle. Rami did a very good job on monitoring the group and making sure everyone was ok. Thanks so much for arranging such a wonderful holiday for me. I read the article on Turkey and I am trying to decide where to go next year! I will let you know as soon as I do!”

Jen P

“A breathtaking experience where no detail was left to chance. I enjoyed the striving for excellence and the company’s really genuine passion for equestrian tourism. I was astonished by the loving and caring manner with which the horses were accurately treated.”

Patrizia M. , Read review

“It was a lovely trip, well organised, the horses were great as was the scenery. The hotel at the end was a nice touch. I was very happy with the horse I rode and just being in the desert.”

Glenys R

“First rate. The horses were spirited and well behaved, our guide was helpful and a joy to be with, the food was superb, the scenery was breathtaking. What more could we have asked for?”

Alison D.

“Everyday was a new fantastic adventure - this holiday had more great times than I could possibly have imagined. There were moments we call 'bottled memories' and one of them was the morning sun on the desert mountains. Keep up the good work, you are doing great!”

Grethe K.

“The tour was great! Thanks very much for organising it at such short notice. The guys who took us were lovely, generous with sharing their gear and a lot of fun. The food was unbelievable! and the other women very nice. We all fit together very well. My horse was a bit of a challenge but that was fine and the guys were very understanding when I needed a break... Overall a fantastic experience! ”

Katie W

“An amazing trip, the Wadi Rum Desert was beautiful, the horses were great, the food good and Rami and his team made it an unforgettable experience. The horses were all good and well cared for. The guide and his team were fantastic, I would have liked to have spent more time with all of them.”

Natasha G.

“The route taken is extraordinary and the scenery breathtaking. The administration was excellent meaning I didn't have to worry about anything between arrival and departure at the airport. The "au natural" camping was great and many laughs were had around the campfire. ”

Emma D.

“This trip is an absolute must although I would certainly recommend spending extra nights in Petra. The hosts are kind, genuinely caring people who go that extra mile to make sure you have a memorable trip. Nothing is ever too much trouble. Rami and Jessica have a large selection of quality horses who are very fit and well cared for. The whole back up team do an absolutely fantastic job of taking care of the guests needs. Put this together with fantastic scenery, great weather, delicious food and unbeatable organisation and you have the trip of a lifetime.”

Sarah Ritchie, Far and Ride, Read review

“It was fantastic! Even my husband could not get over the vastness and beauty of the area and the joy of riding a horse who enjoys the ride too. We could not imagine a better way to celebrate our 10th anniversary and we will remember this FOREVER. Again, Sue, THANK YOU SO MUCH for helping us to have the experience of a lifetime... I will never forget your kindness. ”

Lauren

“The ride was a real adventure. It was well organised, the food was amazing, the staff were very helpful and obliging. I haven't camped under the stars since 1975! We were very hands on - erecting tents and doing our own horses which I prefer. ”

Jeannie W.

In the News

“We are offering a £50 discount on the Petra to Wadi Rum Christmas Special from the 23rd December - 2nd January. Sarah from the office has recently visited this destination so she can answer any questions you may have or provide further information on this fabulous tour. ”

Christmas Discount

Horses

Type of horses:

Arab, Arab Cross

Nature of horses:

Forward going but reliable and fit.

Height of horses:

14.2 - 16.2hh

Weight limit:

95kg

Tack type:

English

Weather

Current Conditions:
Sunny, 13 C

Forecast:
Sun - Clear. High: 13 Low: 5
Mon - Mostly Cloudy. High: 14 Low: 8

Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather

(provided by The Weather Channel)

Pricing

Petra to Wadi Rum Trail (10 Day)

2012: £1262 per person based on double accommodation

Single Supplement: £63 per person for the 3 nights in hotels. Please note that if there is not another guest willing to share you will be required to pay the single supplement.

