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Backpacking in the Arab world Back to the list of Arab countries |
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Best of |
Surprises: Visit Dana, the most remarkable nature reserve with its varied ecosystems. Also include the Mediterranean forest Ajlun, the Azraq-Shaumari oasis (marsh and desert wildlife including Oryx), the reserve of Wadi Mujib (the lowest in the world), the coral reefs of Aqaba.
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Romantic: You love the small country but also the great diversity! Jordan fills up all types of travelers and we can visit both for its History, its culture, its nature or more incidentally its resorts.
Discovery: Explore Aqaba (diving), the Dead Sea, Jerash (the Pompeii of the Middle East) and Karak (Crusader fortress overlooking the Dead Sea).
Culture: You will be invited to discover the ancient city, which offers mineral landscapes that are unique. And there are ways to explore them: Hiking in Petra, Dana, Ajlun or Rum, horse riding, camel or 4x4 outing in the desert of Wadi Rum.
Hotels: No problem to find all types of hotels in Amman, Petra and Aqaba. Moreover, the choice is smaller. The 2 or 3 stars hotels are the most interesting; moderate prices, clean and comfortable, they often give a discount if we stay several days.
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Itinerary for a trip to Jordan
Amman, capital of the Hashemite Kingdom, Roman theater, hill of the citadel and palaces of the desert ...
Jerash: Roman city ...
Golan Heights: Lake Tiberias ...
Jordan Valley: Mount Nebo where Moses is buried ...
Dead Sea
Madaba: Archaeological Park ...
Dana: hiking in the reserve of Dana ...
Petra: Pink and red city of Petra, the site of Petra has been included in UNESCO world heritage site on 6 December 1985.
Wadi Rum: Nights in tents with the Bedouins ...
Aqaba: boat trips, diving splendid seaside resort on the Red Sea.
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"The Multicolour" Jordan
The Hashemite Kingdom is one of the most welcoming countries. Jordan is a gem that delights lovers of culture and nature.
A country with multiple colors, Jordan, invaded by gold and yellow tones of the desert (Wadi Rum), full of wonders to discover: Roman ruins of Jerash; sumptuous desert; Umayyad castles...
Adjectives fail to describe Petra, the "rose-red" city where nature directs so well the Nabateans achievements. As for the rocky circumvolutions of the desert of Wadi Rum, they left without voting Lawrence of Arabia.
Small country three quarters invaded by desert, Jordan is still the land of colours: Red Sea, Rose Petra, white Amman, including the orange, the yellow and the gold of the desert ...
In the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, from the port of Aqaba to the Azraq oasis, through the stunning Wadi Rum, you will be amazed by the daily of the traditions of the Arab world: shisha, belly dancing, call of the muezzin and Camel rides...
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How long we must remain at least?
A stay of a week: In one week, you can visit the so-called "main sites", Amman and visit of the city, Lower Town (souks, Roman Theater ...), citadel, Jerash; magnificent ancient city 50 km north of Amman.
You can choose to spend a day beside the Dead Sea (50 km) while visiting Bethany, the site of the baptism of Christ.
- Madaba (mosaics city) and Karak (medieval town) on the road to the Kings.
- Petra, ancient Nabatean city carved in the rock rose.
- The jewel of Jordan.
- Wadi Rum.
- Excursion in the desert. Aqaba.
- Bath (and diving) in the Red Sea and relax.
- And finally the beautiful road of Wadi Araba (Dead Sea and desert).
A stay of 2 weeks and more: In two weeks, especially with a vehicle, you can have a broad overview of Jordan. You can add the beautiful city of Salt or Ajlun Castle.
With a vehicle, you can spend a few hours in the hot springs of Ma'in Hammamet,
and then stop in Umm-Rasas, at Wadi Rum, an excursion in the desert that is so well described by Lawrence of Arabia.
Relaxation in Aqaba; Idle, choose swimming and diving in the coral reefs.
And with much more time: The lucky ones having a few more days could deepen their knowledge of the country through excursions to the sites listed in the itinerary for two weeks.
