Jordan

Few countries stage antiquity like Jordan. You walk the Siq's narrow canyon in morning shadow, and the Treasury's rose-red facade opens ahead exactly as it has ambushed travellers for two thousand years — and Petra is only the headline. Wadi Rum's Mars-scape (Hollywood's actual Mars, repeatedly), Roman Jerash, and the strange, wonderful physics of floating in the Dead Sea complete a circuit that fits a single unforgettable week.

The shape of the trip

The classic (6 nights): Amman and Roman Jerash (1–2), Petra with a full day plus the candlelit Petra-by-Night (2), a Bedouin camp under Wadi Rum's stars with a 4WD afternoon among the arches (1–2), and a Dead Sea float-and-mud finale (1). The whole country drives in short, scenic hops.

The money

Jordan is the Middle East's pricier ticket — the dinar is strong — but manageable with the Pass: mid-range hotels ₹5,000–8,000, Rum camps ₹6,000–12,000 with dinner, a mansaf feast ₹700–1,000. A car with driver for the full circuit (₹5,500–7,000/day, split) beats self-drive for most.

Worth knowing

Buy the Jordan Pass before you fly — it must be purchased pre-arrival to waive the visa. Petra deserves proper shoes and six hours minimum; the Monastery climb at day's end is the connoisseur's reward. Jordan is calm and warmly hospitable; go with confidence.