Price includes:
All transfers during the whole tour, as described in the programme, overnight at the 3*Mariam/ Rumman/ Salome Hotel in Madaba, including breakfast, a visit to Petra, overnight in the 3* Petra Palace Hotel with swimming pool, including dinner and breakfast, 6 days of horse riding from Petra to and in Wadi Rum, (aver.5-6 hours per day), including all meals, water (bottles), tea, softdrinks, camping (tents & mattresses) materials for the horses, guide, driver/chef, luggage transport, overnight at a camp, including dinner and breakfast, transfer to the Dead Sea, entry and lunch included at the 4* Dead Sea Spa Hotel, transfer to Madaba and overnight at the 3*Mariam/ Rumman/ Salome Hotel in Madaba, including breakfast, transfer to the airport (depending on the flight details).

Not included:
Visa at the airport (20 JD) per person, meals not mentioned in the program, dinner on day 1, lunch in Petra on day 2, dinner in Madaba on day 7, all other beverages not mentioned in the program, alcoholic beverages during the horse tour, tips for the guide(s)/driver, restaurants, etc, sleeping bag for camping during the horse tour, flights and travel insurance.

Petra to Wadi Rum Trail (8 Day)

2012: £946 per person based on double accommodation

Single Supplement: £63 for the 3 nights in hotels. Please note that if there is not another guest willing to share you will be required to pay the single supplement.

Price includes:
All transfers during the whole tour, as described in the programme, overnight in the 3* Mariam/ Rumman/ Salome Hotel in Madaba on day 1, including breakfast, a visit to Petra, overnight in the 3* Petra Palace Hotel with swimming pool, including dinner and breakfast, 4 days of horse riding from Petra to and in Wadi Rum, (aver.5-6hours per day), including all meals, water (bottles), tea, soft drinks, camping (tents & mattresses) materials for the horses, guide, driver/chef, luggage transport, overnight at a camp including dinner and breakfast, transfer to the Dead Sea, entry and lunch at the 4* Dead Sea Spa Hotel, transfer to Madaba and overnight at the 3* Mariam/ Rumman/ Salome Hotel in Madaba, including breakfast, transfer to the airport.

Does not include:
Visa at the airport (20 JD) per person, dinner on day 1, lunch in Petra on day 2, dinner in Madaba on day seven, all other beverages not mentioned in the program, alcoholic beverages during the horse tour, tips for the guide(s)/driver, restaurants, etc, sleeping bag for camping during the tour, flights and travel insurance.

Dana to Petra

2012: £980 per person based on double accommodation

Single Supplement £95 per person for the 5 nights in hotels. Please note that if there is not another guest willing to share you will be required to pay the single supplement.

Included in the price: All transfers during the tour as described in the programme.
Day 1: Overnight in the 3* Mariam/Rumman/Salome Hotel in Madaba, including breakfast.
Day 2: Visits to Mt. Nebo, Madaba, Kerak Castle, all entry tickets included.
Day 2: Overnight at the Dana Hotel or the Dana Tower Hotel, including dinner and breakfast.
Day 2: Transport of the horses to Dana in the afternoon.
Day 3-6: Riding as described by itinerary, including meals, water, tea, soft drinks, camping materials, entry ticket for Petra for 2 days.
Day 3: Camping in Showbak, dinner and breakfast and camping materials.
Day 4: Camping in Little Petra, dinner and breakfast and camping materials.
Day 5: Overnight at the 3* Petra Palace with swimming pool, including breakfast.
Day 6: Riding inside of Petra to Jabal Haroon.
Day 6: Transport of the horses back to the stables.
Day 6: Overnight in 3* Petra Palace with swimming pool and breakfast.
Day 7: Visit to Petra, including entry and a short horse ride from the entrance to the Siq and a private English speaking guide for the 3 hours Petra City Tour. (Optional: Instead of an extra day in Petra you can also do a jeep tour in Wadi Rum but this will not be included).
Day 7: Transfer to Madaba and overnight at the 3* Mariam/Rumman/Salome Hotel, including breakfast.
Day 8: Transfer to the airport.

Not included in the price: Meals not mentioned in the programme.
Day 1: Dinner in Madaba.
Day 2: Lunch along the way from Madaba to Dana (in Kerak or Dana).
Day 5: Dinner in Petra.
Day 6: Dinner in Petra.
Day 7: Lunch this day can be in Petra or Wadi Rum.
Day 7: Dinner in Madaba.
All other beverages not mentioned in the programme, tips for the guide(s)/driver, restaurants etc, sleeping bags, flights or travel insurance.

