The Bedouin and Villagers of Jordan

In September 2009, Eco Hotels took over the management and operation of the lodge, offering travellers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Jordan’s wilderness, meet its native people and explore its ancient history, with minimal impact on the environment.

Lit entirely by candles and run on solar power the Eco – lodge is a fantastic experience set in the rugged Araba Valley that was once home to the early Christian as they were forced to work in the local copper mines. Overnight at Fynan Eco-lodge

Established sometime around the 6th century BC as the capital city of the Nabateans, it is a symbol of Jordan as well as its most visited tourist attraction. It lies on the slope of Mount Hor in a basin among the mountains which form the eastern flank of Arabah (Wadi Araba), the large valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

The site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was introduced by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. It was described as “a rose-red city half as old as time” in a Newdigate Prize-winning sonnet by John William Burgon. UNESCO has described it as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage. Excavations that revealed the astounding workmanship and the incredible ruins at Petra did not begin until 1924, and continue to reveal more information about the Nabataean Kingdom.

Having visited all the main tombs in Petra, albeit in a slightly different order, you will finish your visit with the view of the Treasury ( Al Khazneh) before you head up the “Siq” an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone almost one half mile long. Overnight at Bedouin camp located near to little Petra.

Near the end of the passage, the SIQ, with great style, makes one last turn and out of the gloom in towering brightness appears Petra’s most impressive monument, el Khazneh – The Treasury. This is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity, carved out of the solid rock from the side of the mountain, is nearly 140 feet high and 90 feet wide.Beyond el Khazneh the visitor is surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra’s carved and built structures, soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a carved Roman theater, large and small houses, burial chambers and much more. The Victorian traveler and poet, Dean Burgon, gave Petra a description which holds to this day – “Match me such a marvel save in Eastern clime, a rose-red city half as old as time.” Then transfer to the magical desert of Wadi Rum, home of “Lawrence of Arabia”.

Upon arrival, in the the magical desert of Wadi Rum, home of “Lawrence of Arabia”. you will take a jeep tour managed and driven by one of the local Bedouin to many of the sites in the moon-like landscaped desert. You will start from the visitor center and drive to Rum village about a 10 minute drive on paved roads. After this you will head into the ochre coloured sandy desert as you visit the sites of Rum. Visit Lawrence’s spring this spring was named for T.E. Lawrence, of Lawrence of Arabia fame, who fought in the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire. Continue to Khazali Canyon an iconic feature in Wadi Rum, Khazali Canyon is an easy 20 minute walk that allows you to see many Nabatean inscriptions and drawings. Last place to visit is the Sand dunes, and then head back to the visitor center passing by Wadi Rum village for overnight. As the sun sets in Wadi Rum you will experience not only the changing temperature but also the changes in the color of the rock as and sand take on the deep red of the setting sun. As day turns to night the atmosphere of the desert changes from one of oppressive (heat) to relaxed and welcoming as the Bedouin prepare the fire and the sumptuous hospitality. Once the night a fully arrived the stars will come into their own as they light up the night sky. In clear morning light of sunrise the desert takes on a heavenly aura before the sun once again assumes control.