One of the very early centres of civilisation, with permanent settlements dating back over 6500 years, Jordan reveals its link to the past through some amazing sites: Jerash in the north, a stunning Roman town with rows of majestic colonnades, Umm Qais, founded by the Greeks with its Byzantine Basilica Terrace; while stretching to the south is the Kings' Highway, one of the oldest roads in the world.

Visit Mount Nebo, burial place of Moses; climb to the rocky pinnacle of Kerak Crusader Castle and take a desert journey through the amazing landscapes of Wadi Rum. And finally, see the most awe-inspiring sight in Jordan - Petra the "Rose Red City" carved directly into a mountain of multi-coloured sandstone, once the power base of the ancient Nabateans.

Weather
Jordan has long dry, hot summers with chilly nights and during the winter you can still expect plenty of warm weather and sunshine. The best time to travel is during the autumn, winter, September to March. The most fertile part of Jordon is the hilly region in the northwest, which experiences high rainfall between November and March, when weather fronts blow in from the Mediterranean.

Local Customs
Jordan is a Muslim country but is used to western influences. It is advisable that ladies wear long trousers or skirts when they are walking around the cities as the local people maybe offended by the wearing of skimpy clothes. Women should not enter mosques in shorts, short skirts or revealing clothing and should wear a headscarf when entering. Everyone must remove their shoes when visiting mosques..

When visiting any foreign country it is always polite to respect the local customs. Take the time before your trip to read up on the countries you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language.

Visas
We advise British passport holders that they obtain a Jordanian visa before arrival. The consular fee for a single entry tourist visa is currently £7.00. Currently you can obtain a visa on arrival, though please check at the time of booking as the situation can change. Most other nationalities also require a visa.

Vaccinations
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Malaria, Tetanus, Typhoid, infectious Hepatitis and Polio. It is your responsibility to check all relevant recommendations and also to get the most up-to-date health information for the destinations being visited. You can contact your GP or any of the following organisations:

MASTA: Telephone: 0906 822 4100 www.masta.org
Live Travel Health Line: 09068 633414
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Flight Duration
Flight time to Jordan from London is 5hrs, with British Airways.

Accommodation and Transport
We normally use 4 stars and some 3 star accommodations on our tours, where possible with some local character. In more remote areas where the choice of accommodation is limited, we will use the best available small hotels or local pensions.

A variety of transportation will be used on tour: cars, 4 wheel drive vehicles, minibuses or coaches, depending on the size of the party.