Full-Day Wadi Rum from Aqaba

After Aqaba hotel or port pickup, travel eastward by private, air-conditioned vehicle toward Wadi Rum. This UNESCO-protected region consists of deserts littered with craggy mountains and valleys that have been home to Bedouins for centuries. It’s where TE Lawrence, nicknamed ‘Lawrence of Arabia,’ fought alongside the Bedouins during World War I. Scenes from the 1962 movie 'Lawrence of Arabia' were filmed here, and some of its beauty spots bear his name. Then, arrive at Wadi Rum’s visitor center and after using the facilities, board a 4x4 with a Bedouin driver to begin your tour. Pass Rum village, whose houses are flanked by towering granite mountains, and view a ruined Nabataean temple, thought to date to the 14th century BC. Drive between two of Jordan’s highest mountains, Mount Rum and Um Ashreen, and pause at the base of Lawrence’s Spring. This natural mountain spring is so named for reputedly being where Lawrence stopped to wash during the 1917-1918 Arab Revolt. View some rock inscriptions thought to be 5,000 to 10,000 years old, and after a break for tea at a Bedouin camp, visit the Al Khazali canyon, a narrow ravine framed by high, red-walled cliffs. Take an optional trek up to a natural rock bridge, and continue to the Burdah Rock Bridge, the wadi’s highest rock arch. If you wish, make an optional guided climb to the top to experience the awe-inspiring views over the surrounding mountains. Stop for lunch, and see the remnants of Lawrence’s House—where he is thought to have stayed—before visiting one of the wadi’s famous sunset-watching sites. Admire the incredible sunset views before returning to the wadi entrance and swapping vehicles for your return to Aqaba. Your private tour then finishes at your hotel or Aqaba port.

• Lunch

• Driver/guide

• Local bedouin guide

• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

• Transport by air-conditioned minivan

• Drinks

• Gratuities