Ancient cities, deserts and Dead Sea

Jordan

Jordan's hidden city of Petra, intricately carved into the sandstone some 2000 years ago, is one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites. Nearby, the sheer walls of Wadi Rum, where Bedouin tribes have lived for centuries, rise from the desert floor

A trip to Petra is an absolute must whilst on a holiday to Jordan. Petra was carved from pink sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2000 years ago, and left undisturbed until its rediscovery (at least by Europeans) in 1812. The entrance to the famous city is a narrow high-walled gully, which widens to reveal the spectacular Treasury building. From here, explore Petra’s unfolding secrets.

Nearby, Wadi Rum was the perfect natural hiding place for Lawrence of Arabia and the Bedouins of the Arab Revolt in World War 1. Many of the scenes in David Lean's epic film version, Lawrence of Arabia, were filmed here in Wadi Rum and Original Travel can arrange on your holiday to Jordan a Bedouin guide for a 4x4 or camel safari, taking in ancient rock carvings and exploring the sheer sandstone cliffs.

Along with the plentiful cultural highlights, you can relax beneath the wind-sculpted mountains that surround a private Bedouin camp. Lie back by the blazing fire, the air fragrant with apple tobacco from smoking hookahs, and enjoy Jordan's enormous night skies and total silence.

After exploring Wadi Rum and Petra, experience the peculiar sensation of floating on Dead Sea - the lowest place on Earth - before indulging in a variety of treatments at the spa of whichever excellent hotel you stay in by on the sea's shore. Jordan's hotels provide some of the most unique and holistic spa experiences available – a revitalising boost before the journey home.