Jordan - 04 Nights - A Journey Through Wonders and Breathtaking Landscapes
In the last week of November 2023, we embarked on a 4-night journey through the breathtaking landscapes and ancient wonders of Jordan. Our adventure took us through the vibrant streets of Amman, the serene shores of the Dead Sea, and the vast desert expanses of Wadi Rum. We marveled at the timeless beauty of Petra, stood atop Mount Nebo with its sweeping views, and explored the Roman ruins of Jerash. Along the way, we also visited the historic Amman Citadel and the imposing Ajloun Castle, each offering a glimpse into Jordan’s rich and diverse history.
Jordan was part I of our 2 – part trip, the second part being Egypt, specifically Cairo and the Pyramids, which you can read about in the Egypt section here. After comparing the costs of both trips, we found that combining the two and paying about 20% above budget would completely remove our headaches regarding accommodation and transportation, which would be handled by the tour operator.
We had to book flights on our own, and Air Arabia was the most valuable choice. For the sim card, we also decided to opt for a roaming package, since we wanted the comfort of not having to change sim cards while changing countries.
Helpful Links
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Google Maps Itinerary List - All the attractions were selected by us and confirmed by our driver. We had the flexibility of switching our destinations if we wanted.
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Jordan Visa information - Link to site - Our visa was arranged by our tour guide, Although this is what we were looking at before deciding to go with the tour guide.
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Jordan Pass information - This is a better option if you are going to visit Petra as well https://www.jordanpass.jo/
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Hotel - The Conroy Boutique Hotel Amman - Agoda Link - A cozy retreat in the middle of Amman’s lively streets, where comfort meets convenience.
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Hotel - Ramada Resort Dead Sea - Agoda Link - Waking up to the serene Dead Sea and watching sunsets from the beach made this stay truly magical.
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Hotel - Silk Road Hotel Petra - Agoda Link - Being just steps away from Petra’s entrance allowed us to get an early start and spend the entire day marveling at the ancient wonder.
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Hotel - Sinam Camp Wadi Rum - Check Google Maps itinerary list - The stillness of the desert at night, the starlit skies, and the warm hospitality made this camp an unforgettable part of our journey. We decided to stay in a bubble tent, having never done before. And it was truly amazing.
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Flights - Air Arabia
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We opted to get a roaming package from India, but if you want, you can go for an e-sim package. When required, I opt for BNESIM. Use code G2GS9T2A and enjoy a €5 discount on all BNESIM products! https://apps.bnesim.com/?esim_app=1
Getting There
For our trip to Jordan, we chose to fly with Air Arabia, which offered a convenient and affordable option. To make the most of our time, we decided to book a comprehensive tour package that covered everything we needed for a hassle-free experience. This included our hotel stays, a personal car with a driver, tickets to all the major attractions, and even the visa. It was the perfect way to ensure a smooth journey, allowing us to focus on exploring the beauty and history of Jordan without worrying about the details. Of course, the cost of the trip got a bit pricey, but the hassle – free experience was worth it.
One advantage of having a driver is that we don’t have to worry about logistics. We were given a list of places before hand, and we could choose whether we wanted to proceed with that tourist spot or not.
The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is a stronger currency compared to the UAE Dirham (AED). Typically, 1 Jordanian Dinar is equivalent to around 5.17 UAE Dirhams. This means prices in Jordan can seem higher when converting from Dirhams, so it's important to account for this difference when budgeting for your trip. For communications, we opted to go for our roaming package since the local sim cards were more expensive.
Accommodation
Since we went with a tour operator, hotels and transportation were taken care of. Below were the hotels selected for each day.
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The Conroy Boutique Hotel, Amman – "A cozy boutique hotel in the heart of Amman, offering modern comfort and easy access to the city's top attractions."
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Ramada Resort, Dead Sea – "An idyllic resort by the Dead Sea, perfect for relaxation with its private beach, spa, and stunning views of the world’s lowest point."
