Jordan

Blessed with an inland salt sea, wooded hills, canyons, untouched desert landscapes and impressive archaeological sites, the small country of Jordan is much more than just arid desert. A highlight is the archaeological site of Petra, the ancient capital of the Nabataeans; nestled in a secluded valley and elaborately carved from the rose-coloured mountain walls that span a vast rocky landscape.

A two hour journey takes you to the otherworldly red desert landscape of Wadi Rum, rich in rock formations where wind-sculpted mountains and canyons rise from the desert floor. To the east lies the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the Earth’s surface where you can experience its highly buoyant, extremely salty waters, and in the country’s very south is the city of Aqaba.

Lying on the coast of the warm waters of the Red Sea, it is rich in marine life and colourful reefs making it a perfect destination for snorkelling and diving. Driving along Jordan’s main arterial road, the King’s Highway that winds along the ridge edge of the Great Rift Valley, offers some of the country’s most spectacular views including Mt Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land.