Availability/Booking Form

Ride Description

Petra Trails Photos

This spectacular riding holiday destination in Jordan offers you a combination of international experience, local influence, a high standard of quality and warm hospitality. Your hosts have a great passion for this country and for horses and wish to share all its wonders and beauty in such a way that Jordan leaves an unforgettable impression in your mind and heart. Horseback is the ideal way to explore this vast yet beautiful area.

Jessica, originally from the Netherlands, worked for several years in the incentive travel market organising high quality programmes all over the world. Rami is a local from Petra who knows the area, all the special locations, the people and, of course, the language. Together they are the ideal combination to help you organise your stay in Jordan. They have an experienced team, local and international, who will create a programme based on your personal wishes as much as is possible. They carefully select the guides, drivers and other local suppliers to make your stay in Jordan as wonderful as they can.

Jessica and Rami provide a selection of lovely horses who are well cared for, a pleasure to ride and possessing amazing stamina. Some are pure Arabian and the rest have Arabian blood in them. They are all well behaved and they enjoy working. In August 2007 the new stables were completed in the beautiful mountains with views over Petra and close to the Marriott Hotel. The area around the stables has good riding tracks and offers breathtaking views of Petra and the desert of Wadi Araba. From here you start your horse riding tours to the famous Wadi Rum Desert.

Sarah from Far and Ride visited this destination in November 2011 and would be happy to talk to you about it.

See Programmes.

Food & Accommodation

The accommodation is based on double/twin occupancy. The hotel accommodation is usually the 3* Mariam, Rumman or Salome Hotel in Madada and the 3* Petra Palace Hotel in Petra. Extra nights in Amman can be arranged at the 3* Al Waleed Hotel and there is also the option of spending the last night at either the 4* Dead Sea Spa Hotel or the 5* Marriott Jordan Valley instead of staying in Madaba (at an additional cost). Accommodation during the horse trails is quite basic in tents on mattresses and basic washing facilities. This outside life experience is unique and in stunning surroundings. Just imagine - campfires by night and watching a bright sky with millions of stars!

Daily you enjoy delicious typical Arabic dishes like ‘sanniya’ (hot dish with vegetables, potatoes and chicken),‘maglouba’ (rice with spices and chicken or meat), meze (small starters such as humus, fuul, kube and tabouleh); a variety of meat and chicken; musakhan (chicken in olive oil and onion sauce roasted on Arab bread); and the Jordanian speciality mensaf (stewed lamb in a yogurt sauce served on a bed of rice). Most Arabic countries will not serve pork. Arabic unleavened bread (khobz) is eaten with almost everything. Other staples include deep-fried chick pea balls (felafel), spit-cooked sliced lamb (shwarma) and a paste of fava beans, garlic and lemon (fuul). There is often a barbeque and fresh salads and fresh fruit for dessert. Mostly the hotels have very good buffet dinners with also European varieties of dishes.

During the horse trail breakfast will be served with bread, olive oil and sater (cumin seeds and herbs), hummus, cheese, jam, eggs, tomato, cucumber, fresh fruits and cake and sweet biscuits that you can dip in your tea.

Lunches will consist of salads, bread and either a hot or cold dish. Dinners will be served with soup, salads and will be typical Arabic dishes as described above. Dessert with fresh fruit and/or Arabic sweets such as baklava and knafa will be offered. Tea, water and soft drinks are included during the horse trail. Wine and beer are available upon request and for an extra charge. Beer is 3 JD and local wine 15 JD a bottle. Special diets can be catered for with prior notice.

Activities

Beside the horse tours that we offer in Jordan, there are so many fantastic places to visit if you are interested in history & culture - Amman, As Salt, Jerash, Ajlun, Pella, Umm Qays, Kerak, desert castles, Mount Nebo, Madaba, Petra, Aqaba.

For those more interested in wildlife and nature- places to visit include Azraq Wetland Reserve, Shawmari Wildlife Reserve, Mujib & Dana Nature Reserve, Ajlun and Dibeen Forest Reserve, Wadi Rum.

