There are cities, landmarks and experiences that make the cut on most bucket lists. And a visit to the ancient metropolis of Petra in Jordan is one of them. Petra is most famous for Al Khazneh (the Treasury). And while this is an absolute must-see for anyone travelling through Jordan, this remarkable country has so much more to offer.
1. Glamp beneath the stars with Bedouins
Enjoy the beauty of nature and the cultural traditions of the Bedouin people, while camping under the stars in the Wadi Rum. The 4-star Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp offers private Bedouin style tents – Triple Luxury, Twin Luxury, and King Size Luxury. The tents are furnished with hand crafted beds, a Bedouin sofa and the finest linen. The campsite has solar power for electricity. However, with the stars shining as brightly as they do, there is almost no need. It is the perfect location for views of the Wadi Rum Mountains and the night sky.
2. Dive the Red Sea
As Jordan’s only coastal city, Aqaba is the gateway to the wonders of the Red Sea. Home to a vast and vibrant reef and marine life, the Red Sea offers plenty of underwater beauty for those wanting to dive or snorkel. The diving conditions in the Red Sea are idyllic, with clear waters, temperatures averaging between 22 -32 degrees year-round and historic wrecks including the S.S. Thistlegorm.
You can read more about the ‘Top 11 Underwater Adventures in the World’, including the S.S. Thistlegorm, here.
3. Visit one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world
The Roman ruins of Jerash are among the best preserved Roman ruins in the world. The ruins date back to the first century A.D. and offer a peek into what life was like during the Roman rule. Because the site is so well preserved, it is easy to imagine thousands of spectators sitting in the hippodrome or ancient chariot’s making their way under Hadrian’s Arch. Walking through the ruins is bound to transport you back in time, to when the Roman’s reigned.
4. Feel alive in the Dead Sea
Although the aptly named Dead Sea holds no underwater life, the Dead Sea has a way of making you feel alive. The salt levels of the Dead Sea sit almost 10 times higher than the rest of the world’s oceans. The reaction between the water and salt levels means you’ll float on the water’s surface. Turn your visit to the Dead Sea into a natural spa day. Cover yourself in the rich mud found on the shoreline then float in the Dead Sea, soaking up the 35 minerals in the water.
5. Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Wadi Rum
Follow in the footsteps of royalty with a hot air balloon ride over Wadi Rum desert. Originally founded by His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, The Royal Aero Club offers ballooning experiences which start at 130 JD per person. The flight usually takes place in the early morning, showing off the beautiful scenery of Wadi Rum’s majestic mountain ranges and landscapes.
6. Hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve
The Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan’s largest nature reserve. Spanning over 320 square kilometres of mountains and valleys, this is the only reserve in Jordan that encompasses the four-different bio-geographical zones of the country: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian and Sudanian.
The reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife, including the endangered Sand Cat, Syrian Wolf, Lesser Kestrel and Spiny Tailed Lizard. The best way to experience the vast beauty the reserve has to offer is on foot or bike. The local Bedouin people can help guide you through the trails and pathways, ensuring you experience everything the reserve has to offer, while showing your respect for the land and people.
7. Amman, Jordan’s capital
Jordan’s capital is as chaotic as it is charming. Often used as a gateway to other parts of Jordan, Amman is a city that has a lot more to give. The Citadel and the ‘Hand of Hercules’ are two of the most famous sites in Amman. The ‘Hand of Hercules’ once formed part of a gigantic ancient statue thought to be Hercules.
Amman’s ancient past hasn’t held it back. The city is a bustling metropolis for luxury shopping, spa treatments and five star hotels, including the Kempinski Hotel Amman.
For more personalised information tips and advice, or to book this incredible holiday contact your local TravelManagers’ personal travel manager here.
