Best of Jordan (Small Group) Trip Notes

Trip Overview

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Embark on a luxurious journey through Jordan, a land of ancient wonders, rich heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. This expertly curated adventure offers the perfect balance of comfort, style, and cultural depth — designed for discerning travellers seeking an elevated experience.

Begin in the vibrant capital of Amman, where modern energy meets timeless history. Explore the remarkably preserved Roman ruins of Ajloun and Jerash before venturing into the awe-inspiring desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, where you’ll stay in premium accommodations beneath a canopy of stars.

Wander through the legendary Rose City of Petra with expert local guides and ample time to soak it all in — away from the crowds. Then, float effortlessly in the healing waters of the Dead Sea and indulge in its mineral-rich mud for a rejuvenating treat. From sacred sites and UNESCO-listed treasures to warm hospitality and authentic cuisine, every detail of this journey has been thoughtfully designed for comfort, enrichment, and unforgettable moments.

Please Note: This tour is operated by our sister company Ciconia Exclusive Journeys, specializing in premium travel experiences.

Duration : 8 Days

Destination : Jordan

Start/Ends in : Amman / Amman

Group Size : 24 People Max.

Age Req. : 18+

Trip Theme : Luxury

Hotels : 5 Star

Departs : All Year Around

Why you will love this tour

Ciconia Exclusive Tours include premium services such as 5-star accommodation, modern comfortable transportation, incredible sights & all entrance fees, breakfasts & most dinners, tips, porterage and more.

• Stay in carefully selected 5-star accommodation throughout your journey, including a luxury desert camp experience in the heart of Wadi Rum.
• Enjoy extended time at Petra to fully soak in its wonder, with expert guides helping you uncover the secrets of the ancient Nabatean city.
• Venture into the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum on an exhilarating 4×4 ride, followed by a peaceful evening under the star-filled sky.
• Float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea and treat yourself to a natural spa with its famous rejuvenating mud.
• Travel in a small group with premium comfort and style, ensuring a relaxed pace and personalised experience throughout the trip.
• Explore Jordan’s rich cultural and historical sites, from the Roman ruins of Jerash to Amman’s vibrant streets and ancient citadels.

Arrival Details

The group welcome meeting with your guide and other travelers is held around 18:30 at the hotel lobby on Day 1 of your tour unless otherwise notified.

Meeting Point:

The meeting point for the Essential Jordan tour is:

Sheraton Al Nabil Hotel – AMMAN – 5 Star

Address: 5th Circle, Amman 11184, Jordan

Phone: +962 6 593 4111

OR

Amman Marriott Hotel – AMMAN – 5 Star

Address: Issam Al-Ajlouni St., Amman 11190, Jordan

Phone: +962 6 560 7607

Emergency Number: +44 203 14 99 200

Airport Transfers :

All tours starting in Amman include arrival airport transfer.

To arrange your airport transfer please email us the following information at least 2 weeks before your departure date. [email protected]

Travel Date, Flight Number, Local Arrival Time, Name/s of the Passengers

Making Your Own Way to the Starting Point

The arrival hotel — either the Sheraton Al Nabil Hotel or the Amman Marriott Hotel — is located approximately 40 km from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). The journey typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic. A taxi from the airport to the hotel is expected to cost around 8–12 Jordanian Dinar.

Finishing Point

The finishing point for the Essential Jordan tour is:

Sheraton Al Nabil Hotel – AMMAN – 5 Star

Address: 5th Circle, Amman 11184, Jordan

Phone: +962 6 593 4111

OR

Amman Marriott Hotel – AMMAN – 5 Star

Address: Issam Al-Ajlouni St., Amman 11190, Jordan

Phone: +962 6 560 7607

Emergency Number: +44 203 14 99 200

Highlights

Ajloun: The home of Ajlun Castle, built in 1184, shows great examples of Islamic architecture. Ajlun Archaeological Museum has all sorts of artifacts from the region.

Jerash: Less than an hour’s drive from Amman takes you 2000 years back in time. Jerash hosts the best-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside of Italy.

Amman: The modern and ancient capital of Jordan is one of the oldest inhabited cities. The city’s modern buildings blend amazingly with the remnants of ancient civilizations.

Dead Sea: the Dead Sea is a 30-minute drive from Amman and you reach this unique spot in Jordan. The Dead Sea brings a sense of unreality to any traveler passing through.

Petra: Petra, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is described as “one of the most precious cultural properties of mankind’s cultural heritage”. Simply amazing.

