leisure: Petra
Petra
THE ROSE RED CITY
For most visitors to Jordan a journey to Petra is the highlight of their trip, and few can deny the excitement when approaching the impressive facade of the temples, tombs and residences carved from the pink sandstone.
Petra (from the Greek meaning ‘rock’) lies in the Great Rift Valley about 80 kilometres south of the Dead Sea. It came to prominence in the first century and by the mid-first century had witnessed rapid urbanisation. The city centre was marked by buildings lining the Colonnaded Street stretching from the theatre in the east and the Qasr al-Bint in the west.
With Nabataean rule, Petra became the centre for a spice trade that extended from Arabia to Aqaba and Petra, and onward either to Gaza in the northwest, or to the north through Amman, Bostra, Damascus, and finally on to Palmyra and the Syrian Desert.
After centuries of prosperity, Petra fell into commercial decline when new trade routes were popularised and ultimately a series of earthquakes all but brought the city to ruin. The city was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt and revealed to the western world for the first time since the Crusades.
Visitors to Petra are offered a glimpse into the fabled past as they stand before the impressive Treasury and journey by camel or donkey ride from the entrance of the city through the winding mountain fissures before arriving in front of The Monastery.
Ideal for: One or two day tour
Group size: 10 - 50
Timings: Overnight stay is recommended
Top tip: When exploring the ruins, wear comfortable and supportive footwear
THE GREAT TEMPLE
The Great Temple was built to align with the Colonnaded Street, lying on the hillside to the south. It has been speculated that the temple was approached through a monumental Propylaeum with a grand staircase leading into a colonnaded, terraced, sacred precinct.
At its centre was the temple, with yet another flight of stairs leading into the temple proper. While no standing structures were revealed before recent excavations in 1993, the site is littered with architectural fragments, including column drums, probably toppled by one of the earthquakes that have rocked the site.
The Great Temple contains eclectic, exquisite art and architecture from the Nabataean period and demonstrates the valued importance of aesthetic decoration of structures with frescos and architectural sculptures.
The Great Temple is one of the key sites in Nabataean Petra. The lives of the Nabataeans were influenced by a unique blend of cultures, and a visit to the Great Temple is essential to the understanding of many different aspects of the archaeology of Petra.
Ideal for: Half or full-day trip as part of larger Petra itinerary
Group size: 10 - 50
Timings: All day, but avoid the midday heat
Top tip: Employ the services of a tour guide, and allow time for delegates to explore at leisure
WADI MOUSA
Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and all facilities for visitors are located in the nearby village of Wadi Mousa. Here, incentive visitors have at their disposal a number of luxury hotels, including the Movenpick Nabataean Castle Hotel, the Movenpick Resort Petra, the Crowne Plaza Resort Petra, and the Petra Marriott. Visitors should stay at least one night in order to spend a full day exploring Petra the minimum time necessary to capture a sense of its unique ancient history.
Petra provides a fantastic setting for banquets and dinners in the open air as part of an incentive experience. Dining among the canyons with the illuminated backdrop of the carved temples of Petra is an unforgettable experience for visitors. This can be arranged by tour operators or the hotels in Wadi Mousa.
Ideal for: Combining a meeting with incentive tour
Group size: 10 - 100
Timings: Allow two days
Top tip: Please take passports for identification as there are check points on the roads near the site
WALKING PETRA
The best way to really experience Petra is to get into its deepest hidden corners, and what better way than on foot? Combined, the various walks and climbs around Petra reveal around 800 tombs, buildings and residences - many of which are still waiting to be excavated.
Apart from the famous Treasury building, there is also a 3,000-seat Roman theatre, the Um Tomb (the largest in Petra), and a Byzantine church.
Archaeological remains aside, the natural colours of the sandstone and the narrow passages, or siqs, are a geological marvel in themselves, and the silence imposed by these magnificent structures is certainly memorable. Of course, photographic opportunities abound in Petra, but it is important to remember that to catch it at its best, mid-morning and late afternoon is ideal when the sun’s rays cast a warm, pink hue over the monuments to create a truly beautiful vista.
Ideal for: Active group members
Group size: 10 - 20
Timings: Most treks begin early in the morning to make the most of the good light and cooler temperatures
Top tip: Organise an alternative activity option for less active group members
‘LAWRENCE OF ARABIA’ RIDING EXPERIENCE
From hiking to horse back riding, La Beduina Tours give you that real ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ riding experience. Arabian mares are arguably the finest horses in the world, and groups can opt to ride one of these trusty steeds, guaranteed to provide a smooth tour of the area, no matter what your level of experience, from beginner to expert rider.
The excursions combine visits to many fascinating archaeological sites with the thrill of riding one of these beautiful horses and your Bedouin guide will enthral you with tales of war time events, ambush techniques and native horse customs. The tour covers a distance of 25-45 kilometres in desert and/or mountainous terrain.
Ideal for: Active group members
Group size: 10 - 20
Timings: Most tours begin early to avoid the heat
Top tip: Remember to ask permission before taking photos of locals, especially women
KING ARETAS IV CAMP
For a very memorable experience, the King Aretas IV Camp offers accommodation for up to 100 people in tented camps near Petra to enjoy a night under the stars mixing with the Bedouin people.
Located only seven kilometres from Petra, on the way to Little Petra (Baida), King Aretas IV Camp offers every modern comfort in the depths of the desert. Each tent comes complete with camp bed, furniture, power points and mobile phone charger.
The camp’s all-day dining restaurant serves buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner while its fine dining outlet offers a la carte cuisine for up to 20 persons. A bar, lounge area, coffee shop and business centre complete the facilities on offer. The camp can be booked exclusively for incentives groups.
Ideal for: End of incentive event
Group size: 10 - 20
Timings: Overnight
Top tip: Always dress modestly when visiting an area inhabited by the Bedouin
