Spread across seven hills, Amman, the capital city of Jordan, is a sprawling modern metropolis. While many travellers to the Middle East overlook Amman in favour of more celebrated destinations such as Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Petra; those discerning enough to add Amman to their itinerary will enjoy the treasure trove of hidden surprises this modern capital city has to offer. The city features a bustling maze of busy streets and is divided into two distinct areas. The first is Western Amman, with its lush residential suburbs, elegant restaurants, stylish bars, and state-of-the-art shopping malls. This modern sophistication stands in sharp and intriguing contrast to the laid-back Eastern Amman, boasting a more traditional, earthy side. Spend your days visiting an array of attractions such as Amman's Roman Amphitheatre the fascinating Jordan Museum or the countless luxurious cafes.
Wadi Musa means ‘Valley of Moses’ in Arabic and it is believed it is here that Moses struck water from rock at Ain Nusa (Moses’ Spring). It is a modern town in western Jordan that acts as a gateway to one of the country’s most spellbinding and awe-inspiring archaeological attractions - the ancient city of Petra. Circa 1 BC, a Bedouin tribe called the Nabateans carved a series of vast, elaborate palaces, temples, tombs and shrines into the area’s red-pink sandstone cliffs. The ‘Rose City’s’ decorative façades - complete with stately columns and intricate sculptures - reflect the exceptional engineering and architectural wisdom of the era.
Aptly dubbed 'The Valley of the Moon', this desert area in Southern Jordan, set east of Aqaba, features an other-worldly landscape. Scenes of massive razor-toothed mountains, undulating dunes, and rocks sculpted by the forces of nature into incredible bridges, towering canyons, bulbous domes, and a variety of other impressive formations take centre stage. With very little modern development, Wadi Rum makes for an astonishing, unspoiled destination. While more adventurous travellers can plan an overnight stay in a traditional tented Bedouin camp and can explore the extraordinary topography on horseback, those seeking a bit of luxury can stay in one of the modern villages in the surrounding area and explore the area on a guided four-wheel drive tour. However you choose to do it, Wadi Rum is a major highlight and an essential component of any tour of Jordan.
Set on the northern banks of the Dead Sea in Jordan, the town of Swemeh (or Sweimeh) offers its visitors a holiday paradise of luxury resorts, hotels and spas. Sunbathe on soft sandy beaches, indulge in massages and body treatments, or learn (or take part in) an array of outdoor sports. Activities on offer include hot air ballooning, skydiving, microliter trips, and floating in the salty water. The water’s high level of salt makes floating on one’s back much easier (but watch out- normal swimming is difficult). Attractions nearby include the historic Mount Nebo; the ‘City of Mosaics’; the sacred ‘Lot’s Cave’, and the ‘Baptism Site’ where it is believed Jesus was baptised; the Dead Sea Museum; the wonderful series of hot springs and waterfalls at Hammamat Ma'in; and the Mujib Reserve, home to incredible birdlife and the spectacular Jordan Grand Canyon and waterfall.
