A close second to Petra on the list of favorite destinations in Jordan is the ancient city of Jerash, which boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. Jerash lies on a plain surrounded by hilly wooded areas and fertile basins. Conquered by General Pompey in 63 BC, it came under Roman rule and was one of the ten great Roman cities of the Decapolis League. The city's golden age came under Roman rule, during which time it was known as Gerasa, and the site is now generally acknowledged to be one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Hidden for centuries in sand before being excavated and restored over the past 70 years, Jerash reveals a fine example of the grand, formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle East, comprising paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates.

Perched atop a hill in northern Jordan, sits Ajloun Castle. Its medieval Arab architecture, and breath taking views of the sprawling countryside of Ajloun make this landmark one of the marvels of the Middle East. Built in 1184 AD by one of Saladin’s generals, this castle was meant to control the iron mines of Ajloun, and deter the Crusaders who would spend decades trying, unsuccessfully, to capture the castle and nearby village. Ajloun castle was placed in the center of three routes leading to the Jordan Valley, protecting trade routes between Jordan and Syria. To this day, ten Salah ed-Din soldiers guard the gates of this historic castle at all times.

Perched on a splendid hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee, Gadara is known today as Umm Qays, and boasts an impressive colonnaded street, a vaulted terrace, and the ruins of two theatres. You can take in the sights with a breathtaking view.

Take a moment to step back in time and marvel at these magnificent creations. A number of castles and fortresses are scattered along the desert of Jordan, just east of the capitol city, Amman. Built under the Umayyad dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries, the primary uses of these castles are still unknown, but they are believed to have a variety of uses including agricultural, defensive, and residential purposes, retreats for nobles, and possibly a base for hunting. While some of the castles are partly rebuilt, they still represent early examples of Islamic art and architecture that are quite impressive.

Madaba is widely known for its unparalleled Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, making it one of the most memorable cities in the Holy Land. Hundreds of exquisite stone mosaics fill the churches and homes in the city. Most notably, you will see the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, which is covered with a 6th century Mosaic Map. Consisting of two million pieces of brilliantly colored local stone this map depicts the hills, valleys, homes, towns, and villages of Jerusalem. A masterpiece, to say the least!

Christian and Jewish tradition states that this religious site is where Moses brought to view The Promised Land, and the place where he would later be buried. In 1933, atop the highest point of the mountain, Syagha, a 4th century church, built to commemorate the place of Moses’ death was uncovered. You will be able to travel back in time and see the remains of this ancient church, including hollowed out tombs, and vivid mosaic floors. Being one of the most important sites in Jordan for religious history, Pope John Paul II visited in 2000, and planted an olive tree, which you can see beside the Byzantine chapel.

Most of this archaeological site, which started as a Roman military camp and grew to become a town from the 5th century, has not been excavated. It contains remains from the Roman, Byzantine and Early Muslim periods (end of 3rd to 9th centuries AD) and a fortified Roman military camp. The site also has 16 churches, some with well-preserved mosaic floors. Particularly noteworthy is the mosaic floor of the Church of Saint Stephen with its representation of towns in the region. Two square towers are probably the only remains of the practice, well known in this part of the world, of the stylites (ascetic monks who spent time in isolation atop a column or tower). Um er-Rasas is surrounded by, and dotted with, remains of ancient agricultural cultivation in an arid area.

Before entering this magnificent castle, spend some time studying the map at its entry point. This will help you to understand a bit of the history of Kerak, and the people who once lived there. Bring a flashlight with you! This fortress is filled with dark tunnels and passageways that you will definitely want to see! Although the castle that will be standing before you dates back to the 12th century, Karak was a fortress long before then. The Bible refers to the King of Isreal and his allies ravaging the Moab and seizing king Mesha in the fortress of Kir Heres, known today as Karak.

Visit the rose-red city known as Sela in the Bible and lost to the world for five centuries until it was rediscovered in 1812. Enter Petra on horseback through a narrow gorge carved in the sandstone and opening on the stunning view of the Treasury, made famous in the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”. Visit the palace, the High Palaces and the Roman-Style Palace.

Aqaba is a fun coastal city that is a great example of all the best things Jordan has to offer. Many people come here for vacation, and enjoy scuba diving, glass bottom boats, and soft sandy beaches that meet the calm waves of The Red Sea. Going back as far as five and a half thousand years, Aqaba has been an important port for the economy of Jordan. It was a prime junction for land and sea routes from Asia, Europe, and Africa- and it still is! The first church in the world is said to have been built here, and that is just the beginning of Aqaba’s long and impressive history!

Dana Biosphere Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Jordan, covering over 300 square kilometers and all four different bio-geographical zones of the Kingdom. In the east, elevations reach 1500 meters before descending through canyons and gorges to the low elevations of Wadi Araba. Dana is one of the most biologically and historically rich areas in Jordan. The area is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the world and boasts Neolithic villages, ancient copper mines, Roman aqueducts and Byzantine churches. The diverse landscapes, wildlife and cultures offer a micro-paradise for adventurers, history buffs, archaeologists, hikers, and nature lovers. Perched atop the cliffs of Dana Village, visitors can enjoy panoramic views from Dana Guesthouse, where they may even be able to spot the illusive Nubian Ibex. Another option for accommodation is the Rummana Campsite, set in a rare and exceptionally beautiful location inside the Reserve.

Enjoy a day at one of the most incredible places in the world. The Dead Sea speaks for itself; there are no living fish in it! Swimming in The Dead Sea is quite an incredible feeling as it is impossible to sink in the thick brine, which is four times as salty as regular sea water.