tHe SpiRit OF JORDAN
expeditiOn
FOR SCHOOLS EXPLORE I DISCOVER I SURVIVE
The Spirit of Jordan Expedition is a 8 day trip designed to give you an insight into the local Bedouin culture. You’ll be trekking in the Wadi Rum desert, following in the footsteps of the controversial and flamboyant Lawrence of Arabia. Having trailed through the desert and camped under the stars, you’ll visit the world heritage site of Petra. You’ll round off your trip with an unforgettable ‘float’ in the salt-rich Dead Sea.
a sensational trekking experience
introduction to Jordan The eccentric British army officer and writer, T.E. Lawrence made Wadi Rum famous among Westerners. In 1916 and 1917, he travelled there on several occasions. In 1962 Wadi Rum provided the setting for David Lean's film, starring Peter O’Toole Lawrence of Arabia. Jordan is situated on the East Bank of the River Jordan. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the South and East, Iraq to the North-East, Syria to the North, and Israel and Palestine to the West.
The Wadi Rum Desert Wadi Rum is one of the world’s most attractive and peaceful deserts in the world. Located to the south of Jordan, it is also known as The Valley of the Moon. Wadi Rum is a protected area covering 720 square kilometers of dramatic desert wilderness. Huge mountains of sandstone and granite emerge, sheer-sided, from wide sandy valleys to reach heights of 1700 meters and more. Narrow canyons and fissures cut deep into the mountains. They conceal ancient rock drawings etched by the peoples of the desert over thousands of years. The Bedouin For centuries, The Bedouin have inhabited the Wadi Rum region. Successive generations have maintained a lifestyle of breeding camels, goats and sheep while living in tents or in caves. They weave their tents from goat, sheep or camel wool. The Bedouin move their livestock seasonally in search of grazing areas and water. In recent years, most of the Bedouin have settled into a less mobile way of life. However, they retain their traditions of oral expression and still maintain connections to their original nomadic lifestyle.
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trekking phase - four days in Wadi Rum The expedition begins with a full day of professional expedition training, focussed on understanding the desert environment. Topics covered include: • The dangers of the desert • First aid • Obtaining water • Making fire • Shelter building - using ponchos and rock shelters • Navigation skills - using the sun and stars, as well as a Silva compass and a GPS. For the next 3 days, you and your team will set off on foot, heading for successive check points. Working as a team, you will use your training and navigate by compass, GPS and the lie of the land to decide on the best route. Each day you will visit fascinating new sites Lawrence’s Spring: where Lawrence of Arabia reputedly paused to refresh himself at the height of the Arab Revolt. The Khazali Canyon: this deep, narrow fissure cut into the side of the mountain contains numerous rock inscriptions. Rock Bridge: a spectacular natural arch carved from rock, with amazing views.
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom: the famous landmark, named after T.E. Lawrence’s famous autobiography. Sand Dunes: large area of sand piled up against the mountains. They’re fun to climb ... and even more fun to come down. A little-known fact – sand dunes harbour a surprising collection of hardy and plant species. At the end of each day, local Bedouins will welcome you to their encampments. You will eat their delicious tagine-style food, cooked in traditional underground ovens. You’ll relax around a desert camp fire, whilst learning about the rich Bedouin history and culture. Nights will be spent under canvas, before heading off the following day to continue your desert expedition. This is exploring in its purest form - following in the intrepid footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia. Throughout the trekking phase, a professional U.K. expedition leader will be on hand to deal with any group or individual needs. Following from a distance will be a safety jeep in constant radio communications with the group leader.
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A Visit to petra – one day Petra is truly the jewel in Jordan’s rich cultural crown. One of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, Petra’s has 2000 years of history and 800 surviving monuments. There is evidence of habitation in Petra since prehistoric times.
This Nabataean caravan-city, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Half-built, half-carved into the rock, Petra is surrounded by mountains, riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture. You will pick a path through the steep rocky slopes and craggy mountain tops. You will admire the temples, tombs, theatres and stairways, carved into the rock. Only then will you truly understand why Petra is known as the 8th Wonder of the World. That evening you will relax in a nearby luxury hotel.
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dead Sea â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one day Within the folds of the Jordan Valley lies the Dead Sea. It is more than 400 metres below sea level and the lowest point on earth. Rich in minerals that have seeped from adjacent wadis, the Dead Sea is well known for having exceptionally buoyant water. Many also believe that its waters possess curative powers. The sensation of weightlessness while swimming in the Dead Sea is a novel experience â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one never to be forgotten.
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expedition itinerary DAY 1 - LOCATION AND ACTIVITY Arrival to Queen Alia Airport Jordan
NOTES: Transfer to hotel in Amman by coach.
DAY 2 - LOCATION AND ACTIVITY Early morning coach journey to Wadi Rum Bait Ali Hotel. Journey time 4 hours by coach. On arrival at Bait Ali hotel Expedition training day – Your U.K expedition leader will take you through detailed instruction, ensuring you are prepared for the adventure ahead. Topics covered are Navigation, First Aid, ‘lost’ Procedures, Survival Shelter Building and Fire Making.
notes: Bait Ali in Wadi Rum for dinner & overnight.
