Travel future: My Jordan itinerary

Jordan has been on my travel wish-list for years. I like to think it’s because of the amazing historic sites and other-worldly desert scenery which make it a dream place to visit for a photography lover. But who am I kidding, it was famous view of the Treasury at Petra through the rock corridor of the Siq in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade that sold it to me. Either way, after my original travel plans for 2012 had to be abandoned, the combination of a free week in November, a search for the sun and some unexpectedly cheap flights conspired to make this the year that I finally make it to Jordan. This will be my first trip to the Middle East and I have plenty lined up to pack into next week…

Ancient and modern in Amman and Jerash

After flying into the capital, Amman, we’ll be spending a couple of nights in the city. So there should be time to see some of the ancient and modern sides of this city – from the art galleries and bars to the souks and Citadel. And after visiting Pompeii earlier this year, we’ll also be visiting the Middle East’s own version at Jerash. Just north of Amman, Jerash is an amazingly well-preserved Roman city, complete with amphitheatres, temples, and even a (slightly less authentic) gladiator and chariot race show.

The Roman ruins at Jerash – photo credit jemasmith

Following the King’s Highway to Petra

From Amman, we’ll be heading south towards Petra on the King’s Highway. The Highway is a 5000-year- old trading route that runs past Crusader castles, Byzantine churches, Biblical sites, nature reserves and viewpoints. We’ve hired a car and are going to spend a day driving the 200 miles so we can stop off for as many photo stops as we like en route. Then we have three nights in Petra, to see the Treasury by day and lit by candles at night, clamber over rocks and wander through temples. Hopefully there’ll also be time to eat with the Bedouin out in the desert or take a Jordanian cookery class while we’re there too.

The temples of Petra – photo credit Kyle Taylor

Floating in the Dead Sea

Then from Petra we head down into the epic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, before travelling back north for a couple of days of luxury along the shores of the Dead Sea. We’ll be experiencing the weird feeling of floating in the salty waters and covering ourselves in mineral-rich mud at the lowest point on Earth. And from there we’ll stop off at the Ma’In hot springs for a bit more soaking, before heading back to Amman and home (to spend the next week processing the thousands of photos I’ll have taken!).

The salty shores of the Dead Sea – photo credit CharlesFred

So that’s my Jordan itinerary. Have you ever visited any of these places? If you have any tips or suggestions of places to see, eat or drink while I’m out there, please let me know.