Jordan, with its spectacular desert surroundings, fascinating archeological websites, delectable delicacies, and truthful climate, is likely one of the finest locations to discover within the Center East.
Whether or not you’ve per week or 10 days, I’ve received a full itinerary and journey information in your time in Jordan. It is a kind of locations you undoubtedly want greater than 3 days to discover.
I went to Jordan with out expectations. I left feeling like I completely should come again. Extremely beneficiant, type folks, scrumptious meals, and overwhelming magnificence and historical past. Jordan is a rustic that may shock and delight you. This information will make it easier to benefit from your go to.
Jordan Itinerary at A Look
Day 1- Amman
Day 2 – Amman and Jerash
Day 3 – Wadi Rum
Day 4 – Petra
Day 5 – Petra – Kerak Fort – Wadi Mujib – Useless Sea
Day 6 – Useless Sea & Baptism Websites
Day 7 – Useless Sea & Amman
What to Count on
Jordan is likely one of the most welcoming and hospitable nations on this planet. Individuals are extremely open and sort, at all times keen to speak or make it easier to with instructions or recommendation. The meals with a wide range of dishes is scrumptious, there are epic locations to find and the non secular and historic websites are mesmerizing.
Jordan is a Muslim nation however you might be completely tremendous to not cowl your hair as a lady. Some girls do, however many do not and you will find a wide range of clothes and kinds. You needn’t cowl up, however it is very important costume modestly. Keep away from quick clothes or skirts. Costume for the climate. It could get scorching through the day and funky at evening particularly within the desert.
You’ll hear a name to prayer in most main cities. In case you are visiting on a Friday, some conventional markets and outlets could be closed throughout prayer time, as Friday is a holy day within the Muslim faith. Sunday is the beginning of the work week, having Friday and Saturdays off, versus Saturday and Sunday off within the USA and Europe.
I discovered Jordan to be be very secure, and as a lady a beautiful place to journey.
Taking a Tour
I feel the best possible method to see Jordan is with a tour. I like to recommend Globus which organizes your journey from begin to end. I have been fortunate sufficient to journey many occasions with Globus however this journey to Jordan was my absolute favourite.
The whole lot is organized for you from the seamless airport pickup, lovely inns, and distinctive experiences whereas nonetheless remaining inexpensive journey. The inns have been all completely gorgeous, some even 5 star! The VIP sightseeing was properly deliberate and there was free time to discover by yourself.
Globus takes care of all of your journey wants. From taking your baggage off the bus and placing it in your room to organizing your required COVID examination the day earlier than you come to the USA.
However the very best a part of touring with Globus is the unbelievable information. Our tour information, Osama, was with us each step of the way in which. Not solely did he inform us the historical past of what we noticed, he instructed us enjoyable details, and we have been free to ask questions concerning the traditions and customs of Jordanians.
Globus Escapes is such a novel and great idea. Excursions are competitively priced and through off season. You lower your expenses and miss the crowds. That is actually one of the best ways to expertise Jordan.
When to Go to Jordan
February by means of Might, early to mid spring, is usually finest for visiting Jordan. You may have good temperatures. It isn’t too scorching however can get chilly at evening and windy close to the Useless Sea. That is additionally nice for climbing Petra or the Wadi Rum desert.
I recommend avoiding summer season as it might probably get fairly scorching. September by means of early November can be good as properly since it isn’t fairly as scorching.
How Lengthy to Keep in Jordan
I feel seven days is the proper quantity to get a superb really feel for Jordan. You may get to expertise the foremost points of interest together with Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman. Plus you will have time to calm down, store and take excursions too.
Day 1 – Amman
We flew into the Queen Alia Worldwide Airport and Globus organized a choose up. However this was not your common pickup! You may be taken instantly out of your gate and thru customs in a seamless and simple approach. This service makes your journey stress-free and simple. We then took the automobile service on to the lodge.
Amman, Jordan’s capital, is a superb place to start out your journey. Town is unfold out and has quite a bit to supply, from Roman ruins to nice eating places. Town could be very walkable so I like to recommend in your first day to stroll round city and have a chunk to eat.
