Escape Winter in Andalusia: 8-Day Road Trip to Spain ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ

February is the time when I would normally plan a skiing trip. However, this year, we decided to try something different and escape the winter in Prague. Our choice was doing a road trip to Spain, Andalusia. I booked tickets to Malaga and began preparing the itinerary. We had two options: either move from one place to another, which always involves continuous check-ins and check-outs, or stay in Malaga and do day trips. I chose to stay in Malaga and move only towards the end of our stay for one night to Seville.

Practical insights:

Arrival to Spain:

It’s very straightforward for us, Europeans, as Spain is part of the Schengen zone. Non-EU citizens need to check the requirements related to their particular passports (for Spain but also for UK, if planning a trip to Gibraltar).

We travel around the EU with IDs only. Nevertheless, I was lucky to talk to a friend before our trip. I mentioned that we would drive to Gibraltar, and he said, ‘Well, don’t fall into the same trap as I did. You need to have passports because the UK is not part of the EU anymore.’ It was pretty fortunate, as I might have left our passports back at home.

Currency:

The currency is Euro, and ATMs are easily accessible. Paying with a card is common everywhere.

Driving:

Driving in Spain is easy, similar to any other EU country. The only exception that confused me a bit was the many lanes in roundabouts in big cities. For that, I always tried to stay in the outermost lane and be cautious about other cars and drivers. Petrol stations are in close proximity to each other.

Parking:

Can be difficult, especially in big cities. The underground paid garages are very narrow, so renting a small car is a wise choice.

Mobile Data:

EU citizens enjoy “roam-like-at-home,” so I didn’t have to worry about purchasing additional data packages. For everyone outside the EU, I recommend using the Airalo app, which allows you to download a data e-SIM card for countries worldwide. It’s easy and hassle-free.”


Day 1-2: Malaga

We arrived in Malaga in the evening and checked into our Malaga Sun apartment. I made sure that we would have private parking available. The garage was modern and easy to park in.

Malaga is a very pleasant coastal city, ideal for just walking around.

The Beachfront Promenade: It stretches from the city center all the way to Malaga beach. People are walking or jogging around. Muelle Uno, the open-air shopping mall, is located in Malaga Port. The place is lively during the day and in the evenings, but don’t expect to have coffee there in the morning. The only place we found open around 9 am was a Dunkin’ Donuts stand.

Roman Theater: Considered the oldest monument in Malaga, it was built in the 1st century BC under the rule of Emperor Augustus. It is situated underneath the Alcazaba fortress and was discovered in 1951, after being buried for several centuries.

Alcazaba: Positioned atop the hill, the fortress is assumed to be one of the best-preserved in Spain. Its origin dates back to the 11th century. There is quite a bit of a walk to reach the entrance, but it is worth it. After purchasing our tickets, we freely walked around, exploring the different parts and enjoying the views of the city.

Walking on the Beach Promenade, we reached the City Center.

The main landmark to visit is the Malaga Cathedral. It was built between 1528 and 1782, and the interior is in Renaissance style. The cathedral’s north tower is highly visible, standing at 84m high, while the south tower remains unfinished.

Calle Larios is the main pedestrian shopping street and the true heart of Malaga.

Nevertheless, for shopping enthusiasts, there’s another tip. There is a huge shopping complex, including McArthurGlen Designer Outlet just outside Malaga, next to the airport. We drove there from our apartment and had a half day of shopping.

In connection to Malaga, I also need to mention that it is the city where the famous Pablo Picasso was born. There is a Picasso Museum in the city that fans of this artist might want to visit.

Calle Larios
Calle Larios

Day 3: Gibraltar

Malaga – Gibraltar: 140km, 1h 45min

The trip from Malaga to Gibraltar was easy, driving on the highway. We parked the car at Sta Bรกrbara Car Park at the border between Gibraltar and Spain on the Spanish side. The reasons for that are straightforward โ€“ it is cheaper and more comfortable than navigating the narrow streets of Gibraltar. We didn’t have to book the parking spot since we visited outside the main tourist season.

