Tintern, a picturesque village in Monmouthshire, Wales, is nestled in the heart of the scenic Wye Valley. This charming destination is renowned for the atmospheric ruins of Tintern Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery that has inspired poets like William Wordsworth and artists such as J.M.W. Turner. Visitors are often captivated by the abbey's majestic presence and the serene beauty of its surroundings.
Abu Simbel, in southern Egypt near the border with Sudan, is one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites of the ancient world. Built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE, the twin temples were carved directly into the sandstone cliffs overlooking the Nile. The Great Temple, with its four colossal statues of Ramses II seated at the entrance, was designed not only to honor the pharaoh but also to project his power to neighboring Nubia.
Fuerte Amador is a waterfront district located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal in Panama City. Built on a causeway created with rock excavated during canal construction, the area links four small islands: Naos, Perico, Culebra, and Flamenco.
Guam, a vibrant island territory in the Western Pacific, offers travelers more than just sandy beaches and turquoise water. As the largest island in Micronesia, Guam has a dynamic past that’s shaped its present. Evidence of ancient Chamorro settlements can be found at sites like Latte Stone Park, where limestone pillars dating back over a thousand years stand tall.
Tomar sits on the Nabão River in central Portugal as a place where medieval history and everyday life meet in welcoming streets and grand monuments. Just outside the convent walls lies the Pegões Aqueduct, an impressive feat of engineering more than 6 kilometers long that once carried water from distant springs to the hilltop site. Some sections of its arches rise more than 30 meters above the valley floor, making it a striking backdrop for photos.
Kerak is a fortress town 75 miles (120km) from Amman, and contains one of the two major Crusader castles in the Kingdom. The castle, built to protect the approach to Jerusalem, stands on a craggy plateau 4,300ft above sea level. It was built in the early part of the 12th century and held for 50 years by the Crusaders until they were defeated by Salah al Din (Saladin) in 1189.
This majestic fortress, which has been partially restored, is a maze of small rooms and passageways and offers some interesting exploration for the visitor. The greater part of the town of Kerak lies within the walls of the old Crusader town.
Kerak lies on the King's Highway, an international trade and transit route for the past five thousand years and one of the most historic and scenic routes in the world. The villages and landmarks along its way are historic sites, many of which are mentioned in the Bible.
Other Popular Destinations in Jordan
Amman
Situated near the Dead Sea, Amman is the capital of Jordan and a cultural and historical hub in the Middle East. Explore this sprawling city, replete with historic landmarks, museums, and mosques, and you’ll soon be enraptured by its blend of metropolitan and ancient beauty.
Petra
Tucked between Jordan's sandstone cliffs in the southwestern desert, Petra was carved directly into rose-colored rock more than 2,000 years ago. Visitors approaching through the narrow gorge known as the Siq are rewarded with their first glimpse of Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, a towering facade that seems to appear from another world.