cruise trip jordan

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Cruises to Aqaba, Jordan

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Aqaba Jordan Port Guide

This ancient port city bustles with trade traffic and an undeniable energy, connecting Jordan with other parts of the world. Aqaba is home to many resorts and beachy activities like windsurfing and snorkeling. Scuba divers will call Aqaba their paradise, where the warmth of the water and crystal visibility make for incredible Red Sea wreck diving. 

While stopped in Aqaba on an India cruise , you’ll find historic and cultural activities around every corner. Take a trip beyond Aqaba to the ancient ruins of Petra, an archaeological icon of pink stone that has long been Jordan’s most famous site. Don’t miss Wadi Rum, a famously protected desert where dunes, mountains, and wilderness collide. Stand in awe of the site where Lawrence of Arabia was said to have passed through in the early 20th century. Beyond the natural wonders of this part of Jordan, you’ll find a truly warm-natured city where tradition collides with modern life on your Aqaba cruise.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to aqaba.

You may not have heard of the ancient ruins of Petra before, but you’d definitely know them at first sight. Featured in movie franchises and recognizable for its rose-colored stone, Petra was first occupied by human beings nearly 10,000 years ago, where inhabitants carved the elaborate Treasury into columns, temples, and alters. Tour this UNESCO World Heritage site during your time in Aqaba for an afternoon in the desert you’ll never forget.

Ever wanted to effortlessly float on your back? You can while in the waters of the Dead Sea, one of the saltiest bodies of water in the entire world. You’ll need to plan a day around this, however, since the mouth of the Dead Sea is a three-hour drive from Aqaba.

Arguably, Wadi Rum is the most famous site in Jordan. Head to this natural wonder, called the “Valley of the Moon,” where your admission fee goes toward keeping this incredible site protected. Ride camels into the desert wilderness and take in the chasms and mountain ranges during a half-day excursion. Learn about the culture of the Bedouins and enjoy an Arabian afternoon tea ceremony.

Aqaba Aquarium

Animal and marine lovers must see the species of fish that inhabit the Red Sea and the waters of Jordan. You’ll learn what to expect from wildlife when you swim or snorkel the area and discover the coral system of Aqaba, too. The aquarium is connected to the Aqaba Marine Science Station, a perfect activity for an educational afternoon in Aqaba.

Learn More About Aqaba Shore Excursions

Top things to do in aqaba, snorkel and scuba in the red sea.

Snorkeling in the Red Sea is an essential experience on a cruise to Aqaba, Jordan, where colorful reefs and vibrant sea life miraculously thrive in salty waters. Many of the species here can’t be found in any other body of water in the world. Wrecked tanks and cargo ships contrast against bright coral, making this a feast for divers’ eyes. 

See the Ruins of Ayla

Close your eyes and imagine what ancient Aqaba must have looked like thousands of years ago. These ruins were once the site of Aqaba’s central, ancient port. Seeing them offers a step back in time and makes for a quick excursion on the way to other destinations in downtown Aqaba.

Explore Aqaba Fort

In the 12th century, the Crusaders built what are now ruins of the Aqaba Fort, and today you can see these ruins before learning more about the history of this region of Jordan at the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. History buffs on one of our cruises to Jordan shouldn’t miss out on an educational afternoon at the ruins.

Unearth the World’s Oldest Church

Near the ruins of Ayla is a site that scholars consider the oldest Christian church in the world, built in the third century. While you’re touring the other ruins, this church is a must for history buffs and those interested in early Christian artifacts.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Aqaba Cruise Port

Aqaba’s culinary scene has a variety of must-try dishes that personify Jordan’s rich history. Of course, there are classics like hummus, falafel, and shawarma which have quickly risen in popularity all over the world for their freshness, but Aqaba cuisine also has tons of surprises. The coffee and tea is different than in other parts of the world. Their special method of preparation makes them more bitter than their Western equivalents. Try kunafa, a traditional filo pastry with delicious, melty goat cheese inside. A filo pastry filled with spinach is another popular variation. Another must-have? The official breakfast of Jordan, called foul, which consists of savory fava beans mashed into a liquid-like dipping sauce with olive oil, lemon, and garlic. Served with hot flatbread, it’s regularly offered as a side dish for every meal in Jordan. 

Culture & History of the Aqaba Cruise Port

Aqaba practically opened the country of Jordan to international trade and commerce along the Silk Road, dating back to the occupation of the Ottoman empire during the 14th century. The Turks held control of Jordan until World War I, when various Western nations took over. Eventually, Jordan gained independence in 1946. Today, Aqaba plays a significant part in the Jordanian economy as a central trading port and tourist destination, thanks to incredible sights like Wadi Rum, Petra, and the beautiful Red Sea. 

The culture of Aqaba is heavily influenced by the Bedouin population of Jordan and the surrounding regions, specifically the national dance, called the dabke. While on one of our cruises to Jordan, make a point to see live music featuring traditional instruments like the shababa and the Jordanian bagpipes, gerbah. Music is deeply woven into the fabric of Jordan’s history and culture. The people of Jordan value respect and politeness. Be aware that dressing modestly is hugely important during your time in Aqaba, which will show locals that you respect their traditions.

Aqaba Port Facilities & Location

The port of Aqaba is a commercial port, so it’s more focused on trading and unloading than cruise and tourism traffic. You won’t find a terminal or tourism information desk here, but there is a free shuttle service that takes cruise passengers and others to downtown Aqaba, which is about a 15-minute ride away.

Transportation in Aqaba

There are a few main ways to get around while on your cruise to Aqaba, Jordan. Taxis are plentiful on the ground in the city, and you’ll find them easy to hail and generally inexpensive. There are the standard yellow taxis as well as green and blue cars. The public bus system is also efficient for riders, and a one-way ride costs less than one Jordanian Dinar. Note that the desert climate can make walking for long periods difficult. Be sure to schedule regular breaks for water and rest while you’re exploring Aqaba, particularly if you’re visiting during the hotter months.

Shopping Near the Aqaba Cruise Port

Because the Port of Aqaba is a commercial port, Jordan cruise passengers can’t do much shopping here. Venture downtown for the bazaars and restaurants using the complimentary shuttle system at the port. Due to the hot climate, shops regularly close from 2 to 6 pm to escape the heat of the day.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). Locals will pronounce this “jay-dee” in conversation, so be aware you’ll probably hear that while shopping or bargaining with vendors. Credit cards are commonly used in Jordan, and there are ATMs throughout the city of Aqaba. The US dollar is commonly accepted when you pay with cash as well. Tip around 10% for guides, taxi drivers, and restaurant servers if there isn’t a service charge already included in your bill. Generally, tipping isn’t a big practice in Jordan.

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Cruise to Aqaba, Jordan

Aqaba shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in aqaba.

Underwater Adventures

Underwater anemone at Aqaba Marine Park

Explore the world under the sea at the Aqaba Marine Park. Instead of snorkeling or diving, you can also take a trip on the Red Sea in a glass-bottomed boat. Or visit the Aqaba Aquarium, where you'll be introduced to the wide variety of colorful local fish and corals.

Red Sea Relaxation

Head to Berenice Beach Club, where you wade in the clear waters of the Red Sea or relax in a sunbed. Or opt for the free beach at Al-Hafayer, or Palm Beach: Stroll along the tree-lined boulevard that runs along the shoreline, or join in the local tradition of beach time with tea or coffee.

Local Cuisine

While you're here, be sure to sample Aqaba's signature dish sayadieh , a delicately spiced fish, served with rice with onion and tahini sauce. Cruise to Aqaba to try falafel in its place of origin — some say Jordan is the best spot in the world for savoring these fried chickpea fritters, spiced with cumin and garlic and brightened up with parsley. Finish with tea flavored with sage or mint, or opt for Turkish coffee, a slightly sweeter alternative to espresso.

Some of the best shopping in Aqaba is in the souq , the market in the older part of town. Head here for Dead Sea products, handmade clothing, jewelry, carpets, pottery, glassware, nuts and spices — pick up a glass bottle filled with designs made in sand, a signature Jordanian trinket. Aqaba's special economic status also makes it a good place to pick up duty-free goods during your Jordan cruise.

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With its desert landscape, ancient treasures and traditional ways, Jordan is a luxury vacation of extraordinary dimension.

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The ancient port city of Aqaba sits at the north end of the Gulf of Aqaba, which leads out to the Red Sea. This busy trade town, where tradition and modern life meld peacefully, connects Jordan with the waterways of the world, welcoming luxury cruise ships eager to slide into Aqaba’s energetic aura. UNESCO World-Heritage Sites are everywhere within the city and surrounding territories, which are magnets for their astonishing beauty and ancient mystery. Two hours

north of Aqaba is the town of Wadi Musa, near the historic archaeological city of Petra. Famous for its rock-cut architecture and unique water system, Petra is Jordan’s most-visited attraction, voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and controlled the caravan trade routes that passed through it. These rose-colored stone ruins were first occupied by people 10,000 years ago. East of Aqaba, Wadi Rum is a sandstone and granite valley and protected

area noted for its link to T.E. Lawrence of “Lawrence of Arabia” fame, the British military officer and author who assisted in the uprising of Arab forces against the Ottoman Empire in World War I. The beautiful beaches in southern Jordan draw a variety of watersports enthusiasts – windsurfers, kitesurfers, scuba divers, and sailors of every stripe. A visit to the Aqaba Aquarium will teach you about these surrounding waters, so you’ll be well-prepared when you set out for an afternoon of snorkeling.

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If you’re considering bespoke luxury private travel to Jordan, let our expert Travel Designers make your vacation truly customized from start to finish. Having spent the last three decades traveling and experiencing the best luxury offerings firsthand, Tully Luxury Travel has an exceptional understanding of Jordan. We have the contacts and the relationships in place to ensure your travel needs are met – milestone celebrations, romantic dinners, private tours, dietary requirements, special room-service requests – all the details curated in step with your every wish. In Jordan, our Private Travel Designers have the insider information that will elevate your experience that much more. We can get you on the most intriguing luxury tours, complete with the perfect accompanying luxury hotels, so your unique Jordanian experience is seamless and sensational. The time to start planning your next luxury vacation is now. Our private luxury travel service also allows us to secure the best amenities and VIP extras at no additional cost. That’s the Tully Difference. Talk with a Private Travel Designer and start planning your bespoke luxury Jordanian vacation today.

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Jordan Discovery

8 days | treasure the ancient sites of jordan in style.

Get ready to be wowed by the sweeping desert of Wadi Rum, the hidden, hand-hewn facades of Petra and the ancient Roman ruins at Jerash on an 8-day journey through Jordan. Watch the sunset from your Bedouin camp, snorkel in the coral-clad Red Sea in Aqaba, float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, traverse the narrow gorge of Siq in Petra and marvel at the unforgettable revelation of The Treasury. Venture through remarkable landscapes without forgoing familiar home-comforts on this upgraded journey through the jewel in the Middle Eastern crown.

Trip overview

• You’ll never forget your first glimpse of The Treasury in Petra. Spend a day taking in the majesty and mystery of this unforgettable place on a guided tour then enjoy free time to explore.
• Experience the unique sensation of floating in the super-salty waters of the Dead Sea, then cover yourself in the mineral-rich mud for a spa treatment like no other.
• Be welcomed into a local home in Petra where you’ll chat to your friendly family hosts over a traditional meal and learn what life is like in this popular spot.
• Meet Bedouin locals, learn about their ways, and sleep under the stars in a desert camp in the far-out destination of Wadi Rum.
• Relax in the seaside town of Aqaba on the shores of the Red Sea relax around its untouched reefs and transparent waters – a spectacular spot for snorkelling.
• Some of the best scenery in Petra and Wadi Rum is found on hikes. While this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to participate in all activities.
• At most of the historical sites in Jordan there is no shade. Bring a hat, sun protection, and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. Winters can get quite cool, so if you're visiting at this time, don't forget to pack some warmer layers too.
• In Wadi Rum we stay in a permanent tented camp with shared bathroom facilities. While the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cold at night and warm clothes are highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months.
• Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You'll find dates and further information in the 'Climate and seasonal information' section of the Essential Trip Information.

Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Amman, a cosmopolitan city steeped in biblical history. On arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel, ready for your adventure to begin at 6pm with an important welcome meeting. If you arrive early, feel free to head out and explore – highlights include the citadel with its amazing sweeping views of Amman, the Jordan Museum, which is home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, or the Roman Theatre, right in the middle of downtown Amman. After the meeting, you may like to get to know your group over an optional dinner, or explore on your own and pick up a coffee from one of the cafes, partnering it with an ara’yes – a toasted sandwich filled with spicy mincemeat.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Complimentary Arrival Transfer

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

After breakfast today, journey down the Desert Highway to the spellbinding Wadi Rum, a landscape of rugged sandstone mountains standing tall among an ochre desert floor. Meet your Bedouin hosts on arrival followed by free time for lunch, before heading into this desolate, romantic area. Transport into the Rum is by way of jeeps operated by the local Bedouin community, part of an initiative by the Jordanian Government to bring much-needed income into this region. Visit several of Wadi Rum's distinctive rock formations and soak in the vast silence and spectacular desert landscapes. The Bedouins live in scattered camps throughout the area and you'll enjoy an evening under the stars at one of these sites.

