Jordon Tours - About Jordon

“Ahlan Wa Sahlan” 

Welcome to  the Kingdom, founded by King Abdullah I after World War I. It was ruled by his grandson, the late King Hussein, for 46 years until his death in 1999, when his son King Abdullah II assumed the throne. Jordan has grown into a modern nation which has enjoyed a remarkable measure of peace, stability and economic growth in recent decades.

Images of the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, carved from the rock over two thousand years ago, have long been most people’s firstimpressionofJordan.

While Petra is indeed one of the most stunning attractions in the Middle East, Jordan offers so much more for the modern traveller. 

A well-travelled bridge between sea and desert, east and west, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a land of mesmerizing beauty and contrasts. From the Jordan Valley, fertile and ever changing, to the remote desert canyons, immense and still, visitors can explore splendid desert castles, gaze in awe at the haunting wilderness of Wadi Rum, or bathe in the restful waters of the Red Sea.

For adventure lovers, there is horse riding, 4x4 safaris, rock climbing, canyoning, and hiking. For pure relaxation, nothing on earth compares to the Dead Sea and its many spa facilities. 

What do the Roman Emperor Hadrian, the Prophet Moses and Lawrence of Arabia have in common? These are just three of the many historical personalities who passed through Jordan and whose itineraries now attract adventure seekers and action vacationers from throughout the world. 

Fun & Adventure Tourism is expanding at a fast rate in Jordan, and promises to remain one of the most dynamic and innovative travel industry sectors for many years to come. Several Jordanian companies now specialize in eco- and adventure-tourism, providing the combination of safety, adventure, and comfortable facilities that make Fun & Adventure Tourism such an exciting experience. 

Jordan offers guaranteed sunshine for eight months of the year; a base of powerful, unique cultural attractions such as Petra, Jerash, and many others together with a wide range of very different, often stunning natural environments that are easily accessible and virtually undiscovered by the tourism industry. 

Meanwhile, quality hotels and restaurants throughout the country mean that thrill-seekers can also pamper themselves between adventure treks.

Jordan already caters for the more traditional vacationer who likes to combine a visit to an ancient site in the morning with a swim, a round of golf, or a game of tennis or bowling in the afternoon. But exciting new horizons in adventure tourism allow visitors to push themselves to new levels of adventure and endurance while soaking up natural marvels and dramatic cultural attractions from the ancient world.

For example, a small group of people in 4-wheel-drive vehicles can retrace the journey of the Emperor Hadrian from north to south Jordan, taking in biblical cities and legionary fortresses. Or, more ambitiously, a caravan of 25 people on camels or donkeys can set off to retrace the journeys of Lawrence of Arabia in the central highlands and eastern deserts of Jordan, spending a week en route and camping in a different place every night. Parts of these itineraries can be done along the edge of the desert in steam-powered World War One vintage trains, the same as those that were attacked by the forces of the Great Arab Revolt and Lawrence nearly a century ago. Nature enthusiasts have many options in Jordan: the vast, silent drama of Wadi Rum, the forested hills of central Jordan, or the plunging Jordan Rift Valley that includes the Dead Sea - the lowest spot on earth. The Red Sea resort of Aqaba is always warm, balmy, and enticing for divers and other watersports enthusiasts. Aqaba offers a full range of facilities for speed boating, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, fishing, swimming, water skiing, wind surfing, or simply loafing and sunbathing in the warm crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. The sparkling purple mountains surrounding Aqaba beckon hikers who seek new adventures and unconquered terrain.

Jordan boasts other unique, enticing waters that provide relaxing interludes for adventure vacationers who want to rest their spirits and soak their bodies. Quality hotels and spas at the Dead Sea and the nearby Hammamat Zarqa Ma’in Springs allow visitors to experience several different kinds of mineral hot springs and the thick, warm brine of the Dead Sea, which are both soothing and therapeutic. One of the great water adventures in Jordan is to hike, climb and sometimes even wade or swim through the magnificent Wadi MujibGorge, on the east coast of the Dead Sea, to reach a magical pool and waterfall that emerge like a mirage from amidst the surrounding cliffs and barren hillsides.

