(MENAFNEditorial) Immerse yourself in the Middle Eastern delights of Jordan, a magical country full of archaeological sites, historic cities and natural reserves. Culture vultures and intrepid travellers should look to Jordan tours specialist [http://www.coxandkings.co.uk/middle-east/jordan-tours ] Cox & Kings, who have picked out the top five places to see in Jordan that will get you packing pronto!
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Nature lovers will revel at the Dana biosphere, a reserve where you can see rare species of birds and plants. Experience four different biological zones within one area: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian and Sudanian penetration.[1] Featuring 833 species of plants and 215 species of birds across 300 square kms, the reserve contains one third of Jordan's plant species, including three recently discovered varieties.[2] Its interchanging landscape from granite to sandstone[3] extends in altitude from 100 metres below sea level up to 1,500 metres above sea level.[4] A natural wonder in all its glory!
Dead Sea
Reportedly the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea is a wondrous place for relaxation and exploration.[5] Fed by a number of rivers, including the River Jordan, the landlocked saline waters evaporate in the Middle Eastern heat, leaving behind a high concentration of salts and minerals, reported to have healing properties. With scientists believing the Dead Sea may dry up by 2050, it's worth visiting before it's too late![6]
Red Sea
Surrounded by desert coastline and named after the red algae (Trichodesmium Erytreum) found in the water, the Red Sea is often referred to as the 'Underwater garden of Eden'.[7] Dating back 30 million years, species found in the water are an eclectic mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean origin.[8] This is due in part to its history as the sea was once closed at the southern end and open to the north.[9] A notable location in biblical texts, it is also believed that Moses escaped Egypt by crossing this ancient sea.[10]
Wadi Rum
The dramatic desert of Wadi Rum gives way to canyons that cut deep into the languid landscape, allowing you to see and experience Bedouin culture. Visit Lawrence's Spring, the spot Lawrence of Arabia reportedly washed himself during the Arab revolt and see one of the ancient 20,000 rock carvings and inscriptions that adorn this spectacular desert.[11] With a reported history of human inhabitants dating back 12,000 years[12] you won't be short of things to see and do.
Petra
Dating back more than 2,000 years, the rose-red city of Petra has only been known to the western world for the last 200 years.[13] Rediscovered by chance in August 1812 by J L Burkhardt, 2012 celebrates its 200th anniversary. Carved into solid sandstone rock, this Unesco world heritage site[14] boasts some of the finest archaeological sites, including the mysterious Treasury and The Monastery.
Cox & Kings was established in 1758 and is built on high quality service and attention to detail that enables the company to continue to flourish as an independent tour operator, with operations in London, the US, Japan, Australia and throughout India. Cox & Kings organises escorted group tours [http://www.coxandkings.co.uk/grouptours ] in the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and the Caribbean.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Cox & Kings is the world's longest established travel company. Its history stretches back more than 250 years to 1758 when Richard Cox was appointed regimental agent to the Footguards (later the Grenadier Guards). The company's fortunes grew hand in hand with the British Empire and by the early 20th century the company was acting as agent and banker throughout the armed forces and as a shipping agent. In 1922 Cox & Co merged with the Henry S King bank, which had strong connections with India. The bank became part of Lloyds and the shipping agency grew separately, evolving into the modern travel company.
1. http://www.rscn.org.jo/orgsite/RSCN/HelpingNature/ProtectedAreas/DanaBiosphereReserve/tabid/93/Default.aspx
2. http://www.unesco.org/science/doc/mab/Jordan.pdf
3. http://www.rscn.org.jo/orgsite/RSCN/HelpingNature/ProtectedAreas/DanaBiosphereReserve/tabid/93/Default.aspx
4. http://www.unesco.org/science/doc/mab/Jordan.pdf
5. http://uk.visitjordan.com/Default.aspx?tabid=67
6. http://uk.visitjordan.com/Default.aspx?tabid=67
7. http://www.7wonders.org/wonders/asia/jordan/aqaba/northern-red-sea.aspx
8. http://www.7wonders.org/wonders/asia/jordan/aqaba/northern-red-sea.aspx
9. http://www.7wonders.org/wonders/asia/jordan/aqaba/northern-red-sea.aspx
10. http://www.7wonders.org/wonders/asia/jordan/aqaba/northern-red-sea.aspx
11. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1377
12. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1377
13. http://uk.visitjordan.com/Default.aspx?tabid=63
14. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/326
Source: Cox & Kings
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