Amman offers few monuments of interest, though it does provide an ideal base for touring the Greco-Roman city of Jerash, 45 minutes to the north. Often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Middle East” because of its remarkable state of preservation, Jerash is a fine example of a provincial Roman city. Shoppers should visit Amman’s gold market and colorful souks laden with handicrafts. A knowledgeable English-speaking driver or guide is vital if you wish to feel secure. Following your stay in Amman, proceed south along the King’s Highway through the Holy Land of Moab to Petra. En route, stop at Mount Nebo, which affords breathtaking panoramas of the “Promised Land.”

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