Exploring Jordan: From Ancient Wonders to Otherworldly Deserts
The Treasury of Petra (Al-Khazneh)
Jordan has always held a special place in my travel dreams, crossroads of history, faith, and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, it borders Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, and the West Bank, and offers a rich blend of culture and ancient civilizations. For years, I had longed to explore its wonders, and this journey turned out to be nothing short of magical.
First Stop: Amman to Petra
We landed in Amman, Jordan’s bustling capital, and were greeted by our amazing tour guide who whisked us away straight from the airport. Before hitting the road, we stopped for one of the most memorable meals of the trip, a Turkish feast at a humble roadside gem on Queen Alia Airport Road. It was our first taste of Jordan’s culinary charm and it did not disappoint.
From there, we drove directly to Petra, arriving in the late afternoon. We took the evening to relax and soak in the desert air.
Walking Through Time in Petra
The next morning, we met our incredible Petra tour guide, a true expert in both the history and geology of this world-famous site. Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is believed to have been settled as early as 9000 BC with its iconic rock-carved city built by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago.
We entered the Petra Archaeological Park and took a golf cart to the main site to conserve energy for the journey ahead. The carved facades and canyon walls rising around us were awe-inspiring. Along the path, we stopped at local stalls where Bedouin artisans sold vibrant, handmade crafts and jewelry.
From there, we continued on foot, eventually reaching a point where friendly donkeys carried us up the 800 or so steps to the Treasury overlook. Perched in front of this iconic structure is a cozy little café where we paused to sip mint tea and take in the view.
Our Petra tour lasted around 4.5 hours and left us speechless. But the adventure had only just begun.
Um Fruth Rock Bridge, Wadi Rum
Into the Martian Landscape of Wadi Rum
After Petra, we drove to Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon. We stayed in a stunning bubble suite at a desert camp, designed to give panoramic views of the stars right from bed. Our first evening was spent simply soaking in the silence and surreal desert views. It felt like being on Mars.
On our second night, we joined a stargazing tour led by a local astronomy guide. We walked 30 minutes out into the desert where he pointed out constellations, shared Bedouin stories, and captured breathtaking photos of the night sky. It was humbling and magical.
The following morning began with a hot air balloon ride over the Wadi Rum desert. As we drifted above the red sand and massive rock formations, the sun rose in the distance, casting golden light across a truly Martian landscape. It’s a memory forever etched into my soul.
Later that day, we took a sunset desert safari, zipping across sand dunes and exploring natural rock formations, including the famous Um Fruth Rock Bridge, a stunning natural arch that looks like something out of a dream.
Floating in Dead Sea
Floating in the Dead Sea
Our final stop was the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. We spent two nights relaxing and unwinding by its mineral-rich waters. Floating effortlessly in the salty sea is one of those experiences that lives up to the hype, surreal, soothing, and unforgettable. The healing properties of the mud and water left us glowing.
Our journey through Jordan ended with peace, beauty, and a heart full of gratitude. From ancient cities carved in stone to Martian deserts and healing waters, Jordan offered us a journey through time, space, and soul.
Don’t forget to download my Jordan Digital Guide for the full itinerary, hotel recommendations, must-see sights, and all the best Instagram photo spots. It’s the perfect companion to plan your own magical Jordan adventure.
