Jordan is a country rich with history and beauty. Since they’re so rich with iconic sights, Jordan tours inevitably involve a visit to the Dead Sea and Petra, but visitors are also pleasantly surprised by the amazing international food recipes of Amman and the modern cities they can visit.

Although small, the country has been at the center of some of the most historic trade routes for centuries. The Roman, Greek, Persian, Nebataean, and Byzantine Empires have all ruled over this area, each leaving behind unique and grand artifacts that you can still find, meaning history boffins will find plenty to write home about.

Jordan tours don’t just involve these ancient wonders, however. Today, Jordan is a modern and welcoming country, full of friendly people who are more than eager to show you how they live and why they call this beautiful desert home. You’ll come to experience a country that was part of many of the world’s greatest empires, but you’ll want to stay for the lingering smell of coffee in the streets, the delicious food and the arresting hospitality of the locals.

Jordan tours attract millions of people every year. The vast majority of these will involve  visit to Petra. Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient city was carved into the side of a rose-tinted sandstone cliff between the 6th and 4th Century B.C. It was once the capital of the Nebataean Empire and, as you’d imagine from such illustrious beginnings (and current acclaim), the site is nothing short of breathtaking.

Best of all, arriving to Petra is only the tip of the iceberg – the journey is every bit as interesting. Entering from the east, you must first traverse the Siq, which is a narrow gorge that’s only 3-4m wide at some points. If this sounds like too much effort, you can take a camel there. Jerash is similarly memorable, and well worth a visit.

Such is the diversity on offer in Jordan that once you’ve finished with this cultural and historical tour, you can relax in the Dead Sea in an idyllic beach setting. The Dead Sea is roughly 9 times saltier than a normal ocean. This creates a buoyancy which makes it difficult to do anything other than take a leisurely float on its surface.

If you’ve finished relaxing and are after a slice of Jordan’s nightlife, you could do much worse than to visit Amman. This city was established in 7,000 B.C. and still hosts a population of around 2 million people. It’s a unique blend of the old and the new, with crumbling buildings a stone’s throw from modern skyscrapers. Be sure to wander the narrow alleyways, enjoy the delicious coffee available in the local cafes and, at nighttime, downtown Amman is home to a number of shisha bars and nightclubs you can explore.