Jordan tour 2013

Jordan is a fascinating country, where biblical figures such as Jesus and historical ones such as Lawrence of Arabia lived, a land where many civilisations have reigned, leaving indelible marks on the culture of this people. Unlike other Middle Eastern countries, Jordan is very peaceful; its people are very welcoming and rarely bother tourists. The heat is bearable even in the desert because the climate is dry and there's always a bit of wind; indeed, in Amman, which is at about 1000 metres of altitude, it even snows in winter.

We stayed 4 nights in the capital, Amman, and 3 in Aqaba, a seaside resort on the Red Sea.

Our tour began in Amman, visiting Ajloun Castle and the archaeological site of Jerash. The following day we went to Mount Nebo, where the Lord showed Moses the Promised Land, then we visited Madaba, famous for the Byzantine mosaic in the church of St George. From there, along the ancient King's Highway, we headed to Karak to visit its Crusader castle, arriving in the evening in Aqaba. From Aqaba we visited Petra one day and the Wadi Rum desert the next, then we went back up towards the Dead Sea, first visiting the site of Jesus's baptism at Bethany and then taking a dip in the very salty waters of that sea where you simply can't sink. Towards evening we returned to Amman, stopping at the palace of Iraq al-Amir. Finally, the following day we visited the capital and the famous Desert Castles.

For those who love adventure, settings straight out of One Thousand and One Nights and a warm climate, Jordan is absolutely a place to visit.