Jordan
While the ancient Nabatean city of Petra is often considered one of the Middle East's most stunning attractions, it's only the beginning of what the Kingdom of Jordan has to offer. Explore the winding alleys, busy markets, and historical monuments of Amman. Walk the ruins of Jerash, one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, before taking in unforgettable views from high atop a hill in Umm Qais. Venture into local villages and share home-hosted meals as you learn about daily life for these traditionally nomadic people. Drive along the King's Highway to Petra where you'll stand in awe of the elaborately-carved ruins that have stood for centuries, seemingly unchanged. After all the adventure, slow down and soak it all in as you bathe in the relaxing and restorative waters of the Dead Sea.
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. Between the desert and lush Jordan Valley, Amman is brimming with towering buildings, chic hotels, and divine restaurants 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 carved into pink sandstone cliffs, giving Petra the nickname "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. Explore this ancient land and get lost in the mystery and wonder surrounding you.
- King's Highway
Stretching a remarkable 154 miles long and dotted with historical sites, 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 served as an important trading route for the Nabateans. Today, the picturesque route allows travelers 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 worldwide 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 as salt baths and mud treatments for visitors. Another popular activity is floating on the surface. Since the salinity levels are so high, it's 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 similar terrain to the moon. Located in Southern Jordan at the western edge of the Arabian desert, this valley is cut into sandstone and granite rock, and its surface is dotted with mountains and covered in sweeping red 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 and ride camelback, 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." Since the Bronze Age, Jerash has been home to the best-preserved 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 that date back to 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, which proudly displays these fascinating items for the public to enjoy.
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. Between the desert and lush Jordan Valley, Amman is brimming with towering buildings, chic hotels, and divine restaurants 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, 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 carved into pink sandstone cliffs, giving Petra the nickname "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. Explore this ancient land and get lost in the mystery and wonder surrounding you.
Stretching a remarkable 154 miles long and dotted with historical sites, 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 served as an important trading route for the Nabateans. Today, the picturesque route allows travelers 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 famous Dead Sea is a massive salt lake that is situated in the Jordan Rift Valley and is known worldwide 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 as salt baths and mud treatments for visitors. Another popular activity is floating on the surface. Since the salinity levels are so high, it's 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. 
Known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is an ancient, sprawling desert with similar terrain to the moon. Located in Southern Jordan at the western edge of the Arabian desert, this valley is cut into sandstone and granite rock, and its surface is dotted with mountains and covered in sweeping red 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 and ride camelback, taking in the magical views of this timeless land.
Jerash is an ageless city north of Amman that is commonly referred to as the "Pompeii of the East." Since the Bronze Age, Jerash has been home to the best-preserved 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 that date back to 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, which 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 | Please see our Entry Requirements page. |
| Staying Healthy | 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? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
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