Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and the gateway to the Norwegian fjords. A small fisherman's city who's colourful wooden houses cannot fail to charm. Especially the area of Bryggem, a UNESCO World Heritage site which was occupied by the Hanseatens, a German federation which controlled fishing in the north of the country for years. The city is surrounded by seven mountains, the best known being Ulriken and Floyen, the latter the supposed home of fairies and trolls. Bergen was the inspiration for the Disney film, Frozen.

Bergen

Known as the &lsquo;Land of the Fjords&rsquo;, Norway is famous for its glistening waterways. The word &lsquo;fjord&rsquo; is of ancient Viking origin, used to describe the watery inlets that stud the coastline of Norway. So what is a fjord? These mythical bodies of water are created by retreating glaciers that, after carving out a groove into the coastal cliffs, melt away leaving behind huge channels to be inundated with seawater.&nbsp;
The thing that makes Norway&rsquo;s fjords so impressive are their sheer length, number and complexity; some of them even have branches that continue to carry the seawater in different directions along tributaries. You can think of the fjords as natural canal systems. One thing is for sure is their incredible beauty and appeal; they are surely the biggest attraction of a trip to Norway. Norwegian fjords cruises are increasingly popular with travellers who desire a tranquil getaway amidst the heavenly landscapes of Norway&rsquo;s fjord region. Glistening, glacial waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs; sounds like a perfect picture!
 
<h2>Must-see Fjords</h2>
On a Norwegian fjord holiday, it can be challenging to know which fjords to focus on. The &lsquo;King of the Fjords&rsquo; is a good place to start! Sognefjord is the deepest and longest of the Norwegian fjords, at 1308 metres deep in places and weaving its way into the mainland for a staggering 200 kilometres! It is a natural giant and one of the most widely enjoyed fjords by visitors as its depth allows for large cruise ships to navigate on the waters.&nbsp;
For the wow-factor, head to the Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord, two of the most spectacular in the country and both inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Bordered by free-flowing waterfalls which cascade into the fjord and traditional farm dwellings dotted along the hillsides, these fjords are sure to make you feel as if you have stepped into a fairytale.&nbsp;
A Norwegian fjords cruise is incomplete without navigating the Hardangerfjord, which begins just south of the city of Bergen, on the Atlantic Ocean, and ends all the way in the Hardangervidda mountains. This mighty fjord is famed for its summertime apple trees, which blossom all along the lengths of its banks.&nbsp;
 
<h2>How to experience the Fjords</h2>
A fjord cruise is perhaps the best way to get a good view of the different landscapes of Norway&rsquo;s fjord systems and to be close to the action. Whether it is on a large scale cruise ship as part of a fjords tour or simply a day trip cruise, you can feel the truly tranquil atmosphere and sense the shadows that the towering cliffs cast upon the still waters from the deck of a cruiser.&nbsp;
Another option to experience the fjords in Norway is from the sky. A birds-eye view of the fjord region is an amazing way to capture the sheer scale and complexity of the inlets. If you are landing at Bergen airport, you&rsquo;re likely to enjoy an amazing view. Alternatively, take the funicular from Bergen to the top of Mount Floyen for a brilliant panorama of the different Norwegian fjords.
Prefer something a little more luxurious? Jump aboard the prestigious Flam Railway, which runs from the end of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, to the hill station of Myrdal. The hour-long journey covers breathtaking landscapes ranging from tiny villages to waterfalls and farms, with the backdrop of the glistening fjord. More adventurous travellers on the hunt for Norway&rsquo;s fjords might prefer to take a kayak excursion out onto the waters. There&rsquo;s no better way to connect with the fjords than with the freedom of a kayak.

Norweigan Fjords

Oslo is the capital of Norway and, as such, the most populated city in the country. Its main asset is the fact that it is surrounded by nature, between hills, forests and fjords. Consequently, it boasts not just an urban centre and lively night life, but also numerous possibilities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amongst the most popular tourist attractions is the famous painting The Scream, by Edvard Munch which can be found in the National Gallery, also home to the Madonna, by the same artist. Other landmarks include the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Holmenkollen, a popular ski jump offering fantastic views of the city and a museum dedicated to the sport, the Akershus fortress and the Viking Ship Museum.