For the daredevil and adventure lovers why not try canyoning in Wadi Mujib, hiking in the nature reserves, diving in Aqaba. Try a camel ride, jeep tours, quad biking and rock climbing or a or a balloon flight in Wadi Rum. Of course, you must visit the Dead Sea with its 4/5* luxury hotels, unique floating experience, excellent spas and heavenly treatments. Diving, snorkelling, water skiing, wind surfing, para-sailing, boat trips and fishing, are just some of the popular activities in Aqaba by the Red Sea.

This is a wonderful region for painting & photography - we can arrange a one and two week tour through Jordan especially for painting and photography with professional workshops.

As you can see Jordan is a country with a lot of variety where we can tailor make a programme for everyone's wishes.

Further Details

Languages: English, Dutch and Arabic

Health requirements: Fit & Healthy

Age limit: 14 and above if accompanied by an adult and with good riding skills

Tuition: No

Included: Accommodation, entree fees, meals and beverages during the trail and all the transfers

Not included: Flights, visa at airport, alcoholic drinks, lunch in Petra, lunch at the Dead Sea, tips, travel insurance, sleeping bags, drinks with dinners at the hotels

Travel Information

There are many flights to Amman from London Heathrow and Gatwick with Emirates, BMI, Lufthansa and Royal Jordanian to name a few. We will arrange your transfer from the airport. Flights are not included in the price.

Airport: Amman

Programmes

Petra to Wadi Rum Trail (10 Day)

