Jordan - The Untold Story

Amman is known as the white city.

"Switzerland in the Middle East"

The Kingdom of Jordan, covering approximately 90,000 square kilometers, is a country with no energy resources and also has the fourth fewest water resources in the world . This is because most of its territory lies in the Arabian Desert, with only the northwestern region, where the Jordan River flows, considered fertile land. Despite being situated between Syria, Iraq, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Jordan is relatively peaceful and developed, earning it the nickname "Switzerland of the Middle East."

The capital of Jordan is Amman, or the “White City,” because much of its architecture is built from limestone. Visitors come to Jordan to explore its history, the place where legendary heroes and biblical prophets “reside,” where ancient trade routes converge with bustling modern neighborhoods. Perched atop the highest hill in the center of Amman is the Old Town, home to the Temple of Hercules and the Roman Theatre. The historical remnants at the temple today include ruined monuments, fragments of Byzantine architecture with characteristic Corinthian columns, and a statue of Hercules with only three fingers remaining on his left hand. Not far away is the 2,000-year-old Roman Theatre; it remains one of Amman’s most magnificent landmarks and a clear testament to the peak of Roman construction. The most distinctive feature is the grandstand, which has a capacity of 6,000 people and is designed with a clever slope, providing incredible acoustic resonance.

Interspersed with the structures and architectural remnants of ancient Rome is a modern Amman, with trendy cafes, upscale restaurants, contemporary art galleries, and vibrant cultural events along Rainbow Street and Soho. This reflects a new era being driven by the progress of the next generation.

"Escape" from the city

After a day exploring Amman, spend four hours driving south to the Wadi Rum desert, known for its towering red sandstone cliffs and mountains, some reaching 1,500 meters, surrounding a stunning orange-red desert landscape. These mountains, known as the "Seven Pillars of Wisdom," stand majestically, guarding the valley. Riding on a camel or in a Jeep, you'll see jagged mountains, towering sand dunes, and bumpy roads across the red sand, giving the impression of being on Mars.

After a tiring day, you can experience sleeping in semi-permanent, bubble-shaped tents (glamping), with transparent glass walls that still ensure privacy, while allowing you to easily admire the Wadi Rum valley at night with its sparkling starry sky. This place has also been repeatedly ranked among the world's best stargazing spots by prestigious international travel magazines. These luxurious glamping tents are concentrated at the Discovery Bedu camp in Wadi Rum. Guests will feel right at home as they shower, read a book on the lounge chairs on the porch, or enjoy a Bedouin-style dinner with a charcoal stove buried deep in the sand and a pot full of chicken, vegetables, and freekah (ground wheat).

If Wadi Rum makes you feel the insignificance of humanity in the face of nature, Petra is a message about the enduring strength of human heritage. After traversing a 10km road flanked by towering cliffs that create a narrow path, visitors will be momentarily stunned by the massive structures nestled deep within the majestic rock formations. Most prominent are the ancient city of Petra, the treasury, temples, monasteries, and 800 stone tombs... with large columns adorned with intricate details in the characteristic Greek-Roman style, carved directly into the mountainside. It's hard to imagine how the small people of ancient times created such timeless wonders for humanity in this "sandstone city" over 2,000 years old.

In the final days of your Jordanian adventure, you should spend 1-2 days bathing in the Dead Sea and the Red Sea – two of the world's most famous destinations that everyone wants to visit at least once in their lifetime. The Dead Sea is only about a two-hour drive from Petra, located between Jordan and Israel. According to locals, the "Dead Sea" is actually a large lake situated 430 meters below sea level. Due to its extremely high salt content (10 times higher than the ocean), you can easily float on the surface when immersed in it. Because of this high salinity, no living organism can survive in this lake.

Besides the Dead Sea, spend your last day in the Red Sea, home to the small town of Aqaba – the gateway to the Red Sea and Jordan's only beach resort. Despite its name, the Red Sea boasts crystal-clear waters year-round. Don't hesitate to dedicate a full day to snorkeling and exploring the vast ocean. In the pristine waters, you can admire the untouched coral reefs and frolic with colorful marine life. After exploring the underwater world, enjoy a BBQ on the boat and create unforgettable memories of your trip to Jordan with your loved ones.

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