• Desert Camp (1 night)
• Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour

Today’s total travel time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Enjoy a spectacular sunrise at your desert camp, perhaps checking out a few more of the local Wadi Rum sites or taking a scenic walk before you leave. Depart Wadi Rum mid-morning for the city of Aqaba on the Red Sea. Check into your hotel on arrival and head out for a brief orientation of the town with your leader – the small Ottoman Mamluk Fort, dating from the 14th century and from where Lawrence of Arabia rode to Cairo, is worth a look – otherwise, most of the fun is to be found in the water. With great visibility and abundant marine life, this is an incredible spot for snorkelling, and the warm waters play host to clownfish, angelfish, sea turtles and coral formations. Speak to your leader if you’d like to arrange snorkelling, or you may prefer to acquaint yourself with the hotel's pool or head to the beach.

Today’s total travel time is approximately 1 hour.

This morning, enjoy some relaxation time in Aqaba before travelling to the fabled city of Petra. Dating back to the sixth century BC, Petra is considered the crown jewel of Jordan, featuring an impressive series of tombs and dwellings carved directly into the rock. The site remained unknown to the wider world until 1812 when it was visited by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. In 1985, Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and simply put, is one of the world’s most incredible ancient sites. On arrival, settle into your hotel and check out the village before enjoying an included dinner at your hotel.

Today’s total travel time is approximately 3 hours.

Petra is justifiably on most people’s list of ‘must-visit’ places. The iconic Petra view – the Treasury's glorious facade, glimpsed from the narrow cleft known as the Siq – is arguably the single most striking sight of the entire region. The Siq leads through the rock and is sometimes only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 metres on either side. Join your guide and explore the old Roman road, amphitheatre and several old tombs, before enjoying free time to experience Petra at your own pace. Maybe climb up to the Monastery, carved from a mountain summit, where you’ll find magnificent views of the entire site. To cap off a truly memorable day, be welcomed into a local home for dinner. On the menu will often be maqluba – a casserole with rice, vegetables and chicken which is cooked, flipped, then served with either yoghurt or an Arab salad with tahina sauce. Chat to your friendly family hosts about the delicious meal and what life is like in such a popular spot.

• Petra - Guided tour
• Petra - Home-cooked meal

After breakfast, drive to the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak, where your leader will show you the grounds, a small chapel and the original gatehouse. This ancient castle was originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea before it fell to Saladin in 1189. Depart the castle and stop off at the viewpoint overlooking the Dana Nature Reserve before arriving in Madaba where you’ll visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and see an impressive ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land. Arrive in Amman in the late afternoon, where your leader will recommend some great restaurants to sample the best of the city’s food scene.

• Shobak - Shobak Castle
• Madaba - St Georges Church

Take a short drive north to Jerash, once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world and now home to some of the best Greco-Roman ruins around. Jerash has a striking collection of archways, theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets, and is a beautiful place to spend a morning exploring. Then, drive to the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level). This isn’t actually a sea, but rather a super-salty lake (dead because of the lack of life in it) where the density of the water means you’ll go for a float, not a swim. The mud here is supposed to have healing properties, so why not cover yourself from head to toe for a nutrient-rich natural mineral mud bath. Spend some time relaxing here before returning to Amman for the evening. Maybe spend tonight at one of the many bars and restaurants in West Amman or ask your leader about the traditional cafes dotted around the city where locals spend their evenings.

• Jerash - Roman ruins
• Dead Sea - Visit and float

Today’s total travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around noon and you are free to leave at any time.

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

4x4 Jeep, Private vehicle

Hotel (6 nights), Desert camp (1 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 3. Petra By Night is offered as an optional activity. This activity is currently scheduled to operate on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please check your departure date if you would like to do this activity as it is not available on all departures.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Jordan vacations 2024 & 2025

A crossroads for millennia, Jordan has faced endless waves of invaders, from ancient Romans to Ottomans and European crusaders. In their wake, these empires have left ornate churches, crusader castles and desert citadels, as well as the lost city of Petra . Our specialists return, time and again, to find the best ways to explore this timeless land. We can help you get away from the crowds at Petra, hike through the wind-carved wadis (valleys) of the Dana Nature Reserve, camp out under the desert stars or sip coffee with Bedouins.

Despite its turbulent history, Jordan today is a safe, stable country that’s easy to navigate, making a vacation in Jordan a good introduction to the Middle East. The country offers you natural wonders, too, including the salt-crusted shores of the Dead Sea , coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Wadi Rum desert, where monumental rock formations tower over deep-red sands.

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Suggested tours for Jordan

These tours give you a starting point for what your vacation to Jordan could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.

Classic Jordan tour: Amman, Petra & the Dead Sea

8 days from $3,595pp

Jordan family adventure

9 days from $4,095pp

Jordan & a romantic Egyptian Nile cruise

16 days from $5,965pp

Grand tour of Jordan

14 days from $7,995pp

Jordan's nature reserves

15 days from $9,445pp

Highlights of Turkey & Jordan

15 days from $13,315pp

Suggested activities for Jordan

Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Jordan.

Full Day Tour of Jerash, Umm Qais & Ajloun

Located about an hour outside of Amman, Jerash is one of the real highlights of a trip to Jordan. It is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East, although it traces its origins right back to Neolithic times.

Petra City Tour

The tour begins with the walk down from the site entrance to the beginning of the Siq. This path is flanked with typical rock-cut tombs that are a very small precursor of the drama to come. The most impressive of these preliminary tombs is the Obelisk tomb.

Madaba, Mount Nebo & Kerak Castle

Mount Nebo is the site from which Moses first saw the Holy Land at the end of the Exodus. It is also the presumed site of his death and burial.

Why travel with Audley?

• 100% tailor-made tours
• Fully protected travel
• Established for over 25 years
• 98% of our clients would recommend us

Best time to visit

Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Jordan, including information about climate, events and festivals.

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Useful information for planning your vacation in Jordan

Modern Standard Arabic is the official language of Jordan, but you’ll mostly hear people speaking Jordanian Arabic in conversation. This is a local dialect that stems from Modern Standard Arabic but uses colloquial terms for some words that are different. Many Jordanians are able to understand and speak English, too, though you might not find this to be the case among the Bedouin people in places like Wadi Rum .

The currency of Jordan is the Jordanian dinar (JOD, د.ا), which is divided into 100 qirsh (sometimes called ‘piastres’) or 1000 fils. You’ll find bank notes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 dinar, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 piastres and 0.25, 0.5, and 1 dinar.

You can withdraw local currency from ATMs in all towns and cities, big and small. Credit cards are widely accepted in Jordan but you may struggle to use them in more remote rural areas like the desert.

We recommend trying a few of Jordan’s smaller mezze dishes like creamy baba ghanoush and a refreshing tabbouleh salad, followed by succulent grilled meat and pillowy flatbread. If you want something on the go, you could get a shawarma, thinly sliced seasoned lamb or chicken shaved into a pocket of flatbread and garnished with garlicky sauce. Similar to Lebanese cuisine, Jordanian food is marked with an earthy, citrus taste that stems from its classic blends of sumac, thyme, oregano, garlic, onion, and lemon.

To drink, you could try a black Arabic coffee infused with cardamom or a sweet mint tea. For something alcoholic, try sampling the local spirit, araq, a triple-distilled vine alcohol laced with liquorice-tasting aniseed. Just be aware that not all places you visit will sell or allow alcohol.

Tipping restaurant staff, drivers, and guides is expected in Jordan, and we recommend leaving around 10% in more upmarket restaurants. For smaller restaurants, anything from 500 fils to one dinar is about right. For guides, the amount you tip will depend on various factors, but we can help you work it out before you travel.

For the latest travel advice for Jordan, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the State Department website .

Visiting the living-rock ruins of Petra is one of Jordan’s most notable draws, but there’s a lot more to experience beyond exploring this ancient citadel, including camping on the terracotta-hued sands of Wadi Rum desert and floating upon the buoyant salt water of the Dead Sea.

We can also help you experience Jordan beyond its classic sights, diving deeper into the history and culture of this Levantine kingdom. For example, you could dine on traditional Jordanian fare within a cave near Petra once inhabited by Bedouins, forage for indigenous plants with a local expert in Umm Qais overlooking the Sea of Galilee, or try your hand at shepherding with a shepherd in the shrubby hills of Pella.

Jordan has many contemporary international hotels dotted around the country, including some more sumptuous options, but there are also a handful of distinctive stays you can experience during your trip. For example, you could gaze at the starry night sky from your domed desert tent  in Wadi Rum, soak in the valley views at an eco-friendly guesthouse in Dana Biosphere Reserve, or enjoy a remote stay at an artistic rendition of a rustic Jordanian house snuggled into the hills of Pella.

Most people begin their journey in Jordan’s capital city of Amman, visiting the nearby 1st-century Roman ruins of Jerash before setting off for a desert-lined road trip to Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. We recommend spending at least a couple of days exploring each of these sites, and if you have more time, adding on a relaxing beach trip to the vibrant coral reefs of Aqaba  or an outdoors adventure within the canyon-carved landscapes of Dana Biosphere Reserve .

People often combine a trip to Jordan with a cruise along the Nile in Egypt  or few days perusing the sacred city Jerusalem just across the border .

It takes around 12–14 hours to fly from New York to Jordan’s capital city of Amman and 22 hours from LA. We recommend flying with Delta, Air France, and a few other airlines, which we can advise on.

The time zone in Jordan is UTC+3 and there’s no longer daylight saving time there, so the clocks stay the same all year round.

Jordan is a small country, so the quickest and simplest way of getting around is by car. We can arrange a private driver for you who will likely stay with you throughout your entire trip. If you’d like to add on a trip to Israel , you can drive over the border, or for Egypt , it’s just a short flight away.

US citizens need a visa to enter Jordan but this can be obtained on arrival. If you’re entering Jordan at Amman airport, our local agents can issue you a free visa, instead of having to pay for one yourself.

You should check with your doctor to see which vaccinations you‘ll need for Jordan, but we recommend that you are at least up to date with the vaccinations recommended for your home country. You can take a look at suggested vaccinations for Jordan on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

Your passport must be valid for six months after the date of departure from Jordan and have a minimum of one unstamped double page free.

Going to Jordan during Ramadan can be challenging as many of the locals will be fasting during this time and shops and restaurants tend to be closed during the daytime. While you’re not expected to fast, it’s respectful to avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours. You’ll likely need to eat in your hotel or at the back area of open restaurants away from the windows. That said, museums and archaeological sites remain open during Ramadan and tend to be quieter.

After the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts from placid to vibrant and celebratory as the streets come alive with people enjoying iftar, a meal that breaks the fast. It may be noisy until the early hours because people stay up to eat just before the sun rises again.

Jordan is a Muslim country, albeit less conservative than others, so it’s best to dress modestly to respect the local culture, no matter your gender. That means you should cover your shoulders and knees while out in public. We also recommend packing layers as the weather can change very quickly in Jordan, flitting between hot sun and rain showers. Finally, if you visit a mosque, women will need to cover their hair.

There’s no official dress code for Petra and women don’t need to cover their hair while walking around the ruins, but you should wear comfortable footwear as the trails can be uneven. While you can wear whatever you want, we recommend loose, comfortable clothing and layers, especially if you want to explore beyond the much-photographed Treasury.

No, it’s forbidden to photograph government and military buildings in Jordan, and it’s best to avoid capturing any bridges or canals that could be construed as having strategic significance.

Jordan in pictures

Our expert guides to traveling in Jordan

Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Jordan. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Jordan at its best.

My travels in Jordan 2018

Your trip to Jordan could involve the monumental tombs of Petra, the sere desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and a visit to the cosmopolitan capital city of Amman. Get inspired by footage from Nick’s recent visit.

Jordan and Egypt: Petra to Giza and Luxor

In the sun-baked desert of Egypt and a hidden wadi in Jordan, ancient empires built enormous stone edifices that still stand thousands of years later. Middle East specialist Albert discusses the best way to see both countries on one trip.

How to pack for the Middle East

First-time visitors can find it tricky to pack for the Middle East. Specialist and one-time resident Talia offers packing advice for handling the dramatic swings in temperature, the wide variety of terrains and the conservative culture.

Family trips to Jordan

If you're planning a tailor-made family vacation in Jordan, why not release your inner Indiana Jones on a trip to Petra, where Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed.

Explore the mysteries of Petra

A hidden city that’s carved into sandstone cliffs, Petra was one of the wonders of the ancient world. Jordan specialist Nick offers a guide to the history and important sites in this vast city.

Amman for more than one night

Jordan’s capital city is much more than just a rest stop on your way to the country’s many ancient sites. It invites you to explore the Roman amphitheater, take a cooking class in a family kitchen and see the oldest known human statues.

The King's Highway in Jordan

Traveling the Kings' Highway in Jordan means seeing 5,000 years of history. Visit sites of the Holy Land, the churches at Madaba and Mount Nebo, the castles of Kerak and Shawbak, as well as the ancient city of Petra.

Guide to Jerusalem

Easily combinable with an itinerary to Jordan, and fascinating enough to merit a trip in its own right, the enthralling sights and monuments of Jerusalem are certain to charm you. History has never seemed so alive.

Luxury vacations in Jordan

Jordan’s brand of luxury is all about that personal touch, from private chauffeurs to secluded desert retreats to intimate cultural experiences. Jordan specialist Emma reveals her top recommendations to elevate your trip.

Discover more about Jordan on our blog

Don’t miss out: 10 travel experiences to plan ahead

Other popular destinations.

Still looking for ideas? If Jordan has captured your interest, we think you might also like these destinations.

Jordan Experience

We inspire the world to achieve greatness on their own terms.

Why Jordan Experience?

