Jordan Guide
Relive the history of Old Testament hotspots and Lawrence of Arabia's journeys in Jordan. Go and camp with Bedouins, explore church frescos and trek Petra's red-rock carvings. From the lowest point on earth – the Dead Sea – to the peak of Mount Nebo, everyone receives a great welcome from Jordan's locals.
You can get your bearings by climbing up Amman's Citadel, its Roman Amphitheatre and nearby ornate Husseini Mosque. The Museum of Jordanian Heritage is well worth the journey to studenty Irbid in the lush north-west. Head south to hill-top Karak and its huge Crusader castle, and visit Madaba's churches filled with Byzantine mosaics. On the southern tip, dip into lively Aqaba's lagoons and thoroughly modern malls.
Desolate desert castles await in the vast Eastern Desert, as do the rock-cut temples and dry river beds of stunning Petra. Give yourself the ultimate natural face-pack and float in the saline Dead Sea, or learn to dive among rainbow-hued sea life in Aqaba. Immerse yourself in Hammamat Ma'in's hot springs. See starry skies while camping at Wadi Rum, walk through protected nature reserve Wadi Mujib and gaze at panoramic desert views from Ras an-Naqab.
Retain that healthy holiday glow back home with Dead Sea minerals for beautiful skin. Drag back an argileh waterpipe with fruity accoutrements from Amman's bazaars and Bedouin knives from the oases. Hand-embroidered cloth and woven rugs are found in all markets, with top local designer gear in Amman's boutiques and tacky T-shirts at Petra. Choose traditional Bedouin weaving from Amman's workshops.
For a hearty breakfast, try garlicky fuul (broad beans) with fresh khobz bread. Kick off dinner with mezze (starters) such as baba ghanouj (roasted aubergine dip). Sample national favourite musakhan (roast chicken with onions and pine nuts), Bedouin specialty mansaf (spiced lamb in yoghurt sauce on rice), and sayadieh (lemony fish with sauce) in coastal Aqaba. Wash it down with fiery raki (aniseed liquor) and finish off with sticky baklawah desserts, strong, sweet qahwa coffee and smoke argileh in a waterpipe.
Relive gladiatorial gatherings at the recently revived chariot races at the Roman Amphitheatre at Jerash, or experience Petra by candlelight on a night walk with Bedouin music at the imposing Treasury. Watch out for the new high-tech Jordan National Museum, containing exhibits dating back to prehistoric times.
