Jordan

JORDAN is perhaps one of the friendliest countries in the Arab world to visitors. Jordan and its people offer much in the way to whet any tourist’s appetite and guarantee a stay that is hospitable and full of fun and fascination. A great country carved out of the heart of the Middle East, it offers concentrated pleasure to anyone wishing to explore the orient and absorb its breathtaking past.

Jordan presents in many ways a montage of the modern and traditional, ancient and contemporary. It is as new as it is old, and as real as it is eternal magic. This it owes to the fact that Jordan was home to many of the great early civilizations and today entertains tourists with well-preserved archaeological sites scattered throughout the country. A trip to Jordan is only complete until you’ve paid homage to the castles, theatres and temples of the many ancient cultures that existed here throughout time. The Greco-Roman cities in Jerash, the 7th century Ommayad palaces east of Amman and the magical Nabatean city of Petra – a place that stretches the bounds of imagination and human endeavor – are just some of the many places that provide a glimpse into the past.

Jordan also encompasses many natural wonders from stunning desert scenery to pristine coral reefs. A trek through the spectacular desert of Wadi Rum, a place T. E. Lawrence once described as “Vast, echoing and God-Like”, will bring you to one of the most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes. Divers and snorkeling people are invited to savior the wonders of thriving marine life and coral reefs in the Red Sea waters of Aqaba. For a more surreal experience, swimmers and non-swimmers alike can float effortlessly on the salty waters of the Dead Sea.

Your first stop to Jordan will always be the capital city Amman. Conveniently located it provides a good base to start any excursion to other parts of the country. Having said that the city itself combines a wealth of historical sites with a taste of day-to-day Arab life Jordan style. Take time to stroll through the bustling streets of Downtown Amman and graze passed the numerous cafes and stalls that form the traditional souk (market), selling anything from accessories to tobacco.

Today the country combines a cultural diversity in ways, which other countries have failed. Muslims and Christians and various ethnic groups have long lived together in peace and harmony, which for any visitor who happens to spend time in Jordan will soon appreciate.