That is the biggest metropolis in Jordan with 4.5 million folks and over half one million that drive in to work daily. It is often known as the Metropolis of Seven Hills due to its historical past of Roman rule.
I used to be shocked to seek out a terrific combine of contemporary structure combined in with antiquity. You may see avenue artwork, hip cafes, ebook outlets, and native eating places perfuming the air with scrumptious treats.
Rainbow Road is a superb place to stroll round, cease in a restaurant and get your bearings. Take a look at the Royal Vehicle Museum to see among the finest collections of lovely vintage vehicles from King Hussein. Or, take a look at King Abdullah’s Mosque.
The place to remain in Amman: Globus organized for us to remain at Kempinski Lodge – an ideal spot to discover town! This was a contemporary, beautiful lodge with an included buffet breakfast and dinner along with your Globus tour.
Day 2 – Amman and Jerash
Make your method to the historic website of the Amman Citadel, which is within the coronary heart of city. Town’s authentic title, Rabbath-Ammon, means “capital of Ammon” and was coined by the Romans after they constructed the citadel, which is likely one of the world’s oldest inhabited settlements.
Town’s title was then modified by the Greeks to “Philadelphia” which suggests metropolis of cohesion after which, lastly Amman.
You may stroll by means of the traditional gate that when led to town and discover the Temple Of Hercules. Constructed throughout Marcus Aurelius’ seat as emperor, this temple has stood the check of time, regardless of earthquakes.
Go away a while to absorb the museum contained in the citadel, Jordan Archaeological Museum, full of artifacts and details about town, the ruins, and its folks. Stroll across the ruins and look down beneath on the sprawling metropolis of Amman. You possibly can see the Roman Discussion board beneath. You may additionally discover an enormous, marble remnant of a hand of Hercules and it is speculated this was one of many largest marble statues identified to man.
Subsequent, our information took use to Wasat Al-Balad in Downtown Amman. You may discover numerous outlets promoting contemporary vegatables and fruits, clothes, and cafes. Make a cease at Habibah Sweets for conventional “Kunafeh” a dessert of fried goat cheese topped with dough and honey.
Then, it was time to move to Jerash, among the finest preserved Roman ruins exterior of Rome!
Jerash is about an hour north of Amman and on our approach we stopped off within the small village of Souf for a home made conventional lunch at Beit Khairat Souf. There have been piles of lamb kebab, steaming pots of tea, plates of hummus, and salads of each type.
The meals was completely divine and such a beautiful, distinctive expertise organized by Globus. The restaurant is a part of Beit Khairat Souf’s Ladies’s Neighborhood Challenge created to assist girls financially assist themselves.
Jerash
Simply an hour north of Amman is the traditional metropolis of Jerash. This well-preserved Roman wreck is likely one of the most spectacular I’ve ever seen! I actually loved my time right here. With sweeping views and unbelievable historical past, this website in Jordan can’t be missed.
What I discovered most fascinating, moreover the practically intact Jerash theater, hippodrome, temple of Zeus and Artemis, Discussion board, and Hadrian’s Arch, was that a lot of it’s nonetheless standing!
Earthquakes shook and destroyed a lot of town, however the within the 2nd century AD Romans discovered so as to add copper or tin between the columns which helped the buildings to not fall over.
I undoubtedly advocate a tour right here as there’s a lot historical past to study, our tour with Osama by means of Globus was unbelievable. We additionally had time to stroll round and take heed to the Jordan bagpipe band (not a typo!) within the Jerash theater. They performed very acquainted classics like Wonderful Grace whereas I used to be shocked to see them exterior of Scotland, I discovered that the instrument’s authentic roots are within the Center East!
As we walked the grounds Michael stopped to play soccer with some children. I really like how accessible Jerash is, it completely mixes historical ruins with modern-day life, serving to to image what the traditional metropolis actually felt like.
We headed again to Amman to spend another evening within the Kempinski Lodge. For dinner we had a novel expertise with a cooking class at Beit Sitti.
