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JORDAN

Introduction

Nestled at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, Jordan is a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the rose-red city of Petra carved into sandstone cliffs to the vast desert expanses of Wadi Rum, the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, and the vibrant streets of Amman, it offers an immersive journey through millennia of civilizations, diverse ecosystems, and mouth-watering cuisine influenced by Mediterranean and Arabian traditions.

Top Regions to Explore

Amman

The bustling capital where ancient ruins like the Roman Theatre meet modern cafes, souks, and museums showcasing Jordan’s rich heritage.

Jerash

One of the best-preserved Roman cities, featuring grand columns, theatres, and temples dating back over 6,500 years.

Wadi Rum

Dramatic desert wilderness with red dunes, sandstone formations, and Bedouin camps for stargazing and adventures.

Dead Sea

The lowest point on Earth, renowned for its hypersaline waters allowing effortless floating and mineral-rich mud spas.

Petra

UNESCO-listed Nabatean city famous for its rock-carved Treasury and monasteries; a wonder of the ancient world.

Key Cultural and Historical Highlights

Cultural Practices

Hospitality is central; accept tea or coffee offers politely. Modest dress (cover shoulders and knees) shows respect, especially in rural or religious areas. Greet with “Salam Alaikum” and allow women to initiate handshakes.

Major Festival

  • Eid al-Fitr (post-Ramadan celebrations with feasts)

  • Eid al-Adha (family gatherings and sacrifices)

  • Independence Day (May 25) with parades

  • Cultural events like Jerash Festival (summer arts and music)

Seasonal Connection

Tea gatherings year-round foster community. Summer evenings feature outdoor dining; winter brings warming stews and indoor hospitality.

UNESCO Sites

Petra, Wadi Rum Protected Area, Baptism Site (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), Um er-Rasas, Quseir Amra.

Unique Experiences

Exploring Petra by Candlelight

Wander the ancient Nabatean city at nightfall, illuminated by thousands of candles for a magical atmosphere.

Camping Under the Stars in Wadi Rum

Stay in a traditional Bedouin camp, ride camels through dunes, and gaze at the Milky Way in this protected wilderness.

Floating in the Dead Sea

Experience effortless buoyancy in the salty waters while applying therapeutic mud for a natural spa treatment.

Visiting Roman Ruins in Jerash

Tour the colonnaded streets, arches, and amphitheatres of this remarkably preserved ancient city.

Signature Food

¥500–1,000

Hummus

Creamy chickpea dip with olive oil and spices.

¥500–1,000

Falafel

Deep-fried chickpea balls in pita with tahini.

¥500–1,000

Mansaf

National dish: lamb, rice, yogurt sauce; cooked underground.

¥500–1,000

Arabic Coffee (Gahwa)

Spiced black coffee served with dates.

Sample Itineraries

7-Day Jordan Circuit: The Essential Tour

The ultimate week-long journey hitting all of Jordan’s major highlights. This driver-led tour takes you from the northern Roman sites through the King’s Highway to the wonders of Petra and Wadi Rum, finishing at the Dead Sea.

  • Ancient Cities: Walk the Roman streets of Jerash and the rose-red cliffs of Petra.
  • Desert Adventure: Jeep tour through the towering dunes of Wadi Rum.
  • Biblical Sites: Visit Mount Nebo and Madaba’s mosaic map.
  • Floating Experience: Bob in the Dead Sea’s mineral-rich waters.
View Full Itinerary

Day 1: Northern Treasures – Jerash, Ajloun & Umm Qais

  • Depart Amman for Jerash, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman provincial cities.
  • Walk the Cardo (colonnaded street), see the Oval Plaza, and explore two massive theaters.
  • Visit Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century Islamic fortress with panoramic views.
  • Drive to Umm Qais (ancient Gadara) to see Greco-Roman ruins overlooking the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights.

Day 2: Amman City & Desert Castles

  • Tour Amman Citadel to see the Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace.
  • Walk down to the Roman Theater in the heart of downtown.
  • Drive east to explore the Desert Castles: Qasr al-Kharana, Qusayr Amra (UNESCO frescoes), and Qasr al-Azraq.

Day 3: King’s Highway to Petra

  • Drive south on the scenic King’s Highway.
  • Stop at Mount Nebo where Moses viewed the Promised Land.
  • Visit Madaba to see the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land at St. George’s Church.
  • Pass through Wadi Mujib (Grand Canyon of Jordan) viewpoint and Karak Castle fortress.
  • Arrive in Petra for the evening.

Day 4: Full Day in Petra

  • Enter through the narrow Siq gorge at dawn to see the Treasury with soft morning light.
  • Hike to the Monastery (Ad Deir) via 850 rock-cut steps.
  • Explore the Royal Tombs, the Street of Facades, and the High Place of Sacrifice.
  • Optional: Petra by Night candlelit experience (Mon/Wed/Thu).

Day 5: Wadi Rum Desert Adventure

  • Drive to Wadi Rum and begin a 4-hour 4×4 Jeep Tour.
  • See Lawrence’s Spring, the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, natural rock bridges, and ancient petroglyphs.
  • Watch the sunset turn the sandstone red and purple.
  • Overnight in a Bedouin camp under a ceiling of stars.

Day 6: Dead Sea via Aqaba (Optional)

  • Drive to the Red Sea port city of Aqaba for a quick beach stop.
  • Continue north to the Dead Sea resort area.
  • Float in the hyper-saline waters and cover yourself in therapeutic black mud.

Day 7: Dead Sea Relaxation & Departure

  • Final morning swim in the Dead Sea.
  • Transfer back to Amman or Queen Alia International Airport for departure.

