Jordan, an Arab nation on the east bank of the Jordan River, is defined by ancient monuments, nature reserves and seaside resorts. It’s home to the famed archaeological site of Petra, the Nabatean capital dating to around 300 B.C. Set in a narrow valley with tombs, temples and monuments carved into the surrounding pink sandstone cliffs, Petra earns its nickname, the "Rose City."
Amman is a modern capital on an ancient site. Its Jabal al-Qal’a (Amman Citadel) is home to the Jordan Archaeological Museum, with artifacts like Dead Sea bronze scrolls, as well as the Roman-era Temple of Hercules. The city also has a lively dining, nightlife and arts scene. In the north, former Roman city Jerash has the colonnaded Oval Forum and 2 amphitheaters. The Dead Sea and the southern Red Sea port of Aqaba have beaches for diving and water sports. In the south, granite cliffs rising from the desert floor make the Wadi Rum valley popular for rock climbing, horse riding and camel safaris.