Tours in Jordan
The Jewel of the Middle East: Tours in Jordan
Nestled at the crossroads of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, tours in Jordan beckon travelers with a unique blend of ancient wonders, vibrant cities, and natural marvels. From the rose-red city of Petra carved into sandstone cliffs, the moonlit sands of Wadi Rum and the shimmering shores of the Red Sea, this captivating nation offers an unforgettable experience for every type of tourist.
Timeless Treasures:
The crown jewel of Jordan’s tourism industry is undoubtedly Petra, an ancient Nabataean city carved into the mountainside over 2,000 years ago. Nicknamed the “Rose City” for its sandstone hues, Petra’s intricate architecture, including the iconic Treasury (Al Khazneh), leaves visitors awestruck. Exploring its hidden walkways and towering monuments feels like stepping into a bygone era.
Beyond Petra, history buffs can delve into Jerash, a remarkably well-preserved Roman city boasting grand colonnades, temples, and an amphitheater. Umm Qais, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Golan Heights, offers stunning views and fascinating ancient ruins. For religious pilgrimage, Mount Nebo, believed to be the burial site of Moses, provides panoramic vistas and spiritual significance.
Modern Delights:
Jordan’s capital, Amman, is a captivating blend of historical sites and modern life. From the bustling markets like Souq al-Bukharia to the Roman Citadel and the Jordan Archaeological Museum, there’s something for everyone. Foodies can indulge in delicious local cuisine like Mansaf (a rice and meat dish) and falafel, while art enthusiasts can explore galleries showcasing contemporary creations.
Enthralling Landscapes:
For outdoor adventurers, Jordan boasts a diverse landscape filled with exciting possibilities. Wadi Rum, a vast desert valley known as the “Valley of the Moon” – which mesmerized Lawrence of Arabia, offers incredible opportunities for jeep tours, camping under starry skies, and rock climbing amidst towering sandstone formations. The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, entices visitors with its therapeutic mud and the unique experience of floating effortlessly in its hypersaline waters.
Aqaba, Jordan’s Red Sea port city, provides a gateway to underwater adventures. Renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, Aqaba offers world-class scuba diving and snorkeling experiences. Hikers can explore the Ajloun Forest Reserve, filled with oak and pistachio trees, while nature lovers can spot birds and enjoy stunning landscapes in Dana Biosphere Reserve.
Cultural Tapestry:
Jordan’s vibrant culture welcomes visitors with warmth and hospitality. Traditional music and dance performances, like Dabke, showcase the country’s rich heritage. Immerse yourself in local life by visiting bustling markets, chatting with friendly locals, and savoring regional dishes. Experience the timeless Bedouin lifestyle, as you sip sweet tea in a traditional tent under a canopy of stars offering a unique opportunity to learn about their nomadic lifestyle and customs.
Sustainability Efforts:
Jordan is committed to responsible tourism, implementing sustainable practices to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. Eco-lodges and responsible tour operators cater to environmentally conscious travelers. Initiatives like “Petra by Night” powered by candles showcase the commitment to reduce light pollution and conserve energy.
Planning Your Journey:
Jordan offers a variety of tourist visas depending on your nationality and length of stay. The Jordan Pass combines entry fees to popular attractions with visa costs, making it a cost-effective option. Getting around is easy with efficient public transportation options and tour operators. The best time to visit is during spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) to avoid the summer heat.
A Journey Beyond Expectations:
Whether you’re drawn to ancient history, captivating landscapes, or cultural immersion, tours in Jordan offer an unforgettable experience that surpasses expectations. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and discover the magic that awaits in this remarkable land.
FAQ
What type of tourism is in Jordan?
Whether you're interested in history, archaeology, religion, culture, adventure, outdoor activities, wellness, or simply want to experience Jordanian cuisine and hospitality, there's something for everyone in Jordan.
Historical and archaeological tourism: Petra, the crown jewel of Jordan, is an ancient city carved into the sandstone cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It's a must-visit for history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts. Jerash, another well-preserved Roman city, boasts impressive ruins of temples, theaters, and colonnaded streets, offering a glimpse into Roman life.
Religious and cultural tourism: Madaba, known for its Byzantine mosaics, includes the famous Madaba Map, a 6th-century mosaic depicting the Holy Land. Mount Nebo, believed to be the burial place of Moses, offers panoramic views of the Holy Land and is a significant site for pilgrimage and religious tourism. The Baptismal Site, located on the banks of the Jordan River, is where Jesus is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist, attracting Christian pilgrims worldwide.
Adventure and outdoor tourism: Wadi Rum, the vast desert valley, also known as the "Valley of the Moon," offers stunning scenery with towering cliffs, sand dunes, and canyons, perfect for hiking, jeep tours, hot air ballooning, and camping under the stars. The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, is famous for its hypersaline water, allowing visitors to float effortlessly. Resorts and spas offer wellness treatments using Dead Sea mud and minerals. Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city, is a hub for water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming in the Red Sea, with vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Medical tourism: Jordan has become a popular destination for medical tourism due to its high-quality healthcare facilities and competitive prices.
Wellness tourism: Resorts and spas throughout Jordan offer various wellness treatments and programs, catering to relaxation and rejuvenation.
Culinary tourism: Jordanian cuisine is a blend of Arabic, Mediterranean, and Turkish influences, offering delicious dishes like mansaf (a lamb dish with rice and yogurt), knafeh (a sweet pastry with cheese), and falafel.
How long can tourists stay in Jordan?
The length of time tourists can stay in Jordan depends on the type of visa they have:
Visa on Arrival: This is the most common type of visa for tourists, and it typically allows a stay of 30 days. You can obtain this visa upon arrival at any major Jordanian border crossing, including airports for a fee. It is a single-entry visa, meaning you can only enter Jordan once with this visa.
Embassy Visa: You can apply for a visa in advance at a Jordanian embassy or consulate for a fee. These visas can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry, and can be valid for up to six months. The duration of your stay will depend on the specific visa you apply for. Extensions: You can usually extend your visa by applying at a Jordanian police station before your current visa expires. There are fees associated with extensions, and the maximum length of stay you can be granted may vary.
It's important to note that visa requirements can change, so it's always best to check the latest information from the Jordanian government or your country's embassy in Jordan before you travel.
By participating in any of GrayLine’s multi-day tours of Israel with extension to Jordan, or Jordan alone, we arrange a special visa-waiver for you, meaning there is no fee to pay.
Gray Line gives you the option to visit Jordan on either a 3 or 4 day tour, which can be booked as an extension to your Israel tour, or just a tour to Jordan. Visiting: Jerash – city of the decapolis, known in biblical times as the pompeii of the middle east. Amman – capital of the hashemite kingdom and the largest city in the country. Mount Nebo – with its breathtaking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to see the holy land from where Moses stood. Madaba – to see the famous 6th century ancient holy land map. Petra – with a horseback ride to the “siq” (canyon), the treasury (el khazneh), the field of tombs, obelisks, the altar, amphitheater and much more at this stunning new 7 wonders of the world site.
Visit Jordan on one of our 10 night Israel & Jordan tours: Highlights of Israel & Jordan / Heritage of the Holy Land & Jordan
Or on one of our 2 or 3 night Jordan tours from Israel: Jordan Classic / Highlights of Jordan
We also offer day tours to Petra from Eilat or from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
1 day tour to Petra from Eilat, Jerusalem or Tel Aviv