Have you ever dreamed when little to someday be Indiana Jones? Have you aspired to become a renowned archaeologist, have many adventures, discover extraordinary items and enter a temple hidden behind a gorge where the Holy Grail awaits?
Jordan is still the haven in the Middle East that encourages living unique adventures and feeling like a kid again. It is one of those destinations that gives you back a piece of childhood with a great deal of history and culture. And so that you do not feel very lost in your role of Dr. Jones in search of the “Ark of the Covenant” or the “Crystal Skull,” we have prepared a selection of must-sees and must-dos in Jordan. Are you with us, Indianas?
Amman, gateway to the Jordan universe: Amman is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. To wander through the old town is to savor the charm of a historic city. Key points include the Citadel, the Roman Theatre, Souk Jara, the great souk of the city, and the Museum of Jordan.
Mount Nebo and the vision of Moses: The Bible tells us how Moses reached the top of Mount Nebo and then God showed him the Promised Land, but didn’t allow him to go to the other side. In fact, the Holy Scriptures indicate Mount Nebo as the final resting place of the prophet. Today, this place is a perfect corner to enjoy one of the best sunsets in the country.
Madaba and its great map of the Holy Land: An obligatory stop for pilgrims who come to Jordan to admire some of the best Byzantine mosaics in the Middle East, especially one in particular. The floor of the church of St. George retains a giant mosaic-map that reflects what the Holy Land looked like back in the sixth century A.D. This curious map has provided information to archaeologists and historians about lost cities and biblical scenes. No soul with the spirit of “Indy” should miss out on this visit!
Petra, the place that surpasses the dreams: The jewel in the crown, the reason that itself makes the ticket to Jordan worth the price, a place to enjoy one of the best archaeological sites around the world and experience firsthand the movie “Indiana Jones and the last Crusade.”
Wadi Rum, the Jordan Moon Valley: Halfway between Petra and Aqaba, the Arabian desert penetrates Jordan with a carpet of red earth and a universe of stone hills, drawing a movie-like landscape. Here we stop being Dr. Jones and start feeling like Lawrence of Arabia.
The marine life in the Gulf of Aqaba: Aqaba is a tourist city based on the sun and beach, the most idle and banal part of a trip to Jordan. Since it is the only landlocked country, bordering with Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, it is worth going over there and relaxing in the water with marine wildlife that can be observed with mask and snorkel.
The Dead Sea and the feeling of staying afloat: Living a “Dead Sea Experience” is a basic stage when we travel to Jordan. Actually the Dead Sea is not a sea but an inland lake with salt index nine times higher than any ocean on the planet.
Bethany, the stretch of the Jordan where Jesus Christ was baptized: The tradition and the arrival of pilgrims throughout the centuries state that, as he was passing through Bethany, Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by his cousin John. In fact, many believers on the pilgrimage to the Holy Land come to touch the waters of Jordan in this religious enclave.
Jerash, the Jordan Rome: Jerash is, along with Petra, the preferred visit of travelers who come to Jordan seeking pure archeology. Some of the essential elements of Jerash are the Arc de Triomphe, the Avenue of columns of 800 meters, the famous oval square and the temples of Zeus and Artemis.