Shobak Castle: Shobak is a Crusader castle on the eastern side of the Arabah, perched on the side of a rocky, conical mountain, looking out over fruit trees below.

Wadi Rum: Absolutely stunning is its natural beauty, Wadi Rum summarizes the romance of the desert. You may meet some friendly Bedouins living close by at the desert.

Itinerary

Inclusions & Exclusions

The tour price covers the following services:

Accomodation : 5 star accommodation in comfortable and ideally located hotels, superior campsite in Wadi Rum.

Airport Transfer : Complimentary private airport transfers on arrival and departure dates. Air-conditioned coach or minibus.

Meals : 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners

Transportation : Air-conditioned coach or minibus, Jeep Safari in Wadi Rum.

Guide : Local & Expert Travel Director throughout your trip

Sightseeing : Petra, Amman, Ajloun, Jerash, Wadi Rum

Included Services

Entrance fees to all cultural, historical and natural sites on tour. Seamless baggage handling, delivered to your room at every hotel. Tips at the hotels and restaurants, all taxes and porterage fees.

What is NOT included in the tour price?

• Any flights not mentioned above

• Travel insurance

• Meals not stated above

• Items of a personal nature

• Tips & gestures

• Entrance fees to the sights and museums

• Optional activities

• Other services not stated in the itinerary

Hotels & Accomodation

Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender in a twin or triple room or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement. You may choose the solo room option when booking online or contact us to arrange a private room.

etra Marriott Hotel – PETRA – 5 Star

Embracing traditional hospitality and overlooking Jordan’s timeless wonder, the Petra Marriott Hotel offers anticipatory & traditional service designed to exceed all expectations. For relaxation, the hotel has an outdoor pool with breathtaking views of the Petra Mountains, a Turkish bath and a sauna.

The Old Village Hotel – PETRA – 5 Star

Built in the 1800s, The Old Village has a charming architecture that is typical of the region. The hotel is very close to Petra and offers spectacular views over the Shahara Mountains. There is a sauna & indoor swimming pool, just what’s needed to relax after a busy day visiting Petra.

Sheraton Al Nabil Hotel – AMMAN – 5 Star

Located in the luxurious embassy district of Amman, the 5-star hotel features two outdoor and one indoor swimming pool, a fitness and a SPA center.

Amman Marriott Hotel – AMMAN – 5 Star

Amman Marriott Hotel offers all the hallmarks of a brilliant travel experience – from a prime location in the city center to 5-star amenities and award-winning service. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools and a 5-star spa.

The Marriott Resort & Spa – DEAD SEA – 5 Star

Nestled on the shores of the iconic Dead Sea, Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa is a short distance from attractions including Mount Nebo, The Baptism Site, Mujib Reserve and more. The services include a 24-hour fitness center, a signature spa, with Dead Sea salt pool, indoor & outdoor pools.

Saraya Rum Private Luxury Camp – WADI RUM

Nestled in the Wadi Rum Canyon, Saraya Rum offers its guests a luxury stay. The campsite features spacious air-conditioned tents with private bathroom.

Distances

Please find below the distances between the sights visited in Jordan and the approximate driving times. We will always strive to take a short break every few hours to enable passengers to stretch their legs, purchase snacks and use wash facilities during long drives.

Wadi Rum – Petra: 115 Km – 1h 45 min
Petra – Dead Sea: 200 Km – 3h 30 min
Dead Sea – Amman: 60 Km – 1h

Amman – Ajlun: 70 Km – 1h 20 min

Jerash – Amman: 51 Km – 1h

Budgeting

Please note that entrance fees to sights and optional activities are not included in the tour price. Optional activities are not operated by Travel Talk and may require a certain number of attendees to run. Your guide will be happy to inform you further about the available optional activities at the start of your tour. Optional activities are also listed under each day in your tour itinerary.

Personal Spending

The currency of Jordan is the Jordan Dinor (JOD). ATMS are widely available in major towns and cities across Jordan. Credit and debit cards are generally accepted, but cash remains king in the souqs and regions such as Wadi Rum. While every traveller’s spending habits may differ slightly, we have estimated the average daily
expenses to help with budgeting for your next trip. Here you will find the average cost for a meal or drink and advice for best practice in tipping.