The more daring adventure visitor to Jordan is likely to climb mountains in Wadi Rum, conquering sheer granite cliffs that retain the inscriptions of local climbers who were here 5000 years ago and more.

Thrill-seekers who want to go beyond the ordinary will climb into a helicopter or hot air balloon and rise above the mountain-tops of Wadi Rum or over Petra. Gliding and private plane rentals are also available in Jordan, from Amman Airport in Marka.

Horseback riders can take a few days to retrace the segments of the ancient spice, silk, and frankincense routes that pass through the green hills of Petra, Amman, and north Jordan. More daring riders will want to mount their Arabian steeds for a four-day trek through the eastern desert, stopping for rest and water at early Islamic desert castles and caravan stations. This trip re-enacts the original Arabian pony express mail service that operated here in the 7th century. 

The Jordanian currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD), approximately equivalent to $US 1.40 and more or less on par with the Euro.  To give yourself a scale on which to consider what you should tip or pay for goods, consider that a relatively good salary for most working class Jordanians would be about JD 200/month.  Though “service is included” on most bills at hotels and restaurants, your waiter will not benefit unless

you leave him a cash tip.  Tipping will often be politely refused, but it will always be appreciated and accepted if one presses discreetly. 

Jordan ’s normal business hours are roughly 8am-5pm , though many government offices do not do transactions involving money after 1pm .  Food and retail establishments tend to open later, and often stay open well into the night.  In most retail transactions outside West Amman it is expected that the customer will bargain the price down, but check to see if there is a sign declaring “fixed prices,” and respect this.

Greetings and all public interactions in Jordan are quite formal compared to many parts of the world.  People are very friendly and warm - - but it is important to treat everyone, especially members of the opposite sex, with respect and care.  Good Morning, Good Evening and Goodnight are generally understood, especially if accompanied with a smile and a nod of respect.       

Handshakes between men are acceptable.  Between members of the opposite sex and between women we suggest that you err on the side of politeness: nod courteously, extend a warm greeting in your own language and a smile - - hard to misunderstand!

Jordan boasts a Mediterranean climate ideal for year-round holidays and travel.

Amman is sunny and cloudless from May to October, with average temperatures around 23ºC (73ºF). Springtime brings optimal weather, lush with greenery, while autumn is equally mild and pleasant.

 July and August are hot and dry but not oppressive. Aqaba and the Jordan Valley are ideal winter resorts, with temperatures averaging 16-22ºC (61-72ºF) between November and April. There is very little rain in the Aqaba area and in the desert. Visitors from northern climates should always be aware of the inherent risks involved from extended exposure to the sun and are advised to take appropriate precautions.

You can wear anything you want in Jordan , and in West Amman many Jordanians dress like fashion-forward westerners.  Outside west Amman , however, customs become abruptly more conservative.  What you wear advertises things about you – and maybe not what you intend to advertise.  It’s your choice, but if you care to know…       

Jordanians generally take care to dress carefully: even if they have only one nice outfit, it will be clean and carefully pressed, and worn to any occasion that requires public interaction.  “Slumming” and “grunge” are simply understood as disrespectful.  It is important to remember that outside affluent West Amman , Jordanians are not particularly interested in edgy western clothing trends.       

Showing a lot of skin – whether you are male or female – is really embarrassing to most Jordanians.  Women who wear skimpy clothing are advertising that they are available for advances from men.  Men who show a lot of leg and arm are considered crass and insensitive.  While westerners may not share this aesthetic, that’s all it is – an aesthetic.  “Skimpy” for women means showing leg above mid-calf, arms above the middle of the upper arm, chest more than an inch or so below the throat, see-through fabrics or extremely form-fitting looks.  For men it is inappropriate to wear shorts and tank-tops.         

You can of course wear anything you choose.  JIT suggests adapting your personal style to norms of the country you are visiting, as an adventure in crossing cultural boundaries:  discover what makes you you, and keep it - - and adapt in ways that allows you interact with Jordanians comfortably, to experience as much as you can of the country you're visiting.         