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Silk Road Hotel, Petra – "Conveniently located just a short walk from Petra’s entrance, this hotel provides a comfortable stay with panoramic views of the ancient city."
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Sinam Camp, Wadi Rum – "Experience authentic Bedouin hospitality under the stars in Wadi Rum, with traditional tents and unforgettable desert views."
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Amman and Exploring the City
We landed in Amman and were promptly greeted by our driver. Heading straight from the airport, our first stop was the historic Amman Citadel, perched atop Jabal al-Qal’a, offering panoramic views of the city. Here, we explored ancient ruins and the iconic Roman Theatre, a testament to Amman’s vibrant history. After immersing ourselves in the local culture, we enjoyed a hearty dinner at Abu Mariam restaurant, savoring Jordanian cuisine. We concluded our day with a restful night at The Conroy Boutique Hotel, a cozy haven in the heart of the city.
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Day 2: Jerash, Ajloun Castle, and the Dead Sea
The day began with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to the ancient city of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world. Wandering through its colonnaded streets and ancient theaters was a surreal experience. Next, we visited Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century marvel with stunning views of the Jordan Valley. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we traveled to the Dead Sea, where we checked into Ramada Resort Dead Sea. The serene atmosphere of the resort set the stage for a relaxing evening by the world’s lowest point.
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Day 3: The Dead Sea, Mount Nebo, Madaba, and Petra
A refreshing morning swim in the Dead Sea kick-started our third day. Floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters was truly a unique experience. Post-swim, we visited the biblical site of Mount Nebo, famous for its sweeping views and historical significance. The journey continued to Madaba, where we strolled through its charming streets and admired the intricate mosaic map in St. George's Church. After lunch at a local restaurant, we made our way to Petra, where we stayed overnight at the conveniently located Silk Road Hotel.
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Day 4: Petra and Wadi Rum
After an early breakfast, we ventured into the Lost City of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The entire day was spent exploring the stunning rock-cut architecture, winding paths, and rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following lunch, we drove to the mystical desert of Wadi Rum. Known as the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum's vast desert landscapes were breathtaking. We enjoyed a traditional Bedouin dinner and an unforgettable night under the stars at Sinam Camp, embracing the tranquility of the desert.
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Day 5: Wadi Rum Sunrise and Departure
The day began with an exhilarating early morning drive through Wadi Rum, witnessing the magical desert sunrise. After exploring the dramatic red sand dunes and ancient petroglyphs, we returned to the camp for breakfast. Our Jordanian adventure concluded as we made our way to Amman Airport for our departure, leaving us with lasting memories of a country rich in history and natural wonders.
Cost
The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is a stronger currency compared to the UAE Dirham (AED). Typically, 1 Jordanian Dinar equals around 5.17 UAE Dirhams. This means that when converting from Dirhams to Dinars, costs may appear higher, so travelers from the UAE should account for the difference when budgeting for their trip to Jordan.
We opted for a tour package for Jordan and Egypt together as one, below is the total cost of our trip in Jordan & Egypt, broken down into an estimation to the best of our calculation.
Final Thoughts, Tips and Advice
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Check whether you require a visa to travel. For us, both Jordan and Egypt required visas.
Jordan visa was taken care of by the travel agency, but we had to apply for Egypt visa ourselves. If you plan to apply for Jordan visa yourself and also plan to visit Petra, look up the Jordan Pass. It may be a good option for you. -
If you plan to deal in Cash, make sure to get your currency exchanged anywhere but the airports. Cards are accepted in majority of places, but we personally dealt in cash.
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Compare your roaming packages or opt for an e-sim if it is cheaper than getting a sim card in Jodan
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We went during the end of November, and Jordan was cold. Much cooler than U.A.E. Make sure you bring a decent jacket. And if you plan to visit Wadi Rum, you will need more than a jacket as temperatures drop to single digits.
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Since we had a tour guide, we had plenty of flexibility with selecting the attractions. If you want to broaden your search, do look up the plethora of resources on the internet regarding Jordan.
Overall Jordan was one of our favorite destinations in 2023.