Oslo

Vision of the Fjords

Pearl of the Middle East 

Standing guard over the route between Damascus and southern Jordan, Ajloun Castle is one of the world&rsquo;s greatest examples of Islamic military architecture. Although a tour of Jordan is sure to focus on its famous Crusader castles, this historic fort stands out thanks to its Islamic heritage and impressive hilltop locations, perched atop Mount &lsquo;Auf at 1250 metres above seal-level. Dating back to the 12th-century, it was commissioned by Saladin&rsquo;s nephew. Its lofty location was no coincidence since the castle overlooks the fertile Jordan Valley and surrounding desert wadis. This granted the military occupants an uncompromised view of any potential invaders entering the area, making Ajloun Castle an important part of the defence force against the Crusaders.&nbsp;
In the following century, Ajloun Castle was destroyed by Mongol invaders, before later being rebuilt by the Mamluks. The castle was also heavily damaged by two devastating earthquakes in 1837 and 1927. It has remained a treasure of Jordanian heritage ever since. Despite its age and turbulent history, the castle is relatively well-preserved and has undergone extensive restoration in recent years. If you visit Ajloun Castle, inside you can admire the skilled craftsmanship of both the Ayyubids and Mamluks, displayed in the cross vault ceilings, carved stonework and sturdy limestone towers. Other highlights to see on a tour of Ajloun Castle include a number of ancient mosaics, an innovative water system, a dry moat and other intriguing defence systems. If you travel to Ajloun Castle be sure to explore the onsite museum before taking in the captivating views of the Jordan Valley from the ramparts.
Ajloun Castle is easily reached from both the capital, Amman and the historic city of Jerash. Furthermore, it is a popular tourist stop on the traditional Jordan tour circuit. If you&rsquo;re visiting Ajloun Castle independently, you&rsquo;ll need to undertake a 3-kilometre uphill walk from Ajloun town centre to reach this hilltop fortress.&nbsp;

Ajloun Castle

Spread across seven hills, the capital of Jordan is a fascinating fusion of &lsquo;east meets west&rsquo; and a melting pot of cultures. One of the world&rsquo;s most modernised Arab cities, the only sure thing to cease the honking of car horns of Amman&rsquo;s busy streets is the melodic, five-times-daily call to prayer. The western part of the city, where most who travel to Amman choose to stay, is where you&rsquo;ll find artisan boutiques, busy street vendors selling mouth-watering falafel wraps and trendy hookah cafes.
On the other hand, the eastern part of Amman is largely residential whilst downtown Amman is home to Roman ruins and relics of the old city, in the shadow of the majestic Citadel. Exploring Amman on foot involves a lot of stair climbing as you wind your route between the different neighbourhoods, wadis and jabals, the words used for the city&rsquo;s valleys and hills. Although many who travel to Amman see the city as a starting point for further travel into Jordan and to the icons of Petra or Wadi Rum, ignoring the sights of Amman would mean missing out on the chance to experience the culture of a modern Arab city in a friendly, safe and vibrant setting.
Once a sleepy village, Amman became the capital of Trans-Jordan in the 1920s and has steadily expanded in size and population ever since. You cannot mention a trip to Amman without acknowledging the fact that it&rsquo;s a foodie paradise. From hearty Jordanian breakfasts of hummus and falafel to refreshing seasonal fresh fruit juices and syrupy khafen pastries, eating your way around the city&rsquo;s street food vendors and bakeries is a highlight of a tour of Amman. The arts scene in Amman is equally as eclectic with a mix of traditional and contemporary galleries, museums and fabulous street art for visitors to discover.
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<h2>What to see in Amman</h2>
The beauty of a holiday to Amman is that many of the city&rsquo;s sights are situated in the same neighbourhood so you can enjoy sightseeing at a comfortable pace. There are just enough things to see in Amman to keep you busy, but not too much to be overwhelming, making it a perfect destination for a city break. A good place to get a feel for Amman is on Rainbow Street, which winds it&rsquo;s way up the hillside of Jebel Amman. This popular street, wide enough to accommodate pedestrians, unlike many of the city&rsquo;s narrow alleys and lanes, is the perfect place to while away an afternoon or evening, exploring trendy boutiques and cafe-hopping to sample the best brews in Amman.&nbsp;
Owing to the city&rsquo;s long history, you&rsquo;ll find a number of historic sites to explore on a trip to Amman, the most famous of which is the Roman Theatre. Dating back to the 2nd-century, it was built when Amman was known as Philadelphia and, in its heyday, would have held up to 6,000 spectators. As well as fabulous sunset views from the top tiers of the theatres, if you visit during the summer months you can watch one of the open-air concerts that take place in the theatre on long, balmy evenings.
Overlooking the Roman Theatre is the Amman Citadel, situated on the highest part of the city. A collection of archaeological sites from as far back as the Bronze Age, the Amman Citadel reveals the secrets of a number of ancient civilisations. The Temple of Hercules is a stand-out attraction, the ruins of which consist of two giant columns, erected during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Amman Citadel also has a small on-site museum where you can learn more about the archaeological excavations, but the most impressive ruins are those of the Umayyad Palace, an 8th-century palace complex. Its Islamic architecture and beautiful domed audience hall are well-worth seeing. From the Citadel visitors can enjoy sweeping views across downtown Amman, including the Roman Theatre, prompting your imagination to run wild as you envisage the Amman of antiquity.&nbsp;
One of the icons of the city&rsquo;s skyline is the King Abdullah Mosque, a must-see if you travel to Amman. Built in the 1980s, it&rsquo;s domed roof provides a vibrant pop of colour amongst the sand-coloured buildings of the rest of Amman. The bright blue and turquoise patterned dome crowns a huge mosque, with a capacity of over 7,000 worshippers. Uniquely, it is the only mosque in Amman that is open to non-Muslim visitors, but of course, visitors must respect the dress code if they visit King Abdullah Mosque. It&rsquo;s particuarly photogenic after dark when the minarets are illuminated.&nbsp;
Finally, if you&rsquo;re eager to experience authentic Ammani life and hospitality, be sure to explore the neighbourhood of Al-Balad in downtown Amman. Here, you can get lost in the aromas of the busy souks, stop for coffee and pastries at a local cafe or haggle with merchants to bag a bargain price on goods ranging from quality gold to textiles, spices, and herbs. Visiting Al-Balad is a fun and exciting way to experience the real Amman.&nbsp;

