Jordan
The Middle East, Africa and Asia intertwine in this small kingdom of Biblical sites, Lawrence of Arabia, and the first century BC Arab capital of Petra. SCUBA dive the Red Sea, an extension of Africa's Great Rift Valley, or leave the hustle of Amman behind for a starry night with the desert Bedouin.
Tours & Packages
- Destinations: Jordan
- including closed packages
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Highlights
- Amman
With a large population of over 4 million, Amman is Jordan's modern capital city dotted with numerous ancient ruins, seamlessly blending the old and new. Located between the dry desert and lush Jordan Valley, Amman is brimming with towering buildings, chic hotels and divine restaurants nestled next to quaint coffee shops and local workshops. Amman is also home to the remains of the Roman Theater, the Archaeological Museum, the Citadel, which contains the remains of the Temple of Hercules, the Royal Automobile Museum, King Abdullah I Mosque, and so much more!- Petra
Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, is a famous archaeological site in Jordan's southwestern desert. This ancient area is comprised of numerous tombs and temples that are carved into pink sandstone cliffs, giving Petra the nickname of "The Rose City". Dating back to around 300 B.C., it used to stand as the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. One of the most famous sites in Petra is the Treasury. Accessible by a narrow gorge surrounded by cliffs, called the Siq, the Treasury is elaborately carved into the rock face where visitors can explore the various tombs and structures within. Come explore this ancient land and get lost in the mystery and wonder that will surround you.- King's Highway
Stretching an outstanding 154 miles long and dotted with historic sites along the way, the 5,000 year old King's Highway is an ancient roadway that serves as one of two main ways of travel from Amman to Petra. Although the quicker route from Amman to Petra is travel by the Desert Highway, the King's Highway offers a more scenic drive. Winding through mountains and villages, this highway once served as an important trading route by the Nabateans. Today, the picturesque route offers travelers opportunity to stop and explore ancient sites, such as Umm ar-Rasas, Mujib Dam, Kerak Castle, Dana National Reserve, and so much more. While traveling, it is recommended to drive during the daytime, as the roads in Jordan are not lit. Get your cameras ready for this incredible journey!- The Dead Sea
The famous Dead Sea is a massive salt lake that is situated in the Jordan Rift Valley, and is known world-wide as one of the saltiest bodies of water in the entire world! This hyper-saline lake sits over 400 meters below sea level, making it the lowest elevation on land. Travelers from around the globe and locals in the area visit the Dead Sea for many reasons, one being to take advantage of its many known health benefits. The sea's water and mineral-rich mud serve purpose as salt baths and mud treatments for visitors to indulge in. Another popular activity is floating on the surface. Since the salinity levels are so high, it's very easy to float on the surface with natural buoyancy. Although animals and plants do not call this area home due to its harsh conditions (hence its name, the Dead Sea), some bacteria and microbial fungi are present.- Wadi Rum
Known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is an ancient, sprawling desert with a similar terrain of that of the moon. Located in Southern Jordan at the western edge of the Arabian desert, this valley is cut into the sandstone and granite rock, and its surface is speckled with mountains and covered in sweeping red sand dunes. Wadi Rum is home to the Beau Geste outpost, where local Bedouins welcome visitors with aromatic cardamom-spiced coffee. When the Bedouin families are not spending their time perfectly baking bread and milking camels and goats, they share their traditional stories about life in Wadi Rum. Travelers can explore this desert oasis in open-air jeeps as well as riding camel back, taking in the magical views of this timeless land.- Jerash
Jerash is an ageless city north of Amman that is commonly referred to as the "Pompeii of the East". Inhabited since the Bronze Age, Jerash is home to possibly the best-preserved of the ancient Greco-Roman towns. The ruins of the walled settlement of Gerasa include Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Zeus, the Nymphaeum, and so much more! Jerash is dotted with 14 churches throughout that date back all the way to the Byzantine times and are filled with intricate mosaics. Saladin's 12th century Arab castle, Qalaat al Rabad (also known as Ajloun), is located in the city, and is one of the finest examples of military architecture. Marvel at the ancient artifacts excavated from the Jerash ruins at the Jerash Archaeological Museum that proudly displays these fascinating items for the public to enjoy.
Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Jordan? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Amman |
| Entry requirements | U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least six months after your return date. U.S. passport holders must have a visa to enter Jordan, which will be issued upon arrival. See the U.S. Dept. of State website for more information. If you do not hold a U.S. passport, please see the entry requirements. More information about passport, visa & entry requirements. |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | There are no health requirements to enter Jordan. See your doctor about possible typhoid medication. Take along bug repellant as mosquitoes are prevalent, but do not transmit malaria. |
| Weather | In Jordan, the months of May and October are the most pleasant, with temperatures ranging in the 70’s and 80’s during the day and from the mid 50’s through the 60’s at night. During the rest of the year, the temperatures vary from a daytime high in the 40’s through the 60’s to lows at night from the 30’s through the 50’s. Typically, some rain can fall during the December through February period, while May through October is virtually rain free. The contrast between night and day is dramatic, so take a sweater for chilly nights, even in summer. |
| Tipping | A 10% service charge is normally included in hotel and restaurant bills; if service is very special, tip an extra amount. Tip 8% to taxi drivers and porters. |
| Money & Credit Cards | Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. |
| Shopping | In Jordan, shop for pottery, bronze, baskets, wood inlay, straw goods, embroidery, glass, leather, Madaba rugs, spices, and etchings. Bargain only in markets, not in fine shops. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 230 volts. Plugs C, D, E, F, G, & J. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? See our blog posts on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
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Articles
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