Photograph: luca mason/123RF 
A trip to Jordan means a break filled with ancient history, unparalleled adventures, and stunning landscapes. Here’s all that you must explore when you’re visiting this extraordinary destination.
Biblical stories, mysterious lost cities and Lawrence of Arabia – all these and so much more has always placed Jordan at the centre of great historical events, and signposts to an epic past still provide the centrepiece to the country’s many attractions, including Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. The warmth and gracious hospitality of the locals will ensure that you take back beautiful memories from your trip.
When you’re visiting Jordan, there are plenty of sights and experiences on offer that you would definitely not want to miss, including Petra’s famous rose-red, rock-hewn Nabatean city and Jerash’s stunning Roman ruins that would be the star of the show were it not for Petra. In Karak and Shobak, you’ll run into stunning crusader castles. Also stop by Madaba’s Byzantine-era mosaics, and at Mt Nebo, where Moses looked out upon the Promised Land.
Camp with Bedouins in Wadi Rum and then go hiking in the stunning Dana Nature Reserve, the Middle East’s impressive eco-tourism project. You can go diving in or snorkelling over some of the Red Sea’s beautiful underwater scenery, float on the salty waters of the Dead Sea and explore Amman, one of the Arab world’s most hip and sophisticated cities.
Camp with Bedouins in Wadi Rum and then go hiking in the stunning Dana Nature Reserve, the Middle East’s impressive eco-tourism project. You can go diving in or snorkelling over some of the Red Sea’s beautiful underwater scenery, float on the salty waters of the Dead Sea and explore Amman, one of the Arab world’s most hip and sophisticated cities.
Before you get ready for your holiday in Jordan, prep yourself. Pick up a copy of Petra: Lost City of the Ancient World by Christian Auge and Jean-Marie Dentzer, for an introduction to the wonders of Petra. For a more visual experience, watch Lawrence of Arabia or Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade for stunning climatic scenes filmed in Petra.
Jordan is at a culinary crossroads, dressing up light Mediterranean fare with a range of bold and unexpected spices. When you’re trying the delicious local cuisine, don’t forget to try mensaf – a Bedouin specialty of spit-roasted lamb basted with spices and served on a platter of rice and pine nuts.
Next Story