Mar Muerto / Dead Sea / البحر الميت the lowest point on earth, it’s 423 meters below sea level. The saltiest water body on Earth is 10 times saltier than the ocean. It is also rich in other minerals like magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium, which make it therapeutic. It is a must to float in the dead sea and feel the benefits of its natural minerals.
The Dead Sea lies about 55 Km southwest of Amman. We took the Dead Sea HW (route 65) and enjoyed the spectacular scenery while driving down to the lowest point on Earth. The mountains and rock formations along the road are breathtaking.
We stopped at the Panorama Dead Sea Complex, where we looked at the mystic views of the sea from a higher point. From that spot, you can see the mixed shapes of the colored sky that are magically reflected on the salty surface of the water.
While enjoying the view you can have breakfast, lunch, or a cup of coffee in the Panorama restaurant. Also, you can take a tour of the Museum of the Panorama Complex where you can go back in history and discover the story of how the dead sea was formed. The museum has several displays that describe Geology, archaeology, and ecology. In addition, you can get to know the cultures and civilizations that once occupied the area.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE DEAD SEA
Float in the dead sea
Enjoy the Sunset at the dead sea
Shopping the dead sea beauty products, I recommend Samarah mall where you can buy Dead Sea skincare products at reasonable prices.
Visit Panorama Dead Sea Complex.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
From October to April would be the best time to visit the Dead Sea.
COST AND ACCOMMODATION
We didn’t plan to sleep overnight so we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon in the Movenpick resort and spa where we bought a one-day pass for $27. we enjoyed the wonderful facilities and got close to the sea where we stood right in the lowest point of Earth. For an overnight visit, the hotel costs around $120 per night (prices vary according to the season).
There are also many hotels and resorts along the seashore you can pick from.
FOOD
TRANSPORTATION
Renting a car is the most favorable option, it costs around $35 -45 depending on the car model. Another option is to hire a car and a driver for $100 for a full day. Or take a bus from Amman to Amman Beach and would be difficult to explore other places around the area.
TIPS WHILE TRAVELING
Don’t go in the water if you have open cuts or sores. Don’t stay in the water for more than 10 min. you can get out rinse off with regular water then go back again. Don’t get that water into your eyes. Don’t forget your sunscreen.
The city of Petra, the capital of the Nabateans, is considered one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and the most important tourist attraction in Jordan. It is visited by groups of tourists from all over the world. It is located 240 km south of Amman. The entrance fee for the ancient city is $70.
The walking trip starts at The Siq which is a huge rocky crevice that in some locations reaches a height of 80 meters of colored rocks of various shapes. It extends about 1.2 Km. At the end of the Siq, an astonishing scene unfolds in front of you. It is the famous TREASURY.
The treasury is 43 meters high and 30 meters wide, carved in the rock. This beautifully crafted piece of art, which when the sun shines on it, reflects charming colors that attract the beholder with the fragrance of its charm and beauty.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN PETRA
The Siq:
On your tour inside the Siq, you will find some sculptures, including Sabino’s idols with Greek inscriptions. There is a water channel built in the form of trenches used to deliver water in the past that you can enjoy watching and taking memorial photos while walking through this wonderful historical masterpiece.
The Treasury
It is one of the most attractive tourist sites in Petra, as it is the first thing that a tourist sees after crossing the Siq. It is now an important tourist attraction in the city.
The colonnaded street
It is considered a Petra landmark, which attracts the attention of tourists to visit it from all over the world. It is a paved street lined with giant inscribed columns, dating back to the third century BC, during the era of the Nabataean kingdom and the Romans who rebuilt it.
Ride a Camel
A camel ride costs, between 5-10 USD you can negotiate with the guys.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Spring is the best time to visit Petra, from March to June when the weather is warm during the day and breezy at night.
COST AND ACCOMMODATION
The ancient city of Petra has a number of the best luxury hotels in Jordan which provide hotel services at several levels that satisfy all tastes and suit different needs.
FOOD
There are several restaurants that are located outside the ancient city that serve middle eastern and international food.