DAY 3 to 5 - LOCATION AND ACTIVITY For the next 3 days you will be living life as local Bedouin. Navigating by compass and GPS, you will cover large open ground stopping off at Bedouin sites along route for refreshments. The desert will vary from day to day - from large dried-up lakes to towering rock features. One thing is for certain - you will relish the sense of solitude in this vast expanse of desert. Evening of the 5th night we will be back at Bait Ali hotel in Wadi Rum for dinner & overnight.
NOTES: Overnight – you’ll be sleeping in Bedouin tents and enjoying the traditional
tribal hospitality. 4x4 Jeep assistance / safety vehicle with English Speaking Bedouin Guide/ driver and paramedic Group will have several Elite Survival instructors with them.
DAY 6 - LOCATION AND ACTIVITY Today you will visit Petra. An early morning rise will be followed by a two hour coach journey to the site. Words cannot describe this stunning ancient city. We’ll say no more for now. Just make sure you have your camera at the ready!
NOTES: Petra entry cost covered. Evening stay locally in a hotel near Petra.
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expedition itinerary DAY 7 - LOCATION AND ACTIVITY Dead Sea visit / swim. An early rise for the three hour coach journey to the Dead Sea. Round off your trip by floating weightlessly in this wonderful sea. Take a mud bath and relax. After the Dead Sea experience, there will be a one-hour coach journey to the hotel in Amman.
NOTES: Dead Sea entry fee covered. Overnight stay in Amman Hotel.
DAY 8 - LOCATION AND ACTIVITY Group to depart from Amman â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Queen Alia Airport. Depending on your flight time visit Amman city.
notes: Hotel local to airport.
preparing for your expedition Elite Survival Training Expedition Leader, John Sullivan, will give detailed briefing of the trip. Our aim is to allow everyone the space to challenge themselves whilst enjoying a personal learning journey.
Safety Safety is key to all our expeditions and activities. Central to Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s briefing will be our safety back-up plans, risk assessments and in-country support. Elite Survival Training has carried out extensive work for a number of TV Channels, including the BBC and the National Geographic Channel. Testimonies from these companies emphasise our commitment to safety and emergency planning. In case of emergency, we equip our staff with GPS and Satellite phones, as well as comprehensive medical equipment.
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Who is this expedition for? The Jordan Expedition for Schools is open to young people of all abilities. Some activities will be easy to handle. Others will be more of a challenge. By the end of the trip, you’ll enjoy a feeling like no other - the sense of achievement, personal gain and adrenaline will be second to none. Some days you will feel the heady rush of adrenaline. On others, you’ll feel almost overwhelmed, as you complete an activity as a team - you just won’t be able to stop smiling! This expedition is an amazing opportunity. The great thing is that it’s open to ANYONE. All that’s required is a reasonable level of fitness, a thirst for adventure and a love for a personal challenge.
Who’s in Charge? We hand-pick our expedition leaders and our local specialist operators. All are fully certified experts in their field. We provide a full back-up team of Elite Leaders, Guides and Cooks. They’ll meet you at the end of every day, help set up camp, provide expertise and most important - make sure you end the day with a hearty meal!
two points to note 1. No-one will be forced to participate in any activity 2. Although unusual, there may be times when, on safety grounds, we have to skip an activity.
Safety, Adventure, Leadership and teamwork These are the four pillars of every Elite Survival Expedition. It is our mission to ensure that you experience the adventure of a lifetime. Above all, we want you to arrive back home wanting more.
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tHe FACtS Duration: 8 days What’s included • Meet and assist service upon arrival & departure by English speaking representative • All transfers( from Queen Alia Airport to Amman Hotel , Amman Hotel to Wadi Rum , Wadi Rum to Petra , Petra to Amman via the Dead Sea , Amman to Queen Alia Airport) by brand new bus (Large Bus) • Entrance fees to Wadi Rum Protected Area and Natural Reserve • Entrance fees to Petra • Entrance fees at Amman Beach Resort and Spa in The Dead Sea with lunch • English Speaking Guide during Petra tour and during the transfers • 02 Night at Bait Ali in Wadi Rum with 02 breakfasts & 02 dinners • 01 Night in Petra at Al Rashid Hotel or Sharah Mountains Hotel with breakfast & dinner • 02 Night in Amman at Arena Hotel or Larsa Hotel with breakfast & dinner • 02 Nights camping in Wadi Rum which is located in the heart of the desert • 04 lunches or Packed lunches during Wadi Rum trekking (Day # 2+3+4+5) • Mineral Water During Day # 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 (bottles of Mineral Water will be provided enough) 580 - Assistance by 4x4 Jeep with English Speaking Bedouin Guide/driver during Day # 2 + 3 + 4 + 5) • Mineral Water , Tea , Coffee , Juice during Wadi Rum are provided • All taxes and service charges applied for the hotels/camps and all services listed above
Not included • Flight Tickets • Travel Insurance • All kind of tips for the guides, drivers and our team • Jordan Departure Ta (Included in the flight tickets ) • Lunches/Box lunches (Except Day 2 + 3+ 4+ 5 +6)
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john@elitesurvivaltraining.com • www.elitesurvivaltraining.com • 01604 415697 • 07804 915407