Jordan

March 2022. The borders between countries had just reopened after the pandemic. To enter Jordan, when I booked the flight, a negative test was required before departure and another upon arrival. Many were discouraged. I was not. I had a strong desire to start traveling again, to feel the warmth on my skin, to get moving again.

Took all the precautions and bought the ticket. And, fortunately, a few days before departure, they eliminated the arrival swab. I never would have thought to see Petra so empty. But let's go in order.

Amman

Chaotic and fascinating at the same time. A total immersion in history, flavors, and culture.

At the Citadel, where I started my tour, official guides are selected through national exams work (always check the badge they must wear!). The languages in which they can conduct tours are also regulated.

I chose a guide who spoke Italian: an Italian mother, a Jordanian father, with blue eyes and very light skin. He told me that at the market they always gave him "tourist" prices… until he started speaking Arabic. And everything changed!

He also took me to the amphitheater and the local markets, where I tasted one of the best knafeh ever: gooey cheese, crunchy pastry, and sweet syrup. An indescribable delight.

Jerash

After the chaos of the capital, I moved towards Jerash, about an hour's drive from Amman, entering a completely different atmosphere. Here time seems to have stopped. Considered one of the best-preserved Roman ruin complexes in the world, Jerash is immense: walking among the majestic Arch of Hadrian, the long colonnaded streets, the oval plazas, and the still surprisingly intact theaters, you truly get the feeling of strolling through a two thousand year old city. It is so extensive that even dedicating an entire day to it, it's difficult to see everything at a leisurely pace. Many choose to visit it as a day trip from Amman, a solution I recommend especially for those who prefer to stay in mid-to-upper-range hotels. On the other side, stopping in the surroundings allows you to savor a slower and more authentic rhythm.

Dead Sea

I knew that you float more in saltwater. But this much? I didn't expect it!

The Dead Sea is actually not a sea but a lake, famous for having one of the highest salt concentrations in the world: here, floating is not an option, it's a certainty. I had fun trying the strangest positions just to sink… without success! It's an almost surreal sensation, you feel very light, suspended on the water. However, be careful not to immerse your head: the salt burns your eyes a lot. Besides bathing, the mineral-rich muds are also famous, perfect for a rejuvenating break. There is not much else to visit in the area, so I recommend spending at least one night in one of the hotels directly on the shore: relaxation, spa, and panoramic pool make the experience even more special.

I chose to stay one night at the Kempinski, a 5-star hotel right on the shore. Mud treatments, infinity pool, and total relaxation. After endless walks among the fascinating ancient ruins, it was exactly what was needed.

Wadi Rum

The desert of Wadi Rum in Jordan is so surreal that many films have been shot here, from Star Wars to The Martian, to the more recent Dune. And indeed... it truly has a cosmic appearance.

The desert is divided into two souls, depending on the color of the rock formations: red and white. Spending at least one night there is an incredible experience, especially to admire the constellations in total silence. But be careful: in the evening, temperatures can drop significantly.

Here you will find various solutions, from glamping in transparent bubbles to sleep under the stars, to more spartan and authentic camps. However, one thing unites them: they are often managed by Bedouin families of the desert, especially by the younger generations.

In my camp, there were seven brothers managing everything. Their father had seven wives and was constantly moving to follow the needs of the pastures. However, the sons, perhaps also thanks to globalization and the people they meet every day from all over the world, told me with a smile that they don't think about having more than one wife... if anything, just one!

Petra

When you think of Petra, you think of the Treasury. But its magic lies in the whole experience. You pass through the Siq, a narrow gorge carved into the rock, which prevents you from seeing what's beyond... until suddenly an immense square opens up in front of you and the temple appears. Very close. Majestic.

On the surrounding rocks, some Bedouins have created small panoramic cafés with carpets and hot tea. There is usually a line for a photo from above with a view of the temple.

I, on the other hand, experienced it almost in solitude. Silence. Peace. Pure wonder.

But Petra is much more than its main temple: it is an entire city carved into the rock. On the second day, I walked for 22 km... and still hadn't seen everything.

Aqaba

Overlooking the Red Sea, perfect for those who want to start diving. Warning: they can be addictive!

The current king of Jordan is a great diving enthusiast and, together with the navy, has contributed to the creation of an underwater park with sunken wrecks: a commercial airplane, a tank, and other vessels.

I boarded the plane through the front door and exited through the rear one at about 30 meters deep. An incredible experience. If you try this, check the bathroom carefully, there's a fun surprise waiting for you!

If you don't dive, you can still go snorkeling and see tropical fish and, with a bit of luck, sea turtles.

Be careful with public beaches: out of respect for the local culture, it's better to choose private beaches if you want to wear a swimsuit. Here, locals actually prefer to swim dressed.

Would you like to immerse yourself among millenary ruins, float effortlessly, explore the seabed, and taste warm bread with hummus, spices, and very tender meat?

Jordan is a country full of history, welcoming people, and unforgettable flavors.

If it inspires you, write to me. Let's organize your next trip together ✨

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