An easy 25 minute drive from Amman is the Roman city of Jerash, known in the past as Gerasa or Pompeii of the east. It is considered the best preserved and most complete city of the Decapolis- a confederation of ten Roman Cities dating back to the first century B.C. Inside the city you will see the great Oval Forum. Once known as the center of social activity, it is approached by what is known as the street of columns.

There are two public baths, three theaters, and a hippodrome. In addition, there is a nymphaeum – a combination of fountains and sculptures. You may walk under the triumphal arch built in honor of Emperor Hadrian, and let your mind return to the dream of time in the Temple of Artemis. One of Jordan’s most highly anticipated cultural events is the annual Jerash Festival held for around two weeks each summer. During the remainder of the year, an impressive and unique sound-and-light show is held within the walls of the ancient city.

A three hour drive south of Amman is the Kingdom’s most famous attraction. In July 2007, Petra was ranked second among the world’s Seven Wonders. Previously a fortress city, it had literally been carved out of craggy rocks by the Arab Nabataeans in 800 B.C. It is fortified behind a narrow deep gorge which winds slowly through a massive rock wall. About three kilometers long opening between the overhanging clefts that seem to meet 300 feet overhead. Inside Petra, you will see soaring temples, royal tombs. the Roman theatre, water channels, arched gates and naturally colored walls. The site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was discovered by a Swiss explorer in Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.