As the crossroads of the Middle East, Jordan connects Europe, Asia and Africa. Its neighbouring countries include Syria, Iraq, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Tourists are advised to check the latest UK government safety recommendations before visiting.

Jordan observes Eastern European Summer Time throughout the year, meaning it’s three hours ahead of GMT.

Beyond the ancient city of Petra and the capital of Amman, there’s plenty of landmarks to visit during your stay – including the desertscapes of Wadi Rum, the Dana Biosphere Reserve and the Roman city of Jerash.

While in the past it was possible to venture inside the Petra Treasury building, the Jordanian government has since banned tourists from entering to preserve the world heritage site. That said, you can get up close to the façade of the structure.

The pricing structure for entry to Petra is quite tricky to navigate. It depends whether you’re staying overnight in Jordan, or if you are travelling in from another country for the day. Children 12 and under are free, otherwise prices range from 50-90 Jordanian dinars (£56-£101). You can find full details on ticket pricing here.

While you cannot stay right by the site, families from the local Bdoul Bedouin tribe – who live nearby – allow visitors to stay with them in traditional caves. Otherwise, there are plenty of hotels and lodgings near the ancient city.

Generally speaking, men and women should dress modestly for both cultural and religious reasons. Men should wear trousers, while women are advised to wear loose-fitting garments that cover their arms, legs and chest. If you wear your hair down, it is recommended that you use a scarf to cover up.

While there are public buses, taxis and car hire places in Amman, you can get around the city on foot – which is often preferable in terms of avoiding traffic. That said, there are lots of hills to navigate, so practical shoes are recommended.

As Jordan is around 90 per cent desert, it can get extremely hot during the day, while temperatures can plummet to below 5 degrees Celsius at night. The optimum time to visit is March through May and September through November.