The territory in which Jordan is located is one of the oldest settlements in the history of humanity. With approximately 125 thousand registered archaeological sites, the most famous of which being the Red Rose City of Petra, the Aqaba Gulf and the Dead Sea, Jordan is fast becoming a “must see” destination.
There are many Jordan tours & Jordan travel packages of various duration that cover most of the major highlights.
The capital city of Amman reflects contrasts with a mixture of old and new and by being in the Jordan Valley a mix of desert and fertility. While the old parts of the city still keeps its history the new city has modern buildings, luxurious hotels, smart restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Two of the best sights to see during a Jordan Tour of Amman are the Citadel; housing military and religious artifacts, and the Theatre; with seating for 6000 and still in use today).
A definite must include on a tour of Jordan is Petra. In 1812 an adventure loving Swiss traveler sets of wearing Bedouin clothing and during his wanderings discovers an antique city carved into the rose colored rock on the outskirts of an immense desert between the Dead Sea and the Aqaba Gulf. Burckhardt’s name is written into history as the discoverer who awoke Petra from its centuries long sleep. Although the date of first settlements in Petra has not been determined, it is known that it was the capital of the Nabateans between 400BC – 106AD. A narrow passageway, almost two kilometers long, leads to the centre of Petra. You are then greeted by the Treasury, a 40m high building with columns carved into the rock face.
Another touristic feature of Jordan is that it is host to the world’s lowest elevation lake. The Dead Sea is 400m below sea level, with no living creatures, and has water so dense as a result of all the salt and minerals that it is almost impossible to swim. The water of the Dead Sea is warm even in winter months so can be included during a winter tour of Jordan.
Aqaba on the northern shores of the Red Sea is an interesting location. It is the only port in Jordan and neighboured by Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The most important aspect of Aqaba from a travel point are the reefs of the Red Sea. A good location for a diving and snorkeling holiday in Jordan.
No travel package to Jordan would be complete without a Jeep safari in Wadi Rum. This protected area covers 720 square kilometers of dramatic desert wilderness in the south of Jordan. Huge mountains of sandstone and granite emerge, sheer-sided, from wide sandy valleys to reach heights of 1700 meters and more. Narrow canyons and fissures cut deep into the mountains and many conceal ancient rock drawings etched by the peoples of the desert over millennia. Bedouin tribes still live among the mountains and their large goat-hair tents are a special feature of the landscape. There are many ways to enjoy the attractions of Rum, including jeep, camel and hiking tours and you can stay overnight in a Bedouin tent and gaze at the amazing canopy of stars.