-We are product and market innovators in Jordan and the Middle East region. -We know what quality guest service is and how to implement it. - We are in constant search of new ways to enhance the travel experience of our guests. -We have both basic packages that cater to a mass market as well as niche and exclusive products for the discerning travelers. - We have a multi-lingual team that is easy to interact and work with. -We are at your service 24 x 7 and prepared with contingency plans to handle unforeseen circumstances. -Our team is constantly encouraged to think innovatively and focus on details while curating customized solutions for their clients.

Exciting Activities

Now is the perfect time to discover new adventures in your backyard. Browse our unique list of fun adventure ideas and plan a fun weekend. Fill up your itinerary with a range of exciting activities.

Classic Tours

Jordan is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. On our tour, you will explore some of the most amazing places in Jordan. Discover the fascinating history and breathtaking beauty of Jordan on our Classical Tour.

Short Tours

Enjoying the best of Jordan Short Break & discover the enchanting beauty of Jordan.

Experience Tours

explore Jordan like a local with private tours, group outings, and awesome events!

Combo Tours

Explore more countries in one tripe, best countries to combine with Jordan on a multi-country Middle East holiday. Gives visitors a chance to combine the highlights of Jordan with more countries major attractions.

Religion Tours

Explore some of Jordan's most spectacular sites take a tour to the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ as part of a Pilgrim or Religious tour of Jordan. Our tours to Jerusalem and Bethlehem offer the opportunity to visit the Holy Land.

FIT - Self driver tours

Discover the highlights of Jordan in your own vehicle.

Beach Holidays

Jordan offers a variety of beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot or a place to swim and play in the water, there's something for everyone.

Why Book with Us

Looking for the perfect travel experience? Look no further than Travel With Jordan Experience Tours! We offer a wide variety of featured trips to destinations all over Jordan. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous trek through the mountains and desert, we have the perfect trip for you.

Unforgettable travel experience

we work with experienced tour guides, local travel experts and operators to ensure that you get the most out of your trip.

100% Customizable

Tell us about your trip requirement. We'll work together to customize your trip to meet your exact requirement so that you have a memorable trip.

Local Experts. Middle-man Free Pricing

We're a local travel agency. When you book with us, you get best possible price, which is middle-man free.

No Hidden Charges

We don't add hidden extras cost. All trips include travel permit, lodging and fooding. There are no surprises with hidden costs.

Popular Travel Destination

Jordan has become a popular travel destination in the last years. Let us take you on a journey of the Best Places in Jordan.

Featured Trips!

We provides the best travel and tour programs with quality services. If you do not find the travel programme from your dream destination in our ‘Featured Trip’ list, please contact us.

We provide our partners with a myriad portfolio of products and services that include; accommodation, transfers, excursions, round trips, VIP services and MICE. We work with our clients to ensure we deliver and tailor-make what is absolutely the best for their business model.

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Cruises in Jordan

Cruises in Jordan are continually becoming more popular offering travelers alternative ways to visit Jordan via the sea. Jordan is situated along the Red Sea in Aqaba , famous for the resorts and world-class snorkeling and scuba diving. Aqaba is an exciting port city that provides visitors access to desert destinations such as Petra and Wadi Rum .

The cruises which go Jordan tend to be Mediterranean cruises focusing on the Arabian Sea and the Suez Canal. Oftentimes cruises in Jordan will stop in other Mediterranean basin countries such as Greece , Cyprus, and Egypt , meaning that they are well suited to those travelers interested archaeology, natural beauty, history, and religion in ancient lands.

Cruises in Jordan: The Port of Aqaba

Since the Iron Age, Aqaba has been a major port city in the region. Much of the economy in Aqaba comes from the port which is a hub of activity. The port underwent a relocation in 2006 when the entire port was moved south to better accommodate boats and ships providing deeper water for entry. The port serves to promote tourism in the region as well, as many tourists access Jordan via Aqaba.

For travelers arriving via cruise to Aqaba, there are several hotels and resorts situated along the Red Sea . For those looking to visit other cities in Jordan such as Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman , several day tours depart daily from Aqaba offering exciting adventures in Jordan. Additionally, visitors interested in crossing the border into Israel can gain easy access via Eilat. Cruises to Jordan offer an extensive array of options including time spent in Aqaba or exploration of surrounding areas.

It is easy to enjoy day tours or multiple days in Jordan exploring a variety of sites all starting from Aqaba. Check out our tours starting from Aqaba to make the most out of a cruise in Jordan experience.

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Welcome to Cairo

Kempinski Nile Hotel - Cairo, Egypt

Our experienced Cairo-based staff will be at the airport to greet and assist you with all arrival procedures from obtaining your visa through baggage claim and customs. Then we’ll take you to the banks of the Nile River in the heart of the capital. In this affluent and prestigious city-center district, you’ll check in to our sophisticated 5-star hotel, the Kempinski Nile . Settle in to your Nile-view guestroom and enjoy the rest of this day to rest or explore as you wish.

The Age of the Pharaohs

With their penetrating insights and informative narration, our expert Egyptologists will plumb the mysteries of the Pharaohs and bring their ancient world to life. This exciting day of sightseeing begins with the Great Pyramids c that have stood for millennia on the Giza Plateau. Then behold the watchful gaze of the Sphinx, which 20th-century scholarship has determined to be even older than the Pyramids. Next up is a camel ride across the desert sands – an experience that is as fun as it is unforgettable! We’ll take a break from sightseeing to enjoy lunch at the historic Mena House and then continue to ancient Memphis c . Highlighting our afternoon sightseeing are the Colossus of Rameses II, on display in a dedicated museum, and the beautiful Alabaster Sphinx. Continuing to Sakkara, we’ll marvel at the monumental Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest standing stone structure in all of Egypt. Just recently opened to visitors for the first time in 80 years, the 4,000-year-old Tomb of Mehu will impress you with its vibrant drawings and inscriptions. Back at our luxury hotel in Cairo, you’ll have time to refresh before dining on your own. Before taking your leave for the day, our in-the-know Egyptologist guide will be happy to offer some restaurant suggestions. Meals B+L

From the Citadel to the Egyptian Museum

After breakfast, our engaging Egyptologist will again be waiting to continue your journey into antiquity. First up is the Citadel, a medieval hilltop fortification that offers panoramic views of Cairo. You’ll also admire the impressive Muhammad Ali Mosque, commissioned in the mid-19th century by Muhammad Ali Pasha. With its graceful, soaring minarets and strategic location atop the citadel, it can be seen from many other parts of the capital. Then continue for an unhurried guided tour of the renowned Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. The knowledge and insights you gain here are the perfect introduction to the many temples and places you’ll visit during your upcoming Nile voyage. After lunch, our afternoon program continues with a 1-hour walking tour through the lively streets of Old Cairo c . You’ll stop to visit one of the city’s oldest churches and have time to explore the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar. With a rich history dating back more than 500 years, this lively market is filled with colorful merchant stalls offering a bewildering array of goods from gold, spices and rugs to textiles, stained-glass lanterns, incense and copperware. Returning to our boutique hotel along the Nile, the evening is free to enjoy and dine as you wish. Meals B+L

Welcome Aboard Historia

Historia Nile Cruiser

After a final buffet breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take you to the airport for your included flight to Luxor, set along the banks of the Nile about 300 miles upriver from Cairo. On arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to our private pier to embark our elegant, boutique ship. After lunch onboard, our included afternoon shore excursion program showcases two of Egypt’s most celebrated sites of antiquity. Accompanied as always by our engaging Egyptologist, your first visit will be Karnak Temple c . Dating back to around 2,000 B.C., this large religious complex encompasses massive pillars and the remarkable Hypostyle Hall, the largest of any temple hall in the world. Connected to Karnak by the amazing nearly 2-mile long Avenue of the Sphinxes is Luxor Temple c ; about 600 years newer than Karnak, the temple walls of Luxor are embellished with fine carvings including ancient Egyptian deities accompanied by a procession of priests, musicians and dancers. Enhanced by the deep knowledge of our Egyptologists, your exploration of both Karnak and Luxor offer a penetrating look into Egypt’s ancient culture and beliefs. Back onboard Historia , enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and your first dinner in the bright and airy Noria Restaurant . Meals B+L+D

The Valley of the Kings and Queens c

With our private docking facilities along the river, you’ll step off ship easily and comfortably this morning—apart from the cluster of other ships and their passengers. Accompanied by our expert Egyptologists, your exploration along the Nile’s West Bank begins in the storied Valley of the Kings where, to date, more than 60 Pharaonic tombs have been discovered. There are also a number of important temples in the Valley including Medinet Habu, notable for its size, architecture and relief carvings depicting military conquests during the reign of Ramses III. Standing like guards along the road to the Valley of Kings, you’ll marvel at the Colossi of Memnon, impressive statues of Amenhotep III that tower 75 feet above the desert sands. You’ll also spend time this morning in the nearby Valley of the Queens and at the Mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This latter site is truly spectacular, built in a natural amphitheater set against the mountains and partially hollowed out of the rocks. Return to ship at midday in time for lunch and a leisurely afternoon of cruising as Historia navigates upriver towards Esna. Enjoy the passing scenery and sunset snacks before sitting down to another a la carte dinner onboard. Meals B+L+D

Edfu + Kom Ombo

After a leisurely buffet breakfast, you’ll go ashore this morning in the historical town of Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus. Built of enormous sandstone blocks between 237 and 57BC, archaeologists and scholars consider this to be the best-preserved cult temple in all of Egypt. It is also the second largest temple after Karnak and according to myth and legend is built upon the site where Horus, the revered falcon-headed god, fought a battle with his murderous uncle Seth in a quarrel over who was the legitimate divinely appointed ruler of Egypt. With the insightful interpretation of our Egyptologist, the temple’s captivating inscriptions and relief carvings will come to life. Enjoy lunch back onboard as our ship continues to navigate upriver. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the distinctive Temple of Kom Ombo. Built during the Ptolemaic Period and situated on a picturesque bend in the Nile, Kom Ombo’s uniqueness lies in its symmetrical construction, with duplicate halls, rooms, courts and sanctuaries on both sides of the east/west axis. The north side was dedicated to the sky god Haroeris while the identical southern half of this dual-deity temple honored Sobek, the crocodile god. Return to ship in time for Afternoon Tea, followed by dinner and this evening’s cultural entertainment. Meals B+L+D

Temple of Philae + Felucca Excursion

Once again taking advantage of our ship’s private docking facilities, you’ll go ashore after breakfast this morning to visit the remarkable Unfinished Obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut. Still attached to the bedrock in a stone quarry, it was abandoned more than 3,500 years ago when cracks appeared in the granite. If it had been completed, it would have weighed over 1,000 tons and stood nearly 138 feet tall, one-third larger than any other known Egyptian obelisk. It’s a fascinating site that offers insight into the remarkable stone-working techniques of ancient Egypt. Before returning to ship, you’ll also visit the Temple of Philae c . Rescued from rising waters after the completion of the High Dam in 1970, this small but lovely temple was built around 370 BC and dedicated to Isis, the beloved Goddess of Life, Healing and Protection. After lunch onboard, your final excursion finds you aboard a felucca, the ancient sailing craft of the Nile. Sit back and enjoy the vistas as we take you around El Nabatat Island. Also known as Kitchener’s Island, this small oval-shaped island was granted to Lord Kitchener when he served as Consul General in Egypt. Making the island his home, Kitchener turned it into a lush tropical paradise with exotic trees and flowers, many of them imported from India. Back onboard Historia , enjoy your final a la carte dinner in the Noria Restaurant and some shipboard entertainment. Meals B+L+D

The Temples of Abu Simbel c

Le Meridien Airport Hotel - Cairo, Egypt

After breakfast and disembarkation, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Abu Simbel. With our engaging Egyptologists once again leading the way, you’ll discover one of the world’s most impressive and oft-photographed sights of antiquity. Towering nearly 70 feet, the rock-carved figures of Ramses II are themselves a marvel of planning and execution. Equally fascinating is the much more modern story of how they were rescued from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam and moved 200 feet above their original site. The execution of this massive project was so meticulous that twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, the rays of the rising sun penetrate into the very heart of the temple just 24 hours later than the original plan! After sightseeing, we include your flight back to Cairo where you will spend the night at our 5-star hotel, conveniently located close to the airport. Meals B

Fly to Amman, Jordan

W Hotel - Amman, Jordan

After breakfast, it’s a short transfer back to the airport for your included flight to Jordan. Upon arrival in Amman, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to our stylish hotel in the heart of the capital. The rest of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Meals B

Jerash + The King’s Highway to Petra

Movenpick - Petra, Jordan

After breakfast, check out from the W Hotel to begin your day’s touring with our experienced Jordanian Trip Leader, starting with the Pompeii of the East . Situated less than an hour from Amman, Jerash is widely regarded as the best-preserved provincial Roman city in the world. Enter through the triple-arched gateway erected in honor of Emperor Hadrian and discover a wealth of imperial Roman landmarks including the Temple of Zeus. Then continue your journey along the fabled King’s Highway, traveling southward along this once-vital ancient trade route to Madaba where you’ll visit St. George Church. From the outside, this 19th-century Greek Orthodox Church presents a fairly unassuming façade. But inside, you’ll behold an historic treasure that was discovered in 1884 during the Church’s construction. Now on display for visitors, this amazing 1,500-year-old mosaic depicts Biblical sights all across the Middle East. Indeed, this is the oldest known map of the Holy Land! Enjoy a traditional midday meal, home cooked and attentively served in a restored century-old residence, before ascending Mt. Nebo, the traditional burial site of Moses. Take in the panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and see a remarkable Franciscan structure that was built to protect the remains of a 4th-century Byzantine church. Continue your journey along the King’s Highway to Petra where you’ll check in to your Junior Suite at the Mövenpick Hotel . Later this evening, delight in a hands-on culinary experience at the Petra Kitchen. Working alongside friendly local villagers under the guiding eye of a skilled chef, you’ll prepare a variety of traditional Jordanian dishes. It’s a friendly, fun and enriching way to experience local life and culture. Of course, you’ll sit down with your fellow travelers to enjoy the dishes you’ve helped to prepare! Meals B+L+D

Explore Ancient Petra c

Built thousands of years ago by the Nabataeans and later abandoned, this ancient city was “lost” for centuries until its re-discovery by a Swiss adventurer. Now often referred to as The Lost City of Petra , the only entrance in to this World Heritage Site is through the Siq—a narrow opening that winds its way between 100-foot cliffs. Upon entering Petra with your guide, a breathtaking sight unfolds: an entire city carved into the sides of a deep gorge. Over the next few hours, our narrated tour of Petra includes the famous Treasury and other ancient landmarks like the Roman Theater. After your guided tour, feel free to explore more the Petra at your own pace: Numerous temples, tombs, public spaces and ancient dwellings offer fascinating insight into what life must have been like when this was a thriving city. We’ve included unlimited entry for the day, so you can return to the Mövenpick Hotel to relax or have lunch before returning later in the afternoon to continue exploring at your own pace. This evening you return to the Sig and visit the Treasury by candlelight and is sure to be one of the most memorable moments of this journey through the Middle East. Meals B

Wadi Rum + Back to Amman

Immortalized in the epic 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia, the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum c are among the most captivating in the Middle East. Venturing forth in comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicles with our expert drivers, you’ll explore this forbiddingly remote region where rugged mountains of sandstone and granite rise sheer sided from the desert floor to reach spectacular heights of 4,000 feet and more. Stopping at the entrance to Khazali Canyon, you’ll enjoy a guided 20-minute hike into the canyon to admire its stunning rock formations and to see ancient Nabataean inscriptions and drawings. Then join a local family for a traditional Bedouin lunch before returning to Amman for another night at the W Hotel . Meals B+L

Depart Amman

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your homeward flight. Meals B

Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Egypt Air or Emirates. Add extra nights. A visa for Egypt is required for U.S. citizens and is available upon arrival.

Pay-In-Full

Family + friends.

Every A+R Journey is carefully crafted with more than 7 decades of expertise helping our guests to experience the world in a more authentic and caring way. Choose from more than 105 Original Journeys With Never More than 16 Guests or book your tour as a Completely Private Experience – whether it’s just the two of you, a small group of friends, or your entire family.

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10 things you need to know before visiting Jordan

Nov 30, 2023 • 7 min read

From staying safe to understanding local etiquette, this guide to Jordan for first-timers will help you plan the perfect trip © Stefan Tomic / Getty Images

A small country that's big on hospitality, ancient history and culture – with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites –  Jordan offers endless opportunities for adventure.

From afar, it’s often unfairly lumped in with regional conflict and, as such, overlooked by wary travelers. But in reality, it’s a welcoming and peaceful destination not to be missed.

Start planning the trip of your life today with our ten top tips for first-time visitors to Jordan.

1. Jordan is a safe place to visit

Despite being located in a region with a history of conflict, Jordan is a friendly oasis that’s open and inviting to visitors. Hospitality reigns supreme, violent crime is extremely rare, and Gallup’s 2022 Law and Order Report  ranks Jordan in the top ten for countries where people feel safe walking alone at night.

While you should take the usual precautions you would anywhere – purchase travel and health insurance, don’t carry large sums of cash, and keep valuables locked in a safe  – fear should not be a factor when planning a trip to Jordan.

2. Hospitality is a deeply rooted tradition

Don’t let the "Jordanian frown" fool you. Although you may be met with furrowed brows and what appear to be unfriendly faces, you’ll quickly learn just beneath the tough exterior of a resting frown face typically lies a fun-loving attitude and a deeply rooted tradition of hospitality that can be traced back to Bedouin culture.

It’s not uncommon to be invited for tea or even a meal by shopkeepers and strangers you meet. " Ahlan wa sahlan'"  (welcome), locals will say. "Where are you from? Welcome to Jordan."

3. When greeting someone, follow their lead

You’ll see people of the same gender greet each other with handshakes, hugs and even multiple air kisses beside each cheek. But if you put your hand out for a shake or lean in for a hug, you may be left hanging.

Out of respect for their religion and spouse, some Muslims will not touch people of a different gender unless they are related by blood. Don’t take it personally – be prepared and open to learning the local traditions.

When meeting someone, you can stand, say hello, smile and then let them take the lead. If they extend a hand or lean in for a hug, you can do the same. If they keep their hands at their sides or put their right hand over their heart rather than reaching out, that’s their way of acknowledging you.

4. It’s not always hot and sunny in Jordan

A common misconception about Jordan is that it’s always hot, dry and sunny. While that may be the case if you visit between May and September, Jordan does have a winter season .

From November to February, the country receives a great deal of cold and cloudy days, rain and even snow, sleet and hail on occasion. Temperatures can hover under 10ºC (50ºF) during the day and drop to freezing in the night (32ºF).

If you’re traveling from mid-October to mid-March, be sure to pack a waterproof jacket and warm layers and monitor the weather. Flash floods are extremely dangerous, and even Petra is known to close during inclement weather.

5. Alcohol is legal, but heavily taxed

If you’re in search of sundowners , you can find alcohol at a number of restaurants, bars and, of course, liquor stores in the larger cities like Amman and Aqaba , as well as Christian towns such as Madaba and Fuheis (where you’ll find Carakale , Jordan’s first and only craft beer microbrewery).

St George and Jordan River also produce their own wine in the country but be prepared to pay a pretty penny for your libations – although legal, alcohol tends to carry hefty taxes.

Bear in mind that Muslim-owned properties and Islamic holidays may affect how readily alcohol is available. For example, it’s illegal to sell alcohol anywhere in the country during Ramadan (with the exception of some high-end hotels), and most camps in Wadi Rum don’t serve alcohol at all (but you can often bring your own).

Call ahead to inquire about availability and any restrictions, and if you do drink, be mindful of your hosts and consume in moderation.

6. Dress respectfully

Jordan is a Muslim-majority country, but Christians, Jews and people of various beliefs also coexist peacefully here. There is no law requiring women to wear hijab, but there is an expectation that visitors dress respectful ly – i t’s best to avoid low-cut and shoulder-baring tops, short skirts, and shorts.

If you plan to visit a place of worship, both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders, and women are typically expected to cover their hair, chest and neck. 

But covering up doesn’t mean dressing down: Jordanians are generally quite image-conscious and well-dressed. Some restaurants even enforce a sophisticated dress code, particularly in Amman .

Keep that in mind when packing and feel free to flaunt your personal style (respectfully) if you’ll be spending time in the capital.

7. Smoking shisha and cigarettes is common

Alcohol may be in somewhat short supply, but there is argeeleh (shisha) aplenty. For better or worse, smoking shisha is a national pastime, and you’ll find argeeleh cafes across the country. Cigarette smoking is also widely accepted – although it is banned in numerous indoor public spaces, the bans are often ignored by locals.

Travelers who smoke will be in good company, but the smoking culture in Jordan can prove challenging for nonsmokers and those with health conditions. When booking rooms, tours, restaurants and transportation, ask whether non-smoking options are available.

8. Bring a reusable filtration water bottle

Tap water is usually not drinkable in Jordan, though some higher-end hotels have their own water purification systems. Environmental education and recycling facilities are scarce, and you will see plastics and other rubbish littering the otherwise lovely landscapes.

Local businesses and organizations with an eco-aware approach and plastic-free policies like those of Feynan Ecolodge , the Jordan Trail and Eco Hikers are working to teach and inspire locals and visitors with their environmental initiatives.

Travelers to Jordan can be part of the solution by supporting these businesses and carrying their own reusable filtration water bottles (such as  GRAYL ) and reusable utensils.

9. Jordan is proof that big things come in small packages

Jordan is smaller than Portugal or the US state of Maine, but within its borders, you’ll find endless adventure possibilities, ancient history and culture, nature reserves, and community-based immersive experiences (such as those provided by Baraka Destinations , Engaging Cultures and Experience Jordan ).

There are also five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the architectural wonders of Petra and the expansive deserts and towering rocks of Wadi Rum.

If you’re eligible for a visa on arrival to Jordan, purchase the Jordan Pass to gain entrance to some of the best sites, castles and museums including Petra, Wadi Rum, the Temple of Hercules in Amman , the Roman ruins at Jerash and Ajloun Castle .

Keep in mind that although Jordan is small in size, the terrain is varied, roads may be rough and traffic can delay your plans. Traveling to sites may take more time than you anticipate, so plan accordingly and try not to schedule every moment of your itinerary. Immerse yourself in the experiences and allow time for the unexpected. 

10. You’re going to fall in love with Jordan

Maybe it will be the moment you fall asleep under a blanket of stars or stand in awe of enormous ancient stones. Or perhaps it will hit you when you reach the peak of a mountain and take in the view, far away from the rush of the city.

It might be the laughter and stories you share with your new Bedouin friends. Or the taste of tea brewed with sage and sugar over a campfire. It could be in the fresh mansaf (the Jordanian national dish of lamb, rice and yogurt sauce) made with love by your hosts and eaten with your hands. Or it could be when you hear the muezzin’s call to prayer while watching birds dive and swoop against a sunset sky.

There will be a moment – or more likely, many moments – when the magic of Jordan seeps into your soul. Jordan will welcome you, challenge you and it may very well change you. And you’ll find yourself making plans for your next trip before you even finish your first.

This article was first published August 2019 and updated November 2023

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12-Day Nile Cruise and Jordan Tour

This 12 day  Nile Cruise and Jordan tour  is an ideal “Best of Egypt and Jordan tour” for anyone longing to experience the romanticism of Egypt from the water. It is truly a journey through time; a travel experience which you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Enjoy one day of sightseeing in Cairo and then head off for your luxury cruise on the Nile.

Visit Egypt’s top sites as you cruise the Nile, the world’s longest river, before finally moving on to Jordan. Explore an ancient rock carved city dating back thousands of years and experience the timelessness of the Jordanian desert. No matter which one of our Egypt tour package  you choose, you can look forward to a truly flawless travel experience.

NOTE: These are private tours that run every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday

Nile Cruise and Jordan

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Day 1: Arrive in Egypt for Your Nile Cruise and Jordan Tour

Welcome to Ancient Egypt, the Cradle of Human Civilization. No matter what time of the day or night you arrive in Cairo for your Nile cruise and Jordan trip, a tour manager will be standing by to meet you at Cairo International Airport, along with a driver. Once formalities have been taken care of, you will be driven in cool comfort to your hotel.

Our tour manager will assist you and make sure you enjoy a smooth check-in, and then the two of you will discuss your tour itinerary and confirm the pick-up times for your various tours and sightseeing trips.

After your tour manager has finished discussing your itinerary with you, you can spend the rest of your day any way you want. Go out and explore Cairo; sample exotic cuisine, or simply relax and unwind in the tranquility of your hotel and get ready for 12 days and 11 nights that you will cherish forever.

If you are looking to have a truly memorable evening, we would certainly recommend going for a dinner cruise in Cairo. It is a fitting start to what is going to be and unforgettable trip.

Day 2: Cairo Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel and then it will be time for your Nile cruise and Jordan trip to begin in earnest. At the confirmed time, your private guide and driver will collect you from your hotel, and you will then travel to the outskirts of Cairo where you will then make your way to the legendary Giza Pyramids. You’ll also enjoy an opportunity to see the Sphinx and the Valley Temple.

After your trip to the pyramids, you will be taken for some lunch at a good quality local restaurant in Cairo. Lunch is included in your trip today.

Once you have finished enjoying your meal, you will then head to the Egyptian Museum which is the next stop on the itinerary. You will have ample time to explore this world-famous museum with your Expert guide by your side.

After you have finished exploring the museum, you will then head to Islamic Cairo to visit the bustling Khan el Khalili Bazaar. This is Egypt’s oldest, biggest, and most famous bazaar. Once you are finished shopping and/or exploring, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cairo for the night. You can either relax at your hotel, or you can go out and explore your surroundings on foot.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3: Luxor Nile Cruise Holiday

On day 3 of your Nile Cruise and Jordan vacation you will enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then at the appropriate time your will check-out and you will make your way to Cairo Airport to board a flight to Luxor.

When you land in Luxor, you will again be met at the airport, and then you will be taken to board your 5-Star Nile cruise ship for an unforgettable journey on the Nile. Your cruise ship will be like a floating hotel and it will be your home for the next 4 nights of your trip.

Enjoy a good lunch aboard ship shortly after boarding and then a bit later in the afternoon you will visit the East Bank of Luxor to see the Karnak Temple complex as well as Luxor Temple with its avenue of Ram Headed Sphinxes. Karnak Temple is the second-most visited ancient temple in the country

After your East Bank trip you will head back to the cruise ship and you will have the remainder of the day to yourself to enjoy as you please. Enjoy a lovely dinner in the evening, and spend the first night of your cruise on the Nile at Luxor.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Luxor West Bank Tour

Enjoy breakfast on the cruise boat and then you will make your way to the West Bank to see four amazing ancient monuments: the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, Queen Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon.

