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Spring and fall are the best times to visit Jordan; summer is woefully hot. Royal Jordanian Airlines (www.rja.com.jo) flies direct to Amman from Chicago, New York, and Detroit. For information on tours and guides, contact the Jordan Tourism Board (877/733-5673; www.seejordan.org).
WHERE TO STAY
Dana Guest House
Simple but comfortable rooms at the nature reserve. DOUBLES FROM $65. 962-3/227-0497; www.rscn.org.jo
Four Seasons Hotel Amman
The capital's newest and most luxurious hotel. DOUBLES FROM $265. 800/819-5053 OR 962-6/550-5555; www.fourseasons.com
Mövenpick Resort Aqaba
Currently the best place to stay in this Red Sea port. DOUBLES FROM $100. 800/344-6835 OR 962-3/203-4020; www.moevenpick-hotels.com
Beit Ali Desert Camp
Tented living at Wadi Rum. DOUBLES FROM $33. 962-3/202-2626; www.desertexplorer.net
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
A re-created bedouin village with a fine spa, at one of the country's major sites. DOUBLES FROM $106. 800/344-6835 OR 962-5/356-1111; www.moevenpick-hotels.com
WHERE TO EAT
Books at Café
Popular Amman hangout. LUNCH FOR TWO $10. JABAL AMMAN, FIRST CIRCLE; 962-6/465-0457
Fakhr El-Din
One of the capital's top restaurants, serving Lebanese cuisine. DINNER FOR TWO $50. JABAL AMMAN, SECOND CIRCLE; 962-6/465-2399
Royal Yacht Club
Stylish eating in Aqaba. DINNER FOR TWO $56. KING HUSSEIN ST.; 962-3/202-2404
Haret Jdoudnah
Perhaps the country's best food, worth a detour to the small city of Madaba. DINNER FOR TWO $30. KING TALAL ST.; 962-5/324-8650
WHAT TO DO
Makan
Excellent contemporary art gallery in Amman. JABAL WEIBDEH; 962-6/463-1969
Royal Diving Club
Can set up snorkeling and diving in the Red Sea at Aqaba. KING HUSSEIN ST.; 962-3/201-7035
Castles
In addition to the Islamic Ajlun in the north, there are two important Crusader castles in the south, Karak and Shobak, both accessible from the historic King's Highway.
Biblical sites
All within easy reach of one another: Bethany on the Jordan, the Dead Sea, and Mount Nebo (there's an interesting church at the top of the mountain).
Roman ruins
The Citadel and a theater in Amman are worth visiting, but Jordan's most notable site is Jarash, one of the region's most intact Roman cities.
Petra
By far the country's most famous site, the ancient Nabataean metropolis is a wonder. It demands a whole day to be appreciated fully.
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