Treasury - Ancient City of Petra, Jordan

Jordan

Destination

Although you’d be right to be picturing deserts, Bedouins and people gently bobbing cork-like in a lake right now, Jordan has some surprises for you. Though we’ll be the first to admit, the Dead Sea is a hyper-saline, aquatic oddity you won’t want to miss. Add a trip to a pine forest to your things to do list too. Elsewhere, a hike through a pine-scented trail might be a little too ordinary. In a country that’s 85% desert, it’s a welcome change from rose-red sands. And, after days wandering the tombs, facades, squares, ruins and water systems of Petra, that greenery will cut through the millennia of history that’s ingrained in your imagination. The mind-boggling notion that only 15% of Petra has been excavated only adds to the wonder of Jordan’s ancient showstopper.

And if, so far, holidays in Jordan aren’t quite shaping up to be the relaxing lounge by the pool you imagined, prepare for more FOMO. In the south, a well-preserved section of Red Sea shoreline delivers on coral, sea creatures and beach life. That’s if you can spare the time between canyoning through wadis, hiking to hot springs and exploring some of the best kept Roman ruins in the world.

Scenery of Eilat beach, Israel over Aqaba city, Jordan.

The ultimate Dead Sea day trip in Jordan 

See & Do

The Dead Sea is Jordan’s must see. As well as offering a mineral boost, quirky floatation experience and mud mask mayhem, this hypersaline lake also offers blue-hued views worth whipping your selfie-stick out for. Swing by as part of a day trip along the 280km Dead Sea Highway or make a day of it at one of the luxury lakeside resorts with a helping hand from our Orbzii guide…

Jordan Archaeological Museum

Get cultural in Jordan’s best museums 

See & Do

There’s history and then there’s the history depicted in Jordan museums. There’s a lot to unpack in a country where the world’s oldest human statues were found. Artefacts date back through the millennia and exhibits show you what life may have looked like in Jordan from Neolithic times right through to the 20th century. It’s not all ancient pottery and pieces of flint though, the fine art gallery showcases the region’s best artists and the Dead Sea museum has views you won’t want to miss.

Ain Ghazal statue jordan

7 facts about Jordan that you probably didn’t know

Guides & Tips

The go-to facts about Jordan tend to centre around the Dead Sea. Yes, it’s the lowest point on earth sitting at a whopping 420m below sea level, but there are more exciting facts about Jordan to be had. Our Orbzii Insider intel file is chockfull of facts ranging from the world’s oldest statues and mosaics to how to ask for another coffee. But perhaps the most interesting Jordan fact? There’s so much more to discover about this country. So much remains hidden in the sands of Petra and even in residential basements…

floating on the dead sea

Top 10 things to do in Jordan 

See & Do

Jordan definitely doesn’t fall short on tourist attractions. Some of which you’ll be familiar with, others not so much. You’ll already have the cities of Amman and Aqaba on your things to do in Jordan list. But had you thought about wandering through a ghost town, rappelling into a lava tube or forest bathing in a country known more for its red hot rocks and expansive canyons. Surprises await then, of the BEST kind.

Monastery, Petra, Jordan

Everything you need to know about Petra 

Guides & Tips

It’s almost unthinkable to visit Jordan and not set foot inside Petra. This formidable city is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient civilisations. And, as one of the new seven wonders, it’s likely to get your mind and imagination racing contemplating what daily life must have been like in the city. To help you prep for your Petra experience, without too many spoilers, we cover where Petra is, how old the city is and some of the iconic buildings to look out for inside Petra.