Jordan
A destination so close to us but at the same time so exotic... The unique red desert of Wadi rum, the famous Petra and the religious history of the place will make your trip unique...
A few words to begin with...
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The trip to Jordan was really planned at the last minute. We traveled for 3 days on a Ryanair flight from Athens to Aqaba. We had little time for many attractions and activities, so something had to fall out of the plan. We chose to skip Aqaba and see Amman. We crossed the country with a vehicle we rented, saw unique sights, had unique experiences and tasted the wonderful dishes of Jordan...
Let's start with the basics....
Basic information about your trip...
Visa Information
To enter the country, Greek citizens will need a visa and an entry visa in their passport which should be valid for 6 months from the day of entry. The cost of the visa is 40jod but if you stay more than 3 days in Jordan it is advisable to get the Jordan pass which includes the visa and entry to all the archaeological sites (for detailed information here.)
Season - climate
The best time to visit Jordan is in spring or autumn when the temperatures it is from 33° - 18° C. In summer the temperatures are high and most sightseeing routes are without cover from the strong sun. Also the temperatures have a big change when you are in Amman and then down south to Aqaba.
Currency
The currency is the Jordanian Dinar, where €1 corresponds to 0.71jod.
You will find exchange offices at the airports of both cities as well as in touristic places. At most attractions you can pay by credit card but keep cash if you take a taxi or shop in the bazaar
Movements
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We rented a car that we booked online. He was waiting for us at Aqaba airport and we started our wanderings. We traveled from the South to Amman and back, the roads if you drive on the main roads are very good but watch out for the many roadblocks before entering the towns, in some cases they have no warning signs. We met a lot of police where they stopped us for checking but when they saw us tourists they didn't proceed to check us. We also had no problem with parking.
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If you do not choose to rent, then there is the Jett Express Travel Company jett where they organize daily tours for all the main attractions of Jordan whether you are staying in Amman or Aqaba. It is modern with air conditioning and safe, for information click here
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For moving around the city you will find taxis as well as the uber service
Internet - communication
If you want to have data on your mobile phone and are interested in a tourist sim card, you can get one at the 2 airports of the big cities at the relevant kiosks after baggage claim. All providers have designed packages (tourist sim) where they activate your card on your mobile at the kiosk. The cost ranges from 8-12jod.
Accommodation
Our trip was short 3 days and we wanted to see as much as possible. Starting late at night from Aqaba airport we chose to stay in the wadi musa area which is the next town from Petra. From there we would have the opportunity to be in Petra early avoiding the crowds and see the first rays of the sun fall on the treasury...
The next stay was in Amman which we arrived in the evening and last night in the Wadi Rum desert in a tent in the desert. Our hotels were the following:
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Petra Sky Hotel - Wadi Musa
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Four Seasons Hotel Amman
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Zeina Luxury Desert Lodge - Wadi Rum
Restrictions
Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, so dressing conservatively acts as a sign of respect towards the people. Especially when you visit religious places, it is good to have a scarf with you if you are not allowed to enter some place.
Also drones are not allowed in the country and if you take one they will detain you at the airport...
The sights...
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Petra
Petra is a huge arheological place that takes days to explore all of it. The most famous spots are the big gorge that you will cross at the beginning, the treasury, the royal tombs and the Monastery. We suggest you come early in the morning when it opens to enjoy the route without the many groups and live this unique experience with the red rocks enveloping you.
You will need to walk quite a bit although you have the option of traveling by donkey or camel.
Inside the archaeological site you will find cafes to sit and rest and drink refreshing juices, you will also find hawkers for your souvenir!!!
We estimate that you will need 4-6 hours just for the very basics, you can also visit in the evening when they light up the route and the treasury with candles. Information here
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Dead Sea
The experience of travel should not be taken for granted... it is the lowest point on earth as it is 423m below sea level. It has a high salt content so that you are constantly floating when you are inside, also because of the salt you should have plenty of fresh water to rinse off when you get out. Access is free if you go here and we recommend going before the sun goes down where the salt crystals around the beach take on a unique color...
We went after Petra on our way to Amman.
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Mandaba - Mount Nebo
Next station Mount Nebo and specifically a historic church at the top in honor of Moses. Although, it is traditionally believed to be the burial place of Moses according to some traditions, there is another tomb also said to be that of Musa (Moses) 11 kilometers south of Jericho.
In the courtyard you will see the huge staff of Moses in the shape of a cross that towards the promised land.
Inside you will find some of Jordan's finest mosaics, and the entrance fee to the whole area is 2 jod.
We met Mount Nembo at a distance of 200 km.Mandaba where it is famous for its mosaics and church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos. We visited the church without any people and the most interesting part is in the basement where you will find arcades and an ancient well. You can also climb inside the bell tower and enjoy the view from the highest point of the city.
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Wadi rum - red desert
Last stop our stay in the desert under the starry sky. We arrived at the camp in the afternoon and settled in our tents. The hotel had a large common area where you could relax and also dine to the sound of traditional music.
For desert safaris and excursions, they will inform you at the reception area.
Staying in a desert was not new to us but what we saw when we woke up in the early morning for the sunrise was unique. Suddenly the whole desert takes on a red color and you understand that it has become a film set for so many films. The hotel we stayed in was Zeina Luxury Desert Lodge - Wadi Rum which has tents with a double bed and private bathroom as well as the famous bubble tents...
Other activities and attractions
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Visit the Jordan River and see the place where Christ was baptized.
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Visit the ancient Greek city of Gerasa in the north of Amman
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Go hiking in the famous Wadi AlMujib canyon
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Go snorkelling or scuba diving in the wonderful seabed of the Gulf of Aqaba
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Visit the Amman citadel and the Roman Amphitheater
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Walk along Rainbow street in downtown Amman and eat traditional kunafa at Habibah Sweets.
Food in Jordan
For those who love oriental food, Jordan is a culinary paradise. Wherever we ate the food and sweets were amazing and the smells took you on a journey... You should try the delicious hummus in all its variations, the crispy falafel, as well as the traditional Maqluba... If you are a lover of oriental sweets here you will find the authentic kiunefe as well as plenty of baklava and delicious dates...