We also urge you to consider your own physical comfort - - blisters and sunburn are not pleasurable additions to your vacation!  Wear comfortable shoes, cover up, bring sunscreen and hat!  In the winter Jordan is cold at night - - and often during the day.  Bring layers - - a jacket, a windbreaker, a sweater, a long-sleeved shirt, a short-sleeved shirt: then you can peel down to your comfort level.

Although a service tax is included on most restaurant and hotel bills, your waiter or service person will probably never see any of it.  Giving people tips in cash, personally, is very appreciated.  You may have to insist - - it is Arabic good manners to refuse at first.  Be discreet, but insist.  Remember that the average Jordanian per capita income is about US$1,800 a year, and that unemployment is running at around 40%.  The person you tip is probably working twelve-hour days to help support a whole family.       

For independent employees – such as drivers, guides, horse handlers, couriers, etc., tipping is expected.  10% in rural areas is generous - - in Amman 15-20%     

Jordanians are incredibly generous and ready to help.  If you have a flat tire or confusion in a shop or a lost bag or hat, everyone in the vicinity will probably take the occasion to help and get to know you.  In these cases traditional hospitality and care are being extended, and no tip is expected - - indeed it might be quite misinterpreted, because there is no “business” being conducted.  Likewise, if you are invited to a meal or tea, it is genuine and you are a guest.  Don’t offer money! If you have been invited and have time to buy a small gift beforehand, however (sweets, for example) it will be appreciated.  If it is an impromptu invitation in the middle of the desert or a streetside shop, your graciousness and profuse thanks are all that’s required.

Due to current events many people are worried about religious issues in Muslim countries.  We once again stress politeness and respect.  It is highly unlikely that any Jordanian will try to impose Islam - - or even Islamic values - - on you: foreigners are foreigners, to the Jordanian view.  Jordanians are often very proud of their Muslim heritage and want to share that with you, and the culture doesn’t see religion as a private or off-limits issue.  You will often see people praying - - in a shop, at home, at a picnic.  Unlike the west, this is a natural thing, not a source of tension or embarrassment.  Go on doing whatever you’re doing, don’t interrupt the person, and if this is a shopkeeper or server or tour guide, he will be back with you in just a few minutes.

Friday is the weekly holiday. Banks, government offices, and public services institutions are closed on Saturday as well. Many businesses, also close on Thursday afternoon, although department stores and supermarkets remain open.

Banks: 08:30 h – 15:00h

Business offices: 08:30h–13:00h&15:30h–18:30h

Government offices:08:00h–15:00h

Shopping Centres: 10:00h – 22:00h

Opening hours for historical sites and museums:

April to May

Most historical sites and museums are open from 08:00 until 17:30. Petra is open from 06:00 until 18:00.

June to September

Most historical sites and museums are open from 08:00 until 18:30. Petra is open from 06:00 until 18:30.

October to March

Most historical sites and museums are open from 08:00 until 16:00. Petra is open from 07:00 until 16:00.

Shorter working hours apply during the month of Ramadan from 8:00 to 3:30.

TIME

October – March: G.M.T. + 2 hours

April – September: G.M.T. + 3 hours

ELECTRICITY

The electrical system is based on 220 AC volts, 50 cycles, and while most sockets are of the rounded two-pronged type, three-pin sockets are also common. Visitors from the USA will need a transformer; most hotels provide one upon request.

Jordan is renowned as a shopping destination and presents a lively blend of modern and traditional items. Browsing through souqs as well as big malls in Jordan can be a lot of fun and may turn into something of a social occasion. In small shops particularly, it is not unusual to be offered a cup of coffee or tea before getting down to business. The souq is one of the remaining places where the tradition of bargaining or haggling over the price is still observed, so practice your negotiating skills and pick up a bargain!

Shopping hours are flexible.Someshopsareopenfrom09:30 -13:30 and 15:30 -18:00. Others may be open longer hours, from 08:00 -20:00. Many shops close on Friday, but the Souq does not. Please note that while Jordan has a sizeable handicrafts industry, it also boasts many modern, high-tech shopping outlets, offering the very latest trends in fashion and technology.

