Petra was abandoned centuries ago, the Red Rose City was the rock cut stronghold of the Nabateans (and also featured as the final resting place of the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones's "Last Crusade"!). Surrounded by imposing mountains and approached through a deep, narrow cleft in the rocks, known as the Siq, it is a unique and unforgettable place, strange and otherworldly and, enhanced by the play of light and shadow, an altogether overwhelming experience.

Walk through the Siq and enter this lost city, sighting the famous temple façade of the Treasury.

Kerak, imposingly sited on a hilltop, became famous in the time of the Crusades as one of a chain of fortresses in the Holy War against Islam. Built in 1132 by Baldwin of Jerusalem, a Crusader king, the castle finally fell to the forces of Saladin himself, who was so impressed with the courage shown by its defenders that he set them free.

Jerash, located in the Gilead Hills is one of Jordan's major attractions, it is a beautifully preserved Roman city, considered to be the best preserved of the Decapolis, a confederation of ten Middle Eastern cities under the Emperor Pompey.

One of the highlights of the Middle East, a triple arch gateway gives way to colonnaded streets, theatres, temples and baths. It is estimated that this represents only about 10% of the entire city, the rest is still to be uncovered.

Madaba is famous for its collection of extraordinary mosaics, including the Great
Map of Palestine (6th century). Discovered in 1896, and although only fragmentary, it contains a good picture of Jerusalem.

Aqaba is Jordan's only seaport and has had a long history of occupation and trade. King Solomon's ships left here loaded with copper, and the Edomites and the Nabateans used the port as part of a trade route from Damascus to Egypt.

The Roman 10th Legion was stationed here and during the 12th century the Crusaders made good use of Aqaba's strategic position. During World War I the Arab troops under Prince Faisal used the fort as a base for attacks on the Ottoman forces.

Take a swim in the Red Sea and explore splendid coral reefs and clear warm waters for which Aqaba is famed. Aqaba has numerous watersports activities, including sailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and glass bottom boats for hire, so there should be something for everyone.

And Seas that are Dead

The shimmering Dead Sea at nearly 400m below sea level, is the lowest place on earth. Surrounded by barren hills, this unique water body has an amazingly high salt content (33%) that means no animal life survives and that it is almost impossible to sink! But don't take our word for it, try for yourself.

Take a walk through Wadi Rum and walk in the footsteps of the early Nabatean traders. Spices, silks and perfumes were once carried along this same route. You can see their inscriptions and 'graffiti' on the weathered pink granite mountains as you pass. The desert is another world, inhabited by the nomadic Bedouin people for generations.

Jordan is an incredibly welcoming country where strangers, with nothing to gain will invite you to share in their hospitality.

Not only are the historical sites amazing (as above!) but the chance for adventure is high. Take a camel ride through the desert, camp out under the stars like a true Bedouin, float in the Dead Sea, pretend to be a Roman soldier in Jerash, swim in the clear warm waters at Aqaba, and more!

An amazing place to visits and a great introduction for the family to the Middle East.

Family holidays that include Jordan are:

Lost City of Petra

Petra to the Pyramids