JORDANtHe SpiRit oF

The Spirit of Jordan Expedition is a 10 daytrip designed to give you an insight into thelocal Bedouin culture.

You’ll be trekking in the Wadi Rum desert,following in the footsteps of the controversialand flamboyant Lawrence of Arabia. Havingtrailed through the desert and camped underthe stars, you’ll visit the world heritage site ofPetra.

You’ll round off your trip with an unforgettable ‘float’ in the salt-richDead Sea.

expedition

a sensationaltrekking experience

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The eccentric British army officer and writer,T.E. Lawrence made Wadi Rum famous amongWesterners. In 1916 and 1917, he travelled there onseveral occasions. In 1962 Wadi Rum provided thesetting for David Lean's film, starring Peter O’Toole -Lawrence of Arabia.

Jordan is situated on the East Bank of the River Jordan. Itis bordered by Saudi Arabia to the South and East, Iraq tothe North-East, Syria to the North, and Israel andPalestine to the West.

introduction to Jordan

The Wadi Rum Desert

Wadi Rum is one of the world’s most attractive andpeaceful deserts in the world. Located to the south ofJordan, it is also known as The Valley of the Moon.

Wadi Rum is a protected area covering 720 squarekilometers of dramatic desert wilderness. Hugemountains of sandstone and granite emerge,sheer-sided, from wide sandy valleys to reach heights of1700 meters and more. Narrow canyons and fissures cutdeep into the mountains. They conceal ancient rockdrawings etched by the peoples of the desert overthousands of years.

The Bedouin

For centuries, The Bedouin have inhabited the WadiRum region. Successive generations have maintained alifestyle of breeding camels, goats and sheep while livingin tents or in caves. They weave their tents from goat,sheep or camel wool. The Bedouin move their livestockseasonally in search of grazing areas and water. Inrecent years, most of the Bedouin have settled into aless mobile way of life. However, they retain theirtraditions of oral expression and still maintainconnections to their original nomadic lifestyle.

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The expedition begins with a full day of professionalexpedition training, focussed on understanding thedesert environment.

Topics covered include:

• The dangers of the desert• First aid• Obtaining water• Making fire• Shelter building - using ponchos and rock shelters• Camel handling and riding• Navigation skills - using the sun and stars, as well as aSilva compass and a GPS.

For the next 5 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, GPSand the lie of the land to decide on the best route. Eachday you will visit fascinating new sites -

Lawrence’s Spring: where Lawrence of Arabia reputedlypaused to refresh himself at the height of the Arab Revolt.

The Khazali Canyon: this deep, narrow fissure cut intothe side of the mountain contains numerous rockinscriptions.

Rock Bridge: a spectacular natural arch carved fromrock, with amazing views.

The Seven Pillars of Wisdom: the famous landmark, named after T.E. Lawrence’sfamous 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 asurprising collection of hardy and plant species.

At the end of each day, local Bedouins will welcome you to their encampments. Youwill eat their delicious tagine-style food, cooked in traditional underground ovens. You’llrelax around a desert camp fire, whilst learning about the rich Bedouin history andculture. Nights will be spent under canvas, before heading off the following day tocontinue your desert expedition. This is exploring in its purest form - following in theintrepid footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia.

Throughout the trekking phase, a professional U.K. expedition leader will be on hand todeal with any group or individual needs. Following from a distance will be a safety jeepin constant radio communications with the group leader.

trekking phase - six days in Wadi Rum

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Petra is truly the jewel in Jordan’s rich cultural crown. Oneof UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, Petra’s has 2000years of history and 800 surviving monuments.There is evidence of habitation in Petra since prehistorictimes.

This Nabataean caravan-city, situated between the RedSea and the Dead Sea was an important crossroadsbetween Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Half-built,half-carved into the rock, Petra is surrounded bymountains, riddled with passages and gorges. It is one ofthe world's most famous archaeological sites, whereancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenisticarchitecture.

You will pick a path through the steep rocky slopes andcraggy 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 asthe 8th Wonder of the World.

That evening you will relax in a nearby luxury hotel.

A Visit to petra – one day

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Within the folds of the Jordan Valley lies the Dead Sea. Itis more than 400 metres below sea level and the lowestpoint on earth. Rich in minerals that have seeped fromadjacent wadis, the Dead Sea is well known for havingexceptionally buoyant water. Many also believe that itswaters possess curative powers.

The sensation of weightlessness while swimming in theDead Sea is a novel experience – one never to beforgotten.

dead Sea – one day

Ballooning toursOptional extras - day two and three

Enjoy a unique and unforgettable perspective on thedesert with a hot air balloon ride over the Wadi RumDesert. Lasting a full hour, this fantastic experiencecan be yours for just £140 extra per person (price maychange). This price includes transport to and from theballoon site. Balloon flights are dependent on theweather - unfortunately, a guaranteed confirmation isnot possible. Of course, if the balloon ride has to becancelled, there will be no charge. Booking andpayment for this will be direct to Bait Ali hotel.

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expedition itinerary

DAY 1 - LOCATION AND ACTIVITYArrival at King Hussein Airport(Aqaba) – Wadi Rum

We will meet you at the airport. Transfer you to your hotel Bait Ali in Wadi Rum for

dinner & overnight.

NOTES: We will recommend the best flight from Amman’s Queen Alia Airport - so as to

all be at King Hussein Airport (Aqaba) at the same time.

DAY 2 - LOCATION AND ACTIVITYExpedition 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.

