Petra

Carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs in southern Jordan, Petra is the lost capital of the Nabataeans and one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites on Earth. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and a New Seven Wonder of the World, the ancient city spans more than 264 square kilometres of canyons, tombs, temples and colonnaded streets engineered by a civilisation that mastered desert trade and water management more than two thousand years ago.

The classic approach begins at the Siq, a kilometre-long fissure where towering walls suddenly part to reveal the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) glowing in the morning light. Beyond it the city unfolds: the soaring Royal Tombs, the colonnaded Cardo, a Roman-era theatre carved entirely from rock, and an 800-step trail climbing to the even larger Monastery (Ad-Deir). Adventurous visitors can hike to the High Place of Sacrifice for sweeping views across the basin.

Petra lies 240km south of Amman, three hours from the Dead Sea and two hours from Wadi Rum, making it the centrepiece of any Jordan itinerary. Allow at least a full day, start at dawn to beat the heat and crowds, and consider the candlelit Petra by Night experience for an unforgettable evening among the monuments.