Jordan
A modern kingdom with an ancient culture, Jordan offers the traveller diverse, unrivalled views, magnificent ruins and traditional hospitality which guarantee a memorable stay.
This is a land that has been inhabited throughout the centuries by nomads, biblical prophets, merchants of the exotic and conquering armies of the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders and Ottoman Turks. All of these civilizations have left their mark on Jordan from the Nabatean city of Petra, carved from the desert rock, to the beautifully preserved Roman city of Jerash, and to one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, Wadi Rum - the desert of Lawrence of Arabia - to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea.
Here visitors can trace ancient history: witness Mount Nebo, burial place of Moses; climb to the rocky pinnacle of Kerak Crusader Castle and take a desert journey through the amazing landscapes of Wadi Rum.
And finally, see the most awe-inspiring sight in Jordan - Petra the "Rose Red City" carved directly into a mountain of multi-coloured sandstone, once the power base of the ancient Nabateans. To visit Petra at dawn, a walk through the quiet streets of Jerash, or a night spent out under a canopy of stars in Wadi Rum are all experiences that will stay with you forever.
How to book a trip
What to do in Jordan
Journey to the Desert Castles
Amman
Enjoy an excursion to the desert castles located to the east of Amman. First stop at Qasr Kharanah which is one of the best preserved Umayyad castles that stands two storeys high. Continue to Qasr Amra, well known for its 8th century frescoes, mosaics and marble claddings illustrating tales of the time of Caliph Walid I, as far back as 705 AD. Finally continue to Azraq a unique wetland oasis inhabited since ancient times. Located in the heart of the semi-arid Jordanian eastern desert, Azraq is a seasonally flooded marshland where a wide variety of migrating, breeding and wintering birds stop for a rest during their arduous migration routes between Asia and Africa.
See The Grand Roman Ruins Of Jerash
Amman
It is said that if it wasn't for Petra, Jordan would be famous for the well preserved Roman city of Jerash. The city's many monuments still retain the atmosphere of the once thriving metropolis, famous in its time for its magnificent temples, amphitheatres, and nearly oval colonnaded forum. From the many well-preserved structures, it is easy to imagine the city in its heyday - chariots would have trundled down the streets, their wheels etching ever deeper the already well worn grooves in the paving and the shops that lined the streets would have stocked exotic goods brought in from all over the Roman world and beyond.
Discover Dana Nature Reserve
Dana Nature Reserve
Dana Nature reservce is situated in a chain of valleys and mountains which extend from the top of the Jordan Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. You can walk through the old village of Dana and then follow one of the nature trails through the Wadi Dana and Wadi Feinan stopping to soak the amazing views and learn about the flora and fauna. Dana supports diverse wildlife which includes a variety of rare species of plants and animals and is home to about 600 species of plants, 37 species of mammals, and 190 species of birds.
Dive in the Red Sea
Aqaba
Aqaba Marine Park makes a great alternative for diving in the Red Sea; the dive sites are much quieter and more accessible than of those in Egypt. The diving from Aqaba offers mainly boat diving and the reefs are unspoilt and offer a huge variety of differing coral reefs, topographies and marine habitats. Now, with a complete ban on fishing in the marine park we are beginning to see more large pelagic fish returning.
Float in the Dead Sea
Dead Sea
Surrounded by barren mountains, the Dead Sea is the lowest exposed point on the Earth's surface and lies at the bottom of a natural depression that reaches 409m below sea level. The water is rich in mineral salts and contains so much sodium that it makes it impossible for plant and animal life to live, but is ideal for spas and medical treatments. You'll have the opportunity to float in the dead sea and take a mud bath!
Marvel at Madaba mosaics
Madaba
On the Kings' Highway which is one of the oldest roads in the world is the mosaic-filled city of Madaba. The most important mosaic is in the Greek Orthodox Church of St George, showing a map of the holy land including the entire region from Jordan and Palestine in the north, to Egypt in the south. From Madaba you can continue your tour to visit Mount Nebo one of the reputed sites of the tomb of Moses and also explore the walled city of Kerak, dominated by an enormous four storey high Crusader castle.
Visit Petra at Dawn
Petra
At dawn, you walk through the cool gloom of the Siq, a long narrow gorge whose steeply rising sides all but obliterate the sun, provides a dramatic contrast with the magic to come. This narrow gorge opens into a natural square dominated by Petra's most famous monument, the Khazneh, more popularly known as the Treasury. Its tall intricately carved façade glows in the dazzling sun. As you go further into this ancient city, it gradually unfolds, one monument leading to the next for kilometre after kilometre. We suggest you have two full days to see all the main highlights such as the Treasury, Tombs, Colonnade Street, Theatre, Colour Caves and Byzantine church.
