Jordan

Jordanians are a passionate and proud people who truly welcome you with open arms. Renowned for its history and Biblical scenes, Jordan has more than embraced the new century, which is light years away from the typical clichés of Middle Eastern exoticism.

Luxuriate in the hot thermal springs, explore the vibrant underwater life of the Red Sea, taste the bittersweet liquid of cardamom coffee or barbecue at the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.

Flying time: Amman 5 hours.

Time difference: GMT +2 Hours.

Getting there: Direct services operate to Amman with BMI and Royal Jordanian.

Currency: Jordanian Dinar.

Vaccinations: Precautions for tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A are recommended, with some regions under risk of malaria, rabies and typhoid - please contact your doctor for up-to-date information.

Visas: British passport holders require a visa. All other nationals please check visa requirements with the embassy.

Best time to visit: The Jordan Valley and the area around Aqaba is warm during winter (January-February) with chilly evenings, and extremely hot in summer (June- August). In the Eastern Desert, the winter can be bitterly cold and dry and the summer intensely hot. The central spine of hills can receive snowfall in winter and is cool in the evenings in summer. Rain falls between November and March.

The holy month of Ramadan commences approximately 11 August 2010 and there are restrictions on alcohol, outdoor dining and entertainment during this period.