Visit to Jordan….

A short haul magical destination, we had a long weekend Thursday – Monday and managed to fit in an amazing amount of this very special, friendly country. With only a 5 hour flight from London this is very doable – I would recommend 6 days though to relax as well or longer to add Wadi Rum, the desert, and stay under the million star hotel. 

From Amman we travelled the Kings Highway, the oldest route in the world. Visiting Mount Nebo the site of the death of Moses.

Crossing Wadi al Mujib, Jordan’s answer to the Grand Canyon – 900 meters dam marking the Roman road. Visiting  Karak Castle where you are free to explore all over. We had a great lunch opposite the castle.

Petra, nothing really prepared you for the ingeniousness of this ancient site.  Water way for water for the animal and another for the citizens’ build over 2000 years ago; really make you wonder about out modern plumbing!  This is a huge site and need the full day to explore and if possible to see at night, with Petra by night – where thousands of candles light your way to The Treasury building. 
 

Enjoy the day with flat shoes and a sun hat and plenty of water – I would not take the donkeys to The Monterey – I think its safer to climb the steps!

The Dead Sea is the strangest place, the lowest place on earth – definitely a must on any visit to Jordan.  It’s disappearing over the decades so I recommend a visit soon.  Try floating on your front it’s impossible. 

We really enjoyed this trip and are really looking forward to a longer visit with the Children soon – they can’t wait to ride a camel in the desert.

Helen

Whilst visiting Jordan recently I was surprised to learn that there are several areas that are very green and furtile! Not at all what I was expecting in this land of ancient civilisations and desert. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature look after six protected wilderness reserves and I visited Azraq in the eastern desert region of the country.

The word ‘Azraq’ translates into ‘Blue’ in the Arabic language and even during the last days of summer, when the water levels were at their lowest, we walked the boardwalk trail across the reserve through the reeds and saw native birds taking advantage of the pools. I have been reliably informed that a visit in Spring when water levels are at their peak, you may see over 2000 species of wild flowers – yet a further reason to re-visit Jordan!

For interest, other Reserves protected by RSCN in Jordan include Dana, Ajloun Forest Reserve and Mujib. Some of the Reserves have eco-lodges or small guesthouses where you can enjoy the tranquillity after everyone except the wildlife has left!

I have just returned from my first trip to Jordan and already can’t wait to go back!
Jordan lived up to more than my expectations. I recommend anyone to visit Jordan and would love to tell you all about it. It was also very interesting being there during Ramadan.

I flew with Royal Jordanian from Heathrow and could not fault the airline; it was a very pleasant journey with entertainment to pass the time.
I travelled to Jordan as part of a group tour. On arrival into Amman I obtained my visa. After being collected from the airport we travelled to the centre of Amman (approx 40 minutes) before arriving at our hotel (Red Rose hotel 3*).

I managed to catch a few hours sleep before starting the tour the next morning.
Our first day of the tour we travelled north to Um Qais and Jerash ancient roman ruin sites. Um Qais is much smaller than Jerash but there you are so close to other Middle East borders where you can see the Golon Heights and Sea of Galilee. There is a small rest house here which used to be an old ottoman schoolhouse with beautiful views. Jerash is still one of the best preserved roman cities in the world and you can really feel how it must have been all those years ago. We then drove approx 50 mins back to Amman for another overnight here where we enjoyed our first Jordanian meal. Delicious!

The following day we enjoyed a city tour of Amman city including the archaeological museum and amphitheatre which also has a folklore museum there which is worth a look. As we drove through the city it was interesting to see the difference from east to west, with the west being more prosperous. We then had an afternoon departure to the Dead Sea approx 1 hour drive from Amman. The Dead Sea is a lovely area to stay for a few nights to really relax. While the others were floating in the Dead Sea I went to inspect the Kempinski and Movenpick hotels. I loved the Movenpick, it has such a lovely atmosphere and the greeting and offer of tea as you walk in really gives a lovely first impression. The hotels have a vast amount of facilities to keep you wined, dined and entertained during your stay. We had an afternoon visit here but I would definitely recommend staying for a few nights (depending on the itinerary) and it can be very welcoming after so much walking.