We walked to the border post from the car park. Right after crossing the border, there was a bus stop. We decided to buy a day travel pass to make use of the bus during the day. The bus took us to a very close proximity to the Gibraltar cable car station.

Gibraltar has a history full of different people and events. The place has been home to various groups, like the Phoenicians and Romans, a long time ago. It became part of the Moorish Empire, then went back and forth between Muslim and Christian rule. In 1713, it became British through the Treaty of Utrecht. Throughout its history, Gibraltar’s culture has been influenced by the British, Spanish, Genoese, and Jewish communities.

The cable car up the Gibraltar Rock

It took us to the highest point of the Gibraltar Rock. Unfortunately, clouds covered part of it when we visited, so we didn’t get the full view that would be there on clear days. Walking on the top is amazing, but one needs to beware of the monkeys. I wasn’t cautious enough, and one of them unexpectedly landed behind my neck. I’m not sure who screamed more, me or the monkey ๐Ÿ˜‚. After exploring the top, we started to descend towards Michael’s Cave.

The cave, with its stalactite and stalagmite formations, has a rich history. It served as a refuge, later as a military hospital during World War II, and now is a popular tourist spot.

After visiting the cave, we walked down to the city center. Even though people drive on the right-hand side in Gibraltar (as elsewhere in Europe), the city atmosphere feels very much “British.” We found a local pub to have a late lunch and then started heading back to the border post.

Once we were on the bus, we had to stop to allow a plane landing to pass the runway. Gibraltar International Airport’s runway is unique because it intersects with a major road, Winston Churchill Avenue. When an aircraft needs to take off or land, road traffic is temporarily stopped, and barriers are activated to ensure a safe runway passage.


Day 4: Ronda

Malaga – Ronda: 102km, 1,5hours

Ronda is not a big city, but it is definitely worth visiting. Perched above a deep gorge, the new and old city are connected by the famous and picturesque Puente Nuevo bridge. Ronda is considered the cradle of bullfighting.

Upon arriving in Ronda, we parked the car at Parking Publico. It took about 7 minutes to walk to the first point of interest – Plaza de Toros de Ronda.

Plaza de Toros

It is a historic bullring built in the 18th century, also being one of the oldest and most iconic bullrings in Spain. We purchased entry tickets on the spot, got the headphone guide, and started to explore the place. We walked through the bullring, explored the bullfighters’ rooms, and witnessed the amazing riding arena of The Royal Cavalry of Ronda, which was established in 1573.

Puente Nuovo bridge

After exploring the Plaza des Torres, we walked towards the Puente Nuovo bridge.

It is impressive. Completed in 1793, it connects the old Moorish district of Ronda with the modern part of the town. It is often considered one of the most impressive bridges in Spain.

For the rest of our stay, we continued wandering around the Old Town with its narrow winding streets and whitewashed buildings.


Day 5: Caminito Del Rey

Malaga – Caminito Del Rey: 61km, 1hour

The next day, we decided to take a break from cultural experiences and enjoy some nature. Located about an hour’s drive from Malaga is Caminito Del Rey, often referred to as the ‘King’s Little Pathway.’ It is a walkway build in the walls of Gaitanes gorge. It was originally constructed for hydroelectric power plant workers. The name comes from the nickname of King Alfonso XIII, who visited in 1921.

At one point in time, the trail was damaged and became unusable, causing the connection between villages to vanish. The reconstruction began in 2014, and the trail was reopened to the public in 2015

We booked our entry tickets online several days in advance, as the number of visitors per day is limited.

Arriving at the Visitor Reception Center parking about 1.5 hours before our entry time, we caught a shuttle bus. A 20-minute bus ride took us to the restaurant/kiosk bus stop, and from there, it was a 20-minute walk to the canyon area and the start of the walking trail.

We waited for our time slot, we received helmets and headphones, and followed our guide. The walk, which takes about 2 hours, requires carrying water. We visited in February when the weather was perfect for the walk. As the entire path is exposed to the sun it must get hot during summer. The views of the canyon are breathtaking.

