Jordan road trip

A journey through the wonders of Jordan and its breathtaking roads, capable of offering dramatic landscapes. From the floating Dead Sea to the Pompeii of the East, Jerash, the historic Madaba and Karak, to the two most memorable places: Petra and Wadi Rum.

Rental car picked up at Amman airport and returned directly in Aqaba centre. Booked with Cardelmar (backed by thrifty) at a cost of 210 euros for 7 days, plus 50 usd for the oneway fee.

Driving in Jordan is not particularly difficult (more orderly than in other ARAB countries), the roads are good and very scenic, although signage is lacking even for the main tourist sites. It is therefore necessary to equip yourself with a good gps.

I recommend visiting the country independently, without relying on any guide (an absolutely superfluous extra cost). All the main places are easily visited with a good paper tourist guide.

The Jordanian population is adorable, simple, friendly and extremely helpful for any assistance.

Particularly long and winding is the King's Highway, which connects Madaba to Petra, and which today offers little that is historic and real. Beautiful is the sudden panorama that appears over the Wadi Mujib, then it is a succession of curves and monotonous landscapes as you slowly cross anonymous and busy towns.

The other roads are instead fairly smooth, not to be missed are those that plunge down to the Dead Sea.

Climate in April: splendid, only one cloudy day in Jerusalem, with a brief storm. Cool temperature in the morning in Petra and Wadi Rum.

My guide to Jordan: PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED