JORDAN
LOCATION
Jordan’s official name is Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. To the north of Jordan lies Syria, Iraq to its east, in the south-east and south lies Saudi Arabia and in the west, Israel.
CAPITAL
The largest city and capital of Jordan is Amman. It is a fascinating city of contrasts – a unique blend of old and new, ideally situated on a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley. In the city’s commercial central area, the most contemporary buildings, hotels, elegant restaurants, art galleries and boutiques sit comfortably along side traditional coffee shops and tiny artisans' workshops. However in the midst of all this modernity, evidence of the city’s much older past is also very visibly present.
For tourists visiting Amman it would be a good idea to take the Amman City Tour, which is the best way to explore the City.
A circular bus route that takes in a variety of locations, like the Roman Theater, Shopping Malls, Downtown (or "Balad" as it is called), Museums, Parks and the Wakalat Street shopping district, etc. all forms part of this city tour. In one bus ride there are as many as 45 stops, making this tour extremely convenient and tourist friendly. The tour operates between 10am and 8pm every day of the year (until 6pm during winter months).
LANGUAGE
Jordan uses Arabic as its official language. However English is fairly commonly used However as the country has a assortment of people from all over the world, English is commonly used and some French is also in vogue.
RELIGION
The Jordanian people are largely Sunni Muslims, with Shi´ite Muslims forming only a small minority. Over 80% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims. Only about 5 percent of the population follows Christianity.
CURRENCY
The currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD) and one JOD is equal to 100 fils.
CLIMATE
The Jordan Valley and the area around Aqaba is warm during winter (January-February) with chilly, evenings and extremely hot in summer (June-August). However, the winter can be severely cold and dry and the summer intensely hot in the Eastern Desert. On the other hands the hilly regions are likely to receive some snowfall in winter and have cool summer evenings. The rainy months fall between November and March.
CUSTOMS
In Jordan the streets cannot be used for alcohol consumption; this is strictly forbidden. Women in particular, traveling to Jordan, will be better respected if their legs and shoulders are covered in public places; it is advisable and essential to respect the local custom and tradition of any country one is visiting. Before photographing people you would be better of by taking permission. Bargaining is not taken badly but rather an expected norm to deal with merchants especially in the markets. During the month of Ramadan eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be cautiously done as it is prohibited by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is illegal. Although the Bedouin hospitality is indisputable, but according to custom visitors should leave some small gift in return for a meal or a glass of tea.
ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS
Jordan boasts other unique waters that provide opportunities for adventure vacationers who want to rest their spirits and soak their bodies.
Dead Sea- Has quality hotels and spas at the and the nearby Hammamat Zarqa Ma'in Springs allow visitors to experience several different kinds of mineral hot springs and the thick, warm brine of the Dead Sea, which are both soothing and therapeutic.
Wadi Mujib offers great water adventures in Jordan like hiking, climbing and sometimes even wading or swimming through the magnificent gorge of the Wadi Mujib, along the east coast of the Dead Sea.
Wadi Rum is for the more daring adventure visitor, who would like to climb mountains to conquer sheer granite cliffs that retain the inscriptions of local climbers who were there 5000 years ago and more.
For that extra dash of thrill, you could get into a helicopter or hot air balloon and soar to mountain-tops in Wadi Rum or around Petra and from there you can trek your way back to earth. Alternatively, from Marka Airport in Amman gliding and private planes can be rented.
Horse Back Riding- Horseback riders can take a few days to retrace the segments of the ancient Spice, Silk, and Frankincense Routes that pass through the green hills of Petra, Amman, and north Jordan. For a more daring adventure on horse-back, you could mount the Arabian steeds and go for a four-day trek through the eastern desert, stopping for rest and water at several early Islamic desert castles and caravan stations. The special thing about this trip is that it re-traces the original Arabian pony express mail service that operated here in the 7th century.
Water Sports
The Red Sea resort of Aquaba is always warm, balmy, and enticing for divers and other water sports enthusiasts. Aquaba offers a full range of facilities for speed boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, swimming, water skiing, wind surfing, or simply loafing and sunning in the warm crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. For hikers, the dazzling purple mountains surrounding Aqaba can be a real treat.
LEISURE AND WELLNSS
Jordan’s Dead Sea coast is one of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world and it remains as enticing to international visitors today as it was to kings, emperors, traders, and prophets in antiquity. The soothing, abnormally salty water of the Dead Sea itself is a great tourist puller. Significant health benefits have been reported from the combination of the Dead Sea water and the rich black mud found along the shoreline. From increasing circulation, easing discomfort from arthritis, healing allergies, and revitalizing skin, thousands of people have experienced wellness after a visit here.
Hammamat Ma’in Springs
Popular with both locals and tourists alike, the springs are located 264 meters below sea level in one of the most breath-taking desert oases in the world. The mineral rich waters of these hyper-thermal waterfalls attract thousands of people.
Spas
Jordan’s modern hotels and resorts are all equipped with spas, fitness centers, swimming pools, and tennis courts.
BUSINESS TRAVEL
Jordan Tourism Board offers an array of new facilities along with various dynamic strategies geared towards enhancing the meetings, incentive, conference and exhibitions.
Jordan’s natural attributes whether from the monolithic rock-scapes of Wadi Rum to the lively center of urban Amman; from the majestic ruins of bygone civilizations to the historical and spiritual splendor of the Dead Sea, all are unveiled as unique destinations offering breathtaking and mysterious sights, high standard accommodation, exquisite cuisine and countless activities that provide visitors with inspiration, motivation, and rejuvenation.
Castles
Jordan is also famous for its massive ancient castles, such as Karak and Shobak where mock battles can be fought and won (or lost), and mediaeval banquets are served under the vaulted walls and mighty ramparts. Also, there is Jerash– a Rome away from Rome, where chariot races and gladiator-style challenges are par for the course.
Resorts and Spas
Jordan’s famous Dead Sea resorts provide a more relaxed, therapeutic, experience. There are exclusive spa resorts here, where one can indulge in a little self pampering. The work-weary delegates and other visitors as well can boost their energy that will face the challenges of urban living with renewed vitality.
GETTING AROUND
Air
Royal Wings operates regular flights from Amman to Aqaba. Hiring executive jets and helicopters too is possible, in case one wants to travel stylishly.
Rail
There is no longer a public railway service to Aqaba.
Road
There are three main arteries: the Desert Highway from Irbid to Aqaba (dual carriageway); the Dead Sea Highway (mostly single carriageway) from the Dead Sea to Aqaba, and the Kings' Highway, from Amman to Wadi Mousa. Though these roads are in a reasonably good condition but the traffic can become a nuisance as it is often fast and erratic. If you are contemplating to drive off-road in the Eastern Desert and in the desert surrounding Wadi Rum, you would need a 4-wheel drive.
Bus
It is very affordable to travel by bus and the bus services are quite efficient.
Taxi
All taxis are meter operated and can be hired for the day. The routes of the share-taxis are all fixed. Alternatively one can hire taxis for private use.
Car hire
In the main towns, including Amman and Aqaba, most of the major international car-hire companies and a number of local companies operate services. Alternatively you can hire cars from hotels and travel agents.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There is a wide variety of hotel accommodation available in the cities to suit all pockets, ranging from a mattress on a rooftop, to some of the most extravagant hotels in the region, run by international chains. Hotels and resorts range from 1 to 5 stars. Five- and 4-star hotels have discos and nightclubs with live music
Lodges
Simple but attractive eco-lodges, especially in the Dana Nature Reserve are great places to stay.
Camping/Caravanning
Staying at one of the Bedouin-style camps (some of which have chalets and hot-water shower facilities) in Wadi Rum, around Petra or at one of Jordan's nature reserves, can be the highlight of a trip to Jordan.
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