Jordan Holidays
Jordan is a modern country, a holy river and an ancient culture – a fascinating land of diversity that encompasses all from the sea and the mountains to the desert as well as a culture that goes back thousands of years.
Amman & Jerash
Amman, like Rome, was built on seven hills (jebels), but it has grown so much that today it spreads over nineteen. Compared to other ancient cities of the Orient, Amman is modern and largely westernised, however the Balad (‘City Centre’ or ‘Downtown’) comprises the old and more traditional parts of the city.
The Citadel, or Jebel al-Qala’a, is the highest point of Amman and the site where the first inhabitants lived. It used to be a fortress and numerous excavations show Roman, Byzantine and Early Islamic remains. The most impressive series of buildings to see is the Umayyad Palace complex with its audience hall, a Byzantine Church and the Temple of Hercules with its columns visible from around the city.
The Roman Theatre is an impressive monument that dates from 151 AD and was built to sit 6,000 people. The theatre has been partially rebuilt and is still being used for performances today. The Archeological Museum, in the grounds of the Citadel, houses an excellent collection of antiquities of Jordan dating from prehistoric times to the 15th Century. The Folklore Museum is housed within the Roman Theatre complex and exhibits a collection of items illustrating Jordanian life.
Jerash is remarkable for its long chain of human occupation (for as many as 6,500 years). Remains from Neolithic times have been found, as well as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad and others, although its golden age was during Roman rule with the arrival of Alexander the Great in 333 BC. Jerash was a member of the Decapolis, a dynamic commercial league of ten Graeco-Roman cities, today it is one of the best preserved provincial cities of the Roman Empire.
Our preferred hotels include:
Four Seasons Hotel Amman
Marriott Hotel Amman
Kempinski Hotel Amman
InterContinental Amman
Aqaba
Located on the Gulf of Aqaba, at the tip of the Red Sea, Aqaba brings a refreshing change to the rose-coloured desert in the north of the country. The temperatures are pleasant all year round, and even in the summer when it becomes very hot, the sea breezes help.
Aqaba’s coral reefs are healthy and thriving and boast some of the world’s best scuba diving. A great variety of fish and coral are present, and some of the species you can find are clownfish, Picasso triggerfish, goby, sea anemone, parrotfish, pipefish and many more. Two of the most intriguing are the plankton-eating whale shark, the largest fish in the world, and the willowy garden eel, almost invisible in the sea grass.
There are many watersports available such as snorkelling, fishing, sailing or the glass-bottom boat. Water skiing, jet skiing or speed boats are not permitted within the Red Sea Aqaba Marine Park, so must be done in open water in order not to damage the coral.
Our preferred hotels include:
Movenpick Resort Aqaba
Intercontinental Aqaba
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba
Dana Nature Reserve
The Dana Nature Reserve is one of Jordan’s hidden gems. It is a world of natural treasures that covers 308 sq. km. It is composed of a chain of valleys and mountains which extend from the top of the Jordan Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba.
The Rummana Mountain and the red and white sandstone cliffs of Wadi Dana are a magnificent sight, and there are almost one hundred archaeological sites in the reserve, amongst them the ruins of Feinan.
The Reserve contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes that range from wooded highlands to rocky slopes, and from gravel plains to dunes of sand. These support a diverse array of wildlife which includes about 600 species of plants, 37 species of mammals and 190 species of birds.
Our preferred hotels are:
Dana Guest House
Feynan Eco Lodge
King’s Highway
A trip along the 5,000 year old King’s Highway is one of the most memorable journeys in the Holy Land. Stretching south from Amman towards Petra via Madaba, Mount Nebo, the Wadi Mujib valley and the Crusader’s Castle of Kerak, this is an ancient road with abundant historical interest and picturesque landscapes.
Madaba is the most important Christian centre in Jordan and has long been an example of religious tolerance with Muslims and Christians living side by side and mosques and churches all around the town. Byzantine-era mosaics, including a 6th Century map showing Jerusalem and other holy cities, are to be found in the Greek Orthodox church of St George.
Mount Nebo is where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. There is a memorial at the presumed site of the prophet’s death and burial place, although the exact location is still disputed. A small church was built by early Byzantine Christians and later extended into a big complex. The views from here over the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem are breathtaking.
The Wadi Mujib, sometimes known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Jordan’, is a vast and beautiful valley measuring about 1 km deep and 4 km across.
