Wedged amidst so much upheaval is this friendly, modern, and relatively peaceful oasis with a geographically colorful profile of deserts, mountains, tranquil beaches, and lush forests; of modern high-rise cities, and historical sites attesting to the graceful fancy of ancient civilizations. A bridge for many ancient cultures, Jordan features Nabataean, Greek, Roman, and Islamic places. And in spirituality, the country bears the Biblical name of the river where Jesus himself was baptized. Jordan is also a stone throw from Israel, Palestine, Egypt, and the southeast, the new tourist mecca, Dubai.
All begins here: the capital and Jordan's largest city. It is a Westernized metropolis of high-rise buildings, grand avenues, mega malls, trendy shops, fine restaurants, theatres, museums, and above all, an unmatched warmth and hospitality.
One of the 'New Seven Wonders' is the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, a 2000-year-old town carved from pink sandstone cliffs. The architecture is just an exquisite work of ingenuity that easily captivates visitors.
Aqaba is lining the northern shores of the Red Sea.
The port city of Aqaba, packed with relaxing, high-end resorts, offers some of the best water sports in the Middle East. Watch a bit closer to the west, and you'll be in its sister's turf, Israel's Eilat.
Jerash is one of the few Middle Eastern cities built by the Romans that is still standing…and functioning! Watch its yearly cultural and music festivals that combine liveliness and rhythm against a spectacular backdrop of Roman grandeur. And year-round is when you can see scheduled Roman battles being staged with actors and props appropriately dressed and designed in Roman-era attire. More vivid, and you'll think it's Julius Caesar himself appearing from behind the curtains.
The classic Middle Eastern desert scenery, the most romantic sunsets casting their last rays of gold upon towering cliffs and rocky valleys, Wadi Rum is one of those few places left where natural charm and a yearning for past glories combine to produce an unforgettable landscape.
Shared by Israel and Palestine as well, visitors can enjoy a healthy dose of its legendary medicinal mud at any one of the high-end resorts lining its shores or buoy placidly before a relaxing massage at any of the resorts' spas.
