Overview: Situated between Israel, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of
Jordan is unexpectedly peaceful amid the turmoil of its
neighbouring countries and is a wonderful place to visit, made more
so by its hospitable people whose immediate reaction to travellers
is 'welcome to Jordan'. With a reputation for being one of the
friendliest countries on earth, it is sad that so few people dare
to explore its rich history, as well as two of the most magnificent
sights in the Middle East: the ancient rock-hewn city of Petra and
Wadi Rum's spectacular desert scenery. 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 a good
infrastructure, a thriving business and arts scene, and first class
hotels, restaurants and shopping opportunities. The contradictions
between the old and new are 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, while the main towns are strung out along the
length of the highland plateau, including the friendly capital,
Amman, as well as plenty of historical sites from ancient
civilisations. Home to breathtaking desert-scapes, colourful coral reefs that
are unequalled anywhere else in the world, and sweeping vistas
towards the Promised Land, Jordan is full of charismatic beauty,
both in scenery and in the genuine Arabic welcome afforded to
strangers. Welcome to Jordan&
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