Gold & Silver

Jordan is famous for its dazzling variety of handmade gold and silver items, much of them 24-karat and generally sold by weight at prices much lower than any other country. Look for bargains in more than 50 shops in Amman’s Gold Souq, downtown just off King Faisal Street. Silver and amber are good buys as well.

Crafts

Traditional crafts are making inroads in the world of high fashion. Starting in the 1970s, a handful of enterprising women began to match traditional Jordanian and Palestinian needlework with rich Middle Eastern fabrics, creating elegant gowns and jackets with a modern flare.Todayyou can findwell-tailoredvests,shirtsandhandbags trimmed in delicate needlework.

Traditional crafts include:

• Weaving

• Embroidery

• Jewellery

• Ceramics

• Handmade glass

• Sand bottles

• Dead Sea Products

Jordan has been blessed with a rich religious history. Located between Mecca al-Mukarrama, the holiest place on earth for Muslims, and al-Quds (Jerusalem), which is sacred to each of the three great monotheistic religions, Jordan has played a central role in the history of the ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book).

The land around the Jordan River Valley and the Dead Sea plain is revered by Muslims, Christians and Jews as blessed. The Bible calls it "the Garden of the Lord" (Genesis 13: 10), and the Holy Qur’an says that God blessed the land "for all beings." Indeed, half of humanity views the land and the river of Jordan as the geographic and spiritual heartland of their faith.     

The southern Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea plains, and the surrounding hills and mountains are the home for some of the most momentous events in the history of man’s relationship with God. Here Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) arrived in the Holy Land, Jacob and Esau made their pact, God protected Lot while destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, Moses saw the promised land which he would never enter, Joshua crossed the Jordan River into Canaan, Elijah crossed the Jordan River and rode a "chariot of fire" into heaven, Elisha cured the leper in the waters of the river, John the Baptist preached, baptized Jesus, and was killed by King Herod, Jesus received the Holy Spirit and resisted the temptations of Satan, and the Prophet Muhammad made his nighttime journey from Mecca to al-Quds (Jerusalem).

The Millenium 2000 celebrations in Jordan are an excellent opportunity for religious pilgrims from throughout the world to rekindle their faith and commitment to God by visiting the land and river that have inspired prophets and formed the geographic and spiritual backdrop for God’s covenants with mankind. Many of the sites of biblical events and miracles have been identified, protected and made easily accessible to visitors. Jordan looks forward to hosting more religious tourists returning to the roots of their faith in the Holy Land of Jordan. 

Jordan is also host to the tombs of many of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions, who were martyred and buried there. In fact, Jordan has a special place in the history of Islam, as it was the first territory to which Islam spread outside of the Arabian peninsula. It was also the site of the first contact between Islam and the non-Arab world

The most important companions of the Prophet (PBUH) buried in Jordan include: Zeid ibn al-Haritha (the Prophet’s adopted son and the only companion mentioned by name in the Qur’an); Ja’far bin Abi Talib (cousin of the Prophet and elder brother of Ali, who was the husband of the Prophet’s daughter Fatima and the father of al-Hassan and al-Hussein); Abu ‘Ubaydah ‘Amer Ibn al-Jarrah (one of the "Blessed Ten" companions promised Paradise); Mu’ath bin Jabal (the Prophet’s governor in Yemen); Shurhabil bin Husna (the Scribe of the Qur’anic Revelation), and Dirar bin al-Azwar (a great general). In fact, many more companions of the Prophet are buried in Jordan.

Furthermore, the sites of several of the most important battles in Islamic history are also in Jordan. After two unsuccessful attacks against the Byzantine garrison town of Mu’tah in 629 CE, the Muslim Arab tribes regrouped for a much wider military operation. After battles at Yarmouk (634 CE) and Fahl (635 CE), the Muslim armies won a decisive battle against the Byzantines at the second Battle of Yarmouk (636 CE). This victory opened the way to the conquest of Syria and the rapid expansion of the Islamic world. 