Amman

Famously the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea has long been a popular destination with travellers who wish to bathe in its salty, mineral-laden waters. Straddling the border between Jordan, Israel and the West Bank, and fed by the River Jordan, at 434 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is mentioned in the bible and has long been a site of immense importance in the Middle East. The site of the Masada siege in 73AD and the location where the mysterious Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the most significant biblical finds of modern times, were uncovered, a holiday to the Dead Sea is much more than a relaxing getaway but also a journey through history. With a salinity of around 34%, if you swim in the Dead Sea you&rsquo;ll find that you can float with minimal effort in its surprisingly buoyant waters. However, the hypersalinity of the Dead Sea comes at a price as fish and aquatic life cannot survive in this unusual environment, hence the name given to this landlocked sea.&nbsp;
Surrounded by the vast desert landscapes of the Jordan Rift Valley, the Dead Sea has been a popular spa resort for centuries. Today, you can still slather yourself with mineral-rich mud and envelop your weary muscles in the warm saline waters when you visit the Dead Sea. Jordan is home to the eastern shore of the Dead Sea where a number of spa resorts and hotels accommodate travellers visiting the Dead Sea. Whether you&rsquo;re staying at a hotel with a private beach on the seashore or taking a day trip to the public beach, a trip to the Dead Sea is a highlight of any tour of Jordan.
&nbsp;
<h2>What to see around the Dead Sea</h2>
Although the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea are the star attraction, the area around the sea has played host to countless historic events over the centuries, leaving behind many fascinating things to see at the Dead Sea. Standing high above the Jordan Rift Valley you&rsquo;ll find Mount Nebo, believed to be the site where Moses was first granted a view of the Promised Land. This important biblical mountain provides amazing views across the Dead Sea and, on a clear day, as far as Jerusalem, if you conquer its 710 metre-high summit. Another of the Dead Sea&rsquo;s most iconic biblical sites is the Al-Maghtas Baptism Site, a stone&rsquo;s throw away from the laid-back beaches and bathing sites of the Dead Sea shore, on the banks of the River Jordan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to be the location of Jesus&rsquo;s baptism by John the Baptist and a visit to Al-Maghtas is sure to be a magical experience.&nbsp;
The landscapes surrounding the Dead Sea are also home to an array of unique natural spectacles. The Hammamat Ma&rsquo;in Hot Springs is just one example of this. This popular leisure area is home to spa resorts, waterfalls and natural pools, the result of the emergence of underground thermal waters through natural springs. Here you can kick-back away from the sometimes crowded shores of the Dead Sea and enjoy the theraputic thermal waters in specially designed pools and natural lagoons. Since the days of Rome, visitors have enjoyed the mineral-rich waters here, most famously King Herod himself! If you&rsquo;d rather explore off-the-beaten-path, Mujib Reserve, which borders the Dead Sea is the perfect destination for hiking and wildlife spotting amongst the sparse mountains of the Jordan Rift Valley. Here, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of valleys and mountains and rich biodiversity including rare cats and ibex. Although largely inaccessible during the winter due to high water levels, the summer months are the perfect time to hike and splash your way through Mujib&rsquo;s canyons and rocky outcrops.&nbsp;
Finally, when it comes to swimming in the Dead Sea, visitors can choose between staying in a resort hotel, getting a day-pass to one of the private beaches or, instead, heading to Amman Tourist Beach, which provides easy access to the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea and good shower and changing-room facilities. Although lacking the luxury of some of the on-site resorts and hotels, Amman Tourist Beach is a good choice for daytrippers on a tour of Jordan.&nbsp;

