Aqaba, Jordan, Jordan

Mamluk Fort

The walls of this palm-surrounded fortress changed hands many times. In the 12th-13th centuries, the Crusaders built a castle here. Later, the fort was taken over by the Mamluks who arrived here, and in the early 16th century it underwent a new reconstruction-under the direction of Sultan Kansuh Al-Ghauri. The fortress served as a caravanserai for pilgrims traveling to Mecca, as well as a military facility. In the early last century, during the Arab Uprising, the forces of Auda Abu Tayi, with help from a British officer-Lawrence of Arabia-not only captured the fort, but also expelled the Turks from the city. The structure is square, fortified at the corners with semi-circular towers. On the walls, numerous inscriptions have been preserved, relating to the medieval period of rule of the Muslim dynasty.

Ayla Fortress City

Ayla is an ancient city from pre-biblical times, which once was part of the Roman Empire. Today, modern Aqaba is located in its place. The first settlement appeared about six thousand years ago. According to biblical traditions, this city existed even during King Solomon’s reign and was situated at the crossroads of trade routes from Asia, Africa, and Europe. The name Aqaba comes from the ancient “Aqabat Ayla,” meaning “Ayla’s Pass.” Since ancient times, a road has been running here through the granite mountains to the north of the country. Between the 7th and 11th centuries, Ayla served as a resting place on the way for pilgrims performing the Hajj to Mecca. Archaeological excavations are still taking place at the site of ancient Ayla (they have already revealed to the world the ruins of city gates and walls with towers, and even mosques).

South Beaches

10-12 kilometers from Aqaba, after the port and the ferry terminal, a long stretch of the South Beaches begins, covered with white sand. The area is divided into five free public beaches, equipped with toilets, changing cabins, market stalls, and playgrounds. There are no sun loungers here, and there is also little in the way of umbrellas and shade, but the sea is very clean. Guests consider Beach No. 3 to be the best spot for relaxing, where, besides everything else, there is a restaurant, a boat station, and a pier from which it is convenient to dive out into deeper water. There are also interesting places for diving here-coral reefs (for example, the famous Japanese Gardens) and several old, sunken ships. The easiest way to get to the South Beaches is by taxi, which will cost $10-14.

Aquarium of the Marine Science Center

Dozens of coral species, invertebrates, and exotic fish are gathered in the Aquarium of the Aqaba Marine Science Center, which is, in essence, part of a marine reserve. The inhabitants of coral reefs are housed in more than twenty aquariums. There is also an impressive-sized pool here, where the seabed of the Gulf of Aqaba has been modeled. The picture is completed by numerous photographs, information posters, and brochures with detailed information about the “residents” of the Red Sea.

Wadi Rum Desert

Wadi Rum Desert is also known as the Moon Valley and is located 60 km from Aqaba. Its landscapes are the most diverse: a mountainous area with deep canyons gradually gives way to separate plains with shrubs and low trees. Wadi Rum is famous for its rock “skyscrapers,” which have been chosen by mountaineers from all over the world. On the territory of some canyons there are ancient wells with rock paintings that are more than four thousand years old. A visit to the Burdah (Burd) stone bridge will be especially thrilling-it is a rock just over half a meter wide, connecting the sides of a deep canyon at a height of 35 meters.

Archaeological Museum

The building in which the museum is housed previously served as the palace of the political figure Sharif Hussein bin Ali. The structure was built in 1917 in the style of a medieval castle-featuring massive walls, arched passageways, and a clock tower. The museum displays a rich collection of Bronze Age artifacts that were discovered during archaeological excavations in the area of Aqaba. The oldest item dates back to 4000 BC. The archaeological museum also holds a collection of exhibits from the 7th-12th centuries BC. The most popular of them is a plaque with inscriptions of verses from the Qur’an, which was hung on the upper part of the eastern city gates in the 9th century.

Rif Japanese Gardens

Japanese Gardens is one of the most popular places for diving in the Gulf of Aqaba. Wonderful coral formations can be found starting at a depth of 5 meters. A special highlight of the Japanese Gardens is the fantastic clusters of black coral. While diving, you can observe the amazing underwater life of the Red Sea, with its rich flora and fauna. Among the long schools of colorful fish, you can also spot octopuses, dolphins, crabs, and turtles. Due to its relatively shallow depth, this spot is ideal for snorkeling. Beautiful photos taken during your dive will keep the memories of diving in Aqaba with you for a long time.

Ancient City of Petra

In 2007, this grand ancient monument carved into the rocks was added to the list of the «New7 Wonders of the World» alongside the Colosseum and the Great Wall of China. The city of Petra was carved out of the mountains by the ancient Nabataeans, who controlled the local trade routes for a long time. After walking one kilometer through the narrow canyon, you will reach the so-called «Treasury»-an enormous façade carved from stone. This is Petra’s calling card, occasionally used as a backdrop for Hollywood blockbuster films. The Treasury appears suddenly before the traveler, making them stop in complete astonishment. If you continue a little further along the canyon, you will enter the main valley with royal tombs, a Crusaders’ castle, ancient temples, and the ruins of three Christian churches. Petra truly impresses-both for its unusual architecture and for its very nature-with beautiful reddish rocks with colorful veins.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check it after booking your cruise in your «Client Personal Account».