While we’ll hope to avoid mischievous Abdullah and his famously exploding cigars, we’ll catch sight of real Sheikhs, trek through pastel-coloured stretches of sandy desert on one-humped camels, don traditional Arabian dress, canter through secret roads on horseback, have our own tea ceremony in Bedouin tents – and if we’re lucky - see a mirage or two. Adventure is in the air – and Jordan will not disappoint!

Day 1: Amman
After our arrival into Queen Alia International airport, we drive to our hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. The remainder of the day is free to relax and ease ourselves into the adventure ahead. Overnight - Dead Sea

Day 2: Dead Sea – Skobak Castle – Little Petra:
Start the day reading your favourite Tintin album afloat in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. After a leisurely morning we drive along the Dead Sea’s eastern shoreline and ascend the scenic ‘Ghor Fifa’ route to Shobak – a crusader castle. It’s then over the Heisha Mountains, towards Little Petra. Echoing the spirit of Tintin, we unwittingly enact his escape orchestrated by the loquacious Oliveira da Figueira, as we don Arabian keffiyehs and proceed by horseback to our hotel, a renovated authentic 17th century village set in the mountains near Petra. Overnight - Petra

Day 3: Petra
A fascinating full day’s exploration of Petra! Accessed by foot through a narrow, deep and winding cleft, your first glimpse of the spell-binding Rose City is bound to stop you in your tracks. Full of ancient tombs, temples and ruins – Petra is a real archaeological treat – and ripe for modern-day discoverers like us! If you’re feeling fit, climb the stone steps up to Ad-Deir, better known as the Monastery, for extraordinary views of the area. Overnight - Petra

Day 4: Petra – Wadi Rum:
It’s back to Petra, this time by a secret road, for some further exploration – we know you wouldn’t want to leave any stone unturned. In true Tintin style, we escape through Petra’s back door, and travel by jeep to our remote campsite in the heart of the Arabian Desert. Settle into your tent and then pull back the canvas on an Arabian night of Bedouin music, entertainment and dinner, under the desert stars. Overnight - Wadi Rum

Day 5:
Wadi rum – Aqaba: For something of a different commute this morning, straddling the one-humped Dromedary camel, we trek through the stunning rock formations of the Wadi Rum desert. After a refreshing stop at a local village for tea, we travel on by road to the Red Sea port of Aqaba. Wash the dust of the desert off with a cool dip in the Red Sea or explore Aqaba on your own – the afternoon is free to do whatever you wish. Overnight - Aqaba

Day 6: The Red Sea
Setting sail for Pharaon Island in the Red Sea, we explore the islands Byzantine fortress and snorkel around colourful coral reefs in its crystal waters – without an encounter with the Red Sea sharks of course! Working up an appetite for the BBQ lunch aboard, we head back to Aqaba late this afternoon. Overnight - Amman

Day 7: Aqaba - Amman:
A free day free to relax and unwind by the Red Sea before our late afternoon transfer to Amman, where we dine out and no doubt have a lively evening reminiscing over the adventures of the past week Overnight - Amman

Day 8: Amman
Amman: Time to say goodbye – it’s the end of our Arabian journey. We are transferred to the international airport for our onward flight home – or perhaps on to Egypt in search of the Cigars of the Pharaohs!