Capital - Amman
Jordan is located in the Middle East and borders Syria, Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea, Palestine, Israel, and Iraq. Bible stories, lost cities, Lawrence of Arabia - Jordan has romantic associations up to its eyeballs.
More than that, it's one of the most welcoming, hospitable countries in the world.Jordan has an amazingly rich cultural and archaeological patrimony, many natural wonders and a particularly welcoming people that should make your stay an unforgettable one.
A country of almost six million inhabitants, Jordan is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia.
Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues, and the visitor is sure to be charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness that awaits.
Jordanian society is marked by a high degree of tolerance for different lifestyles. Foreigners are free to practice their own religions, alcohol is served in licensed premises and the dress code is liberal. Women face no discrimination and can move around as freely as they would in their own western city.
Some Major Tourist Attractions
Tourist attractions in Jordan include the Roman amphitheater in Amman; Jerash the Greco-Roman city, with ruins of a Triumphal Arch and Hippodrome; the gigantic amphitheater at Petra, the ruins at Umm Qais; the hilltop castle of Qalaat-al-Rabadh at Pella, and Aqaba, famous for its excellent beaches. Other tourist attractions in Jordan include the Dead Sea, Azraq Wetland Wildlife Reserve, the spectacular desert scenery at Wadi Rum, Jebel-al-Qala'a (fortress) and Crusader Castle.
Jerash
Less than one hour’s drive north of Amman through the picturesque hills of ancient Gilead is Jerash. A magnificent Graeco-Roman city on an ancient site, beautifully preserved by the desert sands, Jerash is justly famous for the Triumphal Arch, the Hippodrome, the great elliptical forum, the theaters, baths and gateways, the Roman bridge and the wide street of columns that lead to the Temple of Artemis.
The Jerash festival, held in July every year, transforms the ancient city into one of the world's liveliest and most spectacular culture events.
Petra
Petra is one of the wonders of the Middle-Eastern world: a gigantic natural amphitheater hidden in the rocks out of which a delicately colored city with immense facades has been carved; it was lost for hundreds of years and only rediscovered in 1812.
Aqaba
At the northeast end of the Gulf of Aqaba is Jordan’s only port, which can be reached from Amman by road or air. It has grown considerably over the past few years, both as a port and as a tourist center, due in part to its excellent beach and watersports facilities, and its low humidity and hot climate. The town has a variety of small shops and several good restaurants, and it leaves most of the other tourist facilities to be provided for by the hotels. These include windsurfing, scuba diving, sailing and fishing. Most hotels have swimming pools, and will offer continental and some traditional cuisine. Some provide business and conference facilities and excursions to Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum. Aqaba’s Church, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 363 AD, was recently excavated and is one of the oldest buildings in the world.
