Jordan Holidays

A trip to Jordan is simply an experience that is difficult to put into words. This enigmatic, almost landlocked country dominated by vast deserts is choke-full of attractions that transport tourists beyond the walls of time. The pick of the litter is obviously the astounding rock city of Petra, a locale that not only listed in many a traveller’s bucket lists but also among the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Despite more than half of the country being covered by the Arab Desert, the country is also part of the Fertile Crescent and has tracts of arable land. There are also Mediterranean forests to the west of Jordan. Oases can be found in the desert as well around which towns have sprung up. The port of Aqaba, Jordan’s only connection to the Red Sea is another one of the country’s unique features.

Jordan holidays – Sightseeing and activities

Viewing the picturesque ruins of Petra is what brings most visitors to this Middle Eastern kingdom. Seeing the imposing structures and their pillars carved out of the sandstone cliffs is breathtaking. Equally mind-boggling is the fact that these structures date back to the 6th century BC.

The only way of accessing this site is on camel, horse or donkey-back, or walking which adds another exciting twist to this experience. There are multilingual guides available to take you through this vast site and put things into perspective with plenty of information. Hiking about the site you will come to the Mountain of Aaron (brother to the biblical Moses) which is the highest point in this region.

On your way down you will pass by the Monastery which is among Petra’s most photogenic sites. To further efforts to preserve this magnificent piece of history UNESCO listed Petra as one of its World Heritage sites in 1985.

Going to the Dead Sea is also a unique experience as on the waters of this extremely saline water body, you will be able to float. In visiting this place you will be at the lowest point on earth at about 400m below sea level.

The waters of this sea are also said to have therapeutic qualities, being able to cure a number of skin ailments. Many visitors will cover themselves in the clayish mud around the sea for this reason. Besides these waters there are those of natural hot springs close by which serve a spa resort in the area.

The port city of Aqaba is worth a visit if only to go around the Aqaba fort and tour the 4th century church. If you’re into water sports you can go snorkelling or scuba diving in the Red Sea and even if you’re new to this kind of sport, there are institutions you can go for lessons.

Tourists on holiday to Jordan will find that the area is replete with eateries serving delicious Arab specialities as well as restaurants that do cuisine from all around the world. While in Jordan you can eat Italian and Lebanese delicacies and also indulge in the familiar fast food offered by McDonald and Burger King.