Jordan Tour Packages – Classic Jordan

• Country:Jordan
• City:Amman
• Area:89,342 km²
• Weather:34°C, Wind
• Local time:4:10 PM
• Currency:Jordanian dinar
• Language:Arabic
• Population:6.459 million

General Information About Jordan

Jordan, an Arab nation on the east bank of the Jordan River, is defined by ancient monuments, nature reserves and seaside resorts. It’s home to the famed archaeological site of Petra, the Nabatean capital dating to around 300 B.C.E. Set in a narrow valley with tombs, temples and monuments carved into the surrounding pink sandstone cliffs, Petra earns its nickname, the "Rose City.”

The land that became Jordan is part of the richly historical Fertile Crescent region. Its history began around 2000 B.C., when Semitic Amorites settled around the Jordan River in the area called Canaan. Subsequent invaders and settlers included Hittites, Egyptians, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arab Muslims, Christian Crusaders, Mameluks, Ottoman Turks, and, finally, the British. At the end of World War I, the League of Nations as the mandate for Palestine and Transjordan awarded the territory now comprising Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem to the United Kingdom. In 1922, the British divided the mandate by establishing the semiautonomous Emirate of Transjordan, ruled by the Hashemite Prince Abdullah, while continuing the administration of Palestine under a British High Commissioner.

The mandate over Transjordan ended on May 22, 1946; on May 25, the country became the independent Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan. It ended its special defense treaty relationship with the United Kingdom in 1957. Transjordan was one of the Arab states which moved to assist Palestinian nationalists opposed to the creation of Israel in May 1948, and took part in the warfare between the Arab states and the newly founded State of Israel. The armistice agreements of April 3, 1949 left Jordan in control of the West Bank and provided that the armistice demarcation lines were without prejudice to future territorial settlements or boundary lines. In 1950, the country was renamed the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to include those portions of Palestine annexed by King Abdullah. While recognizing Jordanian administration over the West Bank, the United States maintained the position that ultimate sovereignty was subject to future agreement.

. Jordan signed a mutual defense pact in May 1967 with Egypt, and it participated in the June 1967 war between Israel and the Arab states of Syria, Egypt, and Iraq. During the war, Israel gained control of the West Bank and all of Jerusalem. In 1988, Jordan renounced all claims to the West Bank but retained an administrative role pending a final settlement, and its 1994 treaty with Israel allowed for a continuing Jordanian role in Muslim holy places in Jerusalem. The U.S. Government considers the West Bank to be territory occupied by Israel and believes that its final status should be determined through direct negotiations among the parties concerned on the basis of UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338. The 1967 war led to a dramatic increase in the number of Palestinians living in Jordan. Its Palestinian refugee population-700,000 in 1966-grew by another 300,000 from the West Bank. The period following the 1967 war saw an upsurge in the power and importance of Palestinian resistance elements (fedayeen) in Jordan. The heavily armed fedayeen constituted a growing threat to the sovereignty and security of the Hashemite state, and open fighting erupted in June 1970. No fighting occurred along the 1967 Jordan River cease-fire line during the October 1973 Arab-Israeli war, but Jordan sent a brigade to Syria to fight Israeli units on Syrian territory. Jordan did not participate in the Gulf war of 1990-91. In 1991, Jordan agreed, along with Syria, Lebanon, and Palestinian representatives, to participate in direct peace negotiations with Israel sponsored by the U.S. and Russia. It negotiated an end to hostilities with Israel and signed a peace treaty in 1994

Jordan has since sought to remain at peace with all of its neighbors. King Hussein ruled Jordan from 1953 to 1999, surviving a number of challenges to his rule, drawing on the loyalty of his military, and serving as a symbol of unity and stability for both the East Bank and Palestinian communities in Jordan. In 1989 and 1993, Jordan held free and fair parliamentary elections. Controversial changes in the election law led Islamist parties to boycott the 1997 elections. King Hussein ended martial law in 1991 and legalized political parties in 1992. King Abdullah II succeeded his father Hussein following the latter's death in February 1999. Abdullah moved quickly to reaffirm Jordan's peace treaty with Israel and its relations with the U.S. Abdullah, during the first year in power, refocused the government's agenda on economic reform. King Abdullah II is the only monarch to ever appear on the American TV series Star Trek: Voyager. Jordan's continuing structural economic difficulties, burgeoning population, and more open political environment led to the emergence of a variety of political parties.

