Steeped in mystery, Jordan is a destination for every type of traveller and cannot fail to impress culture enthusiasts, history buffs, foodies, and spa seekers alike. Our guides are some of the best out there, experts in revealing the country’s secrets and when it comes to the hotspots, they know just the right time of day or viewing spot so that you can have the most exclusive, least touristy experience.
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Don’t be fooled by Jordan’s size. This is a country full to bursting with travel possibilities, boasting four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a myriad of other treasures in store, all of which are only a few hours’ drive from each other. It’s an ideal destination for anyone with an interest in history or a sense of adventure and families will particularly appreciate the short travel times from A to B.
Whilst the iconic site of Petra is certainly a must-see, we suggest leaving plenty of time to explore the wealth of other sites including the other-worldly scenery of Wadi Rum, the healing waters of the Dead Sea and the bustling capital, Amman. From crusader castles and busy souk-filled cities to epic desert landscapes, Jordan is a fascinating destination for the Middle East first timer as well as the seasoned explorer. Amongst many other adventures, we specialise in arranging unique cultural interactions which highlight the welcoming hospitality of the locals and enable visitors to gain a first-hand experience of Bedouin culture, not to mention Jordan’s distinctive culinary heritage.
Wix Squared has some exceptional guides to get you under the skin of the country including:
- Local Bedouins to introduce you to their traditional way of life
- Cycling and trekking guides
- Talented chefs to teach you the secrets of Jordanian cuisine
- Ornithologists
- A professional Arabic calligrapher to teach routes of Arabic calligraphy.
- A local curator to focus on local art, music, photography and architecture
- Ancient historians to breathe life into the crumbling ruins
- Wildlife enthusiasts to show you exotic flora and fauna in Jordan’s nature reserves
- Experts on biblical history
- Local residents to take you to all the trendiest places in town
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Itinerary Starting Price
From £2,500 per person, for 7 days including accommodation, private guiding, entrance fees and private transfers (not including flights).
Random Fact
The waters of the Dead Sea are 9.6 times as salty as the ocean.
Festival
At the end of July, one of the largest cultural celebrations in the country takes place in Jerash where thousands gather to enjoy music, dance, literature, crafts, and food.
What to Eat
Mansaf, Jordan’s national dish, originated in Bedouin kitchens and consists of tender meats layered with flatbreads and rice with a garnish of toasted nuts.
What to Read
‘Married to a Bedouin’ by Marguerite van Geldermalsen. A light-hearted account of a New Zealander adjusting to life in a Bedouin community.
What to buy
Dead Sea products, full of healing minerals to prolong that holiday glow.
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City Hotels
Whilst in Petra our number one choice is the centrally located Movenpick, the varied hotel scene in Amman allows for more of a choice. Our favourites include, at the top end, the elegant Four Seasons with its panoramic cityscape views and lavish service and facilities. The Fairmont, the W Amman and the Grand Hyatt are worthy runners up and for a more boutique option, we suggest the House Boutique Suites.
Seaside Retreats
Inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Kempinski Ishtar is the oldest and best known of the large resort hotels on the Dead Sea. We love it for its premium access to the Sea itself. An alternative option is the Movenpick, which perhaps has slightly more character. Further south, Aqaba is only a short flight from London and here we opt for a second Kempinski – a secluded oasis with sea views and a trendy vibe.
Eco Lodges
Deep within Jordan’s national parks lie a handful of simple, enticingly remote eco-lodges. Dana Guesthouse, the first of its kind, is superbly sited, with sweeping views down a boulder-strewn canyon. A few hours’ walk away lies the more basic but still charming Feynan, and Ajloun Forest Reserve is further north. Both havens for wilderness junkies, nature lovers and star gazers.
Desert Glamping
Our secluded desert camp is a far cry from the tourist traps you’ll find elsewhere in Wadi Rum. With just a handful of high-end tents, we can even book the camp exclusively for our guests. All tents are en-suite with special touches such as brass taps, wooden flooring, electricity, and extremely comfortable beds. Camp chefs will cook up a storm for nightly feasts eaten under the stars.
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Desert Adventures
Wadi Rum – also known as The Valley of the Moon – is an otherworldly landscape packed full of striking scenery and opportunities for adventure. Monolithic rock formations tower above the golden sand, whilst red sandstone canyons conceal mysterious, millennia-old petroglyphs. Explore on foot, by camel, by hot air balloon or by jeep and enjoy encounters with the local Bedouin tribes who still inhabit the area. Other attractions include exotic wildlife including hyrax, Arabian desert cats and ibex.
Indiana Jones’ Petra
One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Petra’s Pink City is known world-over for its caves, temples, and tombs, not to mention the iconic Treasury and Monastery, reached via the winding Siq. Naturally, these are everyone’s priority which is why we can take you on less travelled routes along little-known Bedouin trails to show you the secrets of the lost Nabatean city before the crowds arrive. We can also time your visit to see the Treasury by candlelight or arrange a private dinner in the grounds.
The Great Outdoors
Once you’ve had your fix of crumbling castles and age-old cities, we suggest some time in Jordan’s less explored corners. You’ll find the verdant, rolling hillsides, wooded mountains, and flower-filled slopes of Ajloun and Dana Biosphere a refreshing contrast to the burnished orange hues of the desert. We have some expert guides to help you explore these areas and take you mountain biking, canyoning and horse riding through the diverse flora and fauna.
