Petra, Jordan Preps For 200th Anniversary Of Rediscovery (PHOTOS)

PHOTOS: Petra Prepares For A 200th B-Day Celebration

The stunning archaeological site of Petra, Jordan is preparing for the 200th anniversary of its rediscovery, coming up this August.

The Jordanian tourism industry is hanging its hopes on increased visits because of the anniversary, which marks the 1812 "discovery" of the city by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, who alerted Europeans to the milleniums-old settlement that's carved out of a stone valley in the south of the country.

At least one tour company is planning a special program for the anniversary. Intrepid Travel will run a special edition of its Explore Jordan package, which includes a visit to Petra on August 20 as well as camping with Bedouin at Wadi Rum, trekking in the Dana Nature Reserve and a visit to the Dead Sea. The eight-day itinerary out of Amman costs $1,260 per person plus about $250 for meals not included in the price.

Here's a quick look at the "lost" city, which may look familiar even if you haven't been to Jordan: Petra has starred in a number of films, including "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

Petra, Jordan

A Look at Petra, Jordan

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