Beit Sitti means “Grandmother’s home” in Arabic, and it actually felt like we have been at Grandmother’s home! Pictures of their household held on the wall and Maria, our teacher was full of life and excited, displaying us precisely how one can prepare dinner whereas regaling us with tales.
I’ve by no means cooked conventional Center Jap delicacies earlier than, and I discovered a terrific deal, and likewise made a wonderful meal!
Day 3 – Wadi Rum
Heading to Wadi Rum appears like going to outer area. And I am not the one one who thinks so, this additionally occurs to be the place they filmed the film “The Martian” as a result of it seems just like the floor of Mars!
It is a desert valley made up of pink sandstone and granite mountains. It is considered one of Jordan’s hottest vacationer locations and was even used as a filming location for different films like Lawrence of Arabia and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
On our method to the desert Osama helped learn to tie a “keffiyeh,” a Bedouin scarf.
After we arrived we ate a buffet lunch on the Wadi Rum camp (you possibly can spend the evening out right here if you would like!) after which headed out for a four-by-four Jeep tour into the desert.
We spent a number of hours touring across the unbelievable panorama, our hair whipping within the wind, as we gazed on the otherworldly panorama. You possibly can tour sights just like the pink sand dunes, Lawrence’s Spring, the Khazali Canyon, the Home of Lawrence, Abu Khashaba Canyon and Um Frouth Arch.
We hopped out of the jeeps and had the choice to take a brief, 30 minute camel trip to the Bedouin camp. When you’ve by no means carried out one, I like to recommend it! We did have a “frothing” camel since one of many females was in warmth. Michael was the fortunate one to trip this camel, and it was fairly comical!
Camels are an integral a part of the Bedouin nomadic way of life. Bedouin means “roamer” and this unbelievable a part of the Jordan inhabitants traverses the panorama.
We then headed right into a Bedouin tent for conventional tea. It was unbelievable to see how they stay and use the land to maintain themselves. Then a Bedouin household invited us to indicate how they make bread. It was scrumptious! We dipped it in oil and spices and savored it among the many towering pink rocks. Scorching and contemporary off the fireplace we tasted the scrumptious bread and spoke with the household who welcomed us with such kindness.
After our lengthy day, we made the drive to Petra in order that we might rise up early and hike to one of many world’s wonders! See my full information to Petra right here!
For dinner, we loved an unbelievable, house cooked dinner with a Jordanian household in Petra. We began off by consuming espresso, a ritual with numerous which means. Every visitor was handed a small cup of steaming espresso. It is custom to start out with a cup for every visitor and customary to have 1-3 cups. If in case you have greater than 3, you are telling the host the espresso is simply too weak!
Then we have been taken to the kitchen for spotlight of the night: mansaf!
On our airplane trip over from the USA we have been instructed we should have this conventional Jordanian dish of mansaf, however ONLY if it was house cooked! We have been in luck!
This tender lamb dish was decadent and delicious. Jordanians undoubtedly encourage you to eat and drink to your fill! We had such a stunning night chatting and studying about each other’s cultures and traditions.
The place to Keep in Petra: Movenpick Resort Petra. It is a hike to get to Petra and this lodge is kind of actually as shut as you may get! This 5-star lodge is correct by the Petra Customer Heart and Museum and is the proper place to get up, beat the gang and head to the sight.
The buffet breakfast was significantly good and the inside of the lodge appears like an expensive spa. Marble flooring and delicate inlaid fixtures made for a fantastic place to relaxation.
Day 4 – Petra
Petra is a magical place and one of many new wonders of the world and UNESCO World Heritage Websites. It must be seen to be believed! You may want no less than one full day right here to get pleasure from and relish within the historical past and awe-inspiring structure.
I like to recommend you put on climbing boots or tennis footwear, light-weight clothes, and remember a hat and sunscreen.
See my full information to Petra Right here!
You possibly can enter Petra by means of the Siq, a slender crack within the sandstone that is bordered by partitions that soar lots of of ft into the air. As you stroll by means of this enigmatic hall, you will be full of anticipation for what lies forward.
