Unforgettable Jordan
Whilst I’m catching up on all things travel, I think its time to talk about last July and the most incredible trip to Jordan. I posted a few stories on Instagram, but again, have shared my itinerary below (which was so very kindly put together and hosted by the bride and groom).
We flew from London to Amman with British Airways - for some reason, I was expecting a jumbo jet for the five hour flight and was surprised to find myself on a standard short-haul sized plane without any entertainment! If you plan on travelling this same way, my top tip would be to download a series / bring a book and to eat that Itsu before boarding…
Our base for the trip was the St. Regis, Amman - a sophisticated Marriott hotel with luxurious interiors, an expansive pool terrace and a very strong breakfast offering. We travelled almost directly from the muddy fields of Secret Garden Party, which certainly made the hotel feel all the more comfortable!
Day 1: Exploring the North
Our first day took us on a historical journey through the north of Jordan.
We visited Jerash, an ancient city nestled at the foothills of the mountain of Gilead, which showcases one of the largest collections of Roman architecture outside of Italy.
We also stopped off at Ajloun Castle - a 20th century gem built by Salah el-Din.
Before a late lunch at Umm Qais, with breathtaking views of the north Jordan valley, the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee.
Day 2: Petra and Wadi Rum
Despite the number of tourists and the challenges associated with this (as well as the uncomfortable recognition of the part we play in perpetuating such challenges), Petra obviously left me in awe..
From here, we travelled to Wadi Rum, where the Mars-like vistas unfolded as we drove across the dunes. Spending the night under the shooting stars is a clear highlight of 2023.
Day 3: From Sunrise to the Dead Sea
Day 3 began by watching the sunrise over the desert and ended by watching the sunset over the Dead Sea - with an agonising, yet necessary dip in the salty water in between!
Day 4: Discovering Downtown Amman
On day 4, we peeled ourselves away from the pool to explore downtown Amman, indulging in some market shopping and discovering the charm of Tinitae - a health store, beautifully styled with lots of products from the Dead Sea.
The remainder of the trip unfolded in a myriad of truly amazing wedding events, weaving together the rich tapestry of Jordanian culture and traditions.
I’m only really reflecting on how much of a whirlwind trip it was many months later as I write up this post. I’m so grateful for such a packed itinerary and an unforgettable holiday exploring all that Jordan has to offer - from historical wonders to beautiful natural landscapes. It sounds cheesy, but it is a trip I won’t be forgetting in a long time.
