Over the years Petra has attracted compliments and superlatives from around the world, being called “the rose-red city half as old as time”, voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even before you arrive in Petra you know why, as you make your way down the dramatic Siq Canyon, waiting for that fabulous first glimpse of the Treasury Tomb at the end of the narrow cleft in the rock. Petra merits two full days of exploration as the site is vast and dotted with temples, tombs and the remains of the Nabatean civilisation that built the city using the profits from their control of the frankincense trading routes. Petra is about much more than just history, as the setting is stunning; walks and climbs are rewarded with amazing views of the wind-carved red sandstone mountains and despite Petra’s popularity, it’s always possible to escape the crowds and just enjoy the very special atmosphere of Jordan’s crown jewel.