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MOUNT NEBO -
Only a 10-minute drive from Madaba, this is the site where Moses'
was said to have looked over into the Promised Land, but was not
permitted to enter. From the platform you have a breathtaking view
across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the spires of
Jerusalem.
HAMMAMAT MA’IN -
These natural hot springs are 30 kms west of Madaba. The winding
road crosses some of the most spectacular territory around the Dead
Sea and descends steeply to the springs. There is a hot waterfall
(with lots of eye-contact going on between the visitors). The site
is not developed or maintained well, so if you require railed
walkways and smooth sand, you should skip this. But, if you want to
bathe in the hot waters with the locals and are prepared for some
adventure, don’t miss it. There is an overpriced hotel and
restaurant at the site.
MUKAWIR -
The site of Herod's palace where tradition has it that Salome danced
and John the Baptist was beheaded. It is also the site where Salome
performed her famous and enticing dances.
PETRA -
Petra, the legacy of the Nabataeans, is the jewel of the crown that
is Jordan. For almost 300 years this site was hidden from western
eyes, until in the early 1800's a Swiss Traveller"rediscovered" it.
Much of Petra's special appeal comes from its amazing setting deep
inside a narrow desert gorge. From the main entrance you walk into
the chasm that ripped through the rock. Petras' most famous
monument, the Treasure, appears dramatically at the end of the
chasm. This towering facade (made even more famous from the film
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) is only one of Petra's secrets.
One can walk for days exploring the caves, halls, temples, and
multicolored formations. If you are only going to see one place in
Jordan, or possibly in the whole Middle East, make it Petra.
WADI RUM -
Many people pass by Wadi Rum because it takes some efforts to reach
it, but…it has some of the most spectacular desert scenery one will
ever see and it is most certainly worth the efforts to get there.
This and Petra are the two “musts” in Jordan. During the 1917-1978
Arab Revolt, this was Lawrence’s desert base.
AQABA -
Jordan’s port city on the Red Sea. Simple, friendly,
quiet, relaxing. Convenient jump off point to Egypt and Israel
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