Jordan

Jordan is a country steeped in history and amazing culture. From top to bottom the country has something for everyone, be it ancient ruins, snorkelling or just an afternoon of floating on the Dead Sea. Exodus’ Rebecca Caldicott recently visited Jordan on an Exodus holiday. Find out more about her adventures to the hidden treasures of Jordan.

I went with very little knowledge of the country as a whole, but standing at the top of Mt Nebo and looking down on the panoramic view of the stunning green Jordanian valley, its clear to see this is country with much more than just desert.

Jerash is a brilliant introduction to this fascinating country. The wonderfully preserved Roman ruins highlight just how much history this country has, and is a great opening act to the main show that is Petra.

Petra has to be top of your list when visiting Jordan, just the pure scale of this site is enough to take your breath away. Walking through the cool, winding Siq, you slowly start to get glimpses of that famous site, and then the path winds round a corner and you are faced with what could be one of the most famous sights in the world, the Treasury! Not being entirely sure what to expect from this UNESCO site, all I knew of Petra was the Treasury, however walking around the corner you come face to face with the sheer enormous size of this Nabateans city. As far as the eye can see, tombs and buildings litter the rock face of this wadi, their colours changing in the light. The size of these buildings carved into the rock make you stand in awe at the talents of their builders. One of the main highlights of Petra that is perhaps over shadowed by the Treasury is El Deir, the Monastery. Situated at the highest point of Petra, and only reachable by a series of steps, it is stunning.

Jordan is not just ancient ruins, but is a country full of natural beauty. An afternoon of floating in the Dead Sea is a definite highlight, just lie back and let the warm currents take you. In stark contrast to floating in the Dead Sea, is walking through the desert.

Wadi Rum, made famous by T.E. Lawrence who used it as a base for his operations during the Arab revolt, is a dramatic natural site. The vast rock peaks that tower above are separated by huge sand dunes and stunning rock formations. Spending a night under the stars in Wadi Rum is a wonderful experience.

With a country brimming with history, culture, and a friendly warm people there are plenty of reasons to go to Jordan.

Rebecca went on our A Week in Jordan trip. (Trip code: AXW)

To find out more about this fascinating country check out our Country Guide to Jordan.

Jordan

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