At the end of the trail, we returned the helmets and walked through a small village toward the shuttle bus stop. It then transported us back to the Visitor Center where we had parked our car.


Day 6: Granada

Malaga – Granada: 132km, 1,5 hour

Granada, situated at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is best known for the Moorish palace, Alhambra.

My luck kicked in when I checked the official website in the morning, realizing most visitor slots for the day were taken. I organized our tickets, even though the process os a bit complicated โ€“ registering, and entering all details, including ID numbers. This a common system, I got across in other places in Spain, but not the easiest for on-the-spot reservations.

I wanted to park in the city center for a walk through town towards Alhambra. I chose Parking Angel Ganivet. Honestly, it is a very tight garage and it was difficult to drive in and out even with a small car.

The Alcaiceria

As our first stop, we explored Alcaiceria, the Great Bazaar of Granada. Established in the 14th century, when Emperor Justinian granted Arab traders permission to open the market in Granada. They sold silk, perfumes, spices, and more in over 200 shops. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the original market in the 19th century, and the current version is much smaller. Nevertheless, once you step in, it retains a unique atmosphere and charm.

Granada Cathedral

Granada Cathedral is situated in the heart of the city. Built in the 16th century, its foundations are Gothic, but the cathedral itself is constructed in the Renaissance style. The interior is impressive and definitely worth a visit.

Alcaiceria, Granada, Spain
Alcaiceria
Inside the Granada Cathedral in Spain
Granada Cathedral

Plaza Nueva

It is one of the city’s oldest and liveliest squares. Surrounded by historic buildings and charming outdoor cafes, it offers a vibrant atmosphere. We set in the middle of February in one of the outside restaurants enjoying a coffee and soaking up the sun.

Plaza Nueva in Granada
Plaza Nueva

Alhambra

Alhambra truly stands out as a must-visit in Granada. Located on the top of a hill, it offers beautiful views of the city. Constructed primarily during the 13th and 14th centuries, it played various roles, serving as a palace, fortress, and citadel. The complex is massive and requires a few hours of explorationโ€”we wandered through the Generalife gardens, and the Alcazaba fortress, and, at our designated time, visited the Nasrid Palaces, with its stunning mosaics.

Nasrid Palace, Alhambra, Granada
Nasrid Palace

Day 7: Seville

Malaga – Seville: 210km, 2,5hours

Seville was the only destination where I felt a day trip might be too ambitious. We checked out of our apartment in Malaga and spent the final two days in Seville. As always, I ensured our accommodation had a private parking space, and once again, it proved to be a wise choice.

I found the Catalonia Santa Justa hotel, located approximately 25 minutes on foot from the city center. When we walked through the streets of Seville’s historic center, I only then realized how narrow they are and how challenging it would be to drive through them.

Seville is a bustling tourist town even in February. It’s advisable to book tickets online for major attractions like the Cathedral de Sevilla, Giralda Tower, and Alcรกzar. Unfortunately, I didn’t do so, and we found ourselves waiting in a long queue. As mentioned earlier, the online ticketing system can be complicated. While in line, I attempted to book tickets online, but the process of filling in personal details, including ID numbers, made me decide it was easier to wait.

We walked from the hotel to the city, and our first stop was Metropol Parasol. It’s a super modern and the world’s largest wooden structure, designed by Jurgen Mayer in 2005. On the ground floor, there’s an entrance to the Antiquarium, an archaeological site with remains from the Roman era. Next to the Antiquarium is the entrance and lift to the lookout point.

We continued towards Casa de Pilatos, one of the first examples of Andalusian architecture. Then, we navigated through the narrow streets of Barrio de Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter, towards the Catedral de Sevilla.

Catedral de Sevilla

It is the third-largest cathedral in the world and a UNESCO Heritage Site. Built in Gothic and Renaissance styles, the Giralda Tower dominates the city’s skyline. The cathedral stands on the site of a former mosque, with the Giralda Tower occupying the location of the former minaret. Inside the cathedral, you can find the tomb of Christopher Columbus.”