We were then all very excited as we started to travel to Petra. On route we stopped at a few view points along the way including Dana Valley nature reserve and Shawbak Castle (crusader castle) which now has a visitors centre, the first sight of the castle can be quite breathtaking. Finally we arrived to Petra. As we arrived quite late to Petra I wasn’t able to experience Petra by night where the walk through the siq to the monastery is lit with many candles so I definitely have to fit that in next time! (Another reason to go back!) We arrived at the 4* Crowne Plaza hotel which is literally a 2 minute walk to the entrance of Petra so an excellent location! This hotel has rooms with a view of the Petra Mountains which is a lovely sight in the morning. Another hotel just a couple of minutes walk is the 5* Movenpick which is an excellent hotel with a beautiful roof top bar where you can enjoy Jordanian music and dancing in the evening. For people who would like to be a bit further out of the centre of Petra I visited the Beit Zaman which has just reopened after a major renovation. The hotel used to be former Bedouin houses and is beautiful with lovely views over Petra.
Slightly higher above Petra you also have the 4* Movenpick Nabatean Castle hotel (approx 10 min drive from Petra), this is a lovely hotel with many facilities and breathtaking views over Petra across Wadi Musa.

We were all very excited at breakfast and couldn’t wait to get going! We had a full day in Petra but we still needed more time. Petra is amazing and indescribable and I can only say go and see it for yourselves and you won’t be disappointed! We walked as much as we could within the time we had. You can easily stay for 2 or 3 nights so you can take your time to see everything possible. I was determined to climb the 1000 steps (or there about) to the monastery and in 40 degree heat this was quite a challenge but believe me it is well worth it when you get to the top! One of the group members decided to race us and take a donkey and she says she has never been so scared in her life! I’m glad I decided to walk! Once you get to the monastery if you walk slightly further you reach the most spectacular view points so if you have the energy go and enjoy the view! I wish we had longer in Petra to see some of the other sights including little Petra. After a full day in Petra it was a fairly early night for most!

After a late breakfast the following morning we set off for the desert – Wadi Rum made famous by Laurence of Arabia. I was a bit worried before we got there as to the facilities at the camp and what it would be like, I had already set my mind that I wasn’t going to sleep a wink. However I was to be pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed staying a night in the desert – I had the best nights sleep all week! It was so peaceful when we arrived after driving a couple of hours by 4×4 jeeps to visit Laurence’s spring, a sand dune with the option of tumbling down and also one of the many canyons in the desert that provide shade from the intense sun. We arrived at the camp at 5.30pm and after relaxing in the Bedouin type tent with a tea we waited to watch the sunset, this was so beautiful and I have never taken so many pictures of the sun! The camp was quite basic and is fairly new so they are developing it to be able to take more tents and better shower/toilet facilities – watch this space. The tents were good with wooden floors and proper pine beds with mattresses we even had blankets with Spiderman or Disney on! After the sunset you enjoy a traditional meal and of course a breakfast in the morning with a nice cup of tea! I felt so relaxed after our overnight and would definitely recommend Wadi Rum on any trip to Jordan.

Next we travelled from the desert to Aqaba (approx 40 min drive), Jordan’s main port. This is a small coastal resort and good for a few days to relax on the beach. The hotels are excellent here with many facilities. After leaving Aqaba we stopped at Mount Nebo – the site of the death of Moses where you have beautiful views. Then on to Madaba where we were to finish the tour. Madaba is the closest town to the airport so is ideal for your 1st or last night/s in Jordan. Madaba is famous for its mosaics and is where you will find the 6th century mosaic map found during construction in 1898 of the Greek Orthodox Church of St Georges. You will also find the church of the Apostles and the Madaba museum. Whilst staying in Madaba I would recommend a meal at Haret Jdoudna which is a lovely restaurant which serves an amazing Jordanian menu.

Then it was time to travel back home. Jordan is an amazing country and the people are so friendly it makes you feel very welcome and safe.

My trip to Jordan exceeded my expectations and would recommend it to everyone as it is very hard to describe everything and how special and diverse the country is. I would love to go back tomorrow!

