Mercury Holidays 2021-2023 Brochure

Red Rose city of Petra starts with a dramatic entry through a long, narrow gorge flanked by soaring cliffs. This unique city, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people, who turned it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Syria, Greece, Egypt and Rome. Colossal red mountains and vast tombs of a departed race which are such a far reach from modern civilization are often considered as one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by Man and Nature. Pass dazzling rock formations before the final turn opens up to a view of the iconic 2,000-year- old façade of the treasury. Believed to be a royal tomb, the impressive rock-hewn site may be recognised from the film ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’. Continuing deeper into this fascinating ancient city, you’ll have a full day to explore its elaborate, tombs, temples, sacrificial altars and Roman-style theatres. Day 5: Petra to Wadi Rum B/D After breakfast, visit Al Beidha, known as ‘Little Petra’ for the similarity of its rock-cut tombs and structures. Witness centuries-old dining halls, washrooms, fountains and rooms skilfully hewn into stone. Next, travel further south to the undulating desert dunes of Wadi Rum where you’ll embark on a scenic Jeep safari. Described by T.E Lawrence as ‘vast, echoing and godlike’, the locals refer to the untamed sea of red sand as the ‘Valley of the Moon’. In a land where the sunbeams over imposing rock formations, breath-taking crimson mountains and carpets of untouched sand dunes, soak in awe-inspiring vistas in this otherworldly territory. In the midst of this ethereal kingdom, enjoy a unique overnight stay in an authentic desert camp. Day 6: Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea B/D Transfer from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea and spend the rest of your day at leisure, providing the perfect opportunity for relaxation. Alternatively, take a trip to the shores of the iconic Dead Sea in the Jordan Rift Valley. Submerged at a dramatic 400 metres below sea level, the lowest point on the face of the earth, this vast stretch of water is 304 metres deep and is renowned as the deepest hypersaline lake in the world; by the time the waters reach the Dead Sea, they are land-locked, resulting in evaporation which leaves behind a dense cocktail of salts and minerals. A fascinating phenomenon occurs here where you can float on the salty waters and also cover yourself in its rejuvenating black mud, making for a truly unique experience. Day 7: Dead Sea B/D Take another day to relax on the Dead Sea, or explore this area of incredible colour and beauty, before this evening’s farewell dinner. Day 8: Dead Sea to Amman to the UK B After breakfast transfer to Amman for your return flight or continue on to your chosen extension. Tour includes • 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 6 dinners • 4 and 5 H accommodation: Amman-Geresa Hotel, Petra-Petra Moon Hotel, Wadi Rum-Hasan Zawaideh Camp, Dead Sea-Crowne Plaza Dead Sea Resort and Spa • Flights from London Heathrow with Royal Jordanian Jeep safari, Wadi Rum Roman Ruins of Jerash Aqaba Bay The Dead Sea Extend your tour Aqaba beach stay 3 nights, 5 H B&B from £409 Jerusalem city stay 2 nights, 4 H B&B from £919 Tel Avia city stay 3 nights, 3 H B&B from £689 Single Supplement A single supplement starts from just £369 Private Tour Upgrade From £99 . Includes a private guide, transport and choice of departure date Tour pace: Intermediate Ready to find out more? For further details, check prices and availability, and explore all of our holidays visit our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk or call our experienced team free on 0800 298 9865 www.mercuryholidays.co.uk • 0800 298 9865 201 Africa and the Middle East