The route to Kerak follows the ancient road used by caravans travelling from Egypt to Syria in the times of the biblical kings, as well as by the Greeks and the Romans. The city is mentioned several times in the Bible. The Crusader castle was built in 1142 AD, strategically placed overlooking the trade route and Meccan pilgrimage route of the King’s Highway, near to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. Today you can wander through the stone-vaulted halls, through endless passageways and into the better preserved parts of the castle underground. The castle is extremely impressive and shows the architectural skills of the Crusaders in their time.
We generally recommend travelling along the King’s Highway between Amman – Petra in a day, stopping en route at the sites mentioned above. Alternatively you can break the journey at the Dana Nature Reserve for a night or two, before continuing to Petra.
Petra
In a spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge, Petra was built by the Nabateans, an industrious Arab people, more than 2,000 years ago. They dominated the trade routes of ancient Arabia when Petra became widely known and admired for the refined culture, impressive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels.
In 106 AD Petra was taken by the Romans who built a theatre, a colonnaded street, baths and a variety of other buildings. During the Byzantine period a number of Nabatean buildings were altered for Christian use, but by the time of the Muslim invasion of the 7th Century, Petra had passed into obscurity and apart from the brief occupation by the Crusaders during the 12th Century, Petra was lost to the world. It was only in 1812 when a Swiss traveller named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt found the ruins of the lost city and it became known to the world again.
Our preferred hotels include:
Movenpick Resort Petra
Movenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel
Marriott Hotel Petra
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth at approximately 400 metres below sea level. The high salt contents in the sea makes it possible to float in the water without sinking.
The therapeutic qualities of the Dead Sea’s salt and mud are known throughout the world and many people come to Jordan specifically for treatment at this natural spa.
Our preferred hotels include:
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
Marriott Resort & Spa Hotel
Movenpick Resort and Spa Hotel
Evason Ma’In Hotsprings
Wadi Rum
A journey to Wadi Rum is a journey to another world. It is a vast, silent place, where uniquely shaped mountains rise from the red desert sand. It is the largest of Jordan’s desert landscapes, stunningly beautiful with the brightly coloured sandstone rocks, sand dunes and the canyons.
Wadi Rum draws serious hikers and rock climbers, as well as people who want to experience the peace and quiet of this amazing landscape in a less arduous way. Camels and 4×4 vehicles can be hired to explore the desert from anything between a few hours to a few days. You could spend the night in a Bedouin tent, drinking mint tea or cardoman-flavoured coffee by the fire under the stars.
This area was made famous by the presence of the Arab Revolt and T.E. Lawrence in the early 20th Century but has lost none of its charm and fascination today.
We recommend staying in Bedouin style accommodation – Bait Ali Camp, Captain’s Desert Camp or similar.
Dana Guest House
Location: Dana Guest House is situated close to the village of Dana with spectacular views over Wadi Dana in one of Jordan’s prime wilderness areas.
Rooms: 9 bedrooms
Facilities: Dining room and terrace
Activities: Handicrafts workshop and nature reserve museum nearby.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: A simple but well located guest house which serves as a great base for visiting Dana Nature Reserve.
Evason Ma’In Hotsprings
Location: Evason Ma’In Hot Springs is located 30 kilometres from the ‘mosaic’ city of Madaba and right of the corner of the Dead Sea
Rooms: 94 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, front desk, gift shop, laundry, wi-fi, currency exchange, safety deposit box
Activities: Sauna, spa, massage, fitness centre, cycling, children’s playground, swimming pool, gym
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View:
Feynan Eco Lodge
Location: Feynan Eco Lodge is located at the bottom of the Wadi Dana, about 20 minutes by 4×4 vehicle from the nearest road off the Dead Sea highway.
Rooms: 26 rooms
Facilities: Dining room, lounge, gift shop, rooftop terrace, inner courtyard and numerous outdoor seating areas.
Activities: Mountain biking, star gazing, cooking classes, Bedouin experiences.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: A remote retreat which combines well with Dana Guest House when visiting the Dana Nature Reserve.
Four Seasons Hotel, Amman
Location: Located in the business district of the capital and close to Jordan Gate Towers, Al Baraka Mall, and Abdoun Bridge
Rooms: 192 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurants, bar, lounge, business centre, internet.
Activities: Sauna, spa, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: The Four Seasons is probably the premier hotel in Amman, offering luxury modern accommodation in a refined atmosphere.
Intercontinental Hotel, Amman
Location: The Intercontinental Hotel is situated in central Amman, close to the Coptic Church, King Abdullah I Mosque and Ras Al Ein Square.
Rooms: 440 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurants, bar/lounge, laundry, currency exchange, shops & tour desk.