Around Amman and Irbid, you can visit many sites: Jerash (ancient city), Ajlun (medieval fortress and nature reserve), Pella and Umm Qais (ancient cities), Salt (Ottoman houses and crafts), Bethany (site of the baptism of Christ)... or you can have prolonged stay at the luxurious establishements of the Dead Sea. |
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Itinerary for a trip to the region
To Egypt : Aqaba has maritime link passenger vehicles with AB Maritime towards Nuweiba in Egypt. Daily departure for 1 to 3 hours depending on sea vessels for 40 or 45 USD crossing.
Since you can go to Dahab (south of Nuweiba), Egypt. From Dahab, 17 hours bus to arrive at Luxor. On the ferry from Jordan: magnificent Great blue sea, transparent along the coast, with the desert and the mountains not far behind.
To Syria : A small bi-weekly train connects (slowly) Damascus to Amman, 220 km in 8 or 9 hours for roughly 3 or 4 €. In coach, there is no problem to arrive in Jordan from Syria (buses), or even from Israel (bus and a point of crossing). Attention, those who arrive from Israel should know that no Jordanian visa is issued in the customs post. Similarly, it is imperative to ask what the Israeli stamps are affixed on a separate sheet of paper and not on his passport for fear of being then prohibited from entering certain countries such as Syria, Lebanon.
To Saudi Arabia : As to Saudi Arabia, if the border is open in theory (bus), as is often hard to obtain a visa in Saudi Arabia.
To Iraq : With regard to the border with Iraq, it is closed and it is advised not to wander too near.
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When to go
The best time to go to Jordan in April-May and September-October (note the cool nights). Hot weather in July and August, in the south (Aqaba, Wadi Rum desert in the warm wind blows very hot, attention to dehydration or sunstroke). Contrary to what one might think, harsh climate in winter (wet and cold from December to March). .
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Security
Thank you to consult the advice of the passenger site of French Foreign Ministry: Please consult.
Single Woman
If you are a woman alone or you go in pairs, the Jordanian eye can be "severe" on the western women. Be as simple as possible, not keeping too sophisticated especially if you are outside of tourist areas (some districts of Amman, the Valley of the Kings for instance). There are no problems for tourist zones (Petra, Aqaba,). .
Population
People are of extreme kindness and honesty beyond reproach, and indeed if you have any problem finding a hotel, site, eat or just move, do not hesitate to ask the population.
Languages Spoken
Arabic is the mother tongue of 85 to 90% of the population. The official language is Arabic. The local dialects are still fairly close to vehicular Arabic ( "fusha"), which allows those who control or manage not to encounter difficulties.
The Arab world
Other
Visa required, plus a passport valid for 6 months after return. It can be taken both before the departure and arrival.
Before departure: Visa valid for 1 month for a single entry: 16.50 €. Ditto for multiple entries: 31.50 €.
In principle these visas can be obtained immediately from the consulate. Theoretically, too, it is not possible to apply by mail.
At the finish: This is the simplest, especially for those who want a single entry. The visa is obtained for both airports to land border crossings (not possible, however, that Israel - Jordan) and sea for a dozen Euros, valid for one month on site but also for a single entry. In this regard, those who would like more entries will benefit from applying for a visa "multiple entries" before their departure, under penalty or having to pay each time a new visa "entry"
The exempt from visa
NB
The automatic extension of 3 months is free. If you stay more than a month and you forget to do the extension, a fee of JD 1.50 (€ 1.60) per additional day must be paid at the airport at the time of return.
Click here to visit our visa section
Rahhala Estimation
Jordan is a country quite economic for the traveller. Allow a budget of 18 to 30 € per day.
Overall, it is the visits that will cost you the most during the stay that course Petra (about 25 € / day or 30 € / day) and the Wadi Rum if you opt for an organized ride.
* American Express cards and Visa widespread.
* Limited use of MasterCard and Diners Club.
Ask the issuer of your card on the conditions for use in shops and services offered.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, it is advisable to carry traveller’s checks in U.S. dollars.
