Jordan Tours

Jerash
The ancient city of Jerash is one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world and boasting 6,500 years of human habitation.

The Dead Sea
One of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the whole world, the Dead Sea is the lowest body of water on earth, the lowest point on earth, and the world’s richest source of natural salts, hiding wonderful treasures that accumulated throughout thousands of years. As its name evokes, the Dead Sea is devoid of life due to an extremely high content of salts and minerals which gives its waters the renowned curative powers, therapeutic qualities, and its buoyancy. Because the salt content is four times that of most world’s oceans, you can float in the Dead Sea without even trying, which makes swimming here a truly unique experience not to be missed: this is the only place in the world where you can recline on the water to read a newspaper!

Petra
The Rose Red City of Petra is set deep inside a narrow desert gorge opening dramatically to reveal the Treasury. Petra is an architectural and historical marvel with literally hundreds of buildings, temples, archways and a 3000 seat theatre. Travel on foot or on horseback through the ‘Siq’ to the Treasury, then to the Street of Facades, the Theatre, Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street, Byzantine church, the Temple, Monumental Arch and Qasr el-Bint Faroun.

Wadi Rum
Also known as ‘The Valley of the Moon’ , Wadi Rum is a protected area covering 720sqm of dramatic desert wilderness with narrow canyons cut deep into the mountains with many, concealing ancient rock drawings. This is the place where Prince Faisal Bin Hussein and T.E. Lawrence based their headquarters during the Arab Revolt against the Ottomans in World War 1, which was later made famous in the Lawrence of Arabia movie.

Mt Nebo
Mt Nebo sits at an elevation of approximately 817 metres above sea level, and on a clear day the view from the summit provides a panorama of the Holy Land and the cities of Jericho and Jerusalem. According to the final chapter of Deuteronomy, it was here that Moses was given a view of the Promised Land and both the Christian and Jewish traditions believe that Moses was buried on this mountain, although his final resting place is unknown.

The best time to travel is March – November although the summer months July – August can be quite hot and dry. Many people do not realise it can snow in Jordan over the winter so it is best to avoid choosing your travel between December – February!

I tried really hard not to hum the Indiana Jones theme as I neared the end of the siq but it came out under my breath anyway…and what a sight! No photo can quite prepare you for your first glimpse of the soaring facade of Al-Kazenehis (or Treasury) as you pass through the narrow entrance. A local guide will help bring the city to life and it is very easy to spend several hours here. Other fabulous highlights include Wadi Rum where you could easily be on another planet, Jerash, a stunning Roman city and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. With a more western outlook but a distinct Middle Eastern flavour, Jordan may seem less of a culture shock than other areas in the Middle East. Talking of flavour (!), Jordanian food is based around the staples of chickpeas, lentils, beans and flat bread with typical Middle Eastern aromas. Do try the national dish of Mansaf, a sort of stewed lamb in yoghurt.

Kate Couling, Director

Currency Jordanian Dinar

Language Arabic

Why we love it Jordan has a fair dose of history and culture – there really is nothing quite like walking through the siq to the site of Petra for the first time, or wandering in the strange and eery moonscape of Wadi Rum or standing atop Mt Nebo where Moses cast his eyes across the Promised Land but the whole country has a vibe that really appeals. This probably has a lot to do with the Jordanian people, proud and passionate and very welcoming.

Weather Jordan can be visited year round although the winter can be quite cold and snow is not unusual. Best time to travel is spring (March to May) and autumn (September – November). The Jordan Valley is extremely uncomfortable in the summer, hot and humid but other areas less so.

Social customs & quirks Predominantly muslim but with a more western outlook than much of the rest of the Middle East, it is still wise to be conservative in your dress, particularly if visiting religious sites. The Jordanians are passionate, hospitable and friendly, very proud to be Jordanian. Meeting someone for the first time requires a firm handshake, direct eye contact and a smile. Eating from shared plates using your hands is often the norm, use only your right hand and if seated on the floor, it is impolite to point the soles of your feet at anyone else.

Festivals & events There are many religious and cultural festivals and celebrations throughout the year, the biggest being Ramadan, or Holy month of fasting. Muslims should refrain from eating, drinking or smoking during daylight hours. The conclusion of Ramadan is the ‘Aid’, a huge celebration where the children receive gits of new clothes and money and much feasting is enjoyed across the country.

Travel to Jordan from Australia may require a visa – to check current requirements go to https://visalink.com.au/visa-quick-check

Health* Currently there are no compulsory health requirements for Jordan