Cathedral of Seville, Spain
Cathedral of Seville

Alcazรกr


The stunning palace complex, originally built as a fortress by the Moors in the 10th century. It later underwent expansions and transformations, resulting in a mix of Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudejar styles. We walked through the complex while admiring tilework, halls, courtyards, and gardens.
The intricate tilework, lush gardens, and ornate chambers captivate visitors as they wander through the halls and courtyards.


Day 8: Seville – Malaga – end of our road trip to Spain, Andalusia

On the last day, we packed all our belongings into the car, checked out of the hotel, and left the car in their garage. The final part of the city we planned to explore was Plaza de Espaรฑa.

Plaza de Espaรฑa

It was the highlight of the visit to Seville for me. When we arrived at the Plaza, I couldn’t help but say ‘WOW.’ Built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, the semi-circular building with a central canal is decorated with colorful tiles representing different regions of Spain. The bridges over the canal lead to the central building, featuring towers, galleries, and a series of benches showcasing beautiful ceramic tilework.

At lunchtime, we bid farewell to Seville and drove back to Malaga. After returning the car at the airport, we checked in for our flight back to Prague.


Enchanting 9-Day Road Trip to Jordan ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ด, the home of Petra

As October comes to a close, Europe experiences a drop in temperature, prompting many to seek warmer destinations to extend the summer vibes. Following visits to Dubai and Israel during this period, the road trip to Jordan emerged as the ideal choice.


Practical insights for the road trip to Jordan

Jordan Visa and Travel Essentials:

Before booking our flight, I checked the Jordan visa requirements. This time, an e-visa was necessary, and I applied through the official page of the Jordan Ministry of Interior: Jordan E-Visa.

Jordan Pass:

Consider the Jordan Pass for seamless entry to tourist landmarks. It offers numerous advantages, saving time and eliminating the need for individual entry tickets. Our e-visa was complimentary by entering the Jordan Pass number in the visa application. For more information, visit Jordan Pass.

Mobile Data:

Discovering Airalo was a game-changer, especially for phones with e-SIM functionality. Download it to avoid the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards. Airalo allows easy purchase of e-SIM cards for almost every country, including regional options like Europe or Africa. I opted for the Jordan 30-day, 3GB data plan for USD18.

Local Currency:

The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Cash was essential, especially for accommodation payments, as many places required it. ATMs were available for cash withdrawals, and cards were accepted at shops, restaurants, and petrol stations.

Taxi:

In Amman, we relied on Uber for safe and efficient city travel.

Car Rental:

Choosing Monte Carlo Car Rental was a wise decision. They delivered the car to our hotel, and the process was seamless, with paperwork and payment done by card. Returning the car at their office near Amman airport was convenient, and the company provided excellent service, including full insurance and no surcharge for a second driver. Check out my Google review. 

Driving in Jordan:

Driving in Jordan was a straightforward experience. Departing from Amman on a Sunday likely contributed to an easier exit from the city, avoiding major urban rush hours. The main Jordan Desert Highway was smooth, while some other roads demanded heightened awareness due to the presence of potholes.

Dress code


Modest dress is advisable. I have definately avoided shorts and tank tops in the cities and historic areas. I wore t-shirts and skirts covering the knees and felt comfortable doing so. On the other hand I felt comfortable wearing t-shirts and little longer shorts around Dead Sea, in Wadi Rum desert or in Aquaba.


Day 1: Discovering Amman

We arrived in Amman during the early morning hours, taking a taxi to reach our hotel. Finding an accommodation with a 24-hour reception ensured a seamless check-in process. We stayed in Shams Alweibdeh Hotel Apartments. After few hours of sleep, we started our exploration of Amman. Given the city’s size, we decided to use Uber for our first destination – the Amman Citadel.