Dead Sea

Together with Amman, Jerash formed part of the confederation of 10 cities on the eastern border of the Roman Empire in Syria and Judea. It has been perfectly preserved as a result of years buried under sand. Cardo Maximus and Oval Plaza, plus the Ionic collonade, are not to be missed.

Jerash

The &lsquo;Rose City&rsquo; of Petra evokes awe and wonder. The rock-hewn temples, caves and tombs reveal the secrets of the lost civilisation of the Nabatean and the site is well situated between the Jordanian capital of Amman and the Red Sea resort of Aqaba. Intricately carved into soft pink sandstone cliffs on the rocky plains of Western Jordan, a trip to Petra is the chance to come face-to-face with the most famous archaeological relics in the world, making it a favourite bucket-list destination of all intrepid travellers.
The Nabatean capital, Petra was once a major trading hub and the complexity of its structures attest to the large population of around 20,000 inhabitants who are thought to have lived there during the civilisations Golden Age. After falling to the Romans, Petra slowly fell into decline. It was rediscovered by a Swiss explorer in 1812 and has enchanted visitors with its romantic facades and dramatic cave structures ever since. Today, a tour of Jordan is incomplete without contemplating the majesty of the Treasury, the postcard image of Petra, or climbing to the Altar of Sacrifice viewpoint, from where you can appreciate the full scale of the site. If you can arrange to visit Petra early in the morning or after dark, you&rsquo;ll be greatly rewarded as the ruins fall quiet. In the evening, the Treasury is lit with the glow of thousands of candles, a spectacle that surpasses all expectations. There&rsquo;s few places in the world as magical as Petra.
&nbsp;
<h2>What to see at Petra</h2>
As the entire site stretches out across more than 100 square miles, don&rsquo;t expect to see all of the sights at Petra in one day. To get to the main site, visitors on a tour of Petra must pass through the narrow path of the al-Siq gorge, which leads to Petra&rsquo;s most recognisable facade, the Treasury. Also known as &lsquo;Al-Khazneh&rsquo;, this elaborate temple believed to have been the mausoleum of the Nabatean King in the 1st-century, famously features in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
The most popular thing to see at Petra, the awe-inspiring rock-hewn facade of the Treasury is beyond Insta-worthy! Another highlight of a trip to Petra is the Nabatean Theatre, the remains of an ancient amphitheatre, built during the Golden Age of Petra, between 9 BC and 40 AD, to hold a huge capacity of 8,500 spectators. Even more impressive is the fact that a large part of the theatre was completed carved out of solid rock! One of the younger parts of the complex is the Byzantine Church, home to lavish Byzantine mosaics depicting mythological animals, and personifications of the seasons, the ocean, the earth and wisdom. Built around 450 AD, the Byzantine Church has proved an invaluable insight into everyday life in Petra during this period as in 1993, 152 papyrus scrolls were discovered in one of the churches rooms, dating from the 6th-century.
As well as exploring the site&rsquo;s temples and churches, a trip to Petra should also include a visit to the ancient city&rsquo;s tombs, the most impressive of which is the Royal Tombs, nestled in the western cliffs of Jebel Al Khutba. This is Petra&rsquo;s most extraordinary burial site, reached by climbing a steep flight of stairs. The climb is worth it to discover this lesser-known section of Petra, where the great and powerful Nabatean kings were laid to rest.
Finally, the Obelisk Tomb, located on the road to the main entrance of Petra, gives visitors a taste of things to come with its extraordinary rock-hewn tombs, topped with obelisks dedicated to the people buried there. It&rsquo;s though to have been the final resting place of Nabatean nobility and, come sunset, the pink sandstone casts beautiful, obelisk-shaped silhouettes across the entrance.&nbsp;