All four of these sites are immensely popular among travelers, and for good reason. For example, the Valley of Kings necropolis is home to more than 60 ancient tombs, many of which belonged to some of Egypt’s most powerful rulers. It is also home to the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

Admission to some of the tombs is included in the price of our travel package. However, tickets for some of the tombs must be purchased in person. These are of course available at the site. The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut is another absolutely breathtaking site and it is considered to be one of the “Incomparable Monuments of Ancient Egypt. It is by far the grandest ancient temple in the country.

After your West Bank trip, you will make your way back to your cruise ship in time for lunch. There are no other sightseeing trips scheduled for today. Enjoy the afternoon and evening as you please. Dinner will be served at the usual time, and this night of your cruise will once again be spent on the Nile at Luxor.

Day 5: Sightseeing Cruise from Luxor to Kom Ombo

Enjoy a delightful breakfast on the cruise ship and then sail down the Nile to Edfu. When you get to Edfu your guide will take you for a short sightseeing trip to visit Edfu Temple which is also known as the Temple of Horus. This is the best-preserved ancient temple ever discovered in the country. It is also one of the biggest ancient Egyptian temples ever built.

After your trip to the temple, you will return to the cruise boat and it will continue its journey along the Nile until it reaches Kom Ombo where it will anchor for the night. You will once again dine and sleep aboard the ship, this time on the quiet waters of the Nile at Kom Ombo.

Day 6: Kom Ombo and Aswan Sightseeing

Enjoy breakfast on the ship and then your guide will take you to visit the Greco-Roman Kom Ombo Temple. This is believed to be the only twin temple ever built. It was devoted to two different gods: Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the falcon-headed god. After your visit to the temple, you will return to your cruise ship and it will begin sailing to Aswan.

When you reach Aswan, you will be taken ashore for a short but very enjoyable excursion. During this trip you will visit the incomparable Temple of Philae. Philae Temple was relocated in entirety to its current location in order to save it from the flooding of Lake Nasser when the High Dam was being built. After your trip, you will return to the cruise ship and you will have the remainder of the afternoon and evening to yourself.

Enjoy another fine dinner aboard the cruise ship, and enjoy the final night of your cruise on the quiet waters of the Nile at Aswan

Day 7: Return Trip to Cairo

Enjoy one last breakfast aboard the ship and ten it will soon be time for you to check-out and disembark from your cruise. At the appropriate time our travel representative and a driver will then transfer you to Aswan Airport where you will board a flight back to Cairo.

When you land in Cairo, your tour manager and a driver will meet you at Cairo Airport and you will be driven to your Cairo hotel for your last night in the Land of the Pharaohs.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Travel for Cairo to Amman in Jordan

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, one of our travel representatives and a driver will collect you at the appropriate time and then transfer you to Cairo International Airport, so you can board your flight to Amman in Jordan. When you arrive at the Queen Alia Airport in Amman, you will be met by one of our Jordan travel representatives who will then escort you to your hotel in Amman where you will be staying for the duration of your trip in Jordan.

Day 9: Umm Qais, Jerash and Ajloun Caste Trip

After breakfast in the morning, you will travel for about 2 hours from Amman to Gadara (Umm Qais), which was once a part of a decapolis that was founded by Alexander the Great in antiquity. Apart from the site itself, you will also be able to enjoy stunning views of the Jordan Valley, as well as the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights.

After your visit to Umm Qais, you will then travel to Jerash. Here you will meet up with a specialist guide who will give a guided to of the remains of an ancient Roman provincial town. You will get to see the Nymphaeum, the Temple of Artemis and more. This is one of the most visited attractions in Jordan. Next, you will travel to Ajloun Castle, a 12th century Islamic castle that was built by Salah El Din.

Finally, after a full day of sightseeing, you will travel back to your hotel in Amman for the night. Rather than settling for dinner at your hotel, we highly recommend having dinner at a local restaurant in Amman. Jordan is well known for its cuisine, and Amman is full of good restaurants serving excellent food at very affordable prices.

Day 10: Mount Nebo, Madaba and Dead Sea Trip

Begin the 10th day of your Nile cruise and Jordan holiday with a good hotel breakfast, and then at the confirmed time, you will be picked up from your hotel and you will travel to Mount Nebo, the place from which Moses descried the Promised Land. You will also visit an ancient monastery and enjoy a spectacular view of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.

Next, you will travel to the town of Madaba for some sightseeing, after which you will travel on to the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Here you will have the chance to splash and float in the salty waters for the Dead Sea is so famous. After a relaxing afternoon at the Dead Sea, you will then travel back to Amman for the night.

Day 11: Half Day Trip to Petra

You will have breakfast at your hotel and then you will be picked up and you will travel to Petra which is about a 2-hour drive from Amman. Once your reach Petra you will make your way directly to the biggest and most famous attraction in Jordan, the Rose Red City of Petra which is also known as the Lost City of Petra. No trip to Jordan is complete without a visit to Petra

When you arrive at the Visitor Center, you will meet up with a specialist English-speaking Petra guide. You will then ride on horseback to the canyon entrance the (Siq). Once you arrive at the Siq, you will proceed on foot to the Treasury. You will also visit the Royal Tombs, the Pharaoh’s Castle, the Street of Facades and the Roman Amphitheatre. All of these amazing structures were carved out of the walls of a long, deep and sometimes narrow rock gorge.

No amount of words can truly describe the absolute magnificence of Petra. It is the sort of place that can only be fully appreciated when you visit it in person. The canyon in which Petra was created is roughly one kilometer long so we strongly recommend that you wear comfortable shoes for this trip.

After your visit at Petra, you will have some lunch (included) and a good local restaurant, and then you will travel back to your hotel in Amman. Since this is your last night in Jordan, why not head out in the evening for some dinner or to do a bit of last minute shopping.

Day 12: Final Departure

Day 12 is the only day of your Nile cruise and Jordan vacation that you’ve probably been dreading. Unfortunately this is where your magical journey trip history comes to an end.

After you have enjoyed your breakfast at your hotel, our staff will help you to check-out at the appropriate time, and then you will travel to Queen Alia Airport in time for you to board your flight out of Jordan.

Inclusions – What is included in your Nile cruise and Jordan tour:

• Meet and assist at airports; ports; stations and etc throughout your trip
• 5-Star hotel accommodation in Cairo for 3 nights (includes daily breakfast)
• Accommodation on 5-Star Nile cruise ship for 4 nights (full board)
• 5-Star hotel accommodation in Amman for 4 nights (includes daily breakfast)
• All sightseeing tours in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Dead Sea, Petra and Amman
• Local English Jordan guide in Petra for about 02/03 hours.
• Local English Jordan guide in Jerash for about an hour.
• English assistant driver in the Dead Sea, Umm Qais, Ajloun.
• All road travel in air-conditioned vehicles
• Entrance fees and English speaking Expert guides throughout your trip in Egypt
• Domestic flights to and from Cairo
• All taxes and service charges throughout your trip itinerary

Exclusions – What is not included in your Nile cruise and Jordan tour:

• International flight to Egypt
• International flight (Cairo to Amman in Jordan)
• International flight home from Jordan
• Entry visas for Egypt and Jordan
• Optional tours not mentioned in the Nile Cruise and Jordan itinerary
• Meals except where indicated
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities

Hotel and Cruise Accommodation (Gold Plan)

• Hilton Pyramids Golf Hotel, Cairo (5-Star)
• Salacia Nile Cruise [Suite] (5-Star)
• Corp Hotel, Amman (4-Star)

Hotel and Cruise Accommodation (Diamond Plan)

• Sheraton Cairo Hotel and Casino (5-Star)
• Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise (5-Star)
• InterContinental Hotel, Amman (5-Star)

Prices for our Nile Cruise and Jordan travel package are quoted per person in US$ and are valid until the 30th of April 2024. Please inquire for pricing over Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter holidays.

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7-Day Jordan Itinerary: How To Spend 1 Week In Jordan

Posted on Last updated: May 6, 2020

If you’re looking for stunning desert landscapes, spectacular archaeological sites, good food and friendly locals, Jordan needs to feature on your travel bucket list.

Jordan had been on my list for quite sometime and being able to recently spend 7 days in Jordan was a dream come true for me.

In this post I’ve put together my Jordan itinerary with information on what to see, where to stay, travelling times between destinations and anything else you might need to know for your own Jordan 7-day itinerary.

So read on and start planning your Jordan itinerary!

• 1.1 When is the best time to visit Jordan?
• 1.2 Getting around Jordan
• 1.3 Cuisine in Jordan
• 1.4 Why you need the Jordan Pass
• 1.5 What to pack
• 2.1 Day 1: Fly into Amman
• 2.2 Day 2: Jerash & Dead Sea
• 2.3 Day 3: Kerak & Little Petra
• 2.4 Day 4: Petra
• 2.5 Day 5: Wadi Rum
• 2.6 Day 6: Aqaba
• 2.7 Day 7: Return to Amman & fly out

Admiring the Treasury of Petra, Jordan

Jordan itinerary planning: Essential things to know

Before jumping straight into my day-by-day Jordan itinerary I want to cover a few of the biggest questions I had before my Jordan trip, which I think you will find useful in planning your own time in Jordan.

When is the best time to visit Jordan?

Starting with the basics, when should you actually visit Jordan? The high season in Jordan is in spring, from March to May, when the temperatures are moderate and the days start getting longer.

I was there in December, which isn’t recommended since it can rain quite often and it gets very cold in the evenings, but I loved it since there weren’t as many people around, especially in the main tourist attractions like Petra.

I wouldn’t recommend visiting in summer since the temperatures can go up to 40°C in Aqaba and the Dead Sea.

Admiring the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan

Getting around Jordan

There are buses and coaches that travel around the country, however they are not very regular and only touch the big cities. The best way to get around Jordan is to rent a car and drive yourself.

If you’re not a comfortable driver you can also hire a driver with the car, this will obviously be more expensive but you will still have the freedom of going where you want and spending how long you want at each location.

You can also do an organised tour and sit back, relax, and have someone else take you around Jordan.

The colonnade of Jerash in Jordan

Cuisine in Jordan

The cuisine in Jordan is similar to that in other countries in the Middle East, with lots of rice based main dishes and traditional “mezzes” as starters.

Some of the most famous dishes are hummus, a puree of chickpeas, and falafel, deep fried chickpea balls.

One thing to note about eating out in Jordan is that Jordan is a Muslim country, meaning a lot of places don’t serve alcohol.

You will find alcohol in big five star hotels or liquor stores, but the average restaurant most likely won’t serve alcohol.

Little Petra in Jordan

Why you need the Jordan Pass

If you’re planning on spending more than 3 nights in Jordan I highly recommend you get the Jordan Pass . The Jordan Pass is an initiative of the Jordanian tourism authority to make it easier for tourists to travel around the country.

There are different packages, the most basic one costs 70 JOD (99 USD) and includes your tourist visa for Jordan, 1-day entry to Petra and entry to a lot of other attractions in Jordan.

If you calculate that just the tourist visa would be 40 JOD and 1-day entry to Petra would be 50 JOD, you’ve already saved money!

Camels in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan

What to pack

What you should bring to Jordan massively depends on the time of year you’re visiting, however there are some essentials that you will need regardless of when you’re in Jordan.

Comfortable walking shoes : If you’re planning on following this Jordan itinerary (even if you’re not) you will probably find yourself walking a lot every day, make sure you’re comfortable doing so!

You don’t necessarily need trekking shoes, I only had a pair of trainers, just make sure to bring shoes you know you can walk in for long periods of time.  

The amphitheatre of Jerash in Jordan

Power bank : Yes I may be a little attached to my phone but especially when I’m travelling to a new country I like to make sure it’s always charged, you don’t want to be lost somewhere you don’t know without Google Maps handy!

Tank tops , t-shirts and long sleeved shirts : Dress in layers! More so than any other destination I found that the layer approach was necessary in Jordan.

The days started off very chilly, became fairly hot as the sun climbed and then it got cold again at night. If you wear a couple different layers you can strip and then dress up again as the day goes on.

Desert views in the Wadi Rum, Jordan

Swimsuit : Whether it’s in the Dead Sea or in the Red Sea you will most likely go for a swim in Jordan, don’t forget your swimsuit!

Water bottle : Save money and the planet by bringing your own reusable water bottle to refill, instead of buying new plastic ones every time!

The forum of the archaeological site of Jerash and the new city of Jerash in Jordan

7 days in Jordan itinerary

Day 1: fly into amman.

What better place to start your Jordan trip than in the capital city of Jordan? We flew into Amman early in the morning, which gave us a full day in the city. Even if you have the Jordan Pass it can take a while to get through passport control.

Add to that waiting for your luggage, changing money and organising a transfer into the city centre and it can be a while before you’re ready to hit the city.

There are lots of beautiful places to visit in Amman .

Depending on what time you land you can start your Jordan trip with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre (just make sure to check the time, as this closes at 4PM in winter and 6PM in summer) or walking around the souks of Amman.

Entry at the Roman Amphitheatre is included in the Jordan Pass. You can end your first day in Jordan with a local Jordanian dinner at one of the trendy restaurants in Rainbow Street; my personal favourite was Sofra Restaurant .

We spent our first night in Jordan at the Shams Alweibdeh Hotel Apartments , a 20 minute walk from the centre of Amman.

Check out the latest prices and availability at Shams Alweidbeh Hotel Apartments

View over Amman and the Roman theatre from the citadel of Amman

Day 2: Jerash & Dead Sea

As soon as you wake up on day 2 it’s time to hit the road. You only have one week in Jordan and lots to see! Pick up your rental car and get ready for a 45-minute drive, enroute to Jerash.