The Amman Citadel

Located on the highest hill in Amman, the Citadel is a place to see artifacts spanning the Bronze and Iron Ages, along with remnants from the Roman, Umayyad, and Byzantine periods. Presenting our Jordan Pass at the entrance, we proceed to explore the area.

Roman Theater:

Our journey continued with a walk from the Amman Citadel to our next destination, the Roman Theater. The history of the place dates back to 2 AD. It seated up 6000 people.
Making use of our Jordan pass we entered the site. It is impressive. Climbing all the way up the stairs, sit there for a bit and observe the city was absolutely worth it.

Rainbow street

After visiting the Roman Theather, our journey led us to the Grand Husseini Mosque. Unfortunately, ongoing construction and renovations spoiled our view of the mosque. Up next was the Rainbow street. We had walk uphill to reach the street. Rainbow streets is a plesant place with coffeshops and shops. We set down in one of the restaurants to have some lunch.

The Amman Citadel, Jordan
The Amman Citadel
The Roman Theather, Jordan
The Roman Theather
A street in Amman
A street in Amman

Our exploration of Amman continued through the busy Downtown streets as we wanted to see The Duke’s Diwan house, which served as the city’s first post office. I must admit that we nearly missed the house in the busy street. After taking a picture we concluded our afternoon program, catching Uber back to our hotel.

Duke Diwan House, Jordan

Day 2: Amman – Jerash – Dead Sea

Jerash

Our journey started with the convenient delivery of our rental car by Monte Carlo Car Rental to our hotel.
Our first destination was Jerash, situated approximately 52 kilometers away from Amman, a drive that took us around 55 minutes. Upon arrival, we parked at the Jerash Visitor Free parking area, right in front of the landmark entrance. Making use of our Jordan Pass, we entered the area to explore the ruins of the walled Greco-Roman settlement of Gerasa.

Walking around Jerash, we looked at:

Hadrianโ€™s Arch

It was built in 129 AD and was erected to honor and celebrate the visit of the Emperor Hadrian.

Hippodrome:

It dates back to the Roman period, reflecting the city’s historical significance during the Roman Empire. The hippodrome in ancient times was a large stadium or arena primarily used for chariot races and other public spectacles.

The Cardo Maximus

It was likely constructed in the 1st century AD and expanded during the 2nd century AD. The columns are topped with Corinthian capitals, adding to the grandeur of the street. The street itself is paved with large stones, and the remnants of a drainage system can still be seen.

South Theather

A classic Roman-style theater with a semi-circular orchestra and a tiered seating area. It can accommodate a large number of spectators. The theater is known for its impressive acoustics, allowing performances to be heard by the entire audience.

Nymphaeum

The Nymphaeum, finished in 191 AD, is a substantial fountain situated on the Cardo. Its primary function was to enhance the numerous small public fountains already present along the Cardo by serving as a central water source.

Artemis Temple

The temple is dedicated to Artemis, who was a significant deity in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Artemis was often associated with the hunt, wilderness, and nature.

The North Gate is an impressive structure featuring a monumental entrance arch, columns, and other architectural elements characteristic of Roman city gates. Such gates served as both functional entrances and symbolic markers of the city.


Dead Sea

After touring the ruins of Jerash, we set off for our drive to the Dead Sea, covering approximately 95 kilometers in about 1.5 hours. Our accommodation was booked in one of the apartments at Samarah Dead Sea Resort. We proceeded through the resort’s front gate, where our host awaited us and guided us to the private parking lot.
After stopping at Samarah Mall for lunch, we later checked into our accommodation. We spent the afternoon floating in the Dead Sea, applying to rejuvenate Dead Sea mud as well as enjoying the resort swimming pools.


Day 3: Dead Sea – Kerak Castle – Wadi Musa

The following day, we resumed our journey, sticking to the route along the Dead Sea and making our way to Wadi Mujib. We were eager to explore one of their adventure trails, but unfortunately, we discovered that the trails were restricted to adults aged 18 and above, and we had our teenage daughters with us. While this was fairly disappointing, I quickly came up with an alternative plan: a visit to Kerak Castle.