Activities: Sauna, fitness centre, spa, golf and tennis nearby.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: The Intercontinental is a large, modern hotel close to the city centre with comfortable accommodation and a range of amenities.
Intercontinental Hotel, Aqaba
Location: The Intercontinental Hotel in central Aqaba has a 300 metres long private beachfronting on to the Gulf of Aqaba.
Rooms: The hotel has 255 guest rooms spread over 6 floors.
Facilities: Restaurants, bar, coffee shop, laundry, currency exchange & tour desk.
Activities: Helath and fitness centre, 24 hours gym, beauty salon, live entertainment.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: An excellent beach hotel spread over a large area, with a wide range of excellent facilities & amenities.
Kempinski Hotel, Amman
Location: The Kempinski Hotel is located in the central business district of Shmeisani, close to the city centre.
Rooms: 278 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurants, bar, Le Cafe Lounge, laundry, currency exchange & tour desk.
Activities: Sauna, fitness centre, games room, spa, massage, kids play area, outdoor swimming pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: A smart, modern property in a quiet area of the city centre with all modern facilities & amenities.
Kempinski Hotel, Aqaba
Location: The Kempinski Hotel is situated on the Red Sea coast just outside the city centre of Aqaba.
Rooms: 255 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurants, bar, laundry, souvenir/gift shop, currency exchange & tour desk.
Activities: Sauna, fitness centre, fishing, spa & wellness centre, massage, windsurfing, diving, squash, snorkelling, outdoor swimming pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: One of the newer luxury hotels in Aqaba offering a very high standard of accommodation and an excellent variety of activities.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
Location: The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is located amongst pretty gardens with lagoons, waterfalls and private pools. It is situated in the Jordan Valley
Rooms: 345 guest rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, Wake up calls, gift shop, laundry and drycleaning, room service, wi-fi
Activities: Sauna, spa, health club, movie theatre/Auditorium, swimming pool, sports club, private beach
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View:
Marriott Hotel, Amman
Location: The Marriott Hotel is located in the Shmeissani district of central Amman, with easy access to all historical sites.
Rooms: 292 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurants, bar, library lounge, business centre, internet.
Activities: Fitness centre, swimming pool, golf, bike rental, horseback riding, water sports & tennis.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: Well located close to the city centre and offering a good standard of accommodation with all modern conveniences.
Moevenpick Resort, Aqaba
Location: The Moevenpick Resort & Residences has a beachfront location in central Aqaba, close to Aqaba Fort.
Rooms: 296 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurants, bar, coffee shop, laundry, currency exchange & tour desk.
Activities: Swimming pool, health club, spa & wellness, jacuzzi, sauna, massage & private beach.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: A large, modern hotel offering a very good level of accommodation in Aqaba.
Moevenpick Resort, Petra
Location: The Moevenpick Resort is located a short walk from the entrance to the historic city of Petra.
Rooms: 183 rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, swimming pool, concierge services, laundry, tour desk.
Activities: Swimming, billiards, spa & wellness, live music, health club.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: The premier accommodation in the Petra area with an ideal location close to the entrance to Jordan’s most famous historical site.
Moevenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel, Petra
Location: Moevenpick’s Nabatean Castle Hotel is a 10 minutes drive from the entrance to the historic site of Petra, situated in a breathtaking secluded position on a hillside at an altitude of 1,400 metres.
Rooms: 90 rooms
Facilities: Restaurant/cafe/lounge, front desk, safe deposit box, meeting room.
Activities: Fitness room/gym, swimming pool, sauna, fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: The Nabatean Castle is a comfortable retreat in the hills outtside Petra, with stunning views over the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Marriott Hotel, Petra
Location: Situated 5 minutes’ drive from the entrance to historic Petra Valley, with a hillside location off the King’s Highway.
Rooms: 100 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, lobby, lounge, meeting room.
Activities: Sauna, spa, swimming pool, massage treatment, steam room.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: With an enviable hilltop location the Marriott Hotel has incredible views over the surrounding terrain and is just a short distance from the entrance to the ancient city of Petra.
