Jordan is one of the world's most rewarding travel destinations — a country that packs an extraordinary density of world-class experiences into a relatively small area. Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Jerash alone would make Jordan worth visiting. The fact that it is also safe, welcoming and genuinely affordable makes it exceptional.

Petra is the centrepiece of any Jordan visit and one of the most extraordinary places on earth. The ancient Nabataean city, carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs in a hidden valley, was lost to the Western world for centuries before being rediscovered in 1812. The approach through the Siq — a narrow, winding canyon with walls rising 80 metres on either side — before the sudden reveal of the Treasury is one of the great travel experiences. Petra is vast — a full day is the minimum, and two days allows you to explore the Monastery, the High Place of Sacrifice and the quieter back trails.

Wadi Rum is unlike anywhere else on earth. The vast desert of red sand and dramatic sandstone mountains has an almost Martian quality — it was used as the filming location for The Martian, Lawrence of Arabia and Dune. Overnight Bedouin camps, where you sleep under the stars in a desert silence that is almost total, are one of the most memorable experiences in the Middle East.

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and one of the world's most unique natural experiences. The salt concentration — ten times that of the ocean — makes it impossible to sink. You simply float, reading a newspaper if you choose, while the mineral-rich black mud that lines the shore is famous for its therapeutic properties. Luxury spa resorts on the Jordanian shore make it an excellent place to spend a day or two.

Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East for tourists and the people are famously hospitable. The food — mezze, mansaf, knafeh — is outstanding. The best time to visit is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when temperatures are warm but not extreme. We search across Travelpack, Emirates Holidays and JTA Holidays for the best deals, with the FIBI discount applied automatically.