Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Four Days
Gems in the North
With a long weekend, most visitors head straight for Petra on an overnighter from Am-
man. For a more rewarding use of time, leave the pink city for a longer visit and focus in-
stead on Jordan's gems in the north. This trip bypasses the capital.
Collect a car from the airport in Amman and head to the Roman ruins of
Jerash
. On
day two, amble down to the
Jordan Valley
via
Ajloun
and the Islamic castle of Qala'at
ar-Rabad. Pause at the point where John supposedly baptised Jesus at
Bethany-Beyond-
the-Jordan
and book in for some extreme R&R at the lowest place on earth. If you can
tear yourself away from the fluffy towels of the region's best
spas
(which come complete
with a bob in the
Dead Sea
and a therapeutic mud pack), then drive via the
Dead Sea
Panoramic Complex
on day three to steaming Hammamat Ma'in and take the scenic
road to
Mukawir
, where Salome is said to have danced for John's head on a platter. Skirt
the plateau ridge to the friendly mosaic town of
Madaba
and on day four visit
Mt Nebo
,
or take an escort to the dolmens of
Wadi Jadid
. From Madaba, allow an hour to return the
car to the airport.
Six Days
A Side Trip to Petra
Travellers frequently ask the question: 'Is it worth making the effort to get to Petra as a
side trip from Israel or Egypt?' The answer is a resounding 'yes!' While you can just
about do the round trip in three days, the experience will be much more rewarding in four
or five days. Add one additional day and be prepared to use taxis to make this trip viable
in the time available.
A trip to Petra from neighbouring countries invariably involves an overnight stop in
Aqaba
. With plenty of accommodation, a lively ambience and excellent seafood, this is
no hardship. On day two, take the early bus to Wadi Musa, the town closest to the
Nabataean treasures of
Petra
. Amble through the Siq at midday, missing the morning tour
groups. Watch the sunset turn the Royal Tombs pink, and return to the lively traveller
scene in the town's Cave Bar. On day three, hike through Wadi Muthlim and end the day
at the Monastery.
Follow the ghosts of centurions and Crusaders along the King's Highway to
Shobak
on
day four and stay overnight at the
Dana Biosphere Reserve
. Hike down to eco-friendly
Feynan Ecolodge
on day five, prearranging transport along the Dead Sea Highway back
to Aqaba on day six.