Meals

Lunch at restaurant: US$ 3-7

Dinner at restaurant: US$ 10-13

Falafel sandwich at a stall: US$ 2

Kanafeh Sweet: US$ 1

Drinks

Bottle of water: US$ 0.6

Coffee: US$ 1-2

Tea: US$ 0.5-1.5

Bottle of beer: US$ 4-5

Tipping

Tipping, known as ‘baksheesh’ in the Middle East and while it is not mandatory, is a common reward for good service paid by both tourists and locals alike. It is reasonable to tip around 10% if a service charge is not already applied to a bill. While on tour, a budget of 5-10 USD per day will usually cover tips. Your Guide and Driver would also appreciate this kind of gratitude at the end of your tour or their service.

Shopping

Traditionally, the people of Jordan have always crafted the goods they needed – meaning over time they have developed a strong craftmanship for certain goods. We recommend keeping an eye out at local souqs and markets across the country for a glimpse into the local arts. Unlike neighboring countries such as Egypt, haggling in Jordan is far less fierce or common.

Traditional Keffiyehs

The most iconic textile in Jordan would have to be the headscarf, called keffiyeh. The traditional design is a houndstooth, red and white pattern, frequently worn by the Bedouins. They are incredibly practical for exploring the desert and their compactness makes for the perfect gift to take home! Expect to pay between 5-10 USD.

Gold Jewellery

The Bedouins place a high value on jewelry with past ancestors traditionally investing their money in jewelry rather than banks. The Gold Souk in Downtown Amman offers distinct jewelry of Jordanian design from striking necklaces to semiprecious stones.

Hand-painted Ceramics

Mosaics are a distinctly Jordanian art form and while purchasing mosaic goods while travelling can be both expensive and weighty, mosaic-style ceramics is a great alternative. Throughout the souqs and along the streets of Amman you’ll find local artists customizing mosaic designs on all kinds of traditional pottery including mugs, plates, and vases. Prices for customise products start at approximately 15 USD.

Travel Advice, Visas & Insurance

All visitors to Jordan are required to have a visa, which can be arranged through Jordanian consulates worldwide or upon arrival in Jordan. Visitors from the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the EU, and South Africa may acquire their visas upon arrival in Jordan. Single-entry tourist visa fee is 40 JOD and it can
only be paid in JOD (Jordanian Dinar).

You can visit the Jordan Tourism Board website to check if you are able to obtain a visa upon arrival http://international.visitjordan.com. Please ensure that you check with the Jordanian Embassy or Consulate of your country for up-to-date visa information. You may also purchase the Jordan Pass which waives the visa fees for tourists while covering the entrance fees to many touristic sites.

Passport validity entry requirements: Travellers entering Jordan must also carry a passport or travel document valid for at least 6 months.

This information is provided as a guide, we strongly advise that you check with the consulate or embassy as this information can change at any time and with little notice. It is your responsibility to make sure that all the required travel documents are ready when travelling. For more details, visit our Jordan travel advice page.

Jordan Pass

Jordan Pass is considered to be the best option for tourists visiting Jordan. It covers the entrance fees to more than 40 touristic sites, including Petra, and waives the visa fees for tourists. Jordan Pass must be purchased 3 days prior to your arrival date. We strongly recommend that you get the Jordan Wanderer package, so that you may enter Petra more than once. You can check all the details from the link below and buy the Jordan Pass online. It costs about JD70 (USD99).

Travel Advice

We are closely monitoring the latest travel updates to Jordan and follow the advice of the UK Foreign Office.
For the latest travel advice from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/jordan

We recommend all travellers to check their Government National Travel Advisory prior to their departure:

Australia – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Canada – https://travel.gc.ca/

New Zealand – https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

USA – https://travel.state.gov/

Travel Insurance

All passengers travelling with Travel Talk are required to have personal travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip. It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance for you in place, you may read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/travel-insurance

Health & Safety

The health and safety of our passengers, staff and communities visited is of utmost priority. As we monitor and comply with the official advice from the UK Foreign Office, as well as World Health Organization and government authorities regularly, we have implemented several policies and precautions on our tours for your wellbeing. You may find our Safe Travels Protocols at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels

Travel Talk Adventures has received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which allows travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers canexperience ‘Safe Travels’.

Please make sure to regularly check your Government’s travel advice before travelling and be well-informed of any requirements. Your tour guide will also notify you of the regulations and protocols to follow throughout your trip with us.

Please note that if any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary or possess a potential risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to remove them from all or part of a trip.

Please consult with your doctor for the latest medical travel information and any vaccinations you may need. We recommend that you bring any personal medical requirements and medications with you as these may be difficult to obtain while on tour.