Jerash is a city 52km north of Amman, where a huge Roman archaeological site can be found. Entry at Jerash is included in the Jordan Pass.

I was surprised to find that the archaeological site of Jerash is located in the middle of the modern city of Jerash (it can be confusing, I know).

On Google Maps search for “ Jerash Visitor Car Parking ”, not “Jerash Visitor Centre”, as this is the correct entrance and there is also plenty of space to park.

One of the theatres in Jerash, Jordan

Jerash archaeological site in Jordan

The nymphaeum in Jerash, Jordan

Jerash was a prosperous city until the mid-eighth century when a huge earthquake destroyed large parts of it. In the following centuries it was ruined by subsequent earthquakes and due to being the location of war efforts.

They started excavations on the ancient city in 1925 and are gradually bringing new parts of it to light. Today only 5% of the ancient city is actually above ground and visible.

The main areas of ancient Jerash that you should visit include the Amphipheatre, the temple of Zeus, the temple of Artemis, Hadrian’s Arch and the Forum.

The site is fairly big and it will take you at least 2 hours to visit it all. When you arrive at the entry local guides will come up to you offering to show you the site, the guide isn’t compulsory so it’s up to you whether you want one or not.

If you do get a guide just make sure to haggle on the price (like with everything else in Jordan)!

View over the Forum of Jerash in Jordan

The colonnade in Jerash, Jordan

Once you’re done visiting Jerash grab a quick wrap or sandwich to eat in the car since it’s time to hit the road again!

The stretch of the drive is much longer so make sure you have snacks and water with you, as there aren’t many shops along the road.

There are 88km from Jerash to the Dead Sea and it will take you at least 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive there, probably more if like us you get out at the wrong exit in a roundabout and get stuck in traffic.

The temple of Zeus in Jerash, Jordan

The temple of Artemis in Jerash, Jordan

The columns of the Jerash archaeological site in Jordan

The Dead Sea is a salt lake that is 430m below sea level, the lowest point on dry land on Earth. It has a salinity of 34.2%, which is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean and the 7 th saltiest lake in the world.

The high salinity prevents any plants and fish from living in it, hence the name Dead Sea . The salinity also makes it extremely easy to float, which turned it into a popular tourist attraction.

If you don’t take a photo floating in the Dead Sea with a book in hand, have you even really been there?

Floating in the Dead Sea, Jordan

You can try driving along the coast of the Dead Sea and just going for a dip anywhere you find, but I would highly recommend going to an equipped beach.

As soon as you step out of the Dead Sea the salt will dry off and get really itchy on your skin, you’ll really appreciate having a fresh water shower readily available.

Also if you’re visiting Jordan in autumn or winter, when the temperatures aren’t that high, it’s nice to have hot showers there. One of the cheapest beaches you can go to is Amman Beach, for 20 JOD per person.

What you get is very basic and not really worth the price in my opinion, but the alternative of having extremely dry and salty skin until you reach the closest shower made it worth it for me.

After floating around in the Dead Sea we waited for the sunset and then drove to Madaba, where we spent the night at the Delilah Hotel .

Check out the latest prices and availability at Delilah Hotel

Sunset over the Dead Sea in Jordan

Day 3: Kerak & Little Petra

You have one of the longest drives of the trip ahead of you today; a whole 213km from Madaba to Wadi Musa, approximately 3 hours of driving. If you want to break up the drive you can do a stop at Kerak Castle.

Kerak Castle is one of the largest crusader castles in the Middle East and it sits on top of a hill with epic views of the surrounding landscape.

The castle is very well preserved and you can explore the various rooms, tunnels and all the internal and external areas of the castle.

Access to Kerak Castle is included in the Jordan Pass. There are some local restaurants just outside Kerak Castle where you can grab lunch on the go before heading on to Little Petra.

The view from Kerak Castle, Jordan

The courtyard and surrounding views of Kerak Castle, Jordan

Inside Kerak Castle, Jordan

Little Petra is located just before Wadi Musa, and it’s the perfect site to visit prior to seeing Petra. It’s lso known as Siq el-Barid and it’s a Nabataen archaeological site, with buildings carved into the walls of the canyons.

It’s a much smaller site than Petra and while the buildings are less elaborate, the natural beauty of the location is what amazed me.

We walked through to the canyon and past the buildings, to a small rocky platform that overlooked the rocks and canyons.

From here you need to climb a bit over some rocks to reach a beautiful viewpoint where you can wait for the sunset. The path isn’t well marked though so I would ask one of the local guides to take you.

We paid 5 JOD per person for the whole visit to Little Petra, prices aren’t fixed and you can haggle when you’re there.

One of the buildings of Little Petra in Jordan

Hiking to the viewpoint of Little Petra in Jordan

View from Little Petra in Jordan

Walking through the canyons of Little Petra, Jordan

Canyon views in Little Petra, Jordan

Sunset in Little Petra, Jordan

After Little Petra we went to our hotel in Wadi Musa, the Peace Way Hotel , to shower and chill a bit, we had an early dinner in town and went straight back out to see Petra by Night.

Petra by Night is a show that is on every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 20:30 to 22:30.

During Petra by Night they light 1,500 candles all along the Siq and in front of the Treasury, where they play live music, serve complimentary tea and tell stories of the place.

Entry isn’t included in the Jordan Pass and costs 17 JOD, you can ask your hotel and they’ll get you tickets.

Make sure to get there early enough so you can enjoy it without too many people, seeing the Treasury lit up by thousands of candles is magical.

Discover the latest prices and availability at the Peace Way Hotel

Petra by Night

Day 4: Petra

I hope you’re ready for the highlight of your Jordan trip. Petra is one of the most famous attractions in Jordan and rightly so.

Petra is a 60 squared kilometre archaeological site, where stunning Roman and Nabataean ruins can be found on a red rock and canyon backdrop.

The Treasury and Monastery of Petra, with their well-preserved facades built into the rock are amongst the most iconic locations in Petra.

Make sure to get to Petra early in the morning, so that you can beat the crowds. A one-day entry ticket is included in the Jordan Pass.

Some people prefer to spend longer in Petra, I personally found that one day was enough to see everything I wanted to.

In one day we walked 20km and saw the Siq, the Treasury (both from below and the viewpoints above), the Royal Tombs, the theatre, the Colonnade and the Monastery.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and to bring water and snacks with you!

| READ MORE: 20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING PETRA |

Admiring the Monastery of Petra

The Treasury of Petra, Jordan

Day 5: Wadi Rum

After the last two days you might think it’s impossible to top the beauty of Petra, and yet you will find that the Wadi Rum desert will give Petra a run for its money.

On the fifth day you can have a bit of a lie-in to recover from all the walking, but you should still set off fairly early in the morning as you have 112km and almost 2 hours of driving ahead of you.

We did a tour of the desert with Beyond Wadi Rum Camp . We parked our cars at the Wadi Rum Village where our guides were waiting for us with open back 4×4 jeeps. We set off for a full afternoon tour of the Wadi Rum desert.

Camels in the Wadi Rum desert, Jordan

The view from the top of Lawrence’s spring in the Wadi Rum desert

Red sand dunes in the Wadi Rum desert

Exploring the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan

The Wadi Rum desert is huge, but most tours will take you to see all the same main attractions. These include; the red sand dunes, Lawrence’s spring, the Khazali canyon, the house of Lawrence, Abu Khashaba canyon and Um Frouth Arch.

You won’t easily forget the natural beauty of the canyons, arches and views you will see today. It’s easy to see why the movie The Martian was filmed here!

The viewpoints at Lawrence’s spring and house aren’t well marked so you need to do a big of climbing to reach them, but they’re well worth it!

We ended the day at viewpoint that is also a popular sunset spot, where we watched the sinking sun turn the rocks and sand around us even more red.

Um Frouth Arch in the Wadi Rum desert

Khazali canyon in the Wadi Rum desert

Desert views in the Wadi Rum

Sunset in the Wadi Rum desert

I was in Jordan in December and the sun set at 16:30 and I was a bit worried about what we would actually do for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

After the sunset they drove us to the camp, where we had dinner in the big communal tent (they cook the food in the traditional Bedouin way under the sand and will take it out just before it’s time to eat!) and danced traditional dances.

Unfortunately it started raining while we were having dinner so we were unable to see the stars, but if you’re there on a clear night sky you will see the most incredible stars.

Maybe bring some card games with you so that if the weather is bad you have something to entertain yourself with for the evening.

| READ MORE: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WADI RUM OVERNIGHT TOURS |

Desert views from the house of Lawrence in the Wadi Rum desert

Desert views from Lawrence’s spring in the Wadi Rum desert

Day 6: Aqaba

After a pretty packed week this is the relaxing day of this Jordan itinerary. Breakfast is served fairly early at the Beyond Wadi Rum Camp, so once you’re up its time to hit the road again.

The drive from the Wadi Rum desert to Aqaba is only 70km and will take around 1 hour.

Once you get there pop by your hotel (we stayed at the Dweik Hotel ) to drop off your bags, change into a swimsuit and you’re ready for the beach and the Red Sea!

Click here to book your stay at Dweik Hotel!

The Red Sea in Jordan

Similarly to the Dead Sea, I suggest visiting an organised beach since women aren’t allowed to be in a bikini in public beaches.

We went to Berenice Beach Club, a short 15-minute drive away from Aqaba. Entry is 10 JOD each and it’s a very well equipped beach.

There is a changing room with lockers, a pool, a beach bar, sun beds with beach umbrellas, a beach volley court and snorkelling gear you can rent.

You can snorkel by the beach and will be able to see lots of coral and fish, or you can do an organised 2-hour boat trip that will take you to snorkelling spots slightly further away.

Berenice Beach Bar serves alcohol so why not sit back on your sunbed, order a mojito and wait for the sun to set on your last full day in Jordan.

Sunset in Aqaba from Berenice Beach Bar

Day 7: Return to Amman & fly out

Your Jordan trip is coming to an end, time to head back to Amman and squeeze in some final sightseeing before you fly out.

Amman is 330km away from Aqaba, approximately a 4-hour drive depending on whether you do the more direct Desert Highway or the more scenic Kings Highway.

If you set off early enough in the morning you can make it to Amman in time for lunch. After a quick wrap on the go from the souk, head over to see the Amman Citadel (entry is included in the Jordan Pass).

This is archaeological site located on top of a hill in the centre of Amman and it’s a great combination of history and epic views, the perfect way to end your time in Jordan!

After this final sight seeing in Amman it’s time to head back to the airport and fly home, where you can start planning the next trip.

The citadel in Amman, Jordan

Have you been to Jordan before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below! Visiting Petra and Jordan had been on my travel bucket list for a very long time and I was stoked to finally travel there.

For me 7 days were enough to see everything I wanted to, if you want to visit Petra more in depth or spend long relaxing by the Red Sea you can always shuffle around this itinerary or spend longer in Jordan.

I hope you find this 1-week Jordan itinerary useful in planning your own Jordan itinerary!

Enjoyed reading my 7 days in Jordan itinerary? Pin it!

Monday 30th of September 2019

Hi Greta, for Wadi Rum, do you think 4 hours is enough to see all the sights? x thanks

Hi Caitlin! Yes an afternoon should be enough to see all the main spots, that's more or less how long our tour lasted and then we went to the camp for the night. If you have the time though I would definitely stay a night in the desert, it's a really unique experience! x

Becca Talbot

Monday 20th of May 2019

I went to Jordan back in May 2017, and I had the best time! I did pretty much everything here on your list too. One thing you've not mentioned much of is the street art everywhere in Amman, which is definitely worth a look - can't wait to go back to Jordan! x

Monday 27th of May 2019

That's a good point, I saw some beautiful street art around Amman! :)

Wednesday 8th of May 2019

Did you have an opportunity to go to Wadi Mujib and where could you fit that into an itinerary like this?

Wednesday 29th of May 2019

Unfortunately I was in Jordan in December and I couldn't visit the Wadi Mujib. If I were to go back in summer I would probably swap it out with Jerash on day 2 or Kerak on day 3. Hope that helps! :)

Saturday 23rd of February 2019

Thanks for all of this great information. I am hoping to go to Jordan and Israel in May.

Monday 25th of February 2019

No problem, glad you found it useful! You're going to love Jordan, it's such a beautiful country!

Tuesday 8th of January 2019

Great post. You really captured the architecture well. This post reminded me of my trip to Israel last year, I got to visit the dead sea too. The highlight of being in that area was the food as well as that there's so much to see.

Thanks, glad you enjoyed my post! The Dead Sea really is an incredible place to visit, I loved the food there too!

A Journey of Discovery in Egypt and Jordan

Pyramids to petra.

Jordan, Egypt

From $11,395

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

From the treasures of the Egyptian pharaohs to Jordan's fabled “lost city” of Petra, our journey celebrates the wonders of the ancient world. We'll cruise the Nile River aboard a luxury vessel for five days, exploring spectacular temples and tombs. Along the way, we'll also enjoy the captivating beauty of the Nile as we pass graceful sailing feluccas and villages inhabited since the time of the pharaohs. At Abu Simbel, we see the colossal statues of Ramses II gazing out over the Nile Valley, and at dazzling Petra, we explore a metropolis carved from red sandstone in the 3rd century BC. Our grand finale finds us in the sheer magnificence of the desert canyon of Wadi Rum, famed haunt of Lawrence of Arabia.

