The Dead Sea

Cliffs of the Jordan Rift Valley drop straight into the Dead Sea, whose surface lies about 440 metres below sea level, the lowest place on land. Its water is roughly nine times saltier than the ocean, which is why you float. Look along the waterline for the white bands of salt crusted onto the rocks.

Float in the water, cover yourself in the mineral-rich mud from the shore, then rest at one of the resorts along the Jordanian coast. The Baptism Site and the mosaics of Madaba are both a short drive away.