10-Day Jordan In-Depth: From North to South

An immersive 10-day exploration perfect for travelers who want to truly understand Jordan. This itinerary includes hiking spectacular wadis, exploring Petra from both entrances, camping in Wadi Rum, and unwinding at the Dead Sea.

  • Wadi Hikes: Trek the stunning canyons of Wadi Ghuweir.
  • Petra Two Ways: Enter through the Siq and hike from the back entrance to the Monastery.
  • King’s Highway: Drive the scenic mountain road with panoramic viewpoints.
  • Bedouin Hospitality: Camp in Wadi Rum and watch the sunset over the desert.
View Full Itinerary

Day 1: Amman Exploration

  • Walk Rainbow Street.
  • Visit the Roman Theater in downtown Amman.
  • Climb to the Amman Citadel for sunset views over the seven hills.
  • Dinner at the famous Hashem Restaurant.

Day 2: Jordan Museum, Madaba & Mount Nebo

  • Start at the Jordan Museum to understand the nation’s archaeology and history.
  • Drive to Madaba to see the 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem at St. George’s Church.
  • Visit Mount Nebo, the site where Moses saw the Promised Land.
  • Continue to Jerash for the night.

Day 3: Jerash & King’s Highway to Dana

  • Explore Jerash early to beat crowds and heat.
  • Drive the King’s Highway, stopping at scenic viewpoints near Amman Ra-Raras.
  • Arrive at the eco-village of Dana and stay in a nature lodge.

Day 4: Wadi Ghuweir Hike & Drive to Petra

  • Embark on the challenging but spectacular Wadi Ghuweir canyon hike.
  • Wade through pools and scramble over rocks in a stunning slot canyon.
  • Drive to Petra (Wadi Musa) in the afternoon.

Day 5: Petra – Main Entrance

  • Enter Petra at dawn to see the Treasury with minimal crowds.
  • Hike to the High Place of Sacrifice for panoramic views.
  • Explore the Royal Tombs and walk up to a Treasury Viewpoint.
  • Evening drinks at the famous Cave Bar, the oldest bar in the world.

Day 6: Petra – Back Entrance (The Monastery)

  • Sleep in and relax in the morning.
  • Hike 1.5 hours uphill to the Monastery (Ad Deir), Petra’s largest monument.
  • Descend through Petra to the main entrance, seeing the site from a new perspective.

Day 7: Wadi Rum Jeep Tour & Bedouin Camp

  • •Drive to Wadi Rum and park at the village.
    •Check into a Bedouin camp and enjoy tea with the hosts.
  • Afternoon 4×4 Jeep Tour to see natural arches, sand dunes, and petroglyphs.
  • Watch one of the most spectacular sunsets over the pink-red desert.
  • Traditional Bedouin dinner (zarb) cooked underground.

Day 8: Wadi Rum to Dead Sea

  • Optional sunrise hike to a viewpoint near camp.
  • Drive from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea (approx. 3 hours).
  • Stop at the stunning salt flats for photos.
  • Check into a resort and float in the Dead Sea for the first time.

Day 9: Dead Sea Relaxation

  • Full day to unwind at your resort.
  • Visit the public beach to apply mineral-rich black mud.
  • Optional excursion to the Ma’in Hot Springs or Wadi Mujib (if open, April-Oct).

Day 10: Dead Sea & Departure

  • Final morning float in the Dead Sea.
  • Drive back to Amman or Queen Alia International Airport for departure.

Day Trips and Nearby Attractions

CHECK MAPS

Hakone

~1.5 hours by train

Kamakura

~1 hours by train

Yokohama

~30 minutes by train

Best Time to Visits by Activities

March to May (Spring)

Ideal for hiking and sightseeing; mild weather, blooming landscapes. Highlight: Wildflowers in Dana Reserve and comfortable Petra explorations.

June to August (Summer)

Best for Red Sea beaches and Aqaba diving; hot inland. Highlight: Snorkeling in warm waters, but avoid midday desert heat.

September to November (Autumn)

Perfect for cultural tours and Wadi Rum; warm days, fewer crowds. Highlight: Scenic drives along King's Highway with golden sunsets.

December to February (Winter)

Suitable for Dead Sea relaxation; cooler, possible rain or snow. Highlight: Fewer tourists at sites, cozy Bedouin camps.

Summary Notes

Spring and Autumn provide the optimal balance for outdoor activities and comfortable temperatures.

Travel Practicalities

Visa and Entry Requirements

  • E-Visa or Visa on Arrival: Available for most nationalities (including US/EU/Canada) at airports/borders; 40 JOD for single entry (up to 3 months as of 2026).

  • Jordan Pass waives fee if staying 3+ nights and covers attractions.

  • Visa-Free: Limited countries; passport valid 6 months beyond entry. 

  • Requirements: No vaccinations mandatory; declare currency over 10,000 JOD.

Currency

  • Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
  • Stable but check rates before arrival
  • Cash: Essential for rural areas and tips.
  • Cards: Accepted in hotels and major sites
  • ATMs widespread

Language

  • Official language: Arabic

  • English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by guides.

Local Transportation

Domestic Flights

Bus

Driving

Guided Tour

Local Tips and Culture

Mosque Etiquette: Remove shoes, cover head/shoulders/knees; avoid prayer times (Fridays noon).

Bargaining: Common in souks for souvenirs; polite haggling expected, not in fixed-price shops.

Beware of Scams: Use licensed guides; avoid unsolicited "free" tours leading to overpriced shops.

Safety and Practical Tips

Safe to explore

One of the safest in the Middle East; low crime, but stay vigilant in crowds. Avoid political discussions.

Health Precautions

Drink bottled water; sun protection essential in deserts. Pharmacies abundant.

Emergency

Emergencies (911);
Tourism Police (+962 79 550 5755)