AIR: Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) operates regular flights to Aqaba. It is also possible to hire executive jets and helicopters.

RAIL: There is no longer a reliable public railway service.

ROAD: Main roads are good (there are nearly 3000km (1900 miles) of paved roads in the country), but desert tracks should be avoided. It is important to make sure that the vehicle is in good repair if travelling on minor roads or tracks. Take plenty of water and follow local advice carefully. In case of breakdown, contact the Automobile Association. Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 60kph/38mph (cities), 80 kph/50mph (country roads) and 120kph/75mph (motorways). There are frequent passport controls along the Red Sea and travellers are advised to have their papers ready.

Bus: Services are efficient and cheap. JETT bus company operates services from Amman to other towns and cities in the country. There are daily services to Aqaba and Petra.

Taxi: Share-taxi service to all towns on fixed routes, also available for private hire. Share-taxis to Petra should be booked in advance owing to demand.
Car hire: Avis and four national companies operate services in the main towns, including Amman and Aqaba, available also from hotels and travel agents. Drivers are available for the day.

Documentation: National driving licences are accepted if they have been issued at least 1 year before travel. However, an International Driving Permit is recommended. Visitors are not allowed to drive a vehicle with normal Jordanian plates unless they have a Jordanian driving licence.
NOTE: When using routes which go near the Israeli border (and even when sailing or swimming in the Red Sea without a guide) the traveller should always have all papers in order and within reach.

URBAN: There are conventional buses and extensive fixed-route 'Servis' (share-taxis, most seating up to seven) in Amman.The 'Servis' are licensed, with a standard fare scale, but there are no fixed pick-up or set-down points. Vehicles often fill up at central or outer terminal points and then run non-stop.

Walking: This a good way to see Amman although the city is hilly an temperatures may be high strolling is particularly enjoyable around the shops in Jebel Hussein and in the commercial center of Shmeisani in other areas of Amman locals rarely stroll in the evenings.

Jordan is an unusually safe and friendly place to travel and people are always helpful whether in an emergency or otherwise it is generally safe to walk around at any time of or night however it is sensible to take obvious precautions look after belongings and keep valuables in the hotel safe lot belongings should be reported to the police if you lose your passport contact your embassy.  

Jordan - Nature’s best-kept secret 

Jordan is a country of outstanding bio-diversity. It is a land that encompasses all, from pine-clad mountains, lush green valleys, wetlands and oasis to the breathtaking desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and the kaleidoscopic underwater world of the Red Sea.

Undoubtedly Jordan’s most important and impressive ecological treasure is the unique area along the eastern coastline of the Dead Sea. Here, 410 metres below sea level, many small streams flowdownfromthesurroundinghills,their mineral-rich waters creating gushing waterfalls and an amazing diversity of floraandfauna.Heretoo,arehotthermal springs, their health-giving waters having attracted visitors for thousands of years. On the Dead Sea coast nature has taken simple salt, fashioned it into impossible sculptures and imbued them with colours of unbelievable vividness.

The people of Jordan are aware of their rich natural heritage and go to great lengths to protect it and ensure its continued wellbeing. For this reason, several large nature reserves have been set up and are professionally run, in order to minimize negative impacts on the natural habitats and rare species of Jordan’s flora and fauna. 

Jordan as a destination for bird-lovers and dedicated birdwatchers and should be mentioned separately. Its remarkable variety of habitats, from rugged mountains and evergreen woodlands to scrubby steppe and hot dry deserts, provide the perfect environments for many species of indigenous birds. Furthermore, its location at the crossroad of Europe, Asia and Africa means that migrating birds from these three continents can sometimes be seen together in the same general area.

A total of 17 sites have been declared as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Jordan’s national parks. RSCN’s nature reserves are also IBAs.

The RSCN is the BirdLife International partner in Jordan. BirdLife International is a global Partnership of conservation organisations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity. BirdLife Partners operate in over one hundred countries and territories worldwide.

What sort of birds can you see?

