For anyone wanting to experience the highlights of the Middle East, Jordan is a 'must'. The people are extremely friendly, the food is excellent, and the monuments are among the best in the region. While Petra is undoubtedly the 'jewel in the crown', Jordan also boasts a fine crusader castle, at Kerak, and a fascinating Roman city, at Jerash.
Leaving Cairo, you explore the Sinai Peninsula, a beautiful, rugged region where you have the chance to ascend Mt. Sinai. Cross the Gulf of Aqaba and proceed to Wadi Rum where you get a taste of desert life, exploring your surroundings by jeep. Head to Petra where you spend a full day examining the many monuments in this fascinating old city. The King's Highway yields further treasures, including Kerak, Madaba, and the ancient village of Dana. Your final highlight is Jerash, a beautifully preserved Roman city that reached its zenith during the 3rd century AD.