Recent unrest in the Middle East has curtailed travel to this region by Americans to a considerable degree. Israel, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan have all experienced the near-absence of American tourists since Sept. 11 and now the war in Iraq.
But, starting in 2004, there has been a 23 percent increase in visitors from North America. This increase includes high-end travelers in the educational and religious markets who are spreading the word about the incredible historical and religious attractions of this country that borders on the Dead Sea.
Ancient Jordan includes remarkable Roman sites. The old Roman city of Gerasa (now Jerash) is one of the most extensive and best-preserved remains of the empire to be found worldwide.
Here modern visitors can experience the unique Roman Army and Chariot Experience that features Roman Army warfare techniques with war machines in action. There are also seven lap races with Roman chariots to give the visitor a thrilling glimpse of life experienced by the citizens of the ancient city nearly 2,000 years ago.
Ancient religious sites include the Jordan River where John the Baptist preached, Mount Nebo (perhaps Mount Sinai of the Bible) and a treasure of other Old Testament sites.
There also is Petra, the ancient Jordanian cliff city with archeological treasures carved from the living rock. This site has been brought to widespread attention as the setting for the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”
Modern Jordan has an excellent infrastructure with the modern capitol city of Amman as its centerpiece. This cosmopolitan city is peaceful, with no signs of barricades or security guards.
There are wide avenues, fine museums and a wide choice of luxury hotels and resorts. There are also many high-end resorts on the Dead Sea, hotels that are spectacular and seem like tranquil islands in the desert.
In the past, Jordan tours were usually sold as an add-on to tours of Egypt or Israel, but more and more, Jordan is being sold as a standalone destination. There is a wide variety of excellent tour operators offering Jordan tours for 2005 and beyond, most of which are eight- to 14-day tours that encompass the main highlights of the country.
Travelers with strong interest in religious paths or Roman history would do well to consider visiting Jordan, a safe, beautiful and fascinating country.
Linda and Dr. Don Overend are principals in The Travel Group, a full-service travel agency.
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