Travel Guide - Journey to Jordan

We thought we'd lift the lid on this beautiful country and journey through the ancient books of the bible to discover the landscape, people and its food.  Jordan is a land of lost cities and epic adventures such as the historical city of Petra and Lawrence of Arabia.

Amman, the capital of Jordan is a modern city with many ancient ruins.  Must sees include the historic Citadel that feature the pillars of the Roman Temple of Hercules, the Roman theatre built into a hillside and Rainbow Street. Make time to wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere, while enjoying the incredible food on offer. Knafeh is a delicious layered pastry and goats cheese dessert which you will find all over the city, while a visit to Hashem, one of Amman's most popular restaurants with an amazing traditional Jordanian breakfast is a must.  Try Shams El Balad for a lunch stop with organic, locally sourced vegetarian food and Kan Zaman restaurant, for an incredible feast inside a walled village that was a former inn for travellers of centuries past.

A definite on the itinerary is Jerash, the "Pompeii of the Middle East" and perhaps the best preserved of the provincial Roman towns. Around its colonnaded main street, you can see the Cardo, Temple of Zeus, Hadrians Arch and the Nymphaeun to name a few.  The city's 14 churches date from the Byzantine period and are filled with fine mosaics. Departing Jerash and en route to Petra, visit Kerak & Shobak, famous for their crusader fortresses with secret passageways and underground galleries and rooms.

Jordan's main attraction is the "rose-red city" of Petra.  Carved into vibrant red, white and pink sandstone cliff faces by the Nabateans in the 3rd century BC, this prehistoric Jordanian city is jaw-droppingly beautiful and larger than you think. A Bedouin-guided visit on the beautiful scenic trail to the Monastery is also worth the trek and is a great way to complete your visit to Petra.

Arriving in Wadi Rum, a moonscape terrain of ancient river beds, wind sculpted mountains, vast desert vistas and smooth pastel-coloured sands, you will meet long-skirted legionnaires offering cardamom spiced coffee and drive through the desert to greet a stunning sunset.  Overnight accommodation in one of the desert camps is a highlight.

Hiking in Jordan is another great way to see this beautiful landscape and one of the best trails is at the Dana Nature Reserve.  The trail runs parallel to the Dead Sea and provides a startlingly blue backdrop the entire hike. An overnight stay at the RSCN Guesthouse was one of the most peaceful and beautiful experiences with yet, another incredible sunset.  The home cooked meal by one of the locals at the Guesthouse was an amazing culinary experience. 

Travelling south to the lowest point on earth, enjoy the sunshine at the Dead Sea while trying the invigorating mud bath and salt scrubs to cleanse the skin.  Watch the sunset over the hills of the Holy Land with Jerusalem in the distance.  These highlights are only a snippet of what to expect and other adventures await in Aqaba, Mt Nebo and Madaba.

Jordan will exceed your expectations and ensure you'll want to return this ancient, mystical and magnificent land.