The drive from Samarah Dead Sea Resort to Kerak took approximately 1.5 hours. The journey was pretty interesting as the city sits at an elevation of about 1000 meters above sea level, while Samarah Dead Sea Resort is situated at -390 meters below sea level.

We parked our car in the Kerak Castle car park, which isn’t the official parking area you might expect at the castle entrance. It’s a private space where parking comes at a cost unless you opt to dine at the owner’s restaurant. Given the owner’s hospitality, we chose to visit the restaurant and enjoy the local meal after the castle visit.

Kerak Castle

We accessed the castle by showing our Jordan Pass.

The castle sits on a hilltop, providing great views of the surrounding area.
Originating in the 12th century, the castle underwent continuous expansion and fortification by various rulers, such as the Crusaders and the Mamluks. Its strategic positioning along the historic trade routes connecting Egypt and Syria played a pivotal role in the medieval conflicts between Crusaders and Muslims in the region.


Wadi Musa

Following lunch, we started our drive to Wadi Musa, the town next to the ancient city of Petra. Our route from Kerak led us to the Desert Highway (Highway 15), the primary thoroughfare linking the north and south of Jordan. The drive covered approximately 180 kilometers and took around 2.5 hours.

There are many places to stay in Wadi Musa, from expensive hotels right next to the entrance of Petra to different private apartments scattered around the town. We booked our accomodation with Stay Classy Apartments. The parking was available right in front of the house and the Petra visitors parking was about 5min drive.


Day 4: Ancient City of Petra

Petra is the ancient Nabataean caravan city, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. It was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Petra is sometimes called the ‘Lost City’, as it was completely lost to the Western world until the Swiss traveler, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812.

To avoid crowds and the heat, it’s good to arrive in Petra early in the morning.

We parked our car at the free parking area located in front of the visitor center.

As you enter the area, you’ll see the ticket office. Even if you have your Jordan Pass, it’s necessary to proceed there. Upon presenting the pass, they will issue tickets for entry into Petra town. Since we were unaware of this process, we had to backtrack from the entry point.

What did we explore in Petra:

After entering Petra, we walked on a dirt road toward the main city. On the way, we passed by the first of many beautiful sights, The Obelisk Tomb, the burial place the Nabateans built around 40-70AD, and Bab as-Siq Triclinium. The triclinium is a dining room with three benches on which the guests reclined while feasting.

The Siq

After a short walk, we arrived at the Siq, a breathtaking gorge marking the main entrance to Petra. Local vendors near the entrance provided services such as horse rides, but we opted not to take advantage of these offers and continued into the gorge. I must admit, the experience was truly breathtaking. The towering walls of the Siq shielded us from the sun, providing a cool environment not just in the morning but also as we exited in the early afternoon when concluding our visit to Petra.

The Treasury

At the end of The Siq Gorge is the iconic place that comes to mind when you mention Petra: The Treasury. The images of this site are widely recognized, and for good reasonโ€”it’s truly amazing.

The Treasury, known as Al-Khazneh in Arabic, is a rock-cut tomb constructed as a mausoleum and crypt at the start of the 1st century AD. According to local legend, there is a suggestion that “ancient pharaonic treasures” were concealed in the urn positioned right at the top of the tomb.

The Treasury, Petra
The Treasury

The Streets of Facades

It serve as the primary thoroughfare extending from the Treasury into the ancient city. Along this route, numerous tombs and remnants of ancient Nabatean houses can be found. We were amused by the entrepreneurial spirit of the local Bedouins with one particular highlight – the Starbucks cave,
To manage expectationsโ€”don’t anticipate a traditional Starbucks cappuccino experience here. They only offers coffee from the Starbucks coffee pods ๐Ÿ˜€.


