The door to summer seems to have well and truly closed. In its place, the opportunity for exotic autumn holidays is open. Jordan is an ideal destination to visit during the autumn months. Whilst we are shivering, Jordan is enjoying temperatures in the high 20°c’s (high 70°f’s). As a magical country with plenty of charm and mystery, a trip to Jordan will be something from your wildest dreams. Here are the top 3 things to do in Jordan, that you simply can’t experience anywhere else.
Ancient City of Petra
Easily one of the most fascinating candidates on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The ancient city of Petra captures the curiosity of thousands of visitors daily. With the foundations carved into burnt orange rock faces and encircled by mountains and gorges, this city is breathtakingly grand. It also dates back to prehistoric times. It served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom from around the 6th century BC. Following a powerful earthquake, the ruins remained hidden from view until they were unearthed by a Swiss explorer in 1812. Further and complete excavations were completed in 1929. I was also used by Steven Spielberg in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’. Explore the site on foot, by camel or by donkey, with the Treasury and Monastery often considered highlights of the trip. Chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Petra is very special indeed.
Wadi Rum
A vast area of scenic, uninterrupted desert, Wadi Rum, is found in the south of Jordan. The landscape is filled with huge granite and sandstone mountains, and deep orange sand; elements which combined, create truly spectacular views. Canyons and fissures conceal ancient rock drawings which give an indication of the desert’s population from years gone by, with Bedouin tribes still living there today. The environment is a land of extremes when it comes to the weather; during summer the daytime temperatures soar but night time becomes deathly cold. Hiking, jeep safaris and camel treks are all popular ways to explore the stunning Wadi Rum.
The Dead Sea
Floating in the Dead Sea no doubt features on many people’s bucket lists because there is simply nowhere else like it in the world; everything about it is fascinating. Sitting at more than 1,312ft below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the earth and is actually a salt lake that is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean, making it the world’s richest source of natural salts. The strong salinity means that no flora or fauna can flourish, hence its name, and it also causes you to float with ease. With views of mountains to the left and Jerusalem to the right, it really feels like you are in another world here.
With many other attractions such as the ancient ruins of Jerash and the fascinating city of Amman to enjoy, why not consider a trip to the fascinating country of Jordan.
