Situated between Israel, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, the
Kingdom of Jordan is unexpectedly peaceful amid the turmoil of its
neighbours and is a wonderful place to visit. With two of the most
magnificent sights in the Middle East, namely the ancient city of
Petra and Wadi Rum's spectacular desert scenery, it is sad that so
few people explore its rich history.
Jordan is a kingdom layered in antiquity, from the
work of Nabataean stonemasons to characters such as Moses and
Lawrence of Arabia; from ancient cities and Biblical sites to
desert castles, Crusader forts, and Byzantine mosaics.
This ancient culture belies the fact that it is also
a modern country, with good infrastructure, a thriving business and
arts scene, and first-class hotels, restaurants, and shopping
opportunities. The contrast between the old and new is
astonishing.
Jordan is a relatively small country of varied
landscapes, where the fertile Jordan Valley, bordering the entire
western side of the kingdom, is separated from the immense desert
stretching to the east by the populated highlands. As part of the
Great Rift Valley, the Jordan Valley incorporates the Dead Sea, the
lowest point on the earth's surface and most famous for its heavy
salt and mineral concentrations.
The main towns strung along the length of the
highland plateau include the capital of Amman, as well as plenty of
historical sites from ancient civilisations. Home to brilliant
deserts, colourful coral reefs that are unequalled the world over,
and sweeping vistas, Jordan is full of charismatic beauty.