Jordan has been, for me, one of the places that was always on my ‘must see’ list and when I got the opportunity to visit in March, it lived up to all my expectations. Petra was the highlight of our trip. We arrived in this small but busy town about 6pm and after quickly donning some comfortable footwear, we walked to the entrance to Petra Site. Lit by hundreds of candles and the light of the moon, the walk through a small gap in an enormous rock, called The Siq, can be quite magical although I would suggest leaving a little while after the crowds have passed through so you can experience what it is like in the quiet.

Petra is an incredible place, so much more than the Treasury – its most famous building, and as you wonder freely through this ancient city you can still imagine what it may have been like in the times of the Nabeatean people two thousand years ago. Climb the 950 or so steps upto the Monastry for incredible views right across the Wadi Musa valley – its exhausting and takes around 45 minutes but so worth it! We only had a whole day here but left feeling that there was so much more to discover.

I am just back from an amazing trip to Jordan & absolutely loved everything about it.. I definitely want to go back & would not hesitate to recommend Jordan to anyone that will listen to me go on & on about how great it is.

We (Sam & I) started off by flying with Air Jordanian on one of their new aircraft which has had the interior specifically designed for them.. the entertainment system was great, the leg room & space was wonderful & as Jordan is not a dry country we also managed to have our obligatory G&Ts – there is no better start to any trip!!

On arrival into Amman airport we were met by a chap from our ground agents who helped us @ the visa desk & then through to collect our luggage. The journey into Amman city took around 45 minutes but as it was late evening there was not too much traffic. As soon as we arrived in Jordan the people could not have been friendlier. The next morning we had a buffet breakfast, which was great & with lots of choice. Then we were off with our driver to start work & do all the main hotel inspections.. Amman is the capital city of Jordan & there is a lot of construction work going on so in a year or so I guess the modern part will be completely different. The main hotels are the big International hotels so really not a lot to report about them, they are the same the world over.. we even had time to wander around the shops & had a great lunch in a regular Jordanian cafeteria type place. Everyone was so helpful & patient as we choose our food, especially with our lack of Arabic!

The next day we have the tour of the historical part of Amman & the amphitheatre before heading north to Umm Quais & Jerash.. Jerash & Umm Quais are definitely worth a visit & it is so amazing how they have been so well preserved – you can really imagine how it would have looked in Roman Times & that makes history seen more real than just reading about it & having to simply believe what others have written – that was profound of me!! I even had a little sing along with the pipers to Amazing Grace.

We had another night then in Amman, which if you were having a private tour can be avoided by traveling down to the Dead Sea or Madaba.

Our next stop was the Dead Sea & oh my God what an amazing place and it is so bizarre to actually float on the water so easily. We went off to do our hotel inspections & fell in love with the Movenpick Spa Hotel – I so wanted to stay but alas we were not schedules to stay the night in the area & as it turned out the hotel was fully booked. This can be a problem in Jordan, especially for the Dead Sea & Petra – hotel availability can be a problem & early booking is generally essential. Jordan is only now becoming more known by tourists, & especially as Petra is now 1 of the New Wonders of the World more people want to visit but the country do not have the hotel capacity to cater for everyone.
So we did the Hotel inspections & then had time to rush down to change into our swimmers & have a float! I even took along a well known magazine to have my picture taken floating whilst reading it so they could publish it & I would win a new camera.. not heard back from them though, typical!!

If I had the choice I would stay here for 2 or 3 nights, depending on the routing of my itinerary. It is not far from Amman airport (the airport is quite a bit south of the city) so is ideal for the last few nights or even @ the beginning. It all depends on your preferences & unfortunately availability!

Next for us was Karak castle, which again is an amazing piece of living crusader history. Definitely was worth visiting & easy to visit en route to or from Petra or Wadi Rum..

