Jordan - Majestic Desert Landscapes

Royal Tombs, Petra

The Holy Lands have drawn travellers over the centuries. When you see the landscapes, the history, the people and the food, you realise why. At the moment, it just isn't responsible to either recommend or go ourselves to Israel or the surrounding nations.

Except for one.

Jordan.

We went there in 2017 to depart on a cruise with TUI. The package included a couple of days on the ship in Aqaba port. We broke a long-standing habit and decided to take a couple of ship tours to Petra and Wadi Rum.

Both turned out to be excellent decisions.

Nothing quite prepares you for the mesmerising history and stunning scenery of Petra. These ancient territories of the Nabateans and the Midianites enchant you as soon as you arrive, with their stunning red sandstone cliffs. But the sight of the Royal Tombs really takes your breath away. No wonder it featured in one of the Indiana Jones movies.

Wadi Rum was also one of the best travel experiences we have ever had. Spending time with the Bedouins in the home of Lawrence of Arabia, eating their food in their tents, was a special and unforgettable privilege. Being on a bus where the crazy tour guide insisted on telling the armed soldiers at every checkpoint that we were 'Al Qaeda' didn't detract from the sense of occasion, but allowed us a peak into the dark humour that keeps people going in this part of the world.

Sadly, due to the lack of peace in the region, it's quite risky to sail to or from the Middle East and there is every possibility that your cruise will be cancelled. But when peace comes, we highly recommend a visit to this remarkable place.

How to get there

Bedouins near to Petra

There aren't direct flights to Aqaba unless it's part of a cruise or package holiday. Due to the current situation, if you venture out to Jordan, we recommend you use either of these for safety reasons.

Most package holiday provide transfers to your accommodation or cruise ship. If you have to go from the hotel to the city under your own steam, there doesn't appear to be public transport from the airport, so you will need to use a taxi, which should cost a fixed rate of EUR 12.

How we did it

We flew with TUI from Glasgow and joined the two-week Mediterranean Sunrise cruise onboard the Thomson Celebration. Our tours were also booked through TUI, which is rare for us.

We didn't need a hotel as the cruise ship remained in port for a few days and provided all meals for us.

Our Top Tips

• The Middle East is a volatile region. We strongly advise you to take out adequate travel insurance that includes repatriation and ensure you are following your government's safety advice.

• The temperatures here are hot during the day and a lot cooler at night. Be prepared for this with sunblock and a jacket you can put on when the temperatures drop. Bring something hydrating with you too.

• Jordan is a relatively safe country, but we don't recommend taking unnecessary risks. Try to stay with your tour group, don't wander off and don't go out on your own.