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Jordan, a cinematic landscape

Photo: Richard I'Anson
Photo: Richard I'Anson

Want to experience Mars on Earth like Matt Damon in The Martian; marvel at the magical land of 'One Thousand and One Nights' like Disney’s Aladdin; or to charter your own epic desert adventure in the same location as the Star Wars IX movie? Here are five of the best adventure tour ideas to take in Wadi Rum's mesmerising landscapes – as seen on the big screen.

Walk the best sections of the new Jordan Trail

The recently completed Jordan Trail is a continuous 400-mile trekking route that traverses the entire country through diverse landscapes and terrain, from rugged cliffs, beautiful forests and enchanting ‘wadis’.  From the forested Ajlun Reserve in the North to the crystal waters of the Red Sea in the South, the trail's breathtaking scenery is interspersed with archaeological monuments that showcase the country’s illustrious past.

Breathtaking views from the summit of Jabal Umm ad Dami in the Wadi Rum |  <i>Sue Badyari</i>

This Jordan Trail Highlights trip allows those short on time to experience some of the best parts of the Jordan Trail, including climbing Jabal Um Ad Dami, the highest peak in Jordan, where you will be rewarded with majestic views of Wadi Rum’s dramatic desert landscapes across to Saudi Arabia in the distance.

Explore Jordan from north to south on two wheels

Following a mix of quiet roads, scenic trails, dirt tracks and even caravan paths, Jordan by bike takes in some of the country’s most sought-after visitor experiences – from covering yourself in mud and floating on the Dead Sea to spending a full day at Petra and sleeping under the stars at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum.

The Temple of Hercules  sits above the city of Amman |  <i>Jordan Tourism Board</i>

Further highlights include enjoying scenic views from the summit of Mount Nebo (where Moses looked across at the Promised Land), riding to Dana Biosphere (Jordan’s largest nature reserve), admiring 2,000-year-old frescoes at the little known Little Petra (discovered comparatively recently - in 2010), taking in the vibrant atmosphere of capital Amman and relaxing on a boat ride at the Red Sea.

Spend the night at a futuristic dome in the heart of Wadi Rum

Are you looking to sleep somewhere more memorable than the four walls of a hotel room on your next trip? Experience Jordan’s ‘Valley of the Moon’ in comfort, sleeping under a blanket of stars at a futuristic dome in the heart of Wadi Rum, surrounded by remote sand dunes and rugged mountains.

Martian Dome Tent external view Martian Dome Tent balcony Martian Dome Tent views from the room
 

Combining modern style comforts with an authentic desert experience, the living quarters of each dome tent feature individual air-conditioning, private bathroom, hot water as well as a separate viewing terrace.

Cross Jordan from Dana to Wadi Rum on foot

Jordan’s landscape is astonishing and the best way to fully appreciate this biblical land is on foot. The route from Dana to Petra is considered one of the finest multi-day hikes in the region. In the company of a local guide and Bedouin crew, you will trek from Dana Nature Reserve through remote canyons and alongside near-vertical gorges, experiencing wilderness camping in breathtaking oases.

Boulders in Dana Nature Reserve, Jordan

At Wadi Rum, climb to the famous rock arch at Burdah Bridge and trek through the rugged Rakebak Canyon – harsh and inhospitable, the raw but spectacular landscape of the land of Lawrence of Arabia is superb for exploration.

Tick off the very best of Jordan on a whirlwind tour

The Kingdom of Jordan has an overwhelming array of historical and geographical sites. Joining in capital Amman and with convenient daily, year-round departures, our Best of Jordan itinerary is ideal for anyone short on time as it ticks all the highlights of the country in just five days. Tour the dramatic Wadi Rum by jeep, a favourite location for international film productions, from Lawrence of Arabia to Star Wars; explore the iconic monuments of the Red Rose City of Petra  made famous by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade; see yourself floating in the world famous Dead Sea, the lowest point (on dry land) on Earth; and walk along the ‘Street of Columns’ as you wander through the preserved Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash.

First glimpse of Petra's Treasury (Al-Khazneh) |  <i>Alan Fieldus</i> Floating in the Dead Sea, Jordan |  <i>Jordan Tourism Board</i> The well preserved Roman city of Jerash, Jordan |  <i>Jordan Tourism Board</i>
Adventure Travel, Jordan, Adventure Tour, Film locations, petra, wadi rum, jordan trail, dana trek, middle east, dead sea, Dana Nature Reserve

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