Trek through Wadi Mujib
Wadi Mujib
Spend the day trekking through the Wadi Mujib with your local guide. Carving an enormous canyon some 1300 metres deep, the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve splits the Jordanian Mountains to the south of Amman. Lying some 90 kilometres from the capital, this is the lowest nature reserve on earth; a dramatic landscape of narrow canyons and fast flowing rivers that provide the perfect backdrop for some truly stunning trekking and canyoning adventures. The canyon plunges from 900 metres above sea level, to 400 metres below and provides a rich haven for a staggering diversity of wildlife, from wolf and mongoose, to honey badgers and ibex. A naturalist's paradise, its steep canyons are also home to over 400 recorded species of plants and some 200 species of birds.
Ride Camels in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum
Set off through Wadi Rum on camels across the dunes or rather dromedaries as they only have one hump. The specialised camel guides in Wadi Rum are all from the Zilabia tribe, and were born and live in the desert. They will show you how to saddle your camel, how to groom it, and the words of command to control it. In exchange, you will be expected to look after your camel for the leght of the trek; to groom it, saddle and unsaddle it, and bring it water and feed it. Some of the sites you will visit today include the Khazaleh Canyon, the Lawrence Springs, the Sand Dunes and the Little Bridge.
Camp in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum
Spending a night wild camping in the dunes is an extraordinary experience and the only way to truly experience the amazing quiet and stillness of this almost uninhabited landscape. See the sands turn all different colours as the sun sinks before sitting around a beduoin fire and eating dinner prepared by your guide. You will sleep in modern dome tents in middle of the desert. All camping equipment is provided although you might like to bring your own sleeping bag.
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Where to stay in Jordan
Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
Dead Sea
This luxurious resort has great oriental flair, featuring a combination of natural traditional local stone, handcrafted...
Movenpick Resort and Residence Aqaba
Aqaba
This excellent five star resort overlooks the Red Sea with direct access to its own private beach, quick access to the...
Aqaba Gulf Hotel
Aqaba
The Aqaba Gulf Hotel is located in the city centre. The hotel is clean and comfortable with 200 spacious rooms, all...
Four Seasons Hotel Amman
Amman
Prominently rising from Amman's 5th circle, the Four Seasons is a luxurious five star hotel with very spacious guest...
Grand Hyatt Amman
Amman
Undoubtedly one of the city's best hotels, the Grand Hyatt Amman is located in the Jabal Amman or business district....
Intercontinental Aqaba
Aqaba
Located a mere 15 minutes drive from King Hussein International Airport and 10 minutes walk from the town centre, this...
Kempinski Hotel
Amman
This luxurious five star hotel is of a unique, futurist design, with all modern amenities and the most up-to-date...
Le Meridien Amman Hotel
Amman
Le Meridien is a five star hotel located in the centre of the city's commercial and diplomatic district and is a walk...
Dana Guesthouse
Dana Nature Reserve
Perched on the edge of Wadi Dana, this beautifully styled guesthouse offers breathtaking views of the reserve,...
Grand View Petra Hotel
Petra
The four star Grand View is situated on a mountain top, offering wonderful views of the marvellous rock-carved rose red...
Al Hillawi Desert Camp, Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum
Located within the breathtaking embrace of Wadi Rum's expansive landscapes, the Al Hillawi Desert Camp is the ideal...
Feynan Eco Lodge
Dana Nature Reserve
Deep in the mountainous desert landscape of Wadi Feynan and the Dana Biosphere Reserve lies the Feynan Eco Lodge. Lit...
Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa
Dead Sea
The Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa is a modern resort on the east shore of the Dead Sea.All rooms are bright and...
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
Dead Sea
Set on the shore of the Dead Sea amidst scented gardens, the five star Kempinski Hotel Ishtar boasts 318 luxurious...
Movenpick Resort Petra
Petra
Situated at the entrance to the magical site of Petra, the Movenpick is arguably the best hotel in Petra and some of...
Petra Marriott Hotel
Petra
Just a five minute drive from the entrance to Petra itself, the Marriott Hotel is situated on a steep sloping site...
How to book a trip
Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Jordan Travel Guide
Amman
Amman is the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and is built upon seven hills. The city is dotted with a number of historic sites dating from the Stone Age to the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic eras. Amman is now a modern and vibrant city, where the new gleaming white houses of downtown Amman blend with the remnants of ancient civilizations. Join the locals roasting meat at the Kebab stalls and sitting in tiny cafes where rich Arabian coffee is sipped in the afternoon sunshine. The atmosphere conjures a mood straight from a thousand and one nights. In the souks you can bargain for fruit, perfume, gold or other exquisite luxuries of the Middle East.
