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Jordan

Journeys through Jordan

Since time immemorial, Jordan has been a crossroad for migrating people, invading armies and international trade. With a history dating back over two millennia, the country teems with mementoes of many races, including walled Canaanite cities, Greek palaces, Muslim shrines, Byzantine churches, the huge Roman city of Jerash and the lost city of Petra, hewn by the Nabataeans from solid rock.

A well-travelled bridge between sea and desert, east and west, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a land of mesmerising beauty and contrasts. The nature of Jordan varies from the stunning desert landscapes of Wadi Rum to the green valley of the Jordan River and the unique, salty beaches of the Dead Sea. In the south the Gulf of Aqaba offers opportunities for water sports. In the desert of Wadi Rum camping, hiking and jeep tours are offered. Experience the old Bedouin lifestyle during a camel ride from Wadi Rum to Wadi Mousa near Petra and Aqaba. Jeep tours and climbing excursions can also be arranged. Today, Jordan also offers relaxation and rejuvenation at the luxurious resort spas set on the shores of the Dead Sea – a great escape from the stress of modern life.

The capital city of Amman spreads across 19 hills, many of which are over 800 metres above sea level. Downtown Amman is located around the King Hussein Mosque, at the lowest level of the city. The big, blue dome of the King Abdullah Mosque as well as the black and white striped Abu Darwish Mosque are important landmarks of the city. One of the highlights of Amman is the Roman Theatre, with a capacity of 6,000 people. The National Archaeological Museum and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts inform the visitors about the history and culture of Jordan.

More spectacular than the capital city of Amman, is the ancient Roman city of Jerash. It is remarkably well preserved, compact and easily accessible. The huge hippodrome for 15,000 visitors, the South Theatre with amazing acoustics, the large Oval Plaza and the colonnaded street and many other sites of Jerash make the city Jordan’s major attraction after Petra.

Certainly one of the biggest attractions in the Middle East is the city of Petra. Visitors who walk to the As-Siq, the dramatic, long and narrow gorge to The Treasury in the early hours of the morning, can see the first rays of the sun shine on this marvellous building, giving it the pink colour it is so famous for, during the rest of the day. The Royal Tombs and The Monastery are further attractions in the imposing city and offer great views of the old city centre.

Sightseeing

The city of Petra, the Roman city of Jerash, mountain and desert landscapes, castle ruins, Roman theatres, churches, mosques and the Dead Sea.

Accommodation
City hotels, resort spas and valley hotels.

Family activities
Hashemite Square, Luna Park and Haya Cultural Centre in Amman, the aquarium and the beaches in Aqaba. Children’s entertainment and activities at the Dead Sea resort spas.

Shopping
What you can buy – Bedouin rugs and tapestries, embroidery, brass and copper goods, ceramics, handmade glass, inlaid boxes, coloured sand bottles, silver Bedouin jewellery and natural Dead Sea beauty products.
Where you can buy – Souks, shopping malls and tourist bazaars.

Entertainment
Oriental coffee shops, local and international restaurants, Kan Zayman restaurant and tourism village, hotel bars and discothèques.

Sports and leisure
Horse and camel riding at Petra; spas, health treatments and swimming at the Dead Sea.

Exploring by road
Jordan offers a good network of roads. Car hire is available.


 

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