ISOLATION ESCAPISM – Jordan

Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will act as a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times, and act as an inspiration for your next adventure.

In our third Isolation Escape we would like to take you on a journey through Jordan. A land steeped in history, home to some of mankind’s earliest settlements and many of the world’s great civilizations, which can still be seen today. A gentle adventure for any age, and a particular treat for children studying, or those with an interest, in the Romans.

Beginning in Amman, the capital city reveals a fascinating history stretching back to the Roman Empire. The Amphitheatre and the ruins of Jerash, are awe-inspiring highlights as is the magnificent Citadel overlooking the city from its position on Amman’s highest hill, Jebel Al Qala’a.

Moving south we escape the city, arriving at the ethereal Dana Nature Reserve. Comprising craggy mountains and deep, wide wadis hosting a variety of wildlife, the reserve is also home to a number of local villages, their welcoming inhabitants keen to share their homes and demonstrate their kind hospitality.

📷: Mauritius71 – stock.adobe.com

No visit to Jordan is complete without bearing witness to the legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra. Carved into hillsides, complimented by man-made creations, Petra has been occupied by many civilisations over the last 2,000 years from the Nabateans, nomadic Bedouin tribes and Romans. The Monastery, entrance known as the Siq and Treasury to name but a few key sights, cannot fail to take one’s breath away.

The largest wadi in Jordan the ‘Valley of the Moon’ or Wadi Rum, cut into the sandstone and granite rock in the south of the country, is logically the next port of call.  Perhaps best known for its connection with T. E. Lawrence, the British officer who passed through several times during the Arab Revolt of 1917–18, it was also the location for the film ’Lawrence of Arabia’ based on his memoirs, staring Peter O’Toole.

As with any itinerary we like to end on a relaxing note, however this trip includes not one but two seaside stops. First we reach Aqaba on the Red Sea, a hot bed for exquisite snorkelling and diving as well as  kite surfing and other adrenaline fuelled water sports.

Our final stop however, is 431 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea. Well known for it’s incredible buoyancy thanks to its high salt content, you can float on its surface with curious ease. The mineral content of the water, low content of allergens in the atmosphere, reduced ultraviolet rays, and higher atmospheric pressure, made this extraordinary destination one of the world’s first naturally occurring health resorts, offering a number of putative therapies. Today it is still a mecca for visitors who wish to encounter it’s obvious health benefits or simply indulge in its myriad luxury spa facilities.

📷: Olesia Bilkei – stock.adobe.com

If you’d like to start planning a holiday to Jordan while waiting for this storm to pass, please drop us a line and we’ll be delighted to send you further information on this history soaked and peaceful destination.

‘Few destinations boast such well preserved history and breath-taking landscapes in equal measure.’

Susanna Reynolds, Exceptional Travel

Header 📷: Dmitriy Kandinskiy – stock.adobe.com