Welcome to “Introducing Israel by Tourist Journey '', In this series, we will explore Israel and discover some hidden gems. 

I’m Arielle and I invite you to come with me on this intimate journey and transport yourself for a few minutes to this magical place.

Today we’re going to visit the Jewels of Jordan. 

Explore the mysterious Lost City of Petra, and the red-rock desert of Wadi Rum with me! 

A small city carved out of stone hides deep within a valley surrounded by mountain ranges. 

Structures carved from rose-colored stone are detailed and beautifully preserved. 

Petra, the lost city of the world. One of the seven wonders of our world! 

Your visit is off to a magical start. 

With a journey through the Siq:

A rose-red canyon of 1.2 km length with its walls reaching as high as 80 meters. 

It's like walking through a tunnel into the past! 

After 30 minutes of walking through the Siq, a high structure appears behind the rocks: 

The Al-Khazneh Temple, or as you probably know it, The Treasury. 

And oh wow, what a treasure it is indeed!  

Here's a fun fact: Despite its name, it wasn't actually a treasury, but an ancient tomb for a king. Raiders searched for treasures but without any success!  

If you climb up the rubble of rocks to the right of the temple, you will get an incredible view of the Treasury while enjoying a fresh cup of mint tea. 

With this incredible view, I will tell you about some history.

The ancient city of Petra was founded in 312 BC by the Nabataeans, Arab people who lived here at that time.

When the Romans took control the city continued to thrive for a while, but a large earthquake destroyed many parts of the city. In fact, 85% of Petra is still buried today! 

Trade routes changed and the effects of the earthquake were heavy so it eventually became abandoned. 

Only in 1812 when a Swiss explorer rediscovered it, it was brought to the attention of the Western world. 

Make your way back down because the ancient city of Petra offers much more than just the Treasury. 

So get back up on your feet and continue your walk to the main temple: Qsar Al-Bint, also known as the Monastery. 

Take your time to explore the sites along the way: 

• The Street of Facades, 
• The Royal Tombs, 
• The Theatre with over 8000 seats
• and the Colonnaded Street - a long street lined with massive pillars that once existed here. 

A difficult but picturesque hike leads to the Monastery. 

The hike takes about 1.5 hours and includes 40 minutes of JUST stair climbing. 

Take a moment to enjoy the panoramic view of the desert from time to time. 

There are donkeys that pass by caring tourists, but it is completely fine to hike it yourself. There are shady spots for breaks and water can be bought everywhere. - I suggest you bring your own - it’s much cheaper! 

A little adventure is taking a shorter hike with a local guide to the Monastery. It will only take 20 minutes, but it is very steep so be careful not to slip! 

There is a secret viewpoint of the Monastery once you reach the top. 

Many signs point to a big rock a little way away that claims: "Top of the World: Best View in Petra" - I'm here to tell you that there's an even better viewpoint!  

As the Monastery is at your back, look at that big rock on your left that's behind the Bedouin tents. 

As you walk towards it, you will see a small trail. It will only take a few steps from here to the overlook. This spot is closer to the Monastery and there’s less things in the way of the view.

YOURE WELCOME ;) 

For a truly unique Petra experience don’t start your day like everyone else at the Visitors center but reach it from the backdoor! 

Little Petra is the starting point for this 10 km hike. 

There is an abundance of natural beauty along the hike of rocks and canyons.

- almost as stunning as the site of Petra itself. 

The advantage of entering Petra that way is that you will reach the Monastery early in the morning, and you will have it mostly to yourself. 

A huge plus: You get to walk down the 820 steps, not up! Isn't that refreshing? 

Here are my tips for Petra: 

• As always: Take lots of water! 
• It is a looooot of walking - good shoes are a must! 
• Buy the Jordan Pass if you plan on visiting more sites - an initiative from the government and 100% worth it! 
• The best time to visit is early in the morning! You avoid the crowds and the hot midday heat! 

One last tip for a magical experience: 

• 
  Check out the Petra Night Show. A magical way to explore the city under the stars and by candle light. Over 1,500 candles light up this place.
• This only happens on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 

Experience the changing colours of the sand from dawn to dusk, the crisp night sky filled with stars and discover canyons and rocks as you trek through the dunes. 

WADI RUM 

From Petra to Wadi Rum it is only about a 3 hour drive to this desolate area of southern Jordan.  

There are few deserts as picturesque and accessible as this one. Hollywood films are also frequently filmed here! 

Fun fact: A part of Star Wars was filmed here and 400 Jordanians played stormtroopers. Isn't that awesome?!

Locals call it: Valley of the Moon and many cultures have lived here who each left their mark, making it a truly special place. 

I find that there is something romantic about exploring remote locations and being surrounded by the beauty of nature. 

No stress, no people, just serenity! 

Camping in Wadi Rum is an unforgettable experience! 

No kidding. Those who have ever wondered what it would be like to live on Mars will experience it by camping here. 

In particular, if you stay at one of the more luxurious camps, such as the Memories Aicha Camp. 

With its domes, the site looks like a Mars colony nestled in the red valley. The formation of the domes themselves remind one of a symbol left by extraterrestrial life. 

Just crazy - go see it for yourself! 

The best thing if you ask me: From your bed, you can see the stars through the transparent roof. 

Staying in one of the many Bedouin campsites is a good way to learn a little bitmore about their culture and g...