Complete guide to Jordan

Jordan fits in a pocket handkerchief, barely larger than Portugal, yet condenses four distinct worlds. In the north, the hills of Ajloun and the Roman ruins of Jerash breathe olive and pine. In the center, Amman combines Rainbow Street cafés and Umayyad remains of the citadel. Further south, the red sands of Wadi Rum give way to the sandstone cliffs of Petra, carved by the Nabataeans over two thousand years ago.

The Dead Sea, 430 meters below sea level, marks the lowest point on the planet. Two hours' drive away, the Gulf of Aqaba opens onto the Red Sea and its coral reefs. Between the two, the Dana Biosphere Reserve protects ibex and vultures across 300 km² of canyons. Cuisine mirrors these landscapes: mansaf with lamb and fermented yogurt in the center, maqluba overturned at table, knafeh with cheese in historic Nablus and Salt.

Our English-speaking team based in Amman recommends allowing a minimum of 8 days to connect Jerash, Amman, the Dead Sea, Petra and Wadi Rum without rushing. Allow 12 to 15 days to add Dana, the desert castles and a dive in Aqaba. The country is traversed by car, distances remain reasonable and the King's Highway remains the most compelling route.