While Western travellers have been exploring large parts of the Middle East for more than a century, Jordan is relatively new to tourists, welcoming a tiny percentage of the people who visit neighbouring Israel and Egypt.

Many people know Jordan for its desserts and camels, however this is a country full of ancient churches, castles, beaches and mountains, along with urban populations and a rich culture. It’s also both safe and welcoming for travellers.

The country is comprised of about 85% dessert, and you’ll also find the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on earth, and the Red Sea- home to some of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs.

Jordan links Europe to Africa and Asia and has been home to Christian Crusaders, Muslims, Romans, and Greeks, all leaving evidence of their conquests and thousands of different archaeological sites waiting to be explored.

Here are some of the highlights of Jordan:

Petra

Petra was hidden from the world and deserted for hundreds of years, only rediscovered and the 1800s. Now, it’s the leading tourist attraction inJordan and one of the most incredible archaeological sites and New Seven Wonders of the World.

You’ll walk through a 1.2km gorge to get to Petra (known as the Siq), and eventually the rocks will give way to the treasury (Al Kazneh) which was a royal tomb and featured in the film Indian Jones and the Last Crusade.

Wadi Rum

Here you’ll find huge stretches of desert, ancient riverbeds, and incredible rock formations. Bring your camera, because Wadi Rum has been forged over millions of years of erosion and evolution, and is home to Bedouins living in goat hair tents, preserving a lifestyle that has been practised for centuries.

The most popular things to do in Wadi Rum include a 4×4 jeep ride through the dessert and a night in a remote camp under the stars.

The Dead Sea

This sea straddles the border between Jordan and Israel, and it’s 6 times saltier than the normal ocean, meaning you can’t sink or swim and will just bob like a cork. Beauty products around the world are made from the minerals in the dead sea, so spend some time relaxing and enjoy the therapeutic qualities of the water.

Aqaba

You’ll find this laid-back resort on the tip of the Red Sea, and it’s renowned for its clear waters, sandy beaches and colourful reefs. You’ll be able to scuba dive, snorkel, swim, fish, or try out watersports like jet-skiing, parasailing and waterskiing.

Madaba

This ancient city is known as home to some of the world’s most impressive mosaics, and the masterpieces can be found sprawling across the floors of buildings throughout the city. Check out the one in St George’s church, which forms a map and is believed to be the oldest map of the Holy Land.

The city is walkable, so you can spend time exploring hectic markets, narrow streets and holy sites.