If your heart is toward the East, as happens with so many travelers these days, you may be looking forward to heading to the Middle Eastern gem, Jordan. This nation made up of desert and fertile plains and led by the constitutional Hashemite monarchy, is a beauty filled with places to wander and enjoy so we’ve just put together a basic Jordan itinerary with the must places you have to check.
If you are on your way to planning your next holidays to Jordan, consider these tips and itinerary.
JORDAN TRAVEL TIPS
- Getting yourself a guide could be a great first step: You won’t necessarily be able to communicate with everyone, and you don’t want to miss anything, right? Finding a private tour guide would not be difficult or expensive, and would be well worth it.
- Be prepared for the heat: You’ll be in the desert most of the time, you need to dress in light clothes, bring a hat and sunscreen, and stock up on tons of water.
- Take photos of street signs: Need to get somewhere, but can’t even read Arabic? Use photos to show cab drivers and others to get where you need to go.
JORDAN ITINERARY
1. Amman
Considering that you land in the capital city of Jordan, Amman, our trip starts here.
Amman is one of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Middle East. Explore Amman with its amazing mix of ancient and modern. Such a large city can’t be seen in just one day, so we’d advise you to stay for 2-3 days, relaxing and sightseeing. Once you are there, visit the Citadel, an archaeological site with the remnants of many cultures, the Jordan Museum, the 2,000-year-old Roman Amphitheater, Ahl Al Kahf, and the many open-air flea markets and artist markets.
2. Madaba
Known as the City of Mosaics, Madaba is an ancient and beautiful city not far from Amman. Famous for its beautiful Byzantine-style mosaics; a must-see for any world traveler is the 6th Century mosaic map of the Holy Land.
3. Wadi Rum
Knowing that a wadi is a dried up riverbed, Wadi Rum is a nationally protected park in the deserts of Jordan. Go for a hike through the wadi to explore nature, or have a little extra fun by taking a camel tour.
4. Dana Nature Reserve
Next up, take a stop off at another gorgeous desert reserve, the Dana Nature Reserve. This park is an oasis, with a flourishing ecosystem filled with plants and wildlife found in the midst of the desert.
5. Aqaba
Another city with a stunning mix of ancient and modern, Aqaba sits on the shores of the Red Sea. Actually, the city isn’t filled with attractions, except one major one, the Red Sea itself. Take a day off after all your hiking, by grabbing a beach chair and relaxing on the beautiful sands of the Red Sea, or going for an actual dive.
6. Petra
Tied with Amman are the ancient ruins of Petra. Petra, Rose City, is an absolutely amazing city carved into the stones of mountains. The architecture of this city is completely stunning. The archaeological ruins of Petra were only recently rediscovered, but these ruins are by far one of the biggest tourist sites in Jordan, perhaps the entire Middle East.
7. The Dead Sea
The lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea is a salt lake that is so filled with minerals that nothing can live in it. The minerals are considered miraculous, healing people of their illnesses, and are often harvested to create many of the world’s top lotions and skin care products. After a week spent hiking and being out in the sunny desert, spend a refreshing day floating on the Dead Sea and healing your body and skin.
Which other spots would you add?
Check these gorgeous Jordan images next.
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