Arrive: Cairo, Egypt

Depart: Amman, Jordan

• 5-day Nile journey aboard a luxury vessel
• Explore the Great Pyramids and Abu Simbel, see Petra by candlelight
• Enjoy the desert silence of Wadi Rum with an overnight at a tented camp
• Special visits to the tombs of Tutankhamun and Queen Nefertari, considered the most exquisitely decorated tomb in Egypt's Valley of the Queens

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

$600 due at time of reservation 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: $600 per person 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• 4 nights aboard deluxe vessel with Nile-view cabins, 9 nights first-class hotels, 1 night tented camp
• All meals included except 1 lunch and 4 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• A glass of wine or beer with dinner
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Cairo, Egypt

Days 1-3 (3 nights)

Nile Adventurer

Nile River, Egypt

Days 4-7 (4 nights)

InterContinental Citystars Cairo

Day 8 (1 night)

InterContinental Amman

Amman, Jordan

Days 9-10 (2 nights)

The Intercontinental offers comfortable rooms and a central location within walking distance of town. The hotel has a spa and a choice of cuisine in its three different restaurants as well as a casual deli café.

Petra Movenpick Resort

Petra, Jordan

Days 11-12 (2 nights)

Alternate Accomodation: Petra Marriott Hotel

Sun City Camp

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Day 13 (1 night)

Alternate Accomodation: Wadi Rum Night Camp

Dead Sea Movenpick Resort

Dead Sea, Jordan

Day 14 (1 night)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Ahmed Abul Ella

Mohamed Ossama

What the Trip is Like

Egypt's climate is hot and dry most of the year. During the winter months (Dec-Feb), average daily temperatures are in the upper 60s°F on the Mediterranean coast and in the 80s°F in Aswan. In spring and fall, daytime temperatures can get up to the 90s°F. It can be quite cool in the evening, especially when on the Nile River. From January through March, the temperature is cooler, down to the 50s°F and 60s°F during the day, and dropping much lower at night, sometimes into the low 40s°F. Egypt has a very dry climate, which makes a temperature of 80°F feel much cooler than it would in a humid, tropical climate.

Jordan's climate is also very dry, and a bit cooler due to the altitude. In winter, temperatures range in the 50s°F and 60s°F during the day, dropping to the 30s°F and 40s°F at night. The fall is warmer, with daytime temperatures in the 80s°F and 90s°F, and nighttime temperatures in the high 50s°F to low 60s°F.

Extend Your Trip

Alexandria Extension

From $2,045

Client Testimonials

"This was my 4th Wilderness trip and it was the most exhilarating. Every day was filled with wonder and awe. The ancient sites were simply amazing, both in Egypt and Jordan. Each day I thought that what I saw couldn't be topped and then the following day, I was even more amazed. Our guide, Mohamed, made it all seem effortless."

San Francisco, CA

"An absolutely first-rate trip to explore the ancient world in Egypt and Jordan."

Earlysville, VA

"This was a wonderful trip with superb guides and a very well planned itinerary. We enjoyed Egypt, where we knew what we were going to see, but Jordan was a revelation. Petra was so much bigger than we expected and Wadi Rum and the day at the Dead Sea were really memorable."

"This was a dream trip in all respects, one that exceeded every expectation I had. Can't wait to travel with WT again!"

San Carlos, CA

"Mohamed was an incredible blend of leader, friend, and participant. His presence was reassuring, his knowledge second to none, and his enthusiasm contagious! He was friendly, open to questions, willing to listen, and had keen insight into the needs of the group. We felt as if we were experiencing two countries that are close to his heart...and his information was pertinent and always interesting. When we reminisce about Egypt and Jordan, it will be his face and his voice that takes us back there!"

"The itinerary and operation of the trip was superior. The hotels were excellent, the Nile Adventurer was incredible, the luxury tents at Wadi Rum were great, and the food was inventive and very appetizing."

Wilmette, IL

"Everyone was so thorough and helpful. It was like being whisked around on a magic carpet. Doors opened, every wish fulfilled, amazing service!"

Montgomery, AL

"A trip of a lifetime done in great style."

Sebastopol, CA

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Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

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Naked cruise to sail from Miami in 2025

MIAMI (Gray News) - A nudist adventure awaits with the Big Nude Boat cruise scheduled to sail from Florida next year.

Bare Necessities Tour and Travel announced its newest nude cruise will be the Norwegian Sky cruise ship out of Miami.

The Big Nude Boat 2025 cruise will be a 10-day trip taking travelers to the Caribbean with scheduled stops that include the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and St. Lucia.

Bare Necessities said it will be taking over the Norwegian Pearl from Feb. 3 to Feb. 14, 2025.

According to the cruise itinerary , clothes-free experiences will be planned throughout the trip including nude beach days on private islands and nude days at sea.

But there will also be proper nudist etiquette and other rules for guests on board that include no photo zones around the pool area and dance venues, according to the cruise’s policies .

The travel company recommended that passengers bring some sort of casual clothing for the times they need to dress, along with a swimsuit as not all excursions will be clothing optional, but lingerie or fetish wear will not be an acceptable form of clothing on board.

The Big Nude Boat 2025 cruise tickets are currently on sale with prices starting at $2,000 for double occupancy.

Information about costume parties and onboard events is expected to be released at a later date.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Egypt and Jordan Tours & Trips

The Middle East is a captivating mix of sights, smells and sounds. With it's ancient civilisations and intriguing atmosphere, a tour of Egypt , Israel and Jordan is an inviting travel adventure. From the pyramids of Giza, to the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea and finally the dramatic facade of Petra.

188 Egypt and Jordan tour packages with 905 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Discover Egypt & Jordan

The tour of Egypt is amazing, giving an overview that has left me wanting to go back for more, the first time I've ever said that about a tour. The tour of Jordan ticked off a couple of items on my bucket list but it doesn't have the history you will find in Egypt. Not entirely sure the stay in the desert achieved anything. That being said the itinerary for the two countries was outstanding. The food in Egypt improved as the Tour Leader assessed what out budgets could accommodate. (Would have been easier if we just said we want to go upmarket... which is still incredibly cheap). Both tour leaders, Ramy (Egypt) and Husam (Jordan) get top marks for their knowledge, work ethic and patience. As to the detractors for the tours… read the instructions that are on the website and downloads, listen to what the tour guides tell you and you will have a great holiday. Yes the facilities can be a bit basic but hey, if you want five star go for 'comfort'.

15 Days Egypt and Jordan Tour

Egypt and Jordan. Spectacular! We felt that we were treated so wonderfully. We were well cared for.

Jordan & Egypt Uncovered

Cannot arrange for this type of trip on my own. I am glad we joined the tour and saw and experienced so many different places. For this is a great value. Hope folks will not take following two points as criticism but opportunity to improve .... 1) We spent 8 hrs to reach Cairo and early next morning has another 3 hr drive to reach Alexandria ... does not make sense. There are few other places where trip planner can do a better job of time management. 2) Felucca had only about 35 - 40 inch of clearance. It took few days for my back to recover ... This may be more for me but I had difficult time crossing Egypt ... I was suspected to be somebody else whose first name was spelled differently and had different last name. Either folks in that crossing were grossly incompetent or they did not Americans ... If I had known all these issues I will still take the trip. We had good time ... very good trip guides and we lucked out with excellent bunch of folks in our group.

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Amazing Egypt & Jordan (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

Absolutely brilliant tour. Some busy days but well worth it to see so many incredible sights. Adham and Faisel, the tour guides for Egypt and Jordan were both awesome. Wouldn't change a thing about the tour. I loved it!

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Egypt & Jordan Discovered By Felucca (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

Mo is by far the best tour guide I’ve ever had. Not only is he extremely knowledge about Egypt, but he is also very kind, caring and genuine. He kept the entire tour group engaged with the way he explained the historical information and kept us on schedule so that we could see as much as possible. Can’t recommend Mo as a tour guide enough!

Unforgettable Jordan and Cairo

The tour guides and concierges were Excellent! However, the tour company, Europamundo often took too long to reply to questions in the lead up to my departure. I really don't think I should have been receiving pertinent information like the country portal entry requirements when I was literally in the cab on the way to the airport. Furthermore, it turned out that my party of 2, were the only ones on the particular tour (Unforgettable Jordan & Cairo), so I really don't understand why there was such delay. We submitted l required documents and payments on time. Let me once a reiterate that our tour guides in Jordan and Cairo were OUTSTANDING, patient, knowledgeable, punctual and very professional.

• River Cruise

Experience Egypt & Jordan – 5* Cruise

This was my first package tour so I've nothing to compare this experience with though I have independently explored 50+ countries. Hany was my contact person through Timeless Tours and was very prompt in answering questions and helping me change the itinerary skipping the beach days in Hurghada for other excursions such as Dendera, Valley of the Queens, Dahsure, and others. Remon, Mina, and George were my different guides in Egypt and did an excellent job keeping everything, everyone coordinated. The days were long and action-packed with many 8-9pm buffet dinners followed by 4:30am - 6am wake-up calls. There were a couple of times in Egypt where logistics made the itinerary impossible, like arriving 30 minutes before closing at the expansive Kamak Temple complex, but the entire Jordan portion of the tour seemed to evolve this way and the itinerary should definitely be reworked to include at least one other full day. Otherwise, we never went beyond the Oval Plaza Forum in Jerash so that we could rush off and eat a 14JD/US$19.75 lunch (not included), had less than 4 hours at Petra, left the Wadi Rum sunset early just as all the other groups were arriving, and spent far too much time at a ridiculously over-priced workshop across from Mt. Nebo rather than visiting the Orthodox Church of St. George as the trip itinerary listed. Still, however rushed, it was better than nothing for this trip of a lifetime. I'm now open to package tours as I age and would definitely recommend Timeless Tours and Tour Radar - though please, update your recommended App so that it will function with the latest models of phones!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Classical Jerusalem, Jordan and Cairo

Desert Kingdoms & Nile Treasures Expedition

Egypt & Jordan Jewel with Nile Boat Cruise

The Egypt portion was outstanding. Our guide, Nabil, was fabulous. However, the Jordan portion of the tour, was poorly organized, with jammed tiny tour busses, and a horrible experience at the Bedouin camp. Shared dirty washrooms, sand on the sheets, and running out of food and coffee at breakfast. Our guide did the best he could, with what he was given. I feel that ExPat and Tpur Radar

Unwind the Wonders of Egypt and Jordan: Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh and Petra

Treasures of the Nabateans and Nubians

Very comprehensive tour with all sights to see included. Great guides and attentive assistance from the agency. Drivers were on time for pick up. The chosen hotels were nice and clean. The Bedouian camp and Aljoun Forest Park accommodations were extra special as they were cabins but with modern amenities. I chose The Nile Cruise, instead of the Feluca boat, and I did not regret paying for the extra because the cruise was comfortable and included all meals and shore excursions. Tip: visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo for their exhibit of mummies. Another tip: maybe opt for a flight from Cairo to Luxor because the sleeper train is not very comfortable, but if you are ok with a tight space and sudden jerks and rattling noise while trying to sleep, then go for the overnight sleeper train. Overall, a wonderful trip and was handled very well by the tour company.

Marvels of Egypt and Jordan: Discover Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh, and Petra

Timeless Egypt & Jordan

I had an unforgettable experience and felt very safe at all times. Meena, our tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable, we learned many new and interesting things about Egypt. Definitely would recommend:)

Egypt & Jordan Adventure

Tour was amazing but I wish more of the activities were included in the tour instead of optionals

What people love about Egypt And Jordan Tours

Well organised and run tour. Likeable and capable tour leaders. Minimal steering into shopping situations without putting non shoppers under pressure to buy. Much appreciated, as I intensely dislike being set up in a situation where I feel trapped. Usually there is the pretence of showing one how something is being made, which ultimately leads to a showroom and coercion to buy. This is ok for the shoppers in the group,but often very uncomfortable for the ones who aren't.

Our 15-day adventure through Egypt and Jordan was an absolute blast! George, our Egypt guide, brought so much energy and knowledge to the Pyramids and Cairo – it was like discovering it all over again. Then, in Jordan, Fady led us through Petra with stories that made the place come alive. And oh, Ibrahim, our guide on the Nile cruise, was not just great but hilarious too! He had this knack for putting a smile on our faces every day. These guys didn't just show us around; they turned the whole tour into a personal, unforgettable journey. If you're into trips filled with history, heart, and awesome guides, this is the one to pick!

I got to see all the things that I expected and a few more. I did feel that the trip was a bit rushed though.

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Is Southwest Doing Away With Its 'Pick-your-seat' Method? The Airline's CEO Hints at Change

CEO Bob Jordan also discussed the airline's recent move to shut down operations at several airports around the country.

Ashlee Duncan/Courtesy of Southwest Airlines

Southwest's famous boarding process may be up in the air. On Thursday, after reporting a net loss of $231 million, the Dallas-based airline announced a variety of changes, including the potential for new seating assignments and confirmed the closure of operations at several airports. 

"We’re looking at new initiatives, the way we seat and the way we board our aircraft," Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in an interview with CNBC on Thursday, when asked about the potential for a business class or new seat assignment procedures, adding that the company is "studying our seating, and our cabin."

Southwest currently boards with an open-seating policy, where passengers choose any available seat when they board the aircraft, versus having a reserved advanced seat assignment.  "Additionally, we are evaluating options to enhance our Customer Experience as we study product preferences and expectations, including onboard seating and our cabin," Jordan also said in a Southwest earnings release .  Southwest’s boarding policy has become a hot topic in the travel community, with some online content creators posting humorous takes on the process .