There is the option of a morning Balloon Ride, subject to availability and weather.

notes: Bait Ali in Wadi Rum for dinner & overnight.

DAY 3 to 7 - LOCATION AND ACTIVITYFor the next 5 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 7th 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.

There is the option of a morning Balloon Ride on day three subject to availability and

weather.

4x4 Jeep assistance / safety vehicle with English Speaking Bedouin Guide/ driver.

Group will have one UK professional guide with them.

DAY 8 - LOCATION AND ACTIVITYToday 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.

expedition itinerary

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DAY 9 - LOCATION AND ACTIVITYDead 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 10 - LOCATION AND ACTIVITYGroup to depart from Amman – Queen Alia Airport. Depending on your flight time visit

Amman city.

notes: Hotel local to airport. Airport transfer not covered.

Before the expeditionThere will be a pre-expedition briefing day, during which John Sullivan, Elite SurvivalTraining expedition leader will give full details of the trip. There will be particularemphasis on safety during all aspects of the trip. Our aim is to allow everyone thespace to challenge themselves whilst enjoying a personal learning journey. All safetyback-up plans, risk assessments and in-country support will be explained in detail.Elite Survival Training has been responsible for a number of high profile expeditionsfor Television Companies including the BBC and National Geographic Channel.Recommendation from these companies emphasised the safety and emergencyplanning aspects covered by Elite Survival Training.

SafetyElite Survival Training will ensure that complete and indepth safety arrangement have been made. Staff willhave GPS and Satellite phones on hand at all times incase of emergency, along with comprehensive medicalequipment.

the FactsDuration10 Days

DATES5th November meeting at King Hussein Airport (Aqaba)flying out 14th November from Amman’s Queen AliaAirport.

If you require an overnight stay in Amman with pick up toand from Queen Alia Airport before the trip we can putyou in touch with our Jordanian booking agent.

PRICEPrice for Spirit of Jordan Expedition: £1,695.00

FlightsFlight prices are not included here. But – wherever yourpoint of departure, as part of our service, we canorganise or advise on flight details.

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PRICE INCLUDESEntrance fees to Wadi Rum Protected Area andNatural Reserve • Entrance fees to Petra • Entrance feesat Amman Beach Resort and Spa in The Dead Sea withlunch • English apeaking guide during Petra tour andduring the transfers • 03 Night at Bait Ali in Wadi Rumwith 03 breakfasts & 03 dinners • 01 Night in Petra at AlRashid Hotel or Sharah Mountains Hotel with breakfast &dinner • 01 Night in Amman at Arena Hotel or Larsa Hotelwith breakfast & dinner • 04 Nights in Our Bedouin campwhich is located in the heart of the desert with 04breakfasts & 04 Dinners • All lunches or packed lunchesduring Wadi Rum trekking • Assistance by 4x4 Jeep withEnglish speaking Bedouin guide / driver • Mineral water ,tea , coffee, juice during Wadi Rum. - All taxes andservice charges applied for the hotels and all serviceslisted above - Camels on day two for rides.

Group sizeOnly 15 places are available for this trip which will beaccompanied by two U.K expedition leaders.

Who is this expedition for?The Expedition is open to all abilities. Some activities will be easy to handle. Others willbe more of a challenge. By the end of the trip, you’ll enjoy a feeling like no other - thesense of achievement, personal gain and adrenaline will be second to none.

An experience Like no otherThe Jordan Expedition is also incredibly diverse. Somedays you will feel the intense pangs of adrenaline runthrough your veins as you experience an activity for thevery first time. Other days the sense of achievement willbe almost overwhelming as you complete an activity asa team: you simply won’t be able to stop smiling!This expedition is an amazing opportunity. The greatthing is that it is open to ANYONE. All that’s required isthat you have a reasonable level of fitness (i.e. regularlywalk in the hills), enjoy adventurous and sportingactivities and are up for a personal challenge.

Safety, Leadership & Back-up

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Safety and sound leadership with activities run andmanaged by professionals are paramount. They are thekey to every Elite Survival Expedition. Each activity willbe run by fully certified local specialist operators. Ourleaders are experts in their field and have beenhandpicked by Elite Survival’s technical team. All theguides and drivers have intimate knowledge of theregion.

There will be a back-up team of Elite Leaders, guidesand cooks behind the scenes. They’ll meet you at theend of every day, help set up your camp, provideexpertise and above all cook a hearty meal!

The Elite Survival team will not force anyone to doevery activity. Although unusual, there may be timeswhen, on grounds of safety, we have to skip an activity.

Who Should Sign Up?Anyone who has a love of the outdoors and doesn’t like sitting on a beach all holiday.

Anyone who wants to come back with the best dinner party stories ever andextraordinary tales of adventure and fun - second to none.

Anyone who simply wants to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Any person, company or group looking for the perfect team building experience.

We understand the pleasure and sense of fulfilment that our expeditions can provide.We also appreciate the benefits to our busy lives of a complete change of scene. Weacknowledge that our expeditions must:

• represent the very best value for money• place safety at the cornerstone of every activity• respect the environment through which we explore

The typical Elite Survival client likes to relax by being active. Of course there will betimes in the evening for watching sunsets with a beer in hand and feet up, but you alsobe looking forward to cracking on, full of energy, anticipating what the next day has instore.

Elite Survival believes in team work and will do all it can to ensure this is one of themost memorable experiences you will ever enjoy. Our aim is for you leave ourexpedition wanting more.

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john@elitesurvivaltraining.com • www.elitesurvivaltraining.com • 01604 415697 • 07804 915407