After which abruptly, you emerge into the breathtaking and really well-known Treasury. It is no surprise that this is likely one of the most photographed websites in all of Jordan – it is completely gorgeous!
There’s additionally a again entrance, an extended hike of 9 miles however it offers you an unbelievable view of Petra and the land surrounding it in addition to the Monastery with no vacationers!
Petra was inhabited by the Nabataeans and later fell below Roman rule throughout their reign. However they have been finally pushed away by an earthquake in 363 AD.
As I explored the unbelievable ruins of Petra, I used to be full of awe and surprise on the exceptional structure and historical past of this historical metropolis. The location is actually one of many world’s wonders, as its spectacular stone temples and tombs have been preserved for hundreds of years. Indiana Jones and the Final Campaign was filmed right here and it is easy to see why this website was chosen!
PRO TIP: Do not simply cease on the Treasury! Sure, it is a hike to maintain strolling al the way in which to the Monastery, however it is going to be properly value it. You may have far much less crowds and completely gorgeous views.
There are many locations alongside the way in which to seize a chunk to eat or drink. And, should you’re significantly drained after the miles of climbing, you possibly can take a camel, horse, or donkey trip again. Now, they even have golf carts! It is 1.2km (about .75 mile) lengthy to the Siq, the slender gorge to the Treasury, however a complete of 6 kilometers to the monastery (3 miles) so 12 kilometers (6 miles) spherical journey.
I spent a number of hours climbing round Petra, marveling on the unbelievable structure and historical past. Avoid wasting vitality since you should come again at evening for “Petra by Evening.”
We had a brief break in between the place we explored the customer’s middle and museum, received a chunk to eat and rested our ft earlier than a further hike again in.
White paper luggage full of sand and candles are the one sources of sunshine that heat the pink stone partitions. As you meander down the slender gorge the intense stars above you beckon you right down to the music.
From the customer middle to the Treasury, greater than 1,000 candles illuminate the trail. The Treasury is lit up because the Bedouins play music for round 40 minutes earlier than being instructed a short historical past of Petra’s growth.
Not solely is Petra a beautiful place to see, the historical past of the Nabataeans is fascinating.
Full information to Petra right here!
Day 5- Petra – Kerak Fort – Wadi Mujib – Useless Sea
If in case you have additional time in Petra take a look at “Little Petra” often known as Siq al-Barid. It is an archaeological website situated north of Petra and the city of Wadi Musa with smaller variations of buildings carved into sandstone.
We drove from Petra on to the Useless Sea and made some stops alongside the way in which. First was the Crusader Fort or Kerak, which was in-built 1132 A.D.
This fortified fortress is likely one of the largest in Jordan, and offers gorgeous views. Constructed like a labyrinth, the fortress held prisoners and you’ll stroll by means of the place they have been held.
After exploring the fortress we had lunch after which made our method to Wadi Mujib.
We had a fast cease on the “Grand Canyon of Jordan” with sweeping views and the wind whipping the cavernous gorge because it carves it is approach down the the Useless Sea.
We arrived simply in time for sundown and a dip on the lowest place on earth, the Useless Sea!
I completely love how Globus organized our Useless Sea expertise. We stayed at a stunning resort: Movenpick Resort and Spa on the Useless Sea which supplies you non-public seaside entry. Having gone to the Useless Sea in Israel, I can say it is a actually pleasant expertise.
So, why is it referred to as the Useless Sea?
Nicely, as a result of the water is 34 salinity, tremendous salty, nothing lives in it! However this additionally means you possibly can simply float in it! You may actually really feel like a cork bobbing on high of the water. It is a sensation in contrast to anything I’ve ever skilled. You possibly can see me float within the Useless Sea right here!
High ideas for the Useless Sea
DO NOT: dive, splash, or get the water in your eyes. It’s going to burn. I might additionally keep away from getting it in your mouth. I like to recommend about 20 minutes at a time for a float as a result of it might probably trigger dehydration.
