Destination Fly4free: Jordan

Known for its authentic Middle Eastern culture and hospitable locals, Jordan is a land of fascinating contrasts and history. Apart from the legendary rock-cut temples of Petra and the very site where Jesus Christ is thought to have been baptized, you can explore the Roman, Ottoman, Persian and Egyptian relics, as well as deserts and beach resorts.

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Al-Maghtas

Located by the Israel-Jordan border on the extreme eastern edge of the country, Al-Maghtas (meaning "baptism" in Arabic) is arguably one of the most important biblical relics in the world. This area on the Jordan River is widely believed to be where Jesus was baptized. Added to UNESCO's heritage list as the Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan", it is slowly becoming a high-profile pilgrimage site for Christians.

In the excavated site on Jordan’s shore, just north of where the river empties into the Dead Sea, you'll find the ancient ruins of several chapels, baptismal pools, and monks’ caves, which experts say are considered evidence of early Christians commemorating this spot. The site displays an interesting array of Jewish and Christian religious remains, Roman constructions, and Orthodox monasteries from the ages of the Ottomans and Mamluks.

Photo: vvoe, Shutterstock

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How to get there:
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• Jordan and Egypt or Dubai in one trip from New York or Detroit from only $530 >>

Where to stay:
In Wadi Rum, we encourage you to stay at Bedouin Advisor Camp with excellent reviews. Situated in a stunning canyon in the Wadi Rum protected area, the camp offers the traditional Bedouin experience. It offers traditional tents and meals cooked under the ground. The tents at Bedouin Advisor are equipped with mattresses, sheets, pillows and blankets. Guests get a chance to enjoy the traditional Bedouin dishes at the campfire such as Mansaff which is the usual dish offered to visitors in Jordan; or Zarb which is cooked under the sand. The staff at Bedouin Advisor can arrange Jeep tours to Aqaba or Jebel Al Hash. Other tours available are hiking, camel riding, scrambling and trekking. The camp is close to the spectacular Um Fruth Rock Bridge which offers great views of Burrah Canyon Area and of the sunset over the mountains. Wadi Rum Visitor Centre is 18 km away from the camp.

In Amman, 4* Sulaf Luxury Hotel has a good price and great reviews. Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, this 4-star hotel offers accommodation 3.5 km from Al Hussein National Park. The rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms feature a seating area for your convenience. Rooms are fitted with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. There is a gift shop at the property. The hotel also offers car hire. Royal Automobiles Museum is 3.6 km from Sulaf Luxury Hotel, while The Children’s Museum is 3.9 km away. The nearest airport is Queen Alia International Airport, 32 km from the property.

What to do:
Float in the Dead Sea and leave the world behind with relaxing salt spa treatments.

Head to the Red Sea for world-class diving and snorkelling. Explore the underwater world among coral reefs, multi-coloured fish and turtles. Aqaba, with its lively streets and luxurious hotels at Tala Bay, is Jordan’s gateway to the Red Sea. This seaside resort town buts up to Eilat in Israel across the border. Here you can see the date trees of the Shatt Al-Ghandour, or tour the ancient ruins of Tall Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan.

Explore the secluded deserts and visit the mind-blowing UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Go sand boarding in Wadi Rum. Slide down the sand dunes and take a ride with a dune buggy back to the top.

Go camping under the stars in Wadi Rum to experience the atmosphere of the open desert with red dunes. You can spend a night at a desert dome camp, located close to one of the film sights from the movie ‘The Martian’. Each dome has a panoramic view that allows you to appreciate the Wadi Rum’s impressive rock formations and the stunning night sky when the sun sets.

If you like hiking, visit Mujib Nature Reserve and enjoy its winding river valleys and gorges. It’s known as the lowest nature reserve on the globe. You can also go zip-lining or rock climbing in the canyons. Outdoor enthusiasts can also choose Dana Nature Reserve.

Azraq Wetlands, located east of Amman, are perfect for nature walks and bird-watching excursions.

Visit the ruined Roman city of Jerash, located north of Amman, with its towering colonnades, old forums, great plazas and fascinating temples turned to Byzantine churches.

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Jordan from the Air from Matador Network on Vimeo.