We were on our way to Petra & were so excited we arrived @ the hotel & had time to quickly freshen up before we heading out to experience ‘Petra by Night’. I had no idea what to expect which added to the excitement.. as you walk down before entering the Siq the surroundings are strange as they look snow capped, entering the Siq was incredible . There were paper bags all along the route with candles in them, the candle light off the rocks was just beautiful & then the moon would shine through every so often.. Ideally it is best to see Petra first this way & then, as we did the next day see it in a completely different way in day light.. the night we visited it was really busy so we would have our clients hold back a bit & go down after the main group, then it is quieter (some nationalities just do not know how to be quiet!!) & makes it so much more special. Sam & I came back up before everyone else (there is music etc @ the Treasury) & it was much better in the quiet.. They are talking about extending this to more nights a week- which would maybe help keep numbers down a bit.

The next day we had a full day in Petra & believe me 1 day really is not enough. There is so much to see there that you could easily have 3 days. It all depends on how much walking you want to do but there is the option of riding the horses or donkeys. I am very proud to say that I made it up all 900+ steps to the Monastry & it was well worth the effort. Some people took the donkey but I took the challenge & even though at some points along the way I wondered what the hell I was doing, I carried on & got to the top.. It actually was not that difficult for everyone else but I am not the fittest person so it was a bit of a work-out for me..(another note to myself – must get fit for next time!!)

The following day we did all our hotel inspections so did not have the time to go back on to Petra to visit the High Place of Sacrifice, little Petra & many other sites we would have loved to have seen. But the hotels are also important so off we went.. Close by the entrance to Petra is the 5* Movenpick & the 4* Crown Plaza Hotels. The Movenpick is a beautiful hotel & the Crown Plaza has some rooms with a view of parts of Petra. But again these hotels are very popular so availability can be a problem. However, if you are staying in the area longer than just 1 or 2 nights to have 1 day in Petra it would be worth staying outside the town & we loved the Taybet Zaman Hotel. It was originally a Bedouin village & therefore has heaps of character. I would definitely have liked to have stayed there & you can get into Petra on a hike from here, taking one of the various routes to the Treasury.

Next for us was Wadi Rum, made famous (for me) by the Lawrence of Arabia film. I will be honest to say that I was a little concerned as to how basic the facilities would be @ our camp, especially considering it was my birthday the next day.. Well it was a very pleasant surprise & spending the night in the desert was fabulous. Waking up with a little bit of a G&T hangover (took supplies with us & drank around our fire) & to Sam singing happy birthday was not quite so fabulous!! If you have the budget we can arrange a private camp for you as well to make it even more special (& yes there would be proper toilets!)

Nearly finished! Next we went to Aqaba & of all the areas it was my least favourite.. it is a very small coastal area & is absolutely packed with tourists as well as Jordanians in search of the sea & tax free shopping. When we first arrived my heart sank, that was until I saw the stunning Movenpick Aqaba Hotel. It is a great hotel, with beautiful gardens (designed by a UK company) & had a wonderful atmosphere & set up.. Aqaba is the ideal place for those clients wanting somewhere to relax, do some diving, be close to the ocean & like to have options outside the hotel for places to eat.

We finished this trip with 2 nights in Madaba, as this is the closest town to the airport closer even than Amman. This town is famous for its mosaics & the 6th century mosaic Madaba Map. Again this is worth a visit & the ideal start or end of your trip to connect easily with the airport.

To summarize, I had a fantastic trip to Jordan & I was already excited about it being our new destination, but after being there it surpassed my expectations & is definitely somewhere that I feel that clients, especially those that have travelled to some of our other countries, would really enjoy visiting. It is hard to explain all that Jordan has to offer & what makes it so special, as it is the actual experience of being there that makes it so wonderful & thought provoking.

Sitting at the crossroads of ancient civilisations between Arabia and the Mediterranean Sea is the Kingdom of Jordan. A combination of stunning desert landscapes and ancient cities, beautiful beaches and, of course, the Dead Sea awaits the visitor. Jordan is an ideal short haul destination to somewhere completely different as Fiona and I are about to find out.

The latest destination to be added to Worldwide Holidays portfolio, Jordan offers a great deal from just a small country. During our visit, we will be visiting the rose city of Petra, camping overnight in the desert just like Lawrence of Arabia and checking out the healing properties of the Dead Sea – if I don’t return looking ten years younger, questions will be asked!

We both return on the 22nd March so check out our photos and blogs on our return.