Discover the breathtaking scenery of "Lawrence of Arabia" from the back of a beautiful Arab horse. The nature in Jordan is very diverse, breathtakingly beautiful and rugged. One of it natural wonders is a true paradise for nature lovers and horse riders. This horse ride takes you from the mountainous area of Petra to the vast sand plains and steep formations of Wadi Rum. Day one: Upon arrival at Amman Airport you will be assisted by an airport representative in getting your individual visa, the cost is 20 JOD per passport. You will be transferred by car to the 3* hotel in the town of Madaba. Madaba is mostly a Christian town and the centre is in walking distance of the hotel. You can visit the St. George church and enjoy a very nice Jordanian dinner at the local and unique style restaurant: Haret Djoudna. Overnight at the 3* Mariam Hotel (this has a swimming pool, restaurant and bar) or the 3* Rumman Hotel (family run hotel with a restaurant) or the 3* Salome hotel (another family run hotel). Day two: You will be picked up from your hotel at 08:30 by car and driven to Petra. In Petra you will be taken on a 3 hour tour of the city via the Siq treasury, facade of tombs, the colonnaded street, until you reach a restaurant of your choice. You are free to spend the rest of the day as you like. When you head back to the hotel, close by there is a Turkish bath. A perfect chance to relax with a steam bath, body scrub and soap massage. A buffet dinner will be served in the restaurant of the hotel between 19:00 and 22:00. Tonight your host/guide of the horse tour will meet you in your hotel to discuss the tour. He will explain the programme and there will be opportunities for questions. Each rider will be given a Jordanian scarf (Kafihe). Day three: This morning you will be transferred around 08:30 from the hotel in Petra to the stables (10 minute drive). You will be appropriately matched to your horse before mounting and beginning the tour. The ride takes you directly into the mountains with great views over Petra. This morning's ride will be 3 hours via the mountains, the back of Taybet, through the beautiful Rajev village where you will stop for lunch under Prince Hassan castle. This is an area of natural springs and tree gardens with amazing views over Petra and Wadi Araba. The support team will be waiting for you with lunch and drinks. After lunch the ride is about 2 to 2 and a half hours via mountains with the viewpoint of Dlaaga and then descending down to Wadi Thugra. There will be opportunities for trotting and cantering. Upon arrival in Wadi Thugra you will set up camp! The horses are untacked, fed and watered before you set up your tent. Tea will already be made and by the time everyone sits down dinner will be served (small buffet style). If there is wood a campfire will be made and the first evening under the stars can be enjoyed! Day four: Breakfast is usually served around 07:30 and you will take down your tent, brush and saddle your horse ready for riding at around 09:00. The jeep will be loaded once more and catch up with the group at the lunch spot. The riding will be via a small Bedouin village into a desert area before stopping in a shaded area for lunch. There will be time for a short nap after lunch. After lunch the riding will take you via the town of Humayma, here you will cross the desert highway. After crossing the road you will ride into the Kharaza area of Wadi Rum where there will be a nice opportunity for a trot and a canter. The second night you will camp in a beautiful U shape rock and sand area with bushes. From here, when it is a full moon, you can see the moon rising over the mountains and a beautiful morning sunrise. A campfire will be set up, the horses will enjoy a nice roll in the sand and you can relax. Day five: After breakfast the third day of riding begins in a very stunning part of the desert, where there are few tourists. Today you will see a small rock bridge, the "Mushroom", a nice path for cantering. You will ride between 2 to 2 and a half hours to your lunch spot where you have will have plenty of time to relax in the shade. After lunch you will cross into a sandy area with a nice long canter path. By now you will know you horse so you can enjoy a nice long canter through the desert. In this area the sand is of many colours. Tonight you will camp in a small canyon out of the wind. A campfire will be made and dinner will be served. Day six: This morning you will ride via the mudflat area to Um Salab, here you will cross into the protected area of Wadi Rum. This area is simply amazing! You will ride via a stunning canyon to Um Ishrin where you will stop for lunch and a rest. After lunch you will ride via the highest sand dunes in Wadi Rum and the inscriptions of the Nabateans, via Laurance house to Burdah Bridge. Tonight you will camp at Burdah bridge. Day seven: This morning after breakfast you will ride from Burdah bridge to the back of Um Fruth bridge where you will have lunch. After lunch you will ride from Um Fruth Bridge to Barrah Canyon. Dinner will be served and a campfire will be made. Enjoy this silent part of the desert! Day eight: After breakfast you will continue to ride through the Barrah canyon and from there towards and in Siq Um Foos and Siq Um Atawaki where you will have lunch. After lunch you will ride towards the Disi area to the mudflat, where you can enjoy a nice long canter or even gallop. After the afternoon ride you will arrive at the Oasis Desert Camp where you can enjoy a warm shower and a bed for the night. Dinner is served and music can be played this evening. Day nine: The horses will be transferred by truck and you will be driven to the Dead Sea (4 hour drive). You will arrive at the 4* Dead Sea Spa in time for lunch. The Dead Sea Spa Hotel offers a great buffet, you will only need to pay for your drinks. After lunch you can enjoy the pool and beach area. If you do not have your own towel these may be rented for 2.5 JOD (you pay 5 JOD and get 2.5 JOD back when you return the towel). You can stay as long as you like at the 4* Dead Sea Spa, the driver will wait for you. In summer time sunset is between 19:00 - 20:00 and in winter time at 17:00. The driver will take you to Madaba, via Mt. Nebo, a nice scenic route. You will have a free evening in Madaba before spending the night at the hotel from night one. Dinner is not included. Day ten: After breakfast you will be transferred to the Airport for your journey home. Please note if you would like to stay longer in Jordan, or if you would prefer to stay overnight at the 4* Dead Sea Spa Hotel or the 5* Marriott Jordan Valley at the Dead Sea instead of in Madaba, this can be arranged at an extra cost.
Minimum group size:	4
Maximum group size:	14
Ability description:	Fit and able to canter for long periods (confident intermediate).
Type of ride:	Trail
Total riding time:	10 day tour 6 days riding
Departure dates:	2012: 26 January-4 February, 23 February-3 March, 8-17 March, 5-14 April, 26 April-5 May, 17-26 May, 31 May-9 June, 22-31 August, 13-22 September, 11-20 October, 25 October-3 November.
Pricing:	See Pricing

Petra to Wadi Rum Trail (8 Day)

