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PETRA
The ancient city of Petra is one of Jordan's national
treasures and by far its best known tourist attraction. Located
about three hours south of Amman, Petra is the legacy of the
Nabataens, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern
Jordan more than 2000 years ago. Admired then for its refined
culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams
and water channels, Petra is now a UNESCO world heritage site
that enchants visitors from all corners of the globe. |
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JERASH
A close second to Petra on the list of favorite destinations
in Jordan, the ancient city of Jerash boasts as unbroken chain of
human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. The city's golden
age came under Roman rule and the site is now generally acknowledged
to be one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world.
Hidden for centuries in sand before being excavated and restored
over the past 70 years, Jerash reveals a fine example of the grand,
formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle
East, comprising paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples,
handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains
and city walls pierced by towers and gates. |
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WADI
RUM
Famously described by T. E. Lawrence as "vast,
echoing and God-like," and acclaimed by many as one of the
most stunning desertscapes in the world, Wadi Rum is a nature-lover's
paradise. Serious mountaineers relish its challenging climbs (some
1,750 meters up sheer granite and sandstone cliffs), while casual
hikers enjoy the peace and tranquility of its sweeping vistas, towering
rock faces and boundless empty spaces. Those of calm disposition
will probably prefer a camel ride or a night under the stars in
a Bedouin tent. Nature lovers will be drawn to the desert in spring
time, when rains bring the greening of the hills and something in
the region of 2,000 species of wild flower. Options for exploring
Wadi Rum include 4x4 vehicles and camel caravans. |
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AQABA
Aqaba, with its clean sandy beaches and transparent
waters, is an ideal location for both relaxation and water sports.Sunbathing,
Swimming, para-sailing, water skiing and jet skiing, are just some
of the activities to partake in. Famed for its preserved coral reefs
and unique sea life, this Red Sea port city was, in ancient times,
the main port for shipments from the Red Sea to the Far East. The
Mameluk Fort, One of the main historical land marks of Aqaba was
originally
a Crusader Castle, rebuilt by the Mameluks in the sixteenth century.
Square in shape and flanked by semicircular towers, the fort is
marked with various inscriptions marking the latter period of the
Islamic dynasty. |
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DEAD
SEA
Within the folds of the Jordan Valley lies the Dead
Sea, more than 400 m below sea level and the lowest point on earth.
Rich in minerals that have seeped from adjacent wadis, the Dead
Sea, as well as having exceptionally buoyant water, is believed
by many to have curative powers. The nearby waters of Hammamat Ma'in,
where a thermal spa has been built, are thought to be similarly
imbued.
The Dead Sea itself is flanked by mountains to the east and rolling
hills of Jerusalem to the west, giving it an almost other - worldly
beauty.
Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the area is
believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah,
Adman, Zebouin and Zoar. |
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