Moving toward greater independence, Jordan's Parliament has investigated corruption charges against several regime figures and has become the major forum in which differing political views, including those of political Islamists, are expressed. In June 2001, the King dissolved Parliament. Parliamentary elections were held in June 2003 and municipal elections were held in July 2003. The King dissolved the government in October 2003, appointing a new Prime Minister and ushered in an unprecedented three women and several young technocrats as ministers. The cabinet declared its commitment to accelerated economic and political reforms.

Amman

Amman, the capital of a modern, safe, and friendly city. No more than a five hour drive from anywhere in the country, it is a convenient place to base your tour from. Known as Rabbath-Ammon during prehistoric periods and later as Philadelphia, the ancient city that was once part of the Decapolis league, now boasts a population of around 1.5 million. Often referred to as the white city due to its canvas of white stone houses, Amman offers a variety of historical sites including the Citadel and the magnificent Roman Theatre.

Petra

Petra is considered the most famous and gorgeous site in Jordan located about 262 km south of Amman and 133 km north of Aqaba. Petra is the treasure of ancient world, hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, boasting incomparable scenes that make it the most majestic and imposing ancient site still-standing nowadays. It has been said "perhaps there is nothing in the world that resembles it", actually, for sure, there is nothing in the world that resembles it. The rock-carved rose-red city of Petra is full of mysterious charm, it was "designed to strike wonder into all who entered it".

Madaba

Madaba is situated on the king's highway, at a distance of 40 Km south of Amman. It is famed for its mosaics dating from the Byzantine era, many of which are located in private homes, discovered when owners dug the foundations. The map of the holy land at St. George's church dates from the 6th century AD and is the most preserved of its kind in the world, its clarity and precision helped archaeologists discover many other important sites in Jordan and the West Bank. Also found in this marvelous town is the Church of the Apostles.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is one of the truly most breathtaking experiences of Jordan. Stunning in its natural beauty, the famous Wadi Rum epitomises the romance of the desert. With its "moonscape" of ancient valleys and towering sandstone cliffs, Wadi Rum is home to several Bedouin tribes living in camps throughout the area. Climbers are especially attracted to Wadi Rum because of its sheer granite and sandstone cliffs, while hikers enjoy its vast empty spaces. Adventurous visitors may explore the area via four-wheel driving, excursions, on camel caravans or simply hiking on foot. The desert sunsets of Wadi Rum are unbeatable.

Mukawir

Mukawer is the mountaintop fortress, now called Mukawir, commands panoramic views over much of the Dead Sea and the hills of Palestine and the Holy Land. This dramatic hilltop is the traditional site of the execution of John the Baptist (pbuh). It lies less than 20 km southwest of Madaba at the King's Highway on a stark promontory (720 m), overlooking the Dead Sea and protected on three sides by deep ravines.

People Of Jordan

The majority of Jordan’s 4.4 million people are Arabs descended from the various tribes that have migrated to the area over the years from all directions. In addition, there are Circassians, descendants of Muslim refugees from the Tsarist Russian invasion of the Caucasus in the 19th century, and a much smaller group of Chechens. Jordan also has a small Armenian population. More than 92% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims, and about 6% are Christians who live mainly in Amman, Madaba, Karak and Salt. The majority of Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, but there are also Greek Catholics, a small Roman Catholic community, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox and a few Protestant denominations found mostly in Amman. Several small Shi’a and Druze populations can also be found in Jordan. Jordan values its diverse population, and has consequently provided for the cultural rights of all its citizens. All of Jordan’s ethnic and religious groups have full freedom to form and participate in their own clubs, associations, schools or places of worship. Ethnic groups are also free to teach their own languages. The tradition of tolerance and appreciation for diversity has long been a hallmark of Hashemite Jordan and it has helped to provide a stable social foundation on which to build the country./p>

When to go

For a small country, Jordan has an extraordinary range of climates. The best time to visit climate-wise is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the daytime temperatures aren't too extreme. April is probably the best month, when temperatures are warm and wildflowers are in bloom. March can be cold and rainy in the north but is balmy by the Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea. Average daytime maximum temperatures in Amman range from 12.6°C in January to 32.5°C in August. Winter can be surprisingly cold. Snow in Amman is not unheard of (even Petra gets the occasional fall) and the deserts can be freezing, especially at night. Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and a windproof and waterproof jacket. Aqaba is the one exception, with average daytime maximum temperatures of around 20°C in January, and is quite a hit with deep-frozen northern Europeans during winter. In high summer (July and August) the weather in the humid Jordan Valley is extremely oppressive - it feels like you're trapped in an airless oven - with suffocating daytime highs well in excess of 36°C

It's also fiercely hot in the desert (including Wadi Rum), though this is a dry heat and thus easier to deal with. The tourist authorities usually plan festivals (such as the Jerash Festival) for the summer period. If you do visit in summer, come well prepared with a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing. The month of Ramadan is a time when visitors should not eat, drink or smoke in public during the day so it's a tricky time to visit. Eid al-Fitr, the great celebration at the end of Ramadan, is a fun time to visit but it's best to bunker down for a few days because public transport is heavily booked and hotel rooms are sometimes hard to find, especially in Aqaba. Note: Also that most of the excellent ecotourism projects operated in Jordan's Dana, Wadi Mujib and Ajlun nature reserves only operate between April and October.

