The giant red mountains and vast mausoleums of a departed race have nothing in common with modern civilization, and ask nothing of it except to be appreciated at their true value - as one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by Nature and Man.

Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed.

Often described as the eighth wonder of the ancient world, it is without doubt Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2000 years ago, turning it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome.

Entrance to the city is through the Siq, a narrow gorge, over 1 kilometre in length, which is flanked on either side by soaring, 80 metres high cliffs. Just walking through the Siq is an experience in itself. The colours and formations of the rocks are dazzling. As you reach the end of the Siq you will catch your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh (Treasury).

This is an awe-inspiring experience. A massive façade, 30m wide and 43m high, carved out of the sheer, dusky pink, rock-face and dwarfing everything around it. It was carved in the early 1st century as the tomb of an important Nabataean king and represents the engineering genius of these ancient people.

Petra by Candlelight...

Petra Kitchen...

Now open in Petra, The Petra Kitchen is a delightful way to round off your Jordan travel experiences.  Like any home kitchen, the Petra kitchen is a relaxed, informal atmosphere where you'll gather to prepare an evening meal, working alongside local women under the supervision of their chef.

Each evening meal includes soup, cold and hot mezza and salads, and a main course-all typical Jordanian dishes.  You will get an inside glimpse of the secrets behind the famous regional cuisine of Levant.

This excursion is being offered complimentary to Robert Broad Travel clients when booking onto one of these Jordan tours if booked before 31st August 2008 (not valid on the 24th October half term departure).