Petra

Magical Wadi Rum, in southern Jordan, is the quintessential Arabian desert, made famous in the western world by Lawrence of Arabia. Vast landscapes filled with rolling sand dunes, rugged rock formations and relics of ancient civilisations characterise the Wadi Rum Desert, sometimes referred to as the &lsquo;Valley of the Moon&rsquo;. Travel to Wadi Rum to experience dramatic vistas of sandstone and basalt mountains, reaching 800 metres in height and eroded by the wind over the centuries into otherworldly shapes. Between the rocks and mountains are hidden natural pools, such as Jebel Khazali. Travellers who visit Wadi Rum come to explore the mars-like landscapes and to experience the regions rich Bedouin culture. The Zalabia Bedouin have lived in the desert for generations and today, host travellers in a number of desert camps, sharing their traditions and lifestyle with curious visitors.
The dramatic red landscapes of Wadi Rum, coloured by iron oxide, cover an area the size of New York City and it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected due to its unique topographical features and the fascinating insights it reveals about civilisations of by-gone eras. More than 20,000 petroglyphs and rock paintings are scattered throughout the Wadi Rum desert, documenting 12,000 years of history and if you take a tour of Wadi Rum you&rsquo;ll be able to discover them for yourself. Wadi Rum&rsquo;s universal appeal has only been boosted by its use as the setting for a number of blockbuster movies, from Lawrence of Arabia in 1962 to The Martian in 2015.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>What to see in Wadi Rum</h2>
A trip to Wadi Rum is sure to be filled with unique and unforgettable experiences as you traverse the dusty plateaus and wind-swept canyons of this desert enclave. There are many things to see in Wadi Rum and if you&rsquo;re able to stay overnight in the desert during a tour of Jordan, you&rsquo;ll be greatly rewarded by the serene tranquillity one can only find in the depths of the desert. With accommodation in Wadi Rum ranging from simple tent camps to luxurious martian tent lodges, sleeping under the stars and waking to the silent sunrise over the mountains is an opportunity available to all travellers and a bucket-list-worthy experience. Many of the desert camps offer exciting dune safaris, one of the best things to do in Wadi Rum. Other activities to enjoy in Wadi Rum are hiking, rock-climbing and visiting a number of fascinating archaeological sites, the most famous of which is the Anfishiyyeh Inscriptions, a collection of revealing Thamudic and Nabataean petroglyphs featuring depictions of a camel caravan, carved into the side of a rock face. Khazali Canyon is home to even more ancient inscriptions, where the canyon walls are almost completely covered with drawings and writings from thousands of years ago. If you travel to Wadi Rum inspired by the writings of T. E. Lawrence, be sure to visit the Seven Pillars of Wisdom Rock Formation, an incredible, gravity-defying formation, named after Lawrence&rsquo;s famous book. The trail leading to the rocks is close to the entrance of the valley so you&rsquo;re likely to see the imposing formation when entering or leaving Wadi Rum. On the other hand, if you&rsquo;re a nature-lover, a trip to Wadi Rum is worthwhile just to discover the resilient animals which call this lunar-like landscape home. The Jabal Khazali area is well-known for its wildlife, such as snakes, scorpions and lizards, as well as Arabian sand cats, mountain goats and foxes.&nbsp;

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