Grimsby Telegraph

See if Jordan floats your boat

Following Charles and Camilla’s royal tour of Jordan, KATIE WRIGHT looks at what to do, see and eat there

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THE Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were in the Middle East for their first major royal tour since the pandemic began, starting in Jordan.

Charles and Camilla celebrated the country’s centenary as well as “100 years of the UK-Jordan bilateral relationsh­ip,” according to Chris Fitzgerald, the prince’s deputy private secretary.

The visit also focused on, among other issues, preserving cultural heritage, and Jordan – a poplar tourist destinatio­n – is rich in history with incredible architectu­re, epic landscapes and delicious cuisine to boot.

Here’s everything you need to know about Jordan if you’re feeling inspired by Charles and Camilla...

WHAT TO SEE

Petra is, of course, top of the must-see list in Jordan. The ancient city (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is reached via the town of Wadi Musa.

After buying your entry ticket you can walk or hire a horse to ride 1.2km through the steep-walled rocky passage, called the Siq, before arriving at the iconic view of the Treasury carved into the pink-hued rock.

Jordan’s capital city Amman is also home to many architectu­ral wonders, from the Temple of Hercules in the historic Citadel perched high up on a hilltop to the downtown Roman Theatre.

In the mood for a mooch? Have a stroll down cobbled Rainbow Street, lined with shops and eateries, or explore the arty Jabal al-Weibdeh district.

WHAT TO DO

The craggy red rock formations of the Wadi Rum Protected Area have been used as Martian landscape in several films, and the desert region, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is popular with adventurou­s travellers. Hike through breathtaki­ng canyons or hop on a camel and let your long-legged friend ferry you across the windswept dunes. There’s also the option to spend a night in a traditiona­l Bedouin camp or a luxury bubble tent.

If you like a dip, Jordan borders the Dead Sea – located at the lowest point of land on earth, around 430m below sea level.

The famously salty waters mean you can bob about with ease and slather your body in the mineral-rich mud for a natural skin-soothing treatment – and hilarious photo ops, of course.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW?

In order to travel to Jordan, under current rules you will need proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure. You’ll also need to complete health declaratio­n and passenger locator forms and register on the Discover Jordan platform to book a second PCR test on arrival or claim exemption by proving you are fully vaccinated against Covid.

Due to security concerns, the UK government advises against all but essential travel within 3km of the Syrian border.

While Jordan, unlike some other Middle Eastern countries, doesn’t have a strict dress code, to be respectful to local traditions you are advised to dress modestly, and may wish to keep your shoulders and knees covered. For further and updated informatio­n on visiting Jordan, check the UK government’s foreign travel advice online.

 ?? ?? The amazing
abandoned city of Petra
The amazing abandoned city of Petra
 ?? ?? The Royals visit Umm Qais
The Royals visit Umm Qais
 ?? ?? Floating in the Dead
Sea
Floating in the Dead Sea

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