Jordan

Jordan is an Arab country in Southwest Asia spanning the southern part of the Syrian Desert down to the Gulf of Aqaba. Much of Jordan is covered by desert, particularly the Arabian Desert; however the north-western area, with the Jordan River, is regarded as part of the Fertile Crescent. The capital city of Amman is in the north-west.

Jordan is a unique destination which boasts both modern, vibrant cities and the majestic ruins of bygone civilizations. Highlights include the city of Amman, the ruins at Jerash, the granite cliffs at Wadi Rum and the cleansing mud baths of the Dead Sea.

Things to see and do

* Amman – Capital city of Jordan
* Madaba — known for its mosaic map of Jerusalem
* Petra – Jordan’s top attraction, an ancient carved out of sandstone
* Jerash – one of the largest Roman ruins in the Middle East
* Kerak – site of a Crusader castle

Cruise Season – Oct - April
Currency – Jordanian dinar (JOD)
Language – Arabic
Land Area – 91,971 km²
Population –6,200,000 approx
Electricity – 2 round pins European style
Time – GMT plus two hours
International Country Telephone Code – +962

Port Location – The shipping port and Jordan's only access to the Red Sea is located at Aqaba, Jordan’s only port city.

Transport Links – Jordan's national airline is Royal Jordanian Airlines. In addition, Jordan is served by a number of foreign carriers including British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airways, Egypt Air, Emirates and Delta Airlines. Low-cost airlines Sama and Air Arabia fly between Jordan and destinations all over the Middle East.

Long distance bus services operate from a number of Middle Eastern destinations including Tel Aviv and Damascus.

Jordan can be entered at the port of Aqaba via the Egyptian port of Nuweiba. There are two services, ferry and speedboat.