Marriott Resort & Spa Hotel
Location: This Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa, on the shores of the mineral rich Dead Sea is set against the backdrop of rugged mountains. It features saltwater and fresh water pools, whirlpools and saunas
Rooms: 250 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, front desk, gift shop, laundry and drycleaning, room service, wi-fi, currency exchange, safety deposit box
Activities: Tennis court, sauna, fitness centre, games room, spa and wellness centre, massage, children’s playground, swimming pool
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View:
Movenpick Resort and Spa Hotel
Location: It is situated at the lowest spot on earth. The resort has outdoor pools with water slides and a terrace overlooking the Dead Sea
Rooms: 250 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, front desk, gift shop, laundry and drycleaning, room service, wi-fi, currency exchange, safety deposit box
Activities: Table tennis, solarium, massage, fitness centre, cycling, children’s playground, swimming pool
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View:
It is a biblical land, the historical setting where leading figures of the Bible performed their miracles and reached out to ordinary people. Many of the historical sites are easily accessible to visitors, and for a religious or cultural pilgrimage the Bible can almost serve as a virtual guidebook.
Explore the ancient cities of Petra and Jerash, ride a camel through the extraordinary desert scenery of Wadi Rum, trek through the rugged and beautiful landscape of the Dana Reserve, float in the salty Dead Sea or go diving in the crystal clear Red Sea and see the exotic marine life – Jordan is a land of mesmerizing beauty and contrast.
Classic Jordan
Highlights of this itinerary:
• Private vehicle and driver throughout
• Jordan’s fabulous historical and natural wonders
• Short itinerary for a week’s long holiday
This itinerary is based on tailor-made arrangements with departure from London on the date of your choice. Nights at individual camps and lodges may be added or subtracted at will.
Day 1 – Fly from London Heathrow to Amman – Marriott Hotel Amman – 2 nights
Day 2 – City tour of Amman and afternoon visit of Jerash
Day 3 – Drive to Petra along the King’s Highway – Marriott Hotel Petra – 3 nights
Days 4/5 – Two full days sightseeing at Petra
Day 6 – Head to the Dead Sea via Wadi Rum – Marriott Jordan Valley Hotel – 2 nights
Day 7 – Day at leisure to relax & enjoy the therapeutic qualities of the Dead Sea
Day 8 – Fly to London Heathrow
2012 price from £965 per person
Supplement for private English speaking guide from £410 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/Amman/London).
Castles & Crusaders
Highlights of this itinerary:
• Private vehicle and driver throughout
• In-depth look at Jordan’s historical, cultural and natural heritage
• Dana Nature Reserve – one of Jordan’s hidden treasures
• Relax in Aqaba on the Red Sea
This itinerary is based on tailor-made arrangements with departure from London on the date of your choice. Nights at individual camps and lodges may be added or subtracted at will.
Day 1 – Fly from London Heathrow to Amman – Marriott Hotel Amman – 3 nights
Day 2 – City tour of Amman
Day 3 – Visit Jerash & Ajloun
Day 4 – Drive to the Dead Sea – Dead Sea Movenpick Resort 2 nights
Day 5 – You have the day at leisure
Day 6 – Drive to the Dana Nature Reserve – Dana Guest House – 2 nights
Day 7 – Day at leisure and exploring the Reserve
Day 8 – Drive to Petra via Shobak Castle – Petra Movenpick Resort – 2 nights
Day 9 – Full day visit to Petra
Day 10 – Drive to Aqaba via Wadi Rum – Aqaba Movenpick Resort – 3 nights
Days 11/12 – Two days at leisure by the Red Sea
Day 13 – Fly to London Heathrow
2012 price from £1,675 per person
Supplement for private English speaking guide from £560 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/Amman/London).
The Best of Jordan
Highlights of this itinerary:
• Private vehicle and driver throughout
• In-depth look at Jordan’s historical, cultural and natural heritage
• Bedouin Camping in Wadi Rum
• Relax in Aqaba on the Red Sea
This itinerary is based on tailor-made arrangements with departure from London on the date of your choice. Nights at individual camps and lodges may be added or subtracted at will.
Day 1 – Fly from London Heathrow to Amman – Four Seasons Amman – 3 nights
Day 2 – City tour of Amman
Day 3 – Visit Jerash and Ajloun
Day 4 – Drive to the Dead Sea – Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Resort – 2 nights
Day 5 – You have the day at leisure
Day 6 – Drive to Petra via the King’s Highway – Petra Movenpick Resort – 3 nights
Days 7/8 – Two full days sightseeing at Petra
Day 9 – Drive to Wadi Rum – Bedouin Camping – 1 night
Day 10 – Drive to Aqaba on the Red Sea – Aqaba Intercontinental Hotel – 3 nights
Days 11/12 – Two days at leisure by the Red Sea
Day 13 – Fly to Amman & connect to London Heathrow
2012 price from £1,970 per person
Supplement for private English speaking guide from £560 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/Amman/London).