Weather

The best time to visit Jordan is typical during Spring and Autumn when temperatures sit in the high twenties with warm, pleasant days perfect for exploring. During the Spring, travellers can also expect to see Jordan’s beautiful flora in bloom as mountains and fields are coated with rich greenery and wildflowers. With 90% of Jordan covered by desert, the summer months can be very hot with July and August seeing their hottest temperatures in the forties. While these temperatures can be challenging for those not accustomed to the heat, it is still worth considering a trip at this time if you are not adversely affected by heat, as you will have the chance to see the nation’s best sites, such as Petra, without the crowds! It is worth remembering that the nights can be cold, though – the sands of Wadi Rum dropping to 4°C in winter.

Check out our weather guide for the best time to visit Jordan.

Money Matters

The local currency of Jordan is the Jordan Dinar (JOD).

Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist sites across Jordan. However, if you’re travelling off the beaten track to regions such as Wadi Rum, come prepared with some cash on hand for inexpensive purchases. ATMs can be easily found in many places across the cities, however, are not as common in rural areas. We recommend you do not exchange bulk sums of money at the airport, as the exchange rates are usually more favorable in the major cities. Your Tour Guide will be happy to help if you need any assistance.

Please remember that everyone has different spending habits, some prefer to spend more on souvenirs, some on experiences and others on a night out! Make sure to budget your trip to your spending habits for shopping, drinking, and tipping.

Tipping is known as ‘baksheesh’ in the Middle East and while it is not mandatory, is a common reward for good service paid by both tourists and locals alike. It is reasonable to tip around 10% if a service charge is not already applied to a bill. While on tour, a budget of 5-10 USD per day will usually cover tips. Your Tour Guide and Driver would also appreciate this kind of gratitude at the end of your tour or their service.

Eating & Drinking

Jordanian food is delicious and full of flavour, sharing a lot of similarities with neighbouring Middle Eastern nations. Dishes such as falafel, hummus, lamb, mezze, and kebabs can be found in every market stall, village, or city! Searching for unique and authentic dishes can often be overwhelming if you are not a local, so here are a few must-try dishes to get you started in Jordan. For more, check out our Jordan Food Guide.

Baklava: The quintessential Middle Eastern dessert, Baklava is a sweet syrupy layered pastry with honey and nuts.

Falafel: A combination of ground chickpeas, mixed with a variety of spices, then deep fried into mini patty like shapes. Falafels are one of the most common street food snacks in Jordan.

Moutabel: Like baba ghanoush, this dip consists of eggplant roasted over an open fire. The creamy and smoky flavours are further accentuated with yoghurt, tahini, garlic and lemon juice.

Galayet Bandora: This dish consists of tomatoes stewed until soft and pureed, with a few seasonings like garlic, olive oil, and salt. The tartness and sweetness of the tomatoes is what really shines, and it tastes great scooped up with bread or eaten with rice.

Tabbouleh: Tabbouleh is a mixture of finely minced parsley, tomatoes, garlic, andwheat, all dressed in lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. In Jordan the dish is served as a starter or salad, and is not scooped up with bread like Hummus or Moutabel dips would be.

Manakish: Sometimes referred to as the Arabic Pizza, Manakish is a round of dough topped with Za’atar (Thyme spice mixture), olive oil and sometimes halloumi, eggs or ground meat. It is commonly cooked in a brick oven and is a common buy at food stalls and marketplaces.

Mujadara: A typical everyday Jordanian food – Mujadara is mixed with lentils, rice and seasoning and is a favourite vegetarian dish nationwide. The rice is often cooked with the lentils, so the flavours melt and blend in a galvanizing way.

Mensef: Known as a national dish of Jordan, this Bedouin meal consists of lamb or goat cooked with herbs in a yoghurt sauce and served with rice and bread.

Throughout the Middle East, drinking tea is quite common with Jordan being no exception, especially if you are shopping or meeting people for the first time. Mint, thyme, or sage are often used to flavour the tea. Although Jordan is a Muslim country, alcohol is commonly available with Amstel the most popular beer of choice, followed by the local brew Petra. There is also a great range of wine available across Jordan with cabernet, merlot, sauvignon blanc, and chardonnay the most notable varieties. It is important to note that during Ramadan, some hotels and shops may limit their sale of alcohol for religious reasons.