Discover the breathtaking scenery of “Laurence of Arabia” on the back of an Arab horse. The landscape in Jordan is very diverse, breathtakingly beautiful and rugged. One of its natural wonders is the most impressive desert landscape in the world; Wadi Rum. This vast, echoing and colourful desert is a true paradise for nature lovers. The ride takes you from the mountainous area of Petra to the vast sand plains and steep rock formations of Wadi Rum. Day one to five: as 10 day itinerary Day six: The last day of riding. After breakfast you will brush and saddle your horse and ride via the mudflat where you can enjoy a good gallop. You will ride towards the desert village of Disi. There is an area with natural springs and a small pond for swimming if the weather is good in a beautiful desert oasis. The horses can be washed off here and enjoy some grazing while you eat lunch. After lunch you will ride into the last part of the desert enjoying a good canter and gallop along the way. Tonight you will stay at the Oasis Desert Camp where you can enjoy a warm shower and a bed for the night. Dinner is served and if wished, music can be played this evening. Day seven: The horses will be transferred by truck and you will be driven to the Dead Sea (4 hour drive). You will arrive at the 4* Dead Sea Spa in time for lunch. The Dead Sea Spa Hotel offers a great buffet, you will only need to pay for your drinks. After lunch you can enjoy the pool and beach area. If you do not have your own towel these may be rented for 2.5 JOD (you pay 5 JOD and get 2.5 JOD back when you return the towel). You can stay as long as you like at the 4* Dead Sea Spa, the driver will wait for you. In summer time sunset is between 19:00 - 20:00 and in winter time at 17:00. The driver will take you to Madaba, via Mt. Nebo, a nice scenic route. You will have a free evening in Madaba before spending the night at the hotel from night one. Dinner is not included. Day eight: After breakfast you will be transferred to the Airport for your journey home. Please note if you would like to stay longer in Jordan, or if you would prefer to stay overnight at the 4* Dead Sea Spa Hotel or the 5* Marriott Jordan Valley at the Dead Sea instead of in Madaba, this can be arranged at an extra cost.
Minimum group size:	4
Maximum group size:	14
Ability description:	Fit and able to canter for long periods (confident intermediate).
Type of ride:	Trail
Total riding time:	8 day tour 4 days riding
Departure dates:	2012: 10-17, 18-25 February, 30 March-6 April, 11-18 May, 26 May-2 June, 6-13 July, 29 September-6 October, 20-27 October, 17-24 November, 10-17, 24-31 December.
Pricing:	See Pricing