In addition to the potential seating changes, Southwest confirmed that several routes would be canceled in the coming weeks due to economic and mechanical headwinds.  The airline will be cancelling flights to and from several airports including Bellingham International Airport near Seattle and Vancouver, Cozumel International Airport in Mexico, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The airline will also be cutting back flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport, according to the earnings release. The changes won’t occur until August 4. For travelers looking ahead to plan future vacations, the airline has added a new route to Nashville from Cincinnati , that begins on June 4. Southwest also recently began rolling out the deals for loyalty points. Members of the airlines' Rapid Rewards program can earn a 50 percent bonus on points purchased through May 15.

Heathrow Border Force, Gatwick catering woes and French ATC: The travel strikes hitting Europe in April and May

Editor's Note

We always hope your travel will be trouble-free, but there are strikes and other disruptions across Europe to look out for in the coming weeks.

If you plan to travel during these dates and need advice, read our guide to insurance policies and strike coverage . Additionally, find out what you may be entitled to in terms of compensation if your flight is delayed or otherwise affected.

Here are the strikes to be aware of in the U.K. and Europe.

Related: The best credit cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance — and what it actually covers

Heathrow Border Force and refueling worker strikes

When: april 29-may 2, may 3-18 and may 4-6.

First, it was on, then it was off. Now, it's back on again: Border Force workers — the staff members who carry out immigration controls and passport checks — based at London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) are set to walk out between April 29 and May 2. The four-day strike action has the potential to cause serious disruption to international flights.

In addition to those dates, there will be a "work to rule" strike between May 3 and 18, when workers will only carry out essential tasks.

The strike involves members of the Public and Commercial Services Union, with 90% of its members voting in favor of the walkouts. The strike is over disputes regarding the U.K. government's planned changes to schedules and shift patterns.

Adding further woe at Heathrow, about 50 refueling workers will also stage a 72-hour strike to protest benefit cuts between May 4 and 6.

Catering workers for EasyJet and Tui at Gatwick Airport

When: april 26-29, may 3-6 and may 10-13.

Around 100 Dnata catering staff, including drivers and warehouse workers, will walk out on three consecutive weekends in April and May. The walkouts will affect services on EasyJet and Tui Airways flights from London Gatwick Airport (LGW).

The strikes — which involve about 100 workers — are due to take place April 26-29, May 3-6 and May 10-13.

Related: You are entitled to a refund for your canceled flight — even if the airline says you aren't

Air traffic controller strike in France

Air traffic controllers at French airports are threatening to strike April 25. While the strike could be averted, the clock is ticking; the staff only has until April 23 to call off the strike. If the strike goes ahead, it could disrupt up to 70% of flights arriving at the country's major airports and passing through French airspace.

France transport strike notice

When: feb. 5 to sept. 9.

Staff members employed by the state-owned Ile-de-France bus and metro network commenced a seven-month strike notice period in early February over pay. If they don't come to an agreement during this period, the strikes could likely take place during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Bottom line

One thing worth remembering about strikes is that nothing is certain, and it's always possible that unions and employers will reach a deal.

However, the current economy can be challenging. Workers are struggling through the deepening cost of living, and travel companies are desperate to appease shareholders. The pressures on both sides of the fence seem unlikely to evaporate anytime soon.

The chances of more strikes across the travel sector are high. Keep an eye on these dates and plan accordingly.

Related reading:

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• Best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

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News releases

April 24, 2024

Latest news releases

Hwy 169 Jordan-Shakopee improvement project begins May 1

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – Crews will begin work on the Highway 169 Jordan-Shakopee improvement project at 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Workers will reduce Highway 169 to one northbound and one southbound lane between Highway 21 in Jordan and Highway 41 in Jackson Township through mid-August. Lane closures will not be allowed weekends beginning Aug. 9.

Also starting May 1, through late-June, drivers will be limited to right-in, right-out access to Hwy 169 in the project area, except at these intersections:

• 173rd Street (J-turns for cars only)
• 166th Street
• Bluff Drive
• Highway 41 interchange

Use turnarounds at intersections where available.

Through Aug. 30, crews will repave and repair Highway 169 between Highway 21 in Jordan and Marystown Road in Shakopee. They will also build new medians and J-turns to eliminate left turns onto Highway 169. These improvements will remove high-risk movements and improve safety.

For more information or to sign up for email updates, visit: mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy169jordan-shakopee/ .

Information about an adjacent Bluff Drive overpass project, led by Scott County, can be found at www.scottcountymn.gov/2013/TH-169-Bluff-Drive-Jordan-Ave-Overpass .

All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather dependent and subject to change.

Southwest Airlines CEO says airline may reevaluate open seating after financial loss

The CEO made comments following the carrier's Q1 results.

Southwest Airlines famously allows passengers to select their own seats upon boarding, but the low fare carrier could be changing course.

Earlier this week, after the Dallas-based carrier reported a $231 million net loss from the first quarter of 2024, CEO Bob Jordan commented on the "disappointing" results and said they are "evaluating options to enhance our Customer Experience" which he said includes "onboard seating."

"We are focused on controlling what we can control and have already taken swift action to address our financial underperformance and adjust for revised aircraft delivery expectations," he continued.

On a webcast recording of the earnings call, Jordan said, "It's been several years since we last studied this in-depth, and customer preference and expectations change over time."

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Jordan later spoke about the potentially massive shift to its open seating cabins as a means to drive up revenue, CNBC first reported.

"We’re looking into new initiatives, things like the way we seat and board our aircraft," Jordan told CNBC.

While Southwest offers priority boarding groups for an additional fee, the company's all-Boeing 737 fleet of single economy class aircraft is known by consumers and among airline competitors for its simplistic and affordable experience.

Southwest did not respond to ABC News' request for additional comment and pointed to the quarterly earnings report.

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‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ Is a Keeper: TV Review

Legendary talk show host and hot wing evangelist returns to television with hilarious new Max travel show

By Stephen Rodrick

Stephen Rodrick

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The key to understanding Conan O’Brien’s comedy is knowing that it comes from a point of kindness. Yes, I know in this age of comics punching down , this kind of compliment may leave you with a neon “Must Avoid!” sign flashing in your bleary eyes — but stay with me.

Conan’s three-decade run as a talk show host ended in 2021 under less-than-optimal circumstances , as he wound down his TBS show during the pandemic year. He talked to longtime sidekick Andy Richter , who sat among dozens of cardboard cutout fans. O’Brien quipped that they were last in line for the vaccine because the CDC had looked at the shows and “they said ours is the least essential of pretty much all the non-essential shows.”

There was some truth in that, but Conan had already started his move to other outlets , starting with his “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast in 2018.

The podcast is funny and sweet, especially the pre-interview segments with longtime associate Sona Movsesian and producer Matt Gourley. Conan mocks Sona’s legendarily bad work habits. and Gourley’s flea market predilections, but any kind of comedic acid is reserved for the self-lacerating O’Brien. (On a recent episode, Conan runs down his own looks, and it is cruel and hilarious, but part of me is thinking, “Dude, cut yourself a break.”). The only time things get contentious is when Conan visited by longtime friend Kevin Nealon — perhaps the podcast’s best episodes.

The podcast had an offshoot called “Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan,” on which O’Brien would talk to a fan, often in a faraway land. That led to O’Brien traveling to Norway, Thailand, Ireland and Argentina to meet them. Why? Well, a dour and ominous narrator, aka Werner Herzog, offered this rationale at the beginning of each episode: “Once a proud talk show host, he’s been driven by a changing ecosystem to a drier and harsher climate: the weekly podcast. Here , without the nourishment of his studio audience, this clown with dull , tiny eyes, the eye of a crudely painted doll , is forced to feed on that meagerest of morsels: the random call-in fan. Unhinged by the feral scent of their mild enthusiasm. He scavenges in distant lands uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition , and the occasional selfie.”

It’s a self-deprecating bit, but it’s also the truth. Conan has been doing travel shows for years, most notably one to Movsesian’s native Armenia , as well as a chaotic trip to Finland where O’Brien is treated as a god because of his physical resemblance to the Finnish president who happens to be a woman. He clearly loves the journey. And he loves the comedy set piece–see his classic “Old Timey Baseball” opus — which has always been an essential part of his appeal.

The encounters work because O’Brien doesn’t treat his new friends as fools — rather , he revels in the fact that he is the fool. (See his instant-classic appearance on “Hot Ones,” the show where interviews are conducted while the celebrity consumes increasingly acidic chicken wings. Conan rhapsodizes on comedy being all around us as green-yellow mucus drips down his nose.) Of course, there are exceptions made for old friends. Conan goes out for asada in Buenos Aires with the effete and erudite Jordan Schlansky, a longtime producer and frenemy. Schlansky and Conan are the Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon of American cable , and on his TBS show and podcast the two have tangled over Japanese customs, Conan hosting Schlansky’s bachelor party in his own office, and Schlansky hiding an expensive Espresso machine in an inaccessible part of their offices. (As with the Courtney Thorne-Smith segment, Conan’s visceral malice toward Schlansky works because it is so out-of-character).

During the Argentina episode, they get into a fierce argument about the proper pronunciation of the word “tango,” Conan then licks Schlansky’s favorite cut of meat — wait, that came out wrong. After, they go on an ill-fated trip to the Pampas, where both fail spectacularly at gaucho life.

Not everything works. O’Brien does a self-referential bit about the expensive drone he is using on the first show , and for the next four episodes I am distracted every time I see a beautiful shot thinking about the drone’s specifications and capabilities. Some of the stuff goes on a bit long, but so does my writing.

These are minor quibbles. If you’re a Conan fan, you’ll treasure the trips, just like his completists treasure encounters with a masturbating bear. The series ends with Conan tracing his family’s roots in Ireland. He comes across his ancestor’s land, makes a few jokes, but then looks at the land, clearly moved. Conan O’Brien has played the fool long enough; we grant him this moment of humanity with all our hearts.

All four episodes of “Conan O’Brien Must Go” are now available on Max.

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Oklahoma man facing 12 years in Turks & Caicos prison released on bond, banned from travel

Ryan watson made bail a couple weeks after he was detained and arrested for ammo possession in turks & caicos. but he's not allowed to leave..

An American man facing 12 years in prison in Turks & Caicos after airport security found ammunition in his duffel bag won’t have to spend one more night in jail . For now.

Ryan Watson, 40, appeared before a court on Wednesday, agreeing to pay $15,000 to secure his release, according to a news alert from The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force. 

The court granted Watson's release about two weeks after he was initially detained and arrested. He's being released with a slew of stipulations, including being prohibited from leaving the archipelago nation. He also had to surrender his passport and travel documents to the court, and needs to report to police twice a week as his case moves through the system.

His next court hearing is set for June 7.

Here’s what we know.

Why were Ryan and Valerie Watson detained in the Turks and Caicos?

Ryan and Valerie Watson were in Turks & Caicos to celebrate the 40th birthdays of several friends in early April, USA TODAY reported.

The couple was trying to catch a flight back home on April 12, when airport security found four rounds of ammunition “unknowingly left in a duffel bag from a deer hunting trip,” according to a GoFundMe post made on behalf of the family. 

They were both questioned and subsequently charged with possession of ammunition, a charge that carries a minimum of 12 years in prison in Turks & Caicos.

The couple was stuck on the island without passports, unable to get back to their two young children, which left Valerie Watson “terrified.” 

“We can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home," she told WBTS-TV in Boston  "And this is such an innocent mistake that we ... didn't even know it was there. So yeah, my immediate thought was our kids and them being parentless for that long."

Ryan Watson maintains that it was a “bonehead mistake” on his part, not knowing that the ammunition rounds he typically uses to hunt whitetail deer were in his bag, the outlet reported.

Ultimately, the charges were dropped against Valerie Watson, who has returned to Oklahoma.

Oklahoma governor vouches for family: ‘Outstanding members of the community’ 

Days after the Watson family was detained, Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt sent a letter to the Turks & Caicos Islands government in an attempt to get the home sooner.

“The Watsons are upstanding members of their community and the State of Oklahoma, and I can assure you countless others stand willing to confirm their high moral characters,” Stitt said.

He continued to say that the couple would never “intentionally break the law,” emphasizing the importance of having them return to Oklahoma so they can continue to serve the community, Valerie as a school teacher and Ryan as a medical product salesman.

 And so that their children, Van and Ellie, don’t have to face another day without both parents, he said.

Family creates GoFundMe to bring Ryan Watson home 

Close friends have created a GoFundMe on behalf of the Watson family to cover the costs of “mounting legal fees, living expenses, and the overwhelming stress of their situation.” 

Valerie Watson said that the strain her family is under is tremendous, telling WBTS-TV that it could “ruin them.” 

“We've already talked, and we're like, what if we lose our house? Which, when we moved to Oklahoma, we built a home that we thought was our forever home,” she said. 

The sentiment was echoed by Ryan Watson, who says “this is something that we may never recover from.” 

“The emotional and financial toll is immense, and they are at risk of losing everything,” the fundraiser description reads. 

The GoFundMe had raised about $196,000 of the $250,000 goal by Friday night. 

What happens next?

Valerie Watson and her children are awaiting her husband’s next court appearance, set for June 7.

Even though Ryan Watson “forgot” about the ammunition in his bag, he may not be able to leave the Turks & Caicos Islands without serving time. The government prohibits anyone, of status or origin, to possess a firearm, ammunition, or any other weapon.

There are exceptions to this, of course, but the court is still required to issue “both a sentence of imprisonment and a fine” that are in line with what the court would consider an “exceptional circumstance,” USA TODAY reported. 

The Turks & Caicos government stiffened the penalties for firearm possession in February, noting that there were a handful of cases involving "exceptional circumstances" that allowed accused people to get away with paying a fine. “exceptional circumstances."