Seaside Sojourns
A day or two of rest and recuperation at the Dead Sea is an excellent culmination to any Jordan adventure. Spend your time floating at the lowest point on earth and slapping on layers of mineral-rich mud. We’ll ensure your spa treatments are booked so you return home feeling revived. Further south, on the edge of the Red Sea, Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city – a haven for fishing and diving enthusiasts.
Amen Amman
A modern, creative city, Amman is where Jordan combines history with the 21st century. There’s plenty to captivate a new arrival, from the magisterial Citadel and Roman theatre to the dazzling array of street food and labyrinthine souks. Beyond the sights are leafy, Bohemian-style enclaves, home to trendy boutiques and eateries. Amman is also a gateway to the Roman ruins at Jerash and Um Qais as well as Ajloun’s nature reserve and castle.
Ancient History
Jordan is awash with spectacular ruins, reflecting its multi-layered historical and lost civilisations. Colossal Roman amphitheatres, Christian mosaics, Crusader castles and biblical sites are testament to its rich heritage. Our guides know the stories of these places like the backs of their hands and excel at bringing alive the ancient cities with their theatres, temples, bath houses and plazas.
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Just across the border, Israel is an obvious destination to combine with Jordan and the two provide fascinating historical, cultural, and religious insights into the Holy Land. You’ll visit ancient monuments, Biblical sites, and busy cities, reliving the past and glimpsing the future of this intriguing region.
Let us open the door onto the wonders of Arabia with a trip to Oman and Jordan, just a three hour flight apart. Compare ancient historical sites in Nizwa and Petra, the staggering scenery of Jabal Akdar and Wadi Rum and then enjoy some down time at the Dead Sea and along Oman’s coastline.
With this country pairing, you’ll discover two vastly different sides to the Middle East. The slick, fast-paced city of Abu Dhabi with its theme parks, racing tracks and shopping malls, presents an enormous contrast to Jordan’s ancient history and crumbling monuments.
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Jordan’s ancient cities and impressive landscapes create a jaw-dropping backdrop for the event of a lifetime. At Petra, we can arrange access by foot, camel, horse-drawn cart, or horseback, to ensure that all members of the group can easily appreciate this great wonder from the doorstep of their hotel.
Whether it’s an exclusive desert camp takeover for a party under the stars, you and your guests arriving at your destination in a fleet of royal vintage cars, a private camel trek, or a parade of royal horses, we’ll work with our trusted local contacts to ensure that every detail is planned to perfection.
Find out more about Events by Wix Squared
Weather
March-May and September-November are the best months to visit Jordan.
December-February is cold and wet with snow on the hills.
Whilst June-August is extremely hot and dry.
- This is the wettest time of year to visit Jordan when it can also be very cold, and snow falls on higher ground. We suggest sticking to the Dead Sea and Aqaba for slightly more manageable weather conditions.
- Jordan is more pleasant towards the end of February as the temperatures start to climb and there is an interesting Arts Festival in Aqaba that you can visit when you are not exploring the incredible underwater life in the Red Sea.
- March is the start of high season, so the main attractions are still relatively quiet. Though you will need to wrap up warm if you fancy a trip to Wadi Rum where it can get very cold at night.
- Springtime in the nature reserves is a beautiful time of year to visit Jordan when the landscapes are green and lush, and we can arrange some spectacular hiking from one of our favourite eco-lodges.
- May is peak season for warm sunny days when the wildflowers are in bloom throughout the country, and it is the last month before much of the birdlife migrates to cooler climes.
- June is the start of the summer when it can be very hot but still nice and dry with less tourists around, meaning we can negotiate some wonderful deals with the hotels. Venture off the beaten track to cool off in the shaded wadis, waterfalls, and canyons.
- July is extremely hot but with low humidity levels, so it is still bearable. Stick to the main sites of Petra, Amman, and the Dead Sea where the hotels have air conditioning. You might wish to consider a day trip to Jerash to join in the annual festival of culture, food, music, and literature.
- Although the campsites in Wadi Rum are still open, it is extremely hot, hence we only suggest staying for 1 night at this time of year to avoid the midday sun. Having said that with less light pollution this is where you will have the best conditions for star gazing and the annual Perseid meteor shower.
- The later you can travel in September the better, for more pleasant temperatures when it is also likely that the hot air balloons in Wadi Rum will be operational. Sightseeing is best conducted in the mornings and afternoons to avoid the heat.
- October is one of the most popular months to be in Jordan and for the more active we suggest an early start in Petra to enter through the ‘backdoor’ before all the tourists arrive. We also know the best days of the week to time your visit there to see Petra by candlelight.
- This is another wonderful month to visit Jordan before the rains arrive and Autumn comes to an end. We can arrange some adventurous mountain bike rides through the hills or along flatter terrain depending on your fitness level.
- There is a high chance of snow in December, and it can get extremely cold, hence we suggest staying warm in one of the therapeutic spas at the Dead Sea or visiting Aqaba in the south, where it will be a little warmer.