With everything that is happening these days, including the ongoing civil war in Syria, ISIS attacking various locations, and more, people are nervous about taking a vacation in the Middle East. However, there are still some safe locations to enjoy an exotic and truly fascinating tour.
Jordan, sitting on the border of Syria in the north, Israel and Palestine to the west, and Saudi Arabia to the south and east, is one of these safe destinations for a vacation in the Middle East.
The City Of Petra, Jordan | Photography by ©Unknown Master pic.twitter.com/fJXnOFnnIs
— Piclogy (@Piclogy) July 30, 2015
While its capital, Amman, is not one of the most attractive destinations, the country has some truly fascinating locations to visit. One such destination is the Roman ruins in Jerash, including the Roman Oval Piazza, pictured here.
However, for anyone interested in visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, as well as one of the “ 28 Places to See Before You Die ” as chosen by the prestigious Smithsonian Magazine, Petra is a must-see.
The city is thought to have been the capital of a powerful empire, trading in frankincense and myrrh around 2,000 years ago and was not built, but rather intricately carved into the natural sandstone of the area.
@lonelyplanet A2: The hidden city of Petra in Jordan which made my inner Indiana Jones leap with joy. ? #LPChat pic.twitter.com/YyFBbOgC1I
— Yasammez (@Yassammez) July 30, 2015
In the city temples, tombs and many other truly beautiful and well-preserved buildings can be seen. This fascinating destination is also known as Rose City, due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved and is a definite worthwhile visit on a vacation in the Middle East.
While the city was probably accessed from various locations in the past, modern-day visitors head into Petra from the east, following a dark, narrow gorge, pictured above. At the end of this passageway can be found what is probably Petra’s most elaborate building, “Al Khazneh,” which means “the Treasury.”
While this carved wonder, pictured below, is remarkably well-preserved, its façade has suffered hundreds of bullet holes, made by local Bedouin tribes attempting to dislodge the riches that are rumored to be hidden within.
Another location not to be missed on a tour of Jordan is the Dead Sea. Also known as “The Salt Sea,” this hypersaline lake consists of over 34 percent salt, making it Earth’s saltiest body of water, which gives it a unique color. The Dead Sea is bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west.
Perfect for a spa vacation in the Middle East, the Dead Sea is rich in magnesium and silicon compounds. Visitors to the many spas and treatment centers in the surrounding areas receive great benefits to both their skin and any joint disorders from the mud taken from the Dead Sea.
All in all, Jordan and its many unique attractions make for a perfect and safe vacation in the Middle East. Enjoy more scenes and information about fascinating Petra in the video included below.
[Images: Featured image Petra CC BY 2.0 Ana Jordan / Roman Oval Piazza in Jerash CC BY-SA 3.0 Jerzystrzelecki / Passage to Petra CC BY-SA 2.0 Emilio / Petra CC BY-SA 3.0 Berthold Werner / Dead Sea CC BY-SA 3.0 David Shankbone]
