What to do in Jordan

Ancient Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, will literally leave you breathless. You’ll walk through the narrow Siq amidst towering rock walls until suddenly, the grand Treasury with its massive columns comes into view. Carved into the cliffs, the ‘Lost City’ dates back to the 1st-century BC, lost in time after a series of earthquakes, rediscovered in 1812. Petra can also be visited at night by following a candlelit path through the Siq, a surreal experience strolling among the walls toward the Treasury, which is illuminated with thousands of candles after dark. Traditional Bedouin performances are held here at night providing just one more reason to visit at least twice, during the day and after the sun goes down.

Visit Petra on our 8-Night Jordan for Families Tour.

This renowned desert valley, commonly known as Valley of the Moon, was the famous base for British officer-turned-author T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. Filled with magnificent sandstone arches, soaring cliffs and narrow gorges, giving the area an other worldly feel, it’s no surprise that Wadi Rum has provided the backdrop for many Science Fiction films including Prometheus, several installments of the Star Wars franchise and the Oscar nominated, The Martian. With its proximity the home of the Bedouins, inhabited for almost 12,000 years, today visitors enjoy camel safaris and Jeep tours to explore its most impressive sights like the Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

Mount Nebo, an elevated ridge near Madaba, is said to be both the spot where Moses saw the Promised Land and his rumored burial place. Many make a spiritual journey here, with a Byzantium church and active monastery popular destinations on pilgrimages since the fourth. While it’s an important destination for all faiths, the picturesque views across the Holy land from the top are worth the visit alone.

At 1,413 ft below sea level (the lowest land-based elevation on Earth) the Dead Sea is actually a lake, loaded with salt – 10 times more than seawater. The high salt content famously causes people to float rather than sink – in fact, you can even lay on your back and read a book. Its waters and the mud along its banks are also known for their high mineral content with elements like magnesium that are said to be healing for the skin, while the area’s increased atmospheric pressure resulting in elevated oxygen levels and weaker UV rays are said to contribute to a wide range of health benefits. Whilst the area has been receiving visitors since Biblical times, today many of the hotels here feature modern spas which utilize the healing properties of the Dead Sea in indulgent treatments for luxurious pampering.

Float in the Dead Sea on our 7-Night Experience Jordan & the Dead Sea Tour.