Destinations

Jordan's deserts, especially those near Amman, are dotted with 7th and 8th century castles, many inspired by Persian and Greco-Roman tradition. One of the best castles in Jordan is Qusair Amra, a UNESCO World heritage Site. The black fort at Azrac was the headquarters of T. E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt.

One of Jordan's national treasures, the red city of Petra is by far Jordan’s best known tourist attraction. Much of the appeal comes from its spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge, a vertical split through the rock strata. The cliff walls soar to 200 metres with chambers hewn from the living sandstone. There are literally hundreds of buildings, ornate facades, tombs, baths and a three thousand seat amphitheatre. Petra is best seen early morning or at sunset in our opinion and well worth spending a few days here if time allows on your holiday in Jordan.

The capital city of Jordan, Amman is spread over 19 hills and is a busy commercial centre with markets full of gold, spices and local handicrafts. Towering above the city stands the ancient Citadel and the regal columns of the Roman Temple of Hercules; nearby, the Roman theatre is still used for cultural events. It is a good option on arrival into Jordan for a couple of nights.

This ancient city in Jordan is acknowledged to be one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Jerash sits amidst breathtaking ruins, you can wander amongst the original temples, theatres, plazas, baths and colonnaded streets. Visit the beautiful amphitheatre and try the remarkable acoustics for yourself.

Drive along the 5,000-year old 'King's Highway' to the 'City of Mosaics', home to the 6th century map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land created from 2 million pieces of coloured stone. A real highlight of a holiday to Jordan.

Believed to be the site where Moses is buried, this is the outstanding viewpoint in the region taking in the whole sweep of the Jordan Valley to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Half an hour from Amman, the Dead Sea is in the Great Rift Valley, the lowest point on the surface of the earth, more than 400 metres below sea level. The exceptionally buoyant water, ten times saltier than the sea, is believed by many in Jordan to have curative powers, hence the presence of several thermal spa hotels. Spend a relaxing couple of hours floating in the waters, a very popular way to pass the time.

The scenic King's Highway in Jordan is littered with the remains of Crusader outposts. Visit Kerak, a dark maze of stone-vaulted halls, endless passageways, towers and ramparts. Continue to Shobak, whose mountain-top position could not prevent its fall to Saladin in a bloody battle.

A resort famous both for its pristine Red Sea beaches and clear, indigo waters whose thriving coral reefs, adorned with untold varieties of fish, make this one of the best locations in the world for scuba diving. Water sports are abundant at a variety of 3, 4 & 5 star hotels in this area of Jordan.

The largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes (described by Lawrence as "vast, echoing and God-like"). The sand-stone mountains, match the colour of knife-edged dunes, and can be explored by off-road vehicle, by camel or on foot.