JOURNEY TO Jordan

Traverse an enchanting land defined by local culture.

VENTURE to this intriguing country and expect to be met with welcoming hospitality, endless adventure, exquisite cuisine, wineries and breweries, ancient architecture, holy sites, plus the delights of the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. Filled with wow factor that goes far beyond the carved city of Petra, here are a few reasons why Jordan deserves top billing for any traveler.

Bedouin Banter

The Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve, covering roughly 125 square miles of picturesque mountains and the wadis that snake along them throughout the Great Rift Valley. Straddling the intersection of three distinct climate zones, this desert oasis supports more than 600 varieties of plants, more than 180 species of birds, and 45 species of mammals. It's also home to nomadic Bedouin shepherds known for their hospitality and traditional meals. Visitors can expect to be welcomed into a tent for tea, coffee, and delightful conversation.

Stay Afloat In The Dead Sea

As one of the only bodies of water in the world where floating is effortless, the Dead Sea is also famous for being the lowest point on Earth — roughly 1,390 feet below sea level. It was also the world’s first natural spa — ancient civilizations found soaking in the mineral rich waters to be a healing experience. The Dead Sea still exudes a therapeutic ambiance today.

Red Sea Snorkeling

If you prefer a little more action in the water, snorkeling or scuba diving in the Red Sea is hard to beat. The plethora of marine life — more than 1,200 species of fish and vibrant coral reefs dating back about 7,000 years — are just two reasons the Red Sea is a celebrated destination.

One of the seven underwater wonders of the world, the Red Sea also boasts great historical significance as a hub for cultural exchange and civilization, which is still evident today.

AS-SALT WALKING TOUR

The country’s newest UNESCO Heritage Site, the lively hillside city of As-Salt is a delightful junction of modern and ancient traditions. A few walking trails zigzag across the city, allowing visitors opportunity to join locals in a game of mangaleh , explore the area’s rich culture, or pop into Beit Aziz for a traditional dish such as sajiyeh , mansaf , fatteh , or a famous Salti dessert — knafeh and hitaliyyeh are both tasty options.

DO GOOD AT THE IRAQ AL-AMIR WOMEN’S COOPERATIVE

Socially minded travelers can stop by the Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative, an organization dedicated to helping women become financially independent. Guests will learn the basics of papermaking using natural, local materials or they can take a cooking class and make an Arabic dish.