This middle eastern country borders Africa at Egypt's Sinai Peninsular and the Red Sea. For such a small country it is rich in natural and cultural treasures. Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman city ruins in the middle east can be found close to Amman the capital. Also accessable from here (if you follow the King's Highway south) is Madaba, the site of beautiful byzantine mosaics, prominent Mount Nebo and the famous Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and one of the rare places on earth you can swim and read the paper!

In the south, Wadi Rum is a stunning desert area, of flat pink sand interrupted by ancient black granite mountains. This beautiful landscape and traditional Bedouin area is best explored in 4x4s or camel with an unforgettable night spent in a Bedouin camp under the stars. Jordan's most famous site is Petra - a location in the filming of 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'. This 2100 year old 'city', carved directly into the Edomite Mountains was discovered in the 1800s and now enthrals visiters once again, who explore its dramatic chasms and rock hewn buildings including the Treasury and Monastery. A perfect time of the day in Petra is at sunset or sunrise, when the sun's light turns its rocks a magical deep pink hue. There is also often the chance to enter at night - the ruins are lit by candles and Petra takes on a magic all of its own.