Jordan...What an adventure
We flew with Royal Jordanian airlines directly from Heathrow to Amman, and went straight the Marriott Hotel in the city. After a leisurely breakfast the next morning, it was time to take in the sights and sounds of this amazing city with a two hour escorted sightseeing trip. There is a lot of history in this city, built over 7 hills. The strong Roman influence here is apparent and I was glad to get the chance to experience it for myself.
After leaving Amman, we took a 3 hour drive to Petra. We made a few stops along the way, so it isn't as hard a journey as you may expect and at around mid-afternoon we arrived! The town of Petra was a real surprise to me...it reminded me much more of Europe than I was expecting. The locals were very friendly and there were plenty of places to eat a nice meal and have a gentle stroll around the shops. I would recommend staying at the Movenpick Hotel in Petra, which is right outside the entrance to the wonderful site itself.
Take some strong walking shoes, as there is a long way to go! Horses and donkeys are on hand for those who don't want to walk, as you descend through the labyrinth of dark alleyways with rock carvings to look at along the way, it seems there is no end in sight! Finally you reach the main sight itself and no matter how many times you see the image in films or television, nothing can prepare you for the awesome scale and grandeur of the place. It is truly amazing, I cannot recommend a visit strongly enough! The entrance fee is quite high, so it is worth spending some time in there. There is a lot to see and many people take the day to explore the hundreds of sculptures and carvings that are on offer. Go early in the day to avoid the rush!
Once you are back in the serenity of the hotel, you can relax and have a swim before reflecting on the day over a wonderful meze of local foods with a glass of wine!
Another 2 hour trip takes you from Petra to the Dead Sea. We stayed at the Marriott Hotel, and what a place it is! Several restaurants, bars and quiet places to sit meant that the hotel didn't feel crowded. The rooms have great views and of course there is the sea itself to mesmerise. I would thoroughly recommend the hotel for singles, couples or families, as there is something for everyone here. It is located approximately an hour drive from Amman, making it easy to get to!
One of the most bizarre experiences of my life has to be floating in the dead sea covered in local mud (for your skin). It is quite tricky to get in and out of the water, but the hotel provides plastic shoes to make the experience a little more bearable. Your legs are virtually forced to the surface as soon as you get in the sea, you then take hold of your book or paper and float gently on the surface until the saltiness of the water becomes too much! Luckily there are showers and lots of swimming pools close by to wash off the salt!
In short, Jordan offers the kind of destination that will appeal to anyone. Whether you are looking for a short break, a real desert adventure to explore the many cultural sights, or a family holiday where you can relax and unwind, Jordan has something for everyone. Give me a call to discuss the options.