Lawrence & The Christmas | Wadi Rum + Aqaba, Jordan

Dashing through the sand in a one-camel open sleigh, to Wadi Rum we go, laughing all the way! With red and white landscapes of sandstone and shifting colours of mountains and sky, we’ll easily spot Santa in the starry night and spend the holidays in the style of the Bedouins!

Wadi Rum makes for a picture-perfect movie set, from Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian to Star Wars and Dune, a wilderness of red rocks and a Mars on Earth with starry nights so close you can touch them! Known as the Valley of the Moon, it’s also filled with petroglyphs from the Nabataeans, rock formations to take your breath away, and undoubtedly the most colourful sunset you’ll ever see. We’ll explore this moonscape by 4x4, on foot, and by balloon, you’ll have a red and white sandstone Christmas like no other!

As the only coastal city in Jordan, Aqaba boasts some of the most beautiful coral reefs on the planet, with resorts along a beach of blue waters and easy access to the golden triangle of ancient Nabataean ruins. You’ll have the chance to spend your holiday relaxing by the beach, snorkelling among colourful reefs or scuba diving if you choose, and perhaps take in a hamam from the 3rd century!

With a few adventurous presents along the way, Christmas in Wadi Rum will make you think you’re on another planet.

Let’s go!!

DAY 1 // DEC 24
Meeting at Abu Dhabi Airport for a direct flight to Aqaba. Arrival, immigration procedure and drive 1 hour to Wadi Rum.
We will kick start our Christmas adventure with Jabal Al Hash, a ridge stretching east to west, close to the border of Saudi Arabia. Different routes lead up to the plateau. With our Bedouin guide hike and scramble to the top, from where we will enjoy wonderful views of the desert. The panorama over the north and the south of Wadi Sabet opens to red and white sandstone. Continue to The Chicken Rock, some identify it as Cow Rock, the sandstone shaped by natural erosion. Stop also at the natural Al Qatar Spring before we return check in at your campsite.
In the evening well enjoy a Christmas-eve feast, Arabian-style, while we take in the sunset over the desert directly from our beds!!

DAY 2 // DEC 25
After a very merry breakfast well hop on our 4x4 sleighs to the Valley of the Moon with its serene landscapes and shifting colors of sand, mountains, and sky.
Further on we reach our 4x4s and drive to the Jabal Burdah, with 80 meters the biggest arch of the area. Our destination is the rock bridge, which takes about 3 hours. It is a moderate route, sometimes you have to use your hands to continue. It can be pretty windy at the top, but the views around the Rum area are beautiful. After the descent we have a rest with a lunch. Continue to the Mushroom Rock, another interesting formation created by wind and erosion. It is a great place for photography.

15:00 hop on an authentic Hijaz Railway train to take us across the desert. You must have heard that In 1916, Arabs launched a revolt against the oppression of the Ottoman Empire’s government, demanding freedom and independence. Our train ride resembles some events of the Great Arab Revolt, so expect being accompanied by an Ottoman force heading to recapture a fortress lost to the revolt fighters.
See here: https://youtu.be/TMrgX02wUXw
Back to the camp. With a starry sky above we’ll surely spot Santa bringing gifts and celebrate Christmas like of Lawrence of Arabia!

DAY 3 // DEC 26
Early morning wake-up for (optional) balloon ride at sunrise over Wadi Rum! After leisurely Bedouin breakfast we will complete our desert experience with a camel ride. Enjoy the slow pace giving a different atmosphere and view of Wadi Rum. After around two hours the ride finishes at Rum Village. From here we head 45 minutes to the coastal town of Aqaba at the Red Sea. Check into your hotel for a leisurely afternoon.

DAY 4 // DEC 27
Free day to enjoy the Red Sea resort of Aqaba. Just relax at the beach or have fun water activities. Uber rich marine life and coral reefs make diving or snorkeling very popular here. Other options are the visit to the Mamluk Fort and the archaeological dig Ayla, a stroll along the beach promenade and the local markets.

DAY 5 // DEC 28
Early pick up and drive to airport for return flight home. Bye Bye Jordan!

Activities: trekking; camel, train and 4x4 rides, snorkeling, cultural immersion, optional ballooning, celebrating Christmas in Lawrence of Arabia style!

Grade: easy.

Accommodation and meals: included - dbl sharing, 5 star hotel + Luxury Martian Camp (bubbles). Single occupancy 1475 AED.

Cost: 4200 AED excl. flight. Optional ballooning 840 aed.

Excluded: meals in Aqaba.

Flight: Wizzair AUH - Aqaba (460 AED). Cost with flights available at the time of booking.

See yah in Rum x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]