It is a bit tough moving into the water as there are salt formations that may be powerful in your ft. when you have water footwear or flip flops you possibly can go for that, or simply stroll in fastidiously like I did.
However do not be alarmed! The minerals are superb in your pores and skin. I additionally advocate lathering up with some Useless Sea mud and having fun with the ritual of washing it off within the water. My pores and skin felt so clean after!
The place to remain on the Useless Sea: As I discussed above, we stayed on the Movenpick Resort. This beautiful, giant lodge greets you with candy tea and cozy, spacious rooms. The spotlight, after all, is your entry to the Useless Sea. There are lifeguards right here that will help you enter the water – this was particularly good to not harm my ft on the salt formations.
The resort provides swimming pools, a spa, and lots of eating places on the property. We had pina colodas and loved sundown on the seaside bar.
Day 6 – Useless Sea & Spiritual Websites
Within the morning we had time for an additional dip within the Useless Sea, so mud up and go for it!
Then we headed to a few of the most transferring non secular websites. I used to be excited to see the place the place Jesus was Baptized and Moses noticed the Promised Land, however it was actually an emotional expertise.
Whether or not you are non secular or not, we have grown up with tales from the Bible and its historic significance has touched the world. To see it come to life was actually an expertise. I used to be raised Catholic and going to those locations and listening to the descriptions is in contrast to something I’ve ever skilled earlier than.
Our information, Rustom Mkhjian, is the esteemed Director Normal of Bethany Past the Jordan, who shared an outpouring of affection and enthusiasm for these sights. We noticed the spot the place Elijah was taken in to heaven in a chariot of fireplace, the spot the place John the Baptist lived and carried out miracles, and the place the place John baptized Jesus within the Jordan River.
The baptism website of Jesus was significantly transferring, and since there weren’t any crowds we received to go down and contact the water.
On the Jordan river you possibly can see the border of Israel and you’re feeling a sure sort of significance standing right here. I additionally advocate stepping contained in the Greek Orthodox St John the Baptist Church.
Subsequent, we took a brief drive to Madaba to see the world’s oldest map of the Holy Land on the ground of St. George’s Church. Generally known as the Metropolis of Mosaics the extremely quite a few mosaics lay untouched for over 1,000 years till they have been uncovered when a brand new constructing challenge was began.
The Madaba Archaeological Park and Museum accommodates the ruins of a number of Byzantine church buildings, in addition to the gorgeous Madaba Mosaic Map and the Hippolytus Corridor, a part of a sixth century mansion.
From right here, we went to St. George’s Church to see the mosaic map of Jerusalem of the ground within the church. The Mosaic Map was created within the sixth Century to assist pilgrims get across the Holy Land. The Holy Land’s websites are proven all through Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and Egypt’s Sinai intimately. This helps show the situation of Jesus’ baptism.
From the mosaics in Madaba, we made our method to Mount Nebo. That is the place Moses surveyed the Promised Land of Canaan. God prohibited him from continuing any farther, and he died earlier than main his folks into it, based on the scroll. It’s claimed that Moses was buried on this space, however nobody is aware of precisely the place it’s.
After an extended day of touring, we headed again for our final evening on the Useless Sea and another sundown.
Day 7 – Useless Sea & Amman
Globus arranges your simple transport again from the Useless Sea to Amman. It is about an hour’s drive.
Our flight was early and Globus organized to have a boxed breakfast able to go. We had loads of time to get to the airport and head house after a wonderful journey. You possibly can examine all of the Globus Escape excursions proper right here.
If in case you have extra time…
After all there’s extra to see in Jordan. If in case you have time, you possibly can lengthen your time within the desert at Wadi Rum or take extra time in Petra. Additionally Aquada is a spot to see the Purple Sea and, should you’re up for it, go diving.
This was a whirlwind tour of a few of Jordan’s most unbelievable websites. I hope this journey information helps you propose your one week itinerary (or extra!) for Jordan! I extremely advocate making your journey simple with Globus!
This put up is in collaboration with Globus, however all opinions are my very own.
