The multicultural city of Amman in Jordan is ideal for cultural immersion and for exploring traditions of the Middle East. There are many galleries and museums, ideal for those interested in digging deeper into the history of the region.

The markets are great for buying local produce and traditional handicrafts, the souks are dazzling with an array of handmade jewellery, whilst the modern-day boutiques juxtapose them. 

Amman's citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits at 850 metres above sea level, towering above the capital city. The site comprises of a 1700m long wall that dates back to the Bronze Age, the iconic Temple of Hercules built by the Romans, and the Umayyad Palace dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. The Archeological Museum has a fascinating collection of artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age

The ruins of ancient Gerasa tumble from the arid hillside above the modern town of Jerash, Jordan. Two-thousand years ago, this was a thriving provincial capital of around 20,000 people, complete with a grand amphitheatre, colonnaded squares, triumphant gateway and hippodrome.

Considering it was roughed up by the Persians, the Crusaders and a couple of earthquakes, the site is in remarkable condition. Highlights include the archway dedicated to the emperor Hadrian, and some superb mosaic church floors.

Ancient royals from Herod to Cleopatra numbered among those who availed of the Dead Sea’s curative powers. The secret of its success, then as now, is a rich cocktail of minerals and salts caused by evaporation of the river water flowing into it.

After a bob in the extra-buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, continue to Madaba and the church of St George. The church itself was built in 1896 AD, and is one of many churches to be blessed by a mosaic masterpiece in the city. 

The last stop of the day is Mount Nebo with its sweeping views of the Dead Sea, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. This is where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, a land he was himself forbidden to enter. It's believed that he died aged 120 and was later buried in the area, although the exact location of the burial is unknown.

The incredible remnants of a 4th century monastery and The Moses Memorial Church, with beautifully preserved Roman-mosaic floors and stained glass windows sit at the peak. Six tombs etched into the rocks lie below along with a host of sculptures, old and new dot the countryside including a cross-serpentine sculpture, symbolising a serpent and Christ’s crucifixion.

Wadi Rum offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the desert in a Middle Eastern culture. The natural landscape is home to monolithic rocks, some of which reach 1,750 metres high, water holes, and canyons. Rock inscriptions dating back 4,000 years old can be found.

The vast expanse of land is tranquil, unspoilt by modern development, and is inhabited by the Bedouins who maintain a nomadic lifestyle. Various excursions are available, including visits to the natural Burdah Rock Bridge which is the tallest in Wadi Rum at a measurement of 35 metres, and the Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

Given the popularity among foreign visitors today, it’s hard to believe Petra remained forgotten by the outside world until 1812, when it was re-discovered by a Swiss explorer. Imagine Johann Burckhardt’s emotions when, after being led down the twisting, narrow defile deep in the desert, he first set eyes on the finely sculpted tombs and temples of the Nabataean kings who ruled here in the 3rd century BC. 

Hollowed by hand from the sandstone cliffs, the structures were badly damaged by an earthquake in Roman times, and later squatted by local Bedouins, whose descendants nowadays ferry visitors to the site by camel. The real highlight of visits today is the Night Walk, when you can savour the Treasury’s ancient stonework by the light of flickering flames.

Jordan's desert castles, beautiful examples of both early Islamic art and architecture, stand testament to a fascinating era in the country's rich history. Their fine mosaics, frescoes, stone and stucco carvings, and illustrations, inspired by the best in Persian and Graeco-Roman traditions, tell countless stories of life as it was during the 8th century. Called castles because of their imposing stature, the desert complexes actually served various purposes as caravan stations, agriculture and trade centres, resort pavilions, and outposts that helped distant rulers forge ties with local Bedouins.