Jordan

Jordan Flag

Why visit Jordan?

Appeals to the biblical historian seeking to enjoy: ancient cities, beaches, birdwatching, canyons, caves, culture, desert, forests, fortresses, gorges, historical sites, hot spring, mosaics, mountains, nature reserves, ruins, scuba diving, shopping, snorkeling, and spa treatments. 

Aqaba, Jordan. Photo Credit: igor1404/Pixabay 

A popular destination for:

• Amateur & Professional Photographers
• Bucket List Destination
• Ocean Cruises Embarkation/Disembarkation
• Groups: Family, Friends, Multigenerational, Religious

Ad Deir (aka: Ad-Dayr & El-Deir), Petra, Jordan. Photo Credit: Heidelbergerin/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, bronze, ceramics, embroidery, etchings, glass, gold jewelry, leather work, mother-of-pearl, olive-wood carvings, pottery, religious goods, rugs, sea products, silk-screen prints, silver goods, spices, straw goods, weavings, and wood inlay.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Athan Al-Shayeb (pasta dish). Ataif (fried pancakes). Falafel (fried chickpeas). Ful Medames (stew). Galayet Bandora (stewed tomatoes). Hummus (mashed chickpeas). Kunafa (pastry). Mansaf (lamb dish). Mohallabiya (pudding). Musakhan (chicken dish). Roasted Nuts. Sayadeyeh (fish dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Amstel (beer). Arabic Coffee. Jordan River (wine). Limonana (mint-lemon). Machaerus (wine). Mount Nebo (wine). Saint George (wine). Sahlab (boiled milk).

Ruins of Jerash, Jerash, Jordan. Photo Credit: Heidelbergerin/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In Song of Solomon 7:4 the town of Heshbon is mentioned.
  
• Petra, “Rose-Red City” is one of the seven wonders of the world.
  
• Highly ranks amongst Medical Tourism.
• The Northeastern desert area revealed evidence of bread-making, the oldest in the world.
  
• Aqaba Church (Ayla) is considered the world's first Christian Church built.
  
• The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth.
  
• The sandstone rock architecture (Petra) has over 40 tombs.
  
• Known to be an "upper-middle income" country.
  
• Only has one port, the Port of Aqaba.
• Home to approximately 100,000 archaeological and tourist sites.
• Along the Jordan River is where the Baptism of Jesus occured (Al-Maqta) by John the Baptist.
  
• In the Hebrew Bible, Mount Nebo is where Moses was granted a view of the Promise Land.
  
• Machaerus is where John, the Baptist, was prisoned and executed.
  
• The Dead Sea high salt concentration is known to treat skin diseases.
  
• From north to south the Jordan Trail stretches across the country.
• Home to the world's oldest dam (Jawa Dam).
• One of the largest exporter and mineral producers in the world.
• Most university classes are taught in English.
• The most valuable archaeological findings are found in The Jordan Museum.
• Umm Qays, where Jesus is said to call upon demonic spirits and let them perish in the sea (Gadarene Swine).
• Al-Khazneh is one of the most elaborate ancient temples (Petra) carved in sandstone.
  
• Presumably from the Last Supper (near Petra) with Jesus approximately 82 wine presses have been discovered.

• Popular scripture references include: 2 Kings 2:1-18, Deuteronomy 34:1-6, Jeremiah 8:21-22, and Mark 1:2-4.

Amman Citadel, Amman, Jordan. Photo Credit: LoggaWiggler/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Amman International Theatre Festival, (February) Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival, Azraq Festival, (March) Electro Festival, (April) Amman Dead Sea Ultra Marathon, Amman Jazz Festival, Jordan International Rally, (July) Distant Heat, Jordan Festival, Shopping Festival, and (October) Amman Design Week.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day, Feast of the Sacrifice or the Big Feast, The Little Feast, Hijri New Year, and Prophet Muhammad's Birthday. 
  

Caves, Petra, Jordan. Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Most beaches are along the Aqaba Coast.
  
• Hiking is best at Dana Biosphere Reserve, Wadi Feynan, and Wadi Rum.
• Diving occurs in the Red Sea at Aqaba.
  
• Friday's are Islamic Holy Day, businesses are usually closed.
  
• Soles of your shoes should not be visible when sitting.
• During Ramadan (month of fasting) alcoholic drinks can only be served in hotels.
  
• Goods are not to be received with your left hand.
• Avoid crossing your legs in public. If you do, only at the ankles.
• Avoid exploration travels after dark.
• Spring Season is prone to Dust Storms.
• Avoid discussing Israel in public.
• Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.
• Avoid criticism of the King or Royal Family in public.
• Ferry Service is available from Aqaba to Nuweiba, Egypt.
  
• Avoid the Iraq and Syria border area.
  
• Wadi Rum (southern) offers caverns, cliffs, extensive rock art, gorges, natural arches, and sandstone valleys.
  
• Snowfalls occur in the elevated western areas.
  
• Madaba is best known for mosaics. 
  
• Nightlife exists in Amman, Aqaba and Irbid.
  
• Home to biblical Arnon Stream (Wadi Mujib).
• Travelers with HIV/AIDS are denied entry.
• Violent extremist groups exist and are known to target tourist areas.
  
• Drones are illegal to use.
  
• Not LGBTI+ friendly and discrimination is known to occur.
• Not handicap-accessible friendly.
• Dress modestly to include covering your arms and legs.  
  
• Surrogacy is illegal.
  
• Mafraq is where local wines are produced.
  
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Healthcare and medical services are often below our standards.
• Requires an International Driving Permit to drive.
• All vehicles are required to have a fire extinguisher and warning triangle.
• At the hippodrome, take in a live performance of the Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE). 
  
• Jebel Harin offers a breathtaking view of Negev Desert and Wadi Araba.
  
• Holy Sites to visit include: Amman, Aqaba, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Dead Sea, Jerash, Lot's Cave, Madaba, Mount Nebo, Mukawir, Pella, Petra, Tel Mar Elias, Um Ar Rasas, Um Qais, and Wadi Rum.  

King Abdullah I Mosque, Amman, Jordan. Photo Credit: Graham Hobster/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry: $10,000USD.

Mount Nebo, Abarim, Jordan. Photo Credit: falco/Pixabay 

Prone to dust storms and flash flooding (October - March).

• Best Time to Visit: October - December & April - June
• Coolest Months: November - March
• Hottest Months: May - September
• Peak Season: March - May

Amman, Jordan. Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" (Al-Maghtas), Petra, Quseir Amra, Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a), and Wadi Rum Protected Area.

Roman Theatre, Amman, Jordan. Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay 

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                                            All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.