Jordan

Jordan, hewn from rock and desert, has a legacy which encompasses man’s first accomplishments. It is a country filled with culture, sights and natural beauty.

AMMAN

Amman is a vibrant city situated between the desert and the lush Jordan Valley. It combines both ancient and modern worlds, where exotic souks sit harmoniously alongside elegant fashion stores. At the heart of the city is the Citadel, where ruins of Greek and Byzantine temples and Arab palaces can still be seen. The vast Roman amphitheatre nestles on the hillside and seating around 6000 people, it is still used for performances today. From Amman you can visit the ancient desert castles and forts that are dotted around the landscape to the east.

DEAD SEA

In a landscape that has remained unchanged since biblical times, experience a swim in the gently lapping waters of the Dead Sea. Try a mud massage using the well known healing powers of the minerals from the sea’s muddy floor.

JERASH

The ancient city of Jerash dates from Greco-Roman times. It is a fine example of Roman urbanism and comprises fountains, hilltop temples, paved and colonnaded streets, public squares and plazas, all surrounded by city walls with towers and gateways.

KINGS' HIGHWAY

The Kings’ Highway is the scenic historic road stretching from Amman to Aqaba. Byzantine influence is evident at Madaba known as the ‘City of Mosaics’ and Mount Nebo, where Moses surveyed the Promised Land. Hilltop Crusader castles can be found at Kerak and Shobak.

PETRA

A visit to the World Heritage site at Petra will be unforgettable, for the buildings of this ancient rose-red city are carved from solid rock. Be awed by the magnificence of Nabataean tombs, temples, theatres, waterworks and other monuments.

RESERVES OF AZRAQ & SHAUMARI

In the Azraq Wetlands Reserve you can watch the migrating birds, whereas at the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve you will see Arabian Oryx antelopes, ostriches and onagers being bred for release into the wild.

THE DANA WILDLIFE RESERVE

Here see exhilarating and rugged mountain scenery, home to the country’s last few leopard and two of their prey species, the mountain gazelle and Nubian ibex.

WADI RUM

Further south, enter the lunar landscape of Wadi Rum, made famous by Lawrence of Arabia and wonder at the towering wind-sculptured cliffs and rose-tinted sands.

FLIGHTS & FACTS

Amman (British Airways - daily, Royal Jordanian - daily). Flying Time: 5 hours direct Time Difference: GMT+2. Visas: Required - obtainable in advance or on arrival. Health requirements: No mandatory vaccinations. Best time to travel: Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov.

Weather:

The best time to travel to Jordan is between April and June and September to November. The summers are hot and dry with cool evenings. The Jordan Valley below sea level is warm during winter and extremely hot in summer. Rain falls between November and March, while colder weather conditions occur in December and January. Lightweight clothes are advised between May and September. Warmer clothes are necessary for winter and cool summer evenings. Rainwear is needed from November to April. It has been known to snow as far south as Petra.