Jordan Holidays

To describe the Kingdom of Jordan as being rich in its history would be to understate such wealth. For here are the hallmarks of civilisations so ancient, some can be traced back to the very dawn of modern man. Taking a holiday in Jordan reveals a cultural hotbed of biblical proportions and an experience like no other.

Old Testament ruins and excavations meet Graeco-Roman architecture from the west, and ancient Arab Oriental influence from the east. Meanwhile individually carved Islamic castles are found dotted about the staggering Arab desert, decorated with ancient daubing and mosaics.

This contrasts and merges beautifully with Jordan’s contemporary side, state-of-the-art clean living and modern, vibrant cities built on a centuries-old industrious ethos. Jordan’s naturally stunning landscape encompasses a bit of everything, from lush tropical rainforests densely packed against the foothills of spectacular mountain ranges, to the salted rim of the Dead Sea’s shores, to red sand deserts and vast valleys cut like a gash through the sandstone bedrock.

Obviously no holiday to Jordan would be complete without a trip to Petra. Carved as a canal through the desert rock, this ancient Jordanian city – made famous as the real-life ‘Valley of the Crescent Moon’ from 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is a magical and truly awe-inspiring place.

Luxury holidays in Jordan

Arabic hotels are noted for their hospitality and luxurious elegance. Jordan is a shining example, where age-old design and traditional values of doting service meet modern needs with cutting-edge facilities. As in the major cities like capital Amman, luxury hotels are towering statues of contemporary design juxtapositioned against ancient ruins. Upon entering any Jordanian resort, expect grand lobbies and grander smiles.

Outside of the cities, discover resorts like oases flecked across the stunning desert landscape, including secluded spas bursting from natural hot springs. Meanwhile stunning hotels can be found on the perfect Red Sea beaches, or the overwhelmingly calm shores of the Dead Sea.

One thing is guaranteed – wherever you choose to go, you will be treated as a king.

10 great reasons to holiday in Jordan

• Unparalleled warmth of service
• Levels of luxury seldom found elsewhere
• The unique experience floating on the Dead Sea
• Visit Petra – a New Wonder of The World
• Strings of journeys through significant biblical sites
• Visit fascinating excavations of ancient cities and civilisations
• Visit Madaba – the ‘City of Mosaics’
• Go snorkelling in the unique coral reefs around Aqaba
• Contrast desert treks in the east with the lush evergreen forests of the west
• Discover Jordan’s burgeoning fine arts scene

Things to do in Jordan

If you’re not already staying there, then a visit to Amman is a must. This bustling capital is known as the ‘white city’, so-named because of an undulating network of low-roofed stone houses, draped like an artist’s canvas over the 19 jebels (hills) that comprise the city’s bedrock. It is a city of all ages, including the 6,000-seat Roman amphitheatre, the Roman Temple of Hercules, ancient archaeological museums and Neolithic excavations.

Journey south of Amman along The Kings Highway, thought to follow the footsteps of Moses as he led his people through Jordan. The route takes in sites from the Stone Age, Ancient Roman through to the Byzantine periods and remnants of the crusades, to Petra.

The UNESCO Heritage Site of Petra is three hours south of Amman. This network of ancient commercial centres, tombs and gateways was carved through a desert gorge – The Siq – around the 6th century BC by the Nabateans. Petra’s Treasury building meanwhile is famously the climactic setting of the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

In Pella discover entire walled cities from the Bronze and Iron Ages, Byzantine-period churches, and ruins of a Chalcolithic civilisation from as far back as the 4th century BC. On the Red Sea coast is the old port of Aqaba, surrounded by white, pristine beaches. Here one can enjoy a wealth of watersports or discover its staggering coral reefs.

Interesting facts about Jordan

• Area – 89,556 square kilometres
• Population – 6,508,271 (July 2011 estimate)
• Currency – Jordanian Dinar (JOD) – at time of printing (Feb 2012) 1 GBP = 1.17 JOD

Weather in Jordan

As in most Arabic countries, summer tends to be very hot as temperatures frequently hit the mid- to late-30s degrees centigrade. Meanwhile the winter months – generally comprising only December to February – can be wet, especially in Amman, with temperatures in the early teens. Spring and autumn are regarded as the ideal times to visit Jordan – March until May, and late September to November.

Jordan Holidays 2014

For luxury all inclusive holidays, weddings and honeymoons, let Kenwood Travel offer you a bespoke package. Avoid disappointment and book early to secure a holiday for 2014. We have 30 years worth of experience in the industry! Let us send you away on the holiday of a lifetime.