Lodgings & Costs
No problem to find all types of hotels in Amman, Petra and Aqaba. Moreover, the the choice is limited. The hotels 2 or 3 stars are the most interesting.
Price level, count less than a dozen double Euros for basic and less than twenty per correct comfort in local establishments.
Lodging
Moderate prices, clean and comfortable hotels often give a discount if we stay several days.
Hotels
Change
1 EUR = 1,2500 JOD, 1 JOD = 0,8000 €.
Flights to Jordan
Domestic Flights: Network limited to liaison Amman - Aqaba companies with Royal Jordanian and Jordan Aviation. One hour of flight for roughly 60 € A / R
Flights to Syria to Amman, Price: 450/600 €. Queen Alia Airport is at 32 km from the center (bus). Direct (4h30) Royal Jordanian Orly, Air France of Roissy.
Flights with change: (6.30 to 9.00) KLM, Alitalia, Lufthansa, Austrian, British Airways, Cyprus, Tarom, Malev, MEA, Turkish Airlines.
Choice: The choice of companies in general for good offers Malev, Turkish or even Austrian and Lufthansa that we can still focus in particular from the latter province.
As to direct connections, they vary often between 100 and 150 €; more than the best offers on the first competition with the local Royal Jordanian (who sometimes also offers excellent price to enter).
Please note that if they are "real" direct, those of Air France are not always (so check as much as otherwise choose something else) as some require a connection somewhere in Europe with a partner company.
For malignant flights: Please see our section of companies Low-cost Asia:
Click here .
Transports
Bus: Extensive network with several companies (including Jett Bus that is most comfortable), frequent departures and rates very low (less than 5 € for Amman - Aqaba). The bus is the best way to travel around the country.
Taxis: A good complement to the bus. They are roughly the same price as them faster, but even if they do that when they are full.
You can rent a bus to Amman to visit Wadi Musa (Petra). The fare is around 50 JOD, but you should consent the price with the driver before departure.
Train: The only line in the country amounts to the little train that connects (slowly) to Amman and Damascus in Syria through the northern region; 220 km in 8 or 9 hours for approximately 3 or 4 €.
Events & most important Festivals
Jordan Activities: Diving, Cannoning, Climbing... A small country but a great diversity! Jordan will satisfy all types of travelers and we can visit it for its history, its culture, nature or even incidentally its resorts.
* Diving in Jordan: Aqaba (South Jordan, opening on the Red Sea), the dives are generally open to all levels (easy dive, low power), diving board, or pontoon boat.
It is a good destination to start diving abroad. Here is the spot of the best known diving in Aqaba: Wreckage Cedar Pride.
* Cannoning in Wadi Mujib
* Climbing in Rum and Petra.
* Or thematic excursions: From Aqaba, we can consider an excursion to the island of Egyptian Pharaohs, or even in the Sinai (resorts, Monastery of Saint Catherine).
Since Rum, consider a stay of several days in the desert. And why not reach back to Aqaba dromedary. Favour dawn or late afternoon to visit Petra. Plan a morning departure or arrive the night before and choose one of the comfortable hotels that are near the site.
Petra is three hours from Amman; if you take the road of the desert or five hour drive if you take the Route of Kings which is more picturesque.
Finally, with time and juggling with the visas, you can visit Jordan since the problem without Jerusalem, Damascus and the Egyptian Sinai.
Music, books, movies, and more
Music
Movies :
Books :
History of Jordan
1916: uprising against the Turks under the leadership of Colonel Lawrence.
1921: Emir Abdullah became king of Jordan.
1950: annexation of the West Bank.
1951: assassination of Abdullah. Talal (1951) and Hussein I. (1952) succeeded him.
1967 and 1973: lost wars against Israel.
1970: Clashes between the army and Fedayeen (Black September) which will be 3 000 deaths.
1989: Inauguration of the Embassy of the PLO.
1993: peace treaty with Israel.
1999: King Abdullah II ascended to the throne.
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