TRANSPORTATION
The easiest way is to rent a car and drive from Amman or Aqaba depending on where you started your trip from. You can hire a taxi or book a tour beforehand.
TIPS WHILE TRAVELING
Be there early in the morning wear comfortable shoes Bring water and snacks
About 40 km north of the city of Amman lies the ancient city of Jerash, which takes you thousands of years back time.it is one of the most preserved ancient Roman cities in the world.
This fascinating Roman city is surrounded by forested hills, and it is full of archaeological wonders and authentic local charm, and indeed a trip there will ensure that you discover history at its best with an incomparable group of buildings and archaeological places that are really worth a visit.. Indeed, the remaining structure of these ruins reflects the historical influence, including magnificent colonnades, squares, temples, and theaters, and amphitheaters.
If you’re only planning a half-day trip in Jerash as I did, you’ll want to explore the well-preserved ruins in the least amount of time, most of them are located inside the archaeological park which is usually open 7:30 am to 7 pm and of course, you will need to pay $17 for the entrance fee.
I traveled by car and the journey from Amman to Jerash took just under an hour.
Start at Hadrian’s Arch, the southern gateway to the ancient city, before heading to the forum, a massive colonnaded limestone plaza with its own temple and theater. From there, walk along the Avenue of Columns, an impressive straight north-south street, to the North Gate, stopping along the path at the north theatre and the Temple of Artemis.
We had lunch at The Lebanese House Restaurant, a favorite of locals and travelers alike, as it is located just a few minutes drive from the ancient city, with a menu filled with exquisitely prepared international dishes and exquisite traditional cuisine.
Two days’ stay at Aqaba was enough to explore this lively city. Aqaba is a distinguished tourists center and the only port of Jordan on the tip of the Red Sea. It lies around 350 Km south of Amman.
The small city has a lot to offer since it is full of water features and heritage that makes it the ideal destination for a vacation.
Aqaba’s water is distinguished by the presence of many species of coral reefs with wonderful colors which makes it a great experience for scuba divers, it also has more than 1200 fish species. and what makes it so great is the water temperature which stays around 66F all year round.
They also arrange boat trips that you can pick one and enjoy the trip with lots of sunshine and amazing lunch on board after a short swim.
I visited in February and the weather was warm, Aqaba best time to visit is from November to May.
Aqaba has a variety of hotels ranging in prices from $ 50 to $150 depending on how many stars and the location from the beach. There are also some resorts and spas and Gulf courses with gorgeous views.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN AQABA
Private diving experience
Glass Bottom Boat tour 2hours. we took a 3 hours tour from the hotel in a glass-bottomed boat sailing along the Red Sea, we looked through the glass bottom of the boat directly into the sea below while the captain gave us details about the underwater world. we discovered the colorful marine life among the reefs and then we took a 30-minute swim and snorkel session. we returned to the boat and dined from the open buffet with a variety of dishes. the boat trip costs around $100 per person.
Aqaba Archaeological Museum
Aqaba Bird Observatory
COST WHEN TRAVELING TO AQABA
Accommodation- The hotel I booked was $150 per night for a standard room, breakfast was included. It was a 5-star hotel and is rated as one of the luxurious hotels in Aqaba. There are cheaper options and they’re nice too.
FOOD – A fish meal costs around $ 20, Falafel or shawarma cost $9,
I had an amazing dinner at Ali Baba restaurant, it’s a famous restaurant which serves local cuisine, Seafood, Middle Eastern, and Vegetarian Friendly
Transportation – Aqaba is a small city, most tourists walk around. Taxis are the other alternative if you need to go to a place farther away from your hotel. A taxi ride for 10 km will cost around $5. if you take Uber it will cost a little bit more.
DEMRE well know as MYRA is located approximately 140 km by car from Antalya. Is very known tourist place for Christians (St Nicholas)
DEMRE is the capital of Byzantine Lycia, the most know places to visits are the rock tombs along with the ancient theatre the st Nicholas church on which was build in 520AD
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