Driving around Jordan
We visited Jordan in December 2012. We flew to Amman on British Airways. We hired a car and toured the country for a week.
British Airways’ predecessor airline BOAC used to have the nickname “Better on a Camel”. At times when we were driving around we wondered if it would have been better on a camel too.
Day One
We arrived at Amman Airport. We chose to stay near the airport but we took a taxi into the city for a look around.
Amman is probably not the most exciting place in the middle east, but it was perfectly pleasant.
We did have some of the best falafel I have ever tasted….
Day Two
We picked up the car (a Nissan Sunny – a little worn but…) and headed off along the King’s Highway towards Petra.
The distances were relatively short but the hazards (including sleeping policemen) were many.
We made a stop for lunch at the Crusader Castle at Karak
It was a little difficult to find our way around in the back streets but the GPS helped. Eventually.
Day Three
We spent all day hiking around Petra. it was simply stunning.
We walked over 15 miles in total.
Day Four
We set off early in the direction of Wadi Rum.
We switched to a 4X4 for a trip out into the desert where the film Lawrence of Arabia was both set and filmed.
We visited the HJR railway at Wadi Rum near Aqaba (shown in the photograph top) to learn of its connection with the real Lawrence of Arabia.
We then headed through to Aqaba, where 4 countries (Jordan, Israel, Saudi and Egypt) all meet the Red Sea within a few miles of each other.
We headed north again along the Dead Sea Highway. Sadly this was where we witnessed a fatal hit and run accident.
We reached the Dead Sea just as the sun setting over the Israeli side. We spent the night at a Dead Sea Hotel.
Day Five
As we headed north again into the fertile Jordan valley. There were lots of fruit and tomato stalls by the side of the road.
We paused at Mt. Nebo (with its view into Israel) at the spot where Moses was offered the “promised land”
Then we made a lunch stop at Masaba.
In the afternoon we visited the church of John the Baptist.
Day Six
We drove up from the Dead Sea to Jarash. We drove past more fruit sellers and road hazards and then spent the morning walking around the town and its impressive Roman ruins.
We had a final meal before heading back to Amman and the flight home.
Trains To Beyond 