Kingdom of Time: Jordan
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My name is Priya, a professional photographer based in the Middle East & Africa. My expertise lies in on-location photography, particularly in areas that are less explored and rich in historical significance.
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Day 1: Amman – The Capital
Morning: Arrive in Amman, the busting capital city.
Stop for a bite at Hashem Restaurant - Hashem is one of the most iconic and beloved eateries in Amman, known for its simple yet delicious falafel, hummus, and other Middle Eastern dishes.
Daytime: Explore the Roman Theater - One of the fun and fascinating acoustic features of the Roman Theater in Amman is its "whispering gallery" effect. Due to the theater's architectural design, a person standing in the orchestra (the central circular area) can speak in a normal voice, and their words can be heard clearly even by someone seated in the highest tiers. This effect is a testament to the advanced engineering and understanding of acoustics by the Roman architects.
Evening: The Amman Citadel - known locally as Jabal al-Qal'a, is a historical site situated on one of the seven hills that originally made up the city of Amman, Jordan. It gives a good vantage point to observe the city from above.
Start heading to Petra. The drive from Amman to Petra typically takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route taken.
Day 2: Petra – The Rose City
Early Morning: Petra opens early in the morning, and starting your visit early can help you avoid the midday heat and large crowds.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) - Petra's most iconic monument, the Treasury is a stunning rock-cut facade carved out of a sandstone cliff. Originally a royal tomb, it is famous for its elaborate architecture and intricate details.
Make sure you don't stop here there is lot's more to see!
The Theatre: Roman-style theater carved into the rock, capable of seating about 4,000 spectators. The theater dates back to the 1st century AD and is a testament to Petra's cultural influences and architectural prowess.
The Great Temple: An expansive and impressive Nabatean temple complex. The Great Temple includes a grand staircase, a large courtyard, and various other structures that reflect the grandeur of Petra's past.
The Monastery (Ad-Deir): Another iconic monument similar in style to the Treasury but larger in size. The Monastery is located high up in the hills and requires a steep climb of about 800 steps. Don't forget to bring enough water for this climb.
Day 3: Little Petra & Wadi Rum: The Desert Adventure
Morning: Leave early to Little Petra - recommend a 7am start.
Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid, is an archaeological site located a few kilometers north of the main Petra complex in Jordan.
While smaller and less famous than Petra, Little Petra offers a fascinating glimpse into Nabatean life and architecture in a more intimate and less crowded setting.
Start your drive to Wadi-Rum. The distance from Petra to Wadi Rum is approximately 112 kilometers (about 70 miles). The drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Stop: The Wadi Rum Station is an intriguing historical site that features the remnants of the Hejaz Railway, which was famously associated with the Orient Express. This abandoned station offers a unique glimpse into the region's colonial past and its connection to early 20th-century railway history.
Evening: Check into your hotel and set out to catch the sunset on a 4 x 4 Jeep Ride.
Day 4: The Dead Sea
Morning: Start your drive to the Dead Sea. The drive from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea is approximately 280 kilometers (about 174 miles) and typically takes around 4 to 5 hours.
Stop: Wadi Al-Mujib, a vast valley adorned with magnificent geological formations.
Evening: Tip: Spend no more than 15-20 minutes in the water at a time to avoid excessive dehydration and skin irritation.
Day 5: Amman Airport
The drive from the Dead Sea to Amman Airport is approximately 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) and typically takes around 2 hours.
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Safe travels!
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