Petra by Night
For something different on your trip to Jordan, visit Petra by Night. Walk through the Siq lit by 1500 candles and see the Treasury in a peaceful atmosphere, accompanied by tea and Bedouin music - a magical experience.
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan’s largest nature reserve has some remarkable landscapes and wonderful hiking routes. Take the day trek through gorges, Mediterranean scrub forest and barren desert to Wadi Feynan.
Roman ruins
Jordan is dotted with Roman ruins, from Umm Qais overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee to Amman’s citadel.
The Dead Sea
Floating in the Dead Sea and enjoying a refreshing mud bath is great fun and totally invigorating. Stay in a luxury spa or trek from Wadi Mujib and stay at the secluded Mujib Chalets.
Sleep under the stars in comfort
Want to sleep under the stars in Jordan but also like the comfort of a proper bed? Book the ‘Full of Stars’ tent in Wadi Rum. This comfortable bubble tent has a clear roof so you can lie in bed with uninterrupted views of the stars above.
Crusader castles
North of Amman, near Jerash, is Ajloun Castle; a magnificent example of Islamic architecture and from its hilltop position the views over the Jordan Valley are spectacular. Also not to be missed are Kerak and Shobak Castles located on the old King's Highway.
Religious sites in Jordan
Madaba is famous for the sixth century Byzantine mosaic map, thought to be the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land. Near the Dead Sea, in Mujib Biosphere Reserve there is the pillar of salt, thought to be Lot’s wife, who was turned to stone for disobeying God’s orders after fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah. South of the Dead Sea, near Safi you can visit the cave and church where Lot and his daughters sought refuge. Just north of the Dead Sea there's Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist baptised Jesus. These are just a handful of religious sites Jordan has to offer.
Meet Sarah Slocomb, Regional Specialist for Jordan
"Whether you want to visit the magnificent Rose Red city of Petra, trek through the beautiful nature reserves, or follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia in Wadi Rum, Jordan is simply breathtaking. Trek through the desert on camel back, follow ancient Bedouin trails or enjoy one of the many historical treasure that Jordan has to offer, there is something here for everyone. I loved floating in the Dead Sea, it was great fun, but visiting Petra is a personal highlight for me. Walking through the narrow passageway and catching that first glimpse of the treasury was fantastic; it makes you feel like you're there, seeing it just the way it was discovered for the first time."
For such a small country, Jordan has a huge variety of historical, natural and Biblical sites. But there is so much more to see than Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Here’s our top five alternative places to visit on a Tailormade holiday to Jordan:
As Salt - Just a 25 minute drive out of Amman yet As Salt seemingly transports you back to the Ottoman period. Romans, Byzantines and Mamlukes all played a part in the towns growth, but it is the Ottomans from the late 19th century that really allowed the town to prosper. With its moderate climate, fertile soil and location along important trade routes, merchants built grand houses which can still be seen today. Down shaded alleyways the yellow sandstone buildings with domed roofs, big wooden doors and long arched windows hide inner courtyards. The tombs of Job (who’s book is often regarded as one of the oldest in the Bible) and the prophet Jethro are also found in As Salt. It is an easy stop-off point en route to Ajloun.
Hiking in Ajloun Forest Reserve – West of Jerash, north of Amman is Ajloun, most well-known for its Crusader castle. However, head north of the town to stay at the comfortable Ajloun Cabins within the reserve. From here you can go on guided or self-guided, easy to moderately graded walks, visiting local villages, hiking through fig and pear orchards before ending your day enjoying the forest views from your cabin’s terrace.
Hammamat Ma’in Hot Springs – Ever since the Romans have enjoyed the hot water springs at Hammamat Ma’in, so do visitors today. The natural thermal pools fall from the cliffs above and the mineral rich waters feed the Dead Sea nearby. This is the perfect place to rejuvenate after trekking in Jordan’s nature reserves, or just to treat yourself. Take advantage of the spa treatments available at the Ma’In Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Located one hour and 30 minutes south of Amman, it is a lovely, relaxing alternative end to your Jordanian explorations.
Pella – Located in the north of the country, on the border with Isreal, Pella is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in the Jordan Valley. The area is still in the process of being excavated, but so far, archaeologists have found evidence of buildings from the Greco-Roman period, as well as the Bronze and Iron ages.
Azraq and Shawmari - Azraq Wetland Reserve is an oasis of natural and manmade pools and seasonal marshland located one hour and 30 minutes east of Amman. It is an important stop-off point for migratory birds flying between Asia and Africa. Walkways and hides provide visitors the opportunity to spot a variety of species. A very short distance south is Shawmari Wildlife Reserve. Created in 1975 as a breeding centre for endangered and extinct wildlife the reserve is now home to a healthy population of oryx, ostrich, gazelle and onager. Also nearby are the desert Unayyad castles - Qasr Kharana, Azraq Castle and the UNESCO World Heritage listed hamman, Qasr Amra.