Dana to Petra

On this fabulous trail you will discover the breathtaking scenery of "Lawrence of Arabia." The ride takes you from the mountainous area of Petra with stunning views to the vast sand plains and steep rock formations of Wadi Rum.You will ride mainly Arabian horses but some are cross breeds. All the horses are safe but some are quiet and others are more forward going. Clients are allowed to take care of their own horse with water, food, grooming and tacking up. The tack is English and the saddle blankets have pockets for a water bottle, camera and sun cream etc. The jeep will take the luggage and will be available at lunchtimes as well as dinner and at the camp for the night. The jeep also takes the food the horses as well as food for your dinner! A first aid kit for both guests and horses is always to hand. Day one: Upon arrival at Amman Airport you will be assisted by an airport representative in getting your individual visa, the cost is 20 JOD per passport. You will be transferred by car to the 3* hotel in the town of Madaba. Madaba is mostly a Christian town and the centre is in walking distance of the hotel. You can visit the St. George church and enjoy a very nice Jordanian dinner at the local and unique style restaurant: Haret Djoudna. Overnight at the 3* Mariam Hotel (this has a swimming pool, restaurant and bar) or the 3* Rumman Hotel (family run hotel with a restaurant) or the 3* Salome hotel (another family run hotel). The hotels are all located in the same street. Day two: After breakfast you will be picked up from the hotel in Madaba, you will travel via the scenic Kings High Way and visit Mt Nebo, where Moses saw the promised land with great views over the Dead Sea, St George Church in Madaba, with its impressive mosaic floor. You will pass the Wadi Mujib Dam and see the great canyon and Kerak Crusader Castle. Here is a good location to have lunch or if time allows you may have lunch in Dana and enjoy a free afternoon. Upon arrival in Dana, an amazing old village of all natural stones, you can check into your hotel and enjoy a walk around the village or to the natural spring. Tonight the horses will be close by and either Jessica or Rami will come to the hotel to discuss the details of the ride and answer any questions. Day three: This morning after an early breakfast you will be transferred to you horses, who are ready and waiting. Rami or the guide will select a suitable horse for each rider and your cases will be loaded into the jeep. Today you will ride from the beautiful Dana mountains to the mountains of Showbak with amazing views of the Dana-Feynan canyon all the way to Wadi Araba. This is a high point in Jordan and, therefore, in the summertime the breeze is welcome and the temperature is good. At lunchtime there will be time for a longer break in the shade for a nap if you wish. After lunch you will ride towards Showbak where you will camp in the mountains (tents and mattresses provided). Upon arrival the horses will be taken care of before it is time to set up your tents for the night. Tea will already be made by the time you sit down and a small buffet style dinner will be served on a table. The campfire will be made and the first evening under the stars can be enjoyed! Day four: After breakfast between 7.30 and 8.00 am you will take down your tent, brush and saddle your horses ready for your ride to begin between 9-9.30 am.. Depending on the weather and your personal preferences there will be an opportunity to make an early morning visit to Showbak castle before the ride. Today you will ride via the mountains of Showbak to Little Petra, where the scenery becomes more green, with great views over Little Petra and Wadi Araba. After lunch the riding will be into the mountains of Little Petra, a truly stunning area. Tonight you will camp in Little Petra with a campfire under a beautiful starry sky. Day five: After breakfast you will brush and saddle your horses and begin the third day of riding. Little Petra has irrigation and uses the waste water from Wadi Musa, so there are many fields of alfalfa/lucerne all year round in between the trees. You will ride into an almost deserted area where you may even see some Bedouins with the goat and sheep and some Bedouin tents. Today you will enjoy lunch in the shade! You will ride more in Little Petra and in the afternoon you will be able to visit the site of Little Petra (on foot). From here you will be taken to the Hotel Petra Palace where you will stay overnight and where you can enjoy a nice shower and a dip in the swimming pool. Dinner will be in Sun City a Bedouin style restaurant - not be missed for its 5* cooking. The reason you are sleeping in a tourist part of Petra is because you will leaving very early to do something special which is to ride into Petra with the horses. Day six: Today is the last day of riding and it will be a very special ride. You will ride in the morning via the gate and the Siq to the treasury or Petra, this is normally no longer allowed. For this reason you ride at 6 am in the morning and then permission is granted. You will ride via the Siq like Indiana Jones to the Roman theatre, after which you will turn left towards the snake monument and Jabal Haroon. Since the ride this morning was early you will be able to stop for tea/coffee and cakes at the snake monument before riding towards Jabal Haroon. This is the mountain where Aron, the brother of Moses, is buried. At the last part of this journey to Jabal Haroon you will leave your horse securely tied and walk to Aron's grave tomb. Once you have climbed Jabal Haroon and you return down lunch will be served.After a break you will ride your horse back into Petra but you will take the back way to Um Sahoon Village, where you will be transferred back to the hotel and the horses will be transferred back to the stables. Tonight you will sleep again in the 3* Petra Palace, have a swim, body scrub and soap massage. Dinner can be in one of the many local restaurants. Day seven: Yesterday you will have ridden the horses in Petra and today you can take more time on foot to see it and climb the rocks. Go to the high place of Sacrifice or the Monastery, the entry and guide for the first 3 hours is included. If you prefer not to visit Petra today, you can take a jeep tour and lunch in the protected area of Wadi Rum. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the hotel in Madaba for your last evening. Day eight: After breakfast you will be transferred to the Airport for your journey home.The drive from Madab to Amman Airport is 35-40 minutes and you will need your driver to pick you up about 2.5-3 hours before your flight departure. Please note if you would like to stay longer in Jordan, or if you would prefer to stay overnight at the 4* Dead Sea Spa Hotel or the 5* Marriott Jordan Valley at the Dead Sea instead of in Madaba, this can be arranged at an extra cost.
Accommodation:	One night is spent at the Dana Hotel or the Dana Tower Hotel.
Minimum group size:	4
Maximum group size:	14
Ability description:	Fit and able to canter for long periods (confident intermediate).
Type of ride:	Trail
Total riding time:	8 day tour 4 days riding
Departure dates:	2012: 6-13 July.
Pricing:	See Pricing