Hertz car and driver programme opens up Jordan tourism trail

Car and driver touring programmes available from Hertz Jordan offer easy access to the major historical sites that make the country a unique travel destination with worldwide appeal.

Shakshir Rent a Car, the Hertz international franchisee in Jordan, recently used one of its drivers to take a team of presenters from UAE-based Arabian Radio Network on a tour of the country.

The result is a lively and interesting radio travel feature due to be broadcast on ARN's Arabic (Al Arabia - 98.9) and English (Free - 96.7). The Lifestyle Show on Al Arabia and the Mid-morning Show on Free 96.7 will feature highlights from the driving tour around Jordan, and will air daily between April 28 to May 1.

"By giving customers the option to book a driver when they rent a car, we aim to make it easier and more practical for people to explore the many places of great interest spread across the country, " said Najati Shakhshir, the company's general manager.

"This is the largest car rental programme of its kind in Jordan, and we're using drivers who speak a variety of languages and are specially-trained to make touring an interesting, enjoyable and comfortable experience."

Hertz Jordan has designed a wide variety of tours, featuring such intriguing historical locations as Petra, "the rose red city as old as time", with its remarkable tombs and temples built by the ancient Nabataeans. Other tours visit the 12th century fortresses of Qasr Al Shawbak and Ajloun, and a wide range of other desert castles, and the former Roman spa of Um Qais, whose universal climate has attracted writers, artists, poets and philosophers down the years.

Also featured is the ancient town of Pella, thought to have been inhabited in early 5000 BC, the Roman city of Jerash, with its solitary Arch of Triumph, erected to honour the visit of Emperor Hadrian in AD129, and ancient Madaba, rebuilt after being attacked and destroyed by the tenth century Aramaeans.

Famous for its therapeutic characteristics, the Dead Sea brings another tour to the lowest point on earth at 400 metres below sea level, and more natural marvels are uncovered among the giant sandstone mountains and dunes of Wadi Rum, described spectacularly in the writings of T.E. Lawrence.

The Hertz Jordan touring programme also offers visitors a detailed introduction to Amman as a capital city blending old and new, its Roman amphitheatre and traditional markets sharing the stage with modern skyscrapers and luxury hotels.

Brochures giving full details of the touring programme are available at the 12 Hertz Jordan branches in Amman, Aqaba and Petra, and at hotels and leading travel agents.

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