The Eastern Desert habitat, including the Azraq Wetland Oasis, is home to local desert and aquatic species, and is periodically visited by migrants. Species that can been seen in that area include the Temmink’s Horned Lark, Hoopoe Lark, Desert Wheatear and Trumpeter Finch. In winter, Cranes and Imperial Eagles can also be spotted. Visitors to the Desert Castles, east of Amman, are often greeted by the Thick-Billed Lard and Red-Rumped Wheatears.

In the western highlands, including the wooded areas of the north in Zubia, Ajlun and Dibeen, and Dana in the south, the Mediterranean habitats surrounded by open steppe country are home to the Palestine Sunbird, the Upcher’s Orphan and Sardinian Warblers. The more open steppe habitats typically host the Spectacled Warbler, Long-billed Pipit, Black-Eared Wheatear, Woodchat Shrike and Linnet.

The Dead Sea area and Wadi Araba are home to Arabian and African species such as the Sand Partridge, Bar-Tailed Lark, Dunn’s Hoopoe Lark, Little Green Bee-Eater, Blackstart and Arabian Babbler.

Wadi Shu’ayb and Wadi Mujib with their perennial watercourse are dwelling places for the beautiful White-breasted Kingfisher.Themagnificentrockygorges of Wadi Rum, Dana, Mujib and Petra are home to the Griffon Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Hume’s Tawny Owl, Blackstart, different Wheatears, Scrub Warblers, Sinai Rosefinch,HouseBunting,Tristram’sGrackleandtheFan-Tailed Raven 

GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS  

Experience the day to day life of the people around you. Interact with the local community while showing respect for its laws and customs.

Practice a few phrases in Arabic. People will appreciate your efforts. Please is “min fadlak” in Arabic and thank you is “shukran”.

Ask permission before photographing or videotaping persons.

Support the local economy whenever possible by buying local produce.

In hotels, turn off lights and adjust thermostats to conserve energy before leaving your room. 

While Arabic is the official language in Jordan, English is also widely spoken.

When Arabic is written using the Latin alphabet, English spelling is applied. However, these spellings can be interpreted in various ways and the spelling of street addresses, for example, can vary widely.

Speaking Arabic is easier than you might think and attempting a few basic words will gain you respect from the locals and is a good way to break the ice. Jordanians are extremely understanding and will help you whenever they are able.

The following list of useful phrases should help you get started with your introduction to the Arabic language as it is spoken in Jordan. Good luck!

Hello Marhaba

Good-bye Ma’a salameh

My name is Ismee

What is your name? Shoo ismak?

Thank you Shukran

You’re welcome Afwan

Please Law samaht / min fadlak

Excuse me An iznak

What time is it? Edesh el sa’aa?

How much does this cost? Bikaam hatha?

One Waahid

Two Tinain

Three Talaateh

Four Arba’a

Five Khamseh

Six Sitteh

Seven Sab’a

Eight Tamenyeh

Nine Tis’a

Ten Ashra

Where is the restroom? Wen il hamaam?

Left Shmaal

Right Yameen

Straight Dughree

Where? Wain?

Money Masari

Jordan is a land rich in history. Since the dawn of civilization, Jordan has played an important role in trade between east and west because of its geographic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe. It has been home to some of mankind’s earliest settlements and relics of many of the world’s great civilizations can still be found today.

Jordan played a vital role in Roman, Biblical, the early Islamic and Crusader periods. From the moment you arrive, you get a sense of the past. All around are remnants of civilizations long since relegated to the history books, yet they still remain, stamped into the very fabric of this amazing Kingdom and etched into the soul of the people who live here.

From the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, the miracle of the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley, the wonders of the Red Sea and Wadi Rum to the finehotels,shoppingcentresandartgalleriesof modern Amman, Jordan truly is a nation rich in history and culture.

Hop Tours and Travels Pvt Ltd (Mumbai, India)
Egypt Destination Specialist
512-A, Corporate Avenue, Sonawala Cross Road,
Next to Udyog Bhavan, Goregaon (E), Mumbai - 400 063, India
Tel. : +91-22-40582000/02/04/06, Fax : +91-22-67255210