Experience the best of both worlds in Jordan

With so much to see and do, including countless cultural marvels, dramatic desert landscapes and a beautiful subtropical coastline, Jordan is perfectly suited for a twin- or multi-centre holiday. Combine a beach holiday with a cultural trip and experience the delights of two types of holiday in one. Take in the spectacular cultural sights of Amman, Jerash and Petra, explore the lunar-like scenery of Wadi Rum, and end your trip floating in the Dead Sea's therapeutic waters or relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the Red Sea.

Culture and discovery

Start your journey in Jordan's fascinating capital, Amman, staying in one of the city's great luxury hotels. The five-star Landmark Hotel Amman is right in the heart of the action, with panoramic views of the city from its beautiful roof terrace and a chic pool area. The old city and Amman's ancient Roman amphitheatre are within easy walking distance.

Jordan's number one cultural treasure, the lost Nabatean city of Petra, is another fantastic place to begin your trip, especially as the city's remarkable rock-hewn temples, spread out over a large area, deserve more than a day's exploration. You can head straight to Petra from Amman and spend the night in one of the hotels close to the Unesco-listed city. Perched on a hillside, the Movenpick Petra Nabatean Castle Hotel is a good high-end option with incredible views. While, the Petra Guest House, located right by the entrance to the city, is perfect if you want to avoid the crowds and visit the city in the early morning light.

South of Petra, Jordan's desert landscapes are filled with dramatic rock formations and deep valleys that formed the backdrop for the epic film Lawrence of Arabia. For a truly unique experience, consider staying overnight in Wadi Rum, otherwise known as the Valley of the Moon. By day you can explore the scenery on a camel safari, and at night you can join the Bedouins for tea and gaze up at a glittering canopy of stars.

Jordan's proximity to Jerusalem means it's easy to combine your holiday with a visit to the historic Palestinian-Israeli capital. After visiting Madaba or the Red Sea, it's a short hop across the border to the Holy Land. Talk to one of our holiday specialists who will be happy to tailor an itinerary for Jordan and Jerusalem.
 

Beaches and spas

Splitting your time between a cultural hotspot such as Amman or Petra, and one of Jordan's fantastic beach or spa resorts makes for a holiday that's both enlightening and relaxing. Consider topping-off your trip with a stay in the southern Red Sea resort of Aqaba. Luxuriating in the glistening sunshine on one of Aqaba's golden beaches is the perfect counterbalance to long days spent sightseeing and drinking in the local culture. If you are visiting the Red Sea region, don't miss a chance to explore its subtropical coral reefs. The clear waters and techni-coloured coastal reefs of the Gulf of Aqaba are ideal for snorkelling and recreational diving and the area is chock-full of dive and snorkel facilities. There are plenty of good hotels in the area – the sleek 5-star Radisson Blue Tala Bay, right beside the beach, is one of the best.
If spas and natural remedies are more to your taste, Jordan has those in abundance too. The Dead Sea, earth's lowest salt-water lake, is also one of the world's oldest spa destinations and has been recognised for its health benefits for centuries. Floating in its buoyant mineral-rich waters is the perfect place to let the stresses and strains of daily life drift away. The sea's mud is also said to be especially good for the skin. Many of the hotels in the area use Dead Sea water and mud in their spa therapies. The Winter Valley Warwick Resort and Spa, for instance, offers fantastic health and beauty treatments overlooking the Dead Sea.