Jordon vacations offer luxury travellers a unique mix of ancient history and charm, diverse and stunning landscapes, nature reserves and endless adventure possibilities. Jordan is such a friendly oasis that is sure to have you captivated from the moment you arrive. Strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, this relatively small Kingdom at just ninety thousand square kilometres, is home to five Unesco World Heritage sites. Nestled between Israel and Palestine to the West, Syria and Iraq to the North, the Dead Sea to the South and the Middle Eastern giant Saudi Arabia to the East, Jordan is a stable oasis in what could otherwise be described as a chaotic region. In fact, many travellers to this area believe that it’s one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world.
Jordan’s perfect blend of natural vistas, ancient ruins, mythical cities and of course the mystifyingly beautiful Dead Sea, makes it a paradise for those looking for a journey of discovery. The simply stunning scenery is a photographers dream so be sure to take your camera! With its deserts and archaeological spectacles, you can be forgiven for overlooking Jordan as a beach destination. Despite having just 26 miles of coastline, we are certain that you will be more than pleasantly surprised by its secluded beach hotspots and luxury resorts which combine to make it the perfect holiday destination for those looking to rest and rejuvenate with sun, sea and sand.
You cannot fail to be overwhelmed by the hospitality and kindness of the Jordanian people. Nothing is too much trouble and the locals will go above and beyond to make you feel at home and to ensure that you are enjoying yourself as a guest in their country. You will come away from your visit feeling genuinely touched by the generosity that you have experienced and with food playing such a huge part in the Jordanian culture, you are sure to receive many invitations for dinner giving you the opportunity to perhaps sample a mezze style lunch or even the more traditional national dish, Mansaf. You are likely to receive a constant supply of caffeine during your visit with coffee being of great social importance and a symbol of hospitality and trust.
With so many spectacular, show-stopping sites to visit in this striking country, we believe that Jordan vacations are best experienced with a knowledgeable tour guide. Our go to experts are Memphis Tours because of their outstanding experience and quality service. They offer tailor-made tours and will go that extra mile to ensure that you experience the very best of all that this incredible location has to offer whether that be the region’s culture, history, wildlife or cuisine. To help you decide on your ideal Jordan vacation, we’ve selected a few of the top spots to visit during your time in this remarkable country.
Petra
The jewel in Jordan’s crown has to be the unforgettable Petra. Also known as the rose-red city because of the wonderful coloured rock from which many of the city’s structures were carved, Petra is located south of the capital of Amman and is an explorer’s paradise. Identified as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the city dates back to the first century AD and is home to spectacles such as the Bab Al Siq, The Dam, The Siq and the Treasury. Capital of the Nabataean Arabs before becoming part of the Roman Empire, Petra is of extreme archaeological significance and famous across the globe. The film buffs among us may even recognise some parts of Petra as the back drop for the final scenes of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. For a truly enchanting experience, why not visit this wondrous city by candlelight. It’s a magical journey that will stay with you forever. For breathtaking views across the city, take a trip to the top of the Mountain of Aaron. Revered as the resting place of Prophet Haroun, it is the holiest site in Petra.
Jerash
Situated in the foothills of the mountain of Gilead and acknowledged to be one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world, Jerash is home to an incredible collection of Greco-Roman ruins. The famous relics found in Jerash, spent centuries hidden beneath sand until they were excavated and restored over the past seventy years. Now you can literally stand at the site of the ruins and imagine ancient life under the rule of a roman emperor. As you cross from the new town into the old through the imposing Hadrian’s Arch, it becomes apparent that this was once a city of great wealth and importance. Hilltop temples, paved streets, grandeur theatres, spacious public squares and plazas are just waiting to be explored. The Jerash Archaeological Museum also offers the opportunity to view an incredible selection of artefacts solely discovered in the Jerash region.
Amman
Well worth a visit but sometimes overlooked in favour of the more popular tourist attractions, Amman is one of the oldest continuously inhabited capitals in the world. It has a very modern vibe that many visitors wouldn’t necessarily expect from this Middle Eastern city. Amman offers a great blend of old and new with many historical treasures such as the Citadel. Sitting on the highest hill in Amman, excavations of this site have revealed Roman, Byzantine and Islamic remains, including the Roman theatre. A visit to the Archaeological Museum is a must and here you can see excellent examples of several Dead Sea scrolls. If you are looking to experience a taste of traditional Amman, why not pop into one of the numerous little perfume shops and create your own fragrance from the hundreds of scents available. Or visit one of the appetizing and colourful spice shops where you will find traditional spices, nuts and other tasty treats! From delicious food to ancient Roman ruins, Amman has it all!
The Dead Sea
It is impossible to take a vacation to Jordan without visiting the incredible Dead Sea. This deep blue lake, surrounded by beige craggy mountains to the East and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the West, has an almost otherworldly feel. More than 420m below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and like nowhere else in the world that you will have ever visited. With a salt content of more than 33%, it’s impossible to do anything other than float so our recommendation is that you take a book, lean back, relax and enjoy the tranquil beauty of this mystifying natural phenomenon. After you have fully indulged in the pampering and healing power of natural minerals and mudpacks of the Dead Sea, why not visit the Unesco World Heritage Site of Masada. Perched atop a mountain to the side of the Dead Sea you will discover this ancient fortress. If you are feeling energetic, perhaps take a hike in the early morning hours and watch the breathtaking sun rise over the Dead Sea below and the mountains of Jordan in the distance.
Wadi Rum
Located in the South of Jordan, the desert valley of Wadi Rum is a spectacle of sandstone mountains and immense granite cliffs. Naturally carved out over time by the eroding effects of water, wind and frost, this unique area is a sight to behold and one of the best ways to explore is by jeep. Wadi Rum is also famous for the rock art left behind by the so called Nabataeans centuries ago. The characteristic deep orange and red colours of the landscape are out of this world and have been the backdrop to several science fiction films over the years. Whilst there are no permanent settlements in Wadi Rum, Bedouins and nomadic tribes do occasionally pass through and if you want to get a real taste of the Bedouin life style, why not experience camping in the desert. Step outside after dark, find a comfortable spot to lie down and just look at the magnificent sky. You will see the stars as you have never seen them before and it will quite literally take your breath away!
Aqaba
Aqaba on the shores of the Red Sea, is a relatively new tourist destination offering spectacular unspoilt reefs and clear waters, all with the benefit of fewer numbers of visitors. With lots of water sports on offer, you can try your hand at anything from snorkelling to jet skiing or even wreck diving. The tepid water makes this ideal as a beach location but also offers the perfect environment for a range of marine life. If you are lucky enough you might even get to swim with the friendly sea turtles and the graceful dolphins as they dart amongst the schools of multi coloured fish. Back on land, a visit to the hustle and bustle of the local market is an absolute must. The colours and scents are heavenly and almost anything can be purchased here. And after the sun sets on the beautiful shores of the dramatic Red Sea, Aqaba really comes to life! The boulevard is where many locals gather and with its many cosy restaurants and bars, you will be able to experience a real taste of authentic Jordan.
Summary
With such a diverse mix of culture, world renowned archaeological sites, exemplary hospitality and desert landscapes that resonate with history, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with the charm that is Jordan. Memphis Tours offer some of the very best tours of this magnificent country and their five star personalised service is second to none. Jordan vacations are simply magical and with so much to experience, you are sure to be making plans for your next trip before your first has even finished!
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