Petra
Hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, the rock-carved city of Petra is full of mysterious charm. Petra was the capital of the ancient Nabatean Kingdom and was an important trading post. The Nabateans established an elaborate network of caravan routes, which brought spices, incense, myrrh, gold, silver, and precious stones from India and Arabia, to be traded onto the west. From the wealth they acquired, they adorned their city with palaces, temples, and arches. Finally, Petra is an enchanting place that captivates and excites the senses. Its overwhelming size, rich textures and stunning surroundings create an ambiance almost impossible to describe.
Dead Sea
Surrounded by barren mountains, the Dead Sea is the lowest exposed point on the Earth's surface and lies at the bottom of a natural depression that reaches 409 m below sea level. The region is a natural spa, and the mud and water contains so much sodium and other minerals that it makes it impossible for plant and animal life to live. However is ideal as treatment for various maladies (or just for soft skin).
Wadi Rum
“Vast, echoing and God-Like” are the words that T. E. Lawrence used to describe one of the Middle East’s most spectacular desert landscapes. Wadi Rum is the meeting point of the Rift valley, the Negev desert and Sinai Peninsular, which spreads eastwards into Arabia. Home to stunning scenery – towering sandstone peaks (Jebels), knife-edged dunes, gorges and canyons – the whole region is peppered with criss-crossing valleys, Bedouin camps and wild camels. One of the highlights of any trip to Jordan is watching the desert change colour as the daylight creeps in and the setting sun draws out the pink, ochre and magenta hue of the rock. At night the skies are ablaze with stars thanks to the lack of light pollution, making it one of the best places in Jordan for stargazing.
Dana Nature Reserve
A combination of mountains and wadis make for interesting landscapes and the chance to spot a wide range of birdlife - over 214 species have been recorded here including Griffon vultures and other birds of prey. The best way to explore Dana is on foot and there are a number of well marked trails and routes to suit all abilities. Explore the old village of Dana and visit the remains of a copper mine. Some walks can done on ones own; others require a guide and are available on request.
Jerash
The city's many splendid monuments still retain the atmosphere of the once thriving metropolis, famous in its own time for magnificent temples, amphitheatres, and plazas. From the buildings and the many other well-preserved structures, it is easy to imagine the city in its heyday. In the days of Alexander the Great (332 BC), the city grew increasingly prosperous and important until, in 63 BC, the Roman emperor Pompey conquered the region. The ancient Arabic name of Garshu was changed to Gerasa, and Jerash became part of the Roman Empire and soon after, a member of the Decapolis.
Aqaba
Surrounded by rugged purple mountains that subtly change in colour as the day unfolds, Aqaba is now a modern holiday resort with some good hotels and beaches, and excellent facilities for water sports and diving. The Red Sea coral and marine life is what attracts most holidaymakers to Aqaba and further down the coast are some of the most spectacular coral reefs to be found anywhere in the world. Often over many hundreds of meters wide, the reef is made up of many delicately hued corals among which live a myriad of brilliantly coloured fish.
Feinan
This area is famous for its ancient copper mines romoured to have been the site of King Solomons Mines. Feinan means "ruins of copper" in Arabic and the area is thought to have been first mined in Neolithic times 8500BC-4500BC. The site has recently been put forward to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in order to prevent future mining. Other highlights in the area include Byzantine archaeological ruins and churches, a Roman tower, elaborate water systems and Iron age remians. Wadi Feinan is a rugged area with beautiful red granite rock formations leading to the pink sand dunes of the Jordan valley.
Kerak
It lies south of Amman on the King's Highway - a crucial trade route linking Damascus with Egypt and Mecca, and at an elevation of 1000m it commands fantastic views of the Dead Sea. On three sides there is a vertiginous cliff that greatly aided defence. The fortress is typically Crusader in style, with dimly lit stone-vaulted rooms and corridors leading into each other through heavy arches and doorways. Taking a tour of the interior it is easy to imagine what life would have been like when the castle was under siege.
The King’s Highway
One of three highways running from North to South, the King’s Highway traverses some epic landscapes and is dotted with crusader castles, nature reserves and towns that date back to biblical times. Linking the historical town of Madaba, famed for it’s plethora of Byzantine mosaics and ancient churches, Mount Nebo (the supposed resting place of the prophet Moses, holy to Muslims, Christians and Jews alike) and Shobak, driving along this highway is really a journey through the centuries.
How to book a trip
Jordan Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders require a visa to visit Jordan, but this can be obtained on arrival.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
If you would prefer to obtain your visa before arrival - this can be arranged through:
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road Battersea
London
SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company plc, details of which can be found at the FSA's website www.fsa.gov.uk.
To contact them please visit their website at www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
