Eastern promise for 2009

For 2009, Peregrine Adventures offers two new inspirational tours through the historic lands of ancient Egypt and Jordan. Combine both countries during an 18-day adventure from Cairo to Amman, or opt for a shorter 10-day exploration focusing on Jordan, which was for a time part of Pharaonic Egypt.

Egypt & Jordan Adventure: 18-day tour – 1st departure from Cairo, 7th March 2009.

Peregrine’s tour starts in Cairo with a visit to the renowned Egyptian Museum providing a good background before heading out to see the sights. In Egypt, the tour covers many of the major sites including the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, the magnificent Temples at Karnak and the tombs of the Valley of the Kings. A 4-night Nile cruise to Aswan, Egypt’s second largest city, stops for further exploration at the temples of Edfu and Komombo.

Crossing into Jordan, initial explorations include the Roman site of ancient Jerash with its restored Hippodrome dating from 70AD and walking in Dana Nature Reserve. Dana encompasses some of Jordan’s most breathtaking scenery and is home to a wide variety of wildlife including endangered species such as Ibex. From Dana, head to Petra, a World Heritage site enchanting visitors from all corners of the globe and one of the major highlights of the tour. Travellers overnight in a camp behind Petra, and to avoid the crowds, enter the ancient World Heritage city by the back, early next morning.

Later, Peregrine continues on to Wadi Rum to meet up with Bedouin friends and ride camels to a traditional Bedouin camp deep within the desert. Wadi Rum is probably best known because of its connection with the enigmatic British officer T.E. Lawrence, who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-18. Much of David Lean’s movie, Lawrence of Arabia, was filmed here. Later, enjoy some well-earned relaxation in the Red Sea town of Aqaba.

The tour costs £1,945 p/p including Peregrine’s local tour leader, professional local guides, Cairo-Amman flight, arrival transfer, all transportation, Nile Cruise, all accommodation, all breakfasts and some lunches/dinners, sightseeing, plus entrance fees as per itinerary. International flights are not included.

Jordan Explorer: 10-day tour – 1st departure from Amman, 15th March 2009.

During its long history, Jordan has seen numerous civilisations come and go, and for a time was part of Pharaonic Egypt, spawning the Nabatean civilisation whose legacy was the rich archaelogical remains at Petra. Travellers can give Jordan their full attention during an adventure packed tour featuring the ancient Roman city of Jerash, the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth above sea level - the Crusader Castle at Karak, Dana Nature Reserve, wonderful Petra, the evocative desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and the coastal Red Sea town of Aqaba.

The tour costs £1,050 p/p including Peregrine’s local tour leader, professional local guides, arrival transfer, all transportation, all accommodation, all breakfasts and some lunches/dinners, sightseeing, plus entrance fees as per itinerary. Flights are not included.

For more information, log on to Peregrineadventures.co.uk.