dutyfree

I am in the final stages of planning an Egypt and Jordan trip for next month. Other than going to jerash,Petra and Wadi Rum besides Amman-any other places that you would suggest adding to our itinerary? We have about 5/6 days there. Thanks!

clamchowder

Wadi Mujib.

It is a nature reserve that looks like the Grand Canyon & runs into the Dead Sea.

In biblical times, it formed the boudary between the kingdoms of Moab (south side) and Ammon (north side).

www.visitjordan.com

germanblonde

The Dead Sea.

dutyfree, how are you travelling around Jordan? Tour? Car and driver? etc? I am trying to organize a trip to Jordan in 2010.

thursdaysd

Madaba, if you like mosaics - and make sure you visit the Archaeological Park, not just St. George's church. Don't allocate too much time for Amman, but be aware that the western suburbs are a remarkable contrast to downtown.

If you have your own transport there are some nature reserves that sound well worth investigating - check Lonely Planet.

althom1122

Yes, I'll second the Dead Sea. It's unreal the way you float in the water. You actually kind of sit on top of it. It's pretty much impossible to sink. Unreal. I posted my pics from Jordan recently if you're interested - Jerash and the Dead Sea.

P_M

The Dead Sea is a unique experience and that gets my vote.

You said you are going next month which of course is December. I was on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea in Dec 2007. The water was a bit more chilly than I would have liked but bearable. I highly recommend bringing some type of aqua socks because the bottom is rough and you need to protect your feet.

I was on the Israeli side in Feb 2007 and that was not bearable, the water was to friggin' cold!! However some hotels (including mine) have an indoor heated swimming pool with Dead Sea water so you can have the same floating experience in more comfort. This is something to consider if you are sensitive to cold water.

dutyfree

GermanBlonde-I am doing it as a part or extension of our Egypt trip next month. Anyone got anything that they enjoyed in Amman?

thursdaysd

Amman - the Citadel (currently having its site renovated) and its museum are worth seeing. I thought the Roman Theater was skipable. I was more interested than I expected in the Fine Arts Museum, which has modern art from all over the Islamic world. I'd just come from Damascus, so I didn't bother with shopping in the (very rundown) downtown area.

I spent some time with my ex-step-daughter's in-laws, which is how I got a driving tour of the western suburbs - amazing new houses - cross between palaces and castles. Also a glitzy new multi-story mall. Lonely Planet is out-of-date - Shmeisani is no longer a happening place - maybe Abdoun.

I ate lunch a couple of times at Hashem - dirt cheap but lots of locals and good felafels and hummus. I ate dinner twice at Abu Ahmad - delicious cheese pie appetizer and very tender chicken (wine available), but good luck finding a taxi driver who knows where it is. Have the taxi drop you in front of Jacob's Pharmacy on 3rd Circle, start with your back to the pharmacy, and keep turning left.

thursdaysd

Also see http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/11/22...tml?ref=travel - very timely of them!