It’s entirely fitting that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which is enjoying renewed interest as a destination, was a favorite of travelers even in ancient times. From the hustle bustle of Amman, to the splendid World Heritage ruins of bygone civilizations, to the mystery of the Dead Sea, Jordan serves up a wondrous array of travel experiences.
A safe haven in a region of tension, Jordan is a laid back, friendly country where people are welcoming and visitors feel secure while touring, free to immerse themselves in this exotic yet approachable Middle Eastern culture. In keeping with Bedouin values, strangers are always met as friends.
An excellent infrastructure, quality accommodation, delicious cuisine and compelling sights inspire and delight visitors.
Amman Whether you spend a day in Amman on arrival or prior to departure, you’ll appreciate its refreshingly down to earth vibe. It houses several important monuments, but it is also a livable capital city. Highly recommended as a contrast to visiting antiquities is an afternoon on Rainbow Street, an artsy, creative community, where you’ll find a trendy cafes, galleries and boutiques.
Petra is the jewel in the crown of Jordan’s dazzling collection of antiquities, and a World Heritage Site. Dating back to 300 B.C., Petra is a pink hued Nabataean necropolis carved into sandstone escarpments, two days are recommended to fully explore. Sites are a distance apart, and walking is required. Touring is recommended in the morning and late afternoon. The walk through Al Siq to the Treasury is a highlight.
Wadi Rum is also known as Valley of the Moon, with good reason. A ride through Wadi Rum at sunset is all that is needed to understand how TE Lawrence - ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ - was so drawn to this land of weathered sandstone and reddened dunes. Modern day visitors start in the village of Rum, and explore the mountainous terrain by jeep or camel. Jordan’s dramatic Wadi Rum, with its colors and contour, is everything one expects of a desert landscape.
The Dead Sea is a salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west. Its surface and shores are 1,412 feet below sea level, while the floor of the Dead Sea is a further 997 feet. The Dead Sea is almost 10 times saltier than the ocean, where plants and animals cannot flourish. The Dead Sea is 31 miles long and 9 miles wide. It’s main tributary is the Jordan River. One of the world’s oldest health spas, even Herod is said to have frequented it, and to this day it is considered to have health giving properties.
Madaba Just 18 miles from Amman is the calm, historically rich city of Madaba. Not to be missed there is Madaba’s incredible 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, found in the Basilica of Saint George.
Aqaba If a few days relaxing at the beach is what is needed, Aqaba is the answer. A popular place for snorkelers and divers, Aqaba is all about water sports and recharging.