The Theater

It was constructed in the first century AD. A big part of the theater was carved out of solid rock. The theater’s auditorium consists of three horizontal sections of seats separated by passageways and seven stairways to ascend. The theater could accommodate approximately 8500 people

The Theater in Petra, Jordan
The Theater

The Royal Tombs
Opposite the Theather is the cliff where the Royal Toms were carved into. Reaching the Royal Toms takes a bit of climbing but it is definitely worth it. The tombs served as the final resting places for Nabataean kings over 2,300 years ago.
Exploring the interiors of these tombs offers a unique experience, allowing one to feel the vibe of those places.

While there’s plenty more to explore in Petra, I must confess that after approximately six hours under the sun in this stunning ancient city, we gave it a rain check and started returning back to the parking place while cooling down in the Siq gorge on the way.


Day 5: Wadi Rum

The drive from Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum, the famous desert in Jordan, takes about 2 hours. While planning our itinerary, I contemplated spending two nights in the desert. Eventually, I decided to reduce it to just one night, a choice I believe was correct.

Based on our experience, I would recommend the ideal way to visit Wadi Rum is to arrive after lunch and take the afternoon 4-hour drive. Our drive commenced at 3 pm, and judging by the presence of people and cars from other camps, it seems that they all start around that time. We arrived a bit early to Wadi Rum, settled in the camp, but, honestly, there isn’t much to do except wait for the drive.
We stayed at Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp. However, with numerous camps scattered throughout the desert, there’s a wide variety to cater to individual preferences.

It is not permitted to drive in the Wadi Rum desert independently. The individual from the Wadi Rum Bedouin camp coordinated to meet us in the village. Before reaching the village, we had to go through the Wadi Rum visitor center, situated near the village on the main road. At the gate, we were halted and directed to their visitor office to showcase our Jordan passes.
Upon meeting our local guide in Wadi Rum, he drove us in a 4×4 truck to the camp, leaving our car securely parked on their premises.

Our afternoon drive through the desert was incredible. It blended the thrill of driving with on-foot exploration, finished by watching sunset while drinking a cup of Bedouin tea.


Day 6: Aqaba – Tala Bay Aqaba

We explored numerous cultural and natural landmarks during the earlier days of our journey, so on day 6, it was time to head to Aqaba for some beach relaxation.

Departing from Wadi Rum in the morning after enjoying breakfast at the camp, the drive to Aqaba via the Desert Highway took approximately 1 hour.
Upon arrival in Aqaba, we left the car at the Free City Center parking near the beachfront. We wanted to explore Aqaba before heading to our final destination, Tala Bay Resort.

Walking along the Al-Ghandour Beach promenade, we made our way to Aqaba Castle. This Mamluk and Ottoman fortified caravanserai, situated on the pilgrimage route to Mecca and Medina, has preserved its current form primarily from the 16th century.

After exploring Aqaba, we drove to Tala Bay Resort, our final destination on this road trip to Jordan.


Days 7-8: Tala Bay Resort

Why did I choose the Tala Bay Resort over the stay in Aqaba?

Tala Bay, located about 20km from Aqaba, offers a comprehensive resort experience with beaches, restaurants, swimming pools, and shops. After we explored Aqaba, I was pleased with our decision to stay at Tala Bay. Unlike Aqaba, where public beaches are used by locals and might not be suitable for standard beach activities, Tala Bay provides a more resort-like atmosphere.
During our accommodation research in Aqaba, we noticed that many hotels offer transfers to the Berenice Beach Club, a paid private club located approximately 10km from Aqaba in the direction of Tala Bay.

We rented an apartment with one of the many swimming pools just steps away, while the beach was conveniently down the road. It was a delight to soak in the sun before returning to the onset of the European winter.


Day 9: Amman – traveling home from our road trip to Jordan

Our final day was a travel day. Covering approximately 320 km on the Desert Highway, the journey back to Amman took around 4 hours. We returned our rental car to the Monte Carlo Car Rental office, conveniently situated just a 5-minute drive from the Airport Departure terminal. After completing the paperwork, we were transported to the airport (no need to wait for a shuttle bus).

Another fantastic trip. And I have already planned a trip to our next destination.



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