Essentials to Bring & Internet

-Face mask/cover and hand sanitiser enough for your personal use throughout the trip – See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/

-Travel Documents: Passport, Visa (if required), flight or transport ticket (and photocopies)

-Travel Talk Tour Voucher (printed or digital)Travel Insurance Policy (and photocopy)

-Personal medical kit and medicine

-Money (cash, credit card, travellers’ cheques)

-Power Adapter

-Reusable water bottle

-Ear plugs and eye mask

-Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

-Comfortable, closed walking shoes

-Wind/water proof jacket

-Warm clothes, hat, and gloves for cold weather

-Sandals, swimwear, shorts for warm weather

Internet Access

Internet access has become increasingly common and available across hotels, cafes, and restaurants in large Jordanian cities such as Amman and Aqaba. Make sure to enable data roaming on your mobile if you wish to use 3G/4G abroad, although the connection may be unreliable in smaller towns and rural areas. Purchasing a Jordan SIM card for the duration of your tour may be a cost-effective option. Your Tour Guide will be happy to advise on this.

Culture, Religion and Etiquette

Jordan is an ideal destination for those seeking cultural knowledge, spiritual enrichment and sights of marvel. Officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, it is a gem of the Levant region and home to fascinating ancient history. While predominantly an Arabic nation, Jordan truly values the diversity of its
population’s ethnicity and religious beliefs, providing cultural rights to all of its citizens. There is a strong tolerance and appreciation for cultural differences in Jordan, contributing to the nation’s stability and peace. The desert-dwelling Bedouin population have a distinct and noteworthy culture. Living the largely nomadic lifestyle across barren landscapes in Jordan, their traditions have been passed down for centuries. The Bedouin people rely on the herding of animals and creation of handicrafts, as the lands they populate are not fertile for farming. If lucky, Travel Talk travellers may get to witness the Bedouin traditions of music and dance during the Desert Camping experience in Wadi Rum.

More than 92% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims and approximately 5% are Christians. The majority of Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church. As Jordan is predominantly an Islamic country, religious traditions are strong with spectacular mosques signalling the call to prayer five times a day and Ramadan widely observed each year.It is important to keep these religious beliefs in mind when packing for your trip and determining how you plan to dress when visiting Jordan.

Jordanians place a great emphasis on personal grooming and style of dress that tends to differ from that shown in the Western world. Men are expected to dress in long trousers where possible across city, country, and desert locations. When trousers are not possible, we recommend wearing loosing-fitting knee-length shorts. Wearing T-shirts or any top covering your shoulders is acceptable. For females, we recommend loosefitting, opaque clothes that cover your legs, arms, and chest with either high collars or thing cotton scarfs to cover your neck.

Please also keep in mind that when visiting religious sites, appropriate attire is required. It is recommended to pack at least one set of modest clothing that covers both shoulders and knees, to be worn when visiting mosques and other religious complexes. A headscarf for women is necessary when visiting religious sites. In summer, cotton clothing is much more comfortable than materials like nylon. Clothing that will protect you from sunburn is an absolute necessity. Especially in summer months, white or light coloured, long sleeve cotton shirts are preferable. In winter (December-March) you will need some warm, woollen clothing but in general, the weather is still quite warm. Always ensure to pack comfortable closed walking shoes

Solo Travellers

We have many solo travellers joining our tours. Solo travellers will be roomed with another traveller of the same gender. If you would like a private solo room, please contact us. You may see out solo travels page for more details.

Rules to Follow

We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), bullying or harassment involving customers, partners, Travel Talk staff or locals. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a passenger are forbidden.

We will not tolerate any illegal activity, including but not limited to: use and possession of illegal drugs, trespassing, and disrupting public order. If you consume alcohol, please ensure that you drink responsibly and follow the local laws and regulations.

You must follow the advice of your tour leader and local officials regarding health and safety measures. We operate all tours under Safe Travels protocols for the wellbeing of our passengers, staff and communities visited. Please ensure that you have read the https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/ and are fully prepared for your trip.

If someone is acting inappropriately regarding these matters, please notify your tour leader immediately or contact us on the emergency contact number provided below.

Your tour leader has the right to remove from the group anyone not abiding by these rules, with no right of compensation or refund. See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/booking-terms/

Please remember that our travellers come from different parts of the world and will have various needs and preferences. Be understanding and patient with your fellow travellers, and always strive to be on time.

Responsible Travel

We believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with you, we strive to make a positive impact on local people and economies, respecting the local culture, environment, social fabric and customs; encouraging respectful and meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/responsible-travel/