Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Exploring Western Jordan
Though possessing few sites itself, Jordan's modern
capital, Amman, makes a very comfortable base
from which to explore the northwest of the country.
The Arab fortress at Ajlun, thA Roman ruins at Jerash,
the Byzantine mosaics of Madaba, and further mosaics
along with splendid views at Mount Nebo, are all
within an hour's drive. If you can spare the time and
secure the use of a car (self-drive or a taxi hired by
the day), then Amman is certainly worth a couple of
days. The Crusader castles of Kerak and Shobak are
perhaps best visited while heading south, en route
to the site that truly epitomizes the magic of the
region, Petra. While it is possible to see the major
attractions in just one day, Petra more than repays
repeated visits: multiple-day passes are available.
Accommodation is easy to find in the neighbouring
town of Wadi Musa. Be sure also to leave enough
time for the surreal rockscapes of Wadi Rum, full of
hidden oases and evidence of prehistoric civilizations.
The impressive stone sweep of the
colonnaded Oval Plaza at Jerash
SIGHTS AT A GLANCE
AjluA
2
Amman
4
Aqaba
q
Jerash
3
Kerak
7
Madaba pp216-17
6
Mount Nebo
5
Petra pp220-31
9
Shobak
8
Umm Qais
1
Wadi Rum pp232-3
0
GETTING AROUND
Most major tourist destinations can be reached by good,
modern roads. There are two main routes south - take the
King's Highway (Route 49) for Mount Nebo, Madaba, Kerak
and Shobak, and the Desert Highway (Routes 15 and 53) to
head directly to Petra and Wadi Rum. It is possible to fly
between Amman and Aqaba and an inexpensive bus service
connects all areas of the country. For many people, however,
coach tours are the most comfortable way to get about.
SEE ALSO
• Where to Stay
pp262-3
• Restaurants, Cafés and Bars
pp279-80
Wadi Rum, where sandstone mountains rise sheer from the desert floor
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For additional map symbols
see back flap