Weather

Climate in Jordan is conditioned partly by altitude, with the lowest areas such as the Jordan Valley and Gulf of Aqaba suffering from the worst summer heat and humidity. The higher central and northern areas, in contrast, can be quite cold in winter (November to February).

Currency Of Jordan

The basic unit of currency in Jordan is the dinar, typically called JD (Jordanian dinar or JOD) in the expat community. (Note that some other countries in the region call their currency dinar also). The exchange rate of the dinar changes little, if at all, against the US dollar, unless the government of Jordan decides to revalue or devalue. The rate has been JOD .708 per US$1.00 (JD 1.000 = US$1.412) for some time.

For units smaller than a dinar you will hear the words:

fils - there are 1,000 fils in a dinar piastre - there are 100 piastres in a dinar - a piastre is 10 fils qirsh - equal to a piastre The government is in the process of phasing out fil coinage. Older coins say fils, newer coins of the same size say the equivalent number of piastres. The older fils coins do not have numerals on them. The value is written in English script but can be very difficult to read. Learn the sizes. The newer piastre or qirsh coins do have Arabic numerals (that is the number as written by Arabs), plus the value spelled out in English. This will help you learn the Arabic numerals for 1, 5 and 0. Coins come in 1 dinar, 1/2 dinar, 1/4 dinar, 100 fils (10 piasters), 50 fils (5 piasters), 25 fils (2.5 piasters), and 10 fils (1 piaster). Paper money comes in 1/2, 1, 5, 10 and 20 dinar denominations. They vary in size and color, but it is possible to mix up the 1 and 10 if you are not careful

Nightlife Of Jordan

In Jordan, there is a lot to do after dark. Nightclubs throb to the beat of modern music, attracting the young fashionable crowds while the more traditional establishments offer Arabic music and dance. Many international restaurants also provide live entertainment. Amman has many cinemas which screen all the latest movie releases. There are also theatres and concert halls that have regular performances of stage shows, music concerts and ballets on their agenda

Night Clubs & Bars

pistachio cafe Jordan Greatly design café with night parties! And highly respected place for all kinds of people! Nice music and services! Especially SHEESHA hookah.

Nye Night Club

Amman, Amman Region, Jordan A must visit place if your in Amman

Al Jaoud Hotel Lounge / bar

Irbid, Jordan A really chilly lounge/bar with loads of students, all very open minded and easy going. The ideal place to meet young Jordanians.

Nai Bar

Amman, Amman Region, Jordan Top choice for the nights in Amman

Arab Tower Hotel (Burj al Arab)

Amman, Amman Region, Jordan The Arab Tower hotel located in Amman downtown the enchanting city in Jordan featuring a wide range of The Arab Tower.

Hotel Hisham

Amman, Amman Region, Jordan Hisham Hotel enjoys its central location in Amman's business and diplomatic area. It's brilliantly positioned within a walking distance of the old city center

Dar Nour

As Silah, Jordan This traditional Moroccan house, named Dar Nour, refurbished in 2010 with typical decor and furnishings as well as mod cons, is located in a charming cul-de-sac just.

Hotel Bellevue

Amman, Amman Region, Jordan The Belle Vue Hotel Amman, with its futuristic design, is one of the newest hotels in town. The Hotel is located in the heart of the Jabal Amman area, the hub of the.

Bdeiwi Hostel & Hotel

Amman, Amman Region, Jordan AN EXCELLENT THING THAT WE OFFER 25% DISCOUNT ON ROOMS PRICES AS WE ARE NEW MANAGEMENT HERE.

Cliff Hotel

Amman, Amman Region, Jordan The city of Amman is a mixture of traditional and modern: embracing an international and culturally diverse vision. In the earthy kinetic chaos of downtown is the heart.

Language Of Jordan

The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken especially in the cities. Many Jordanians have travelled, or have been educated abroad, so French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken, but to a lesser extent. When Arabic is written in Jordan using the Latin alphabet, English spelling is applied; however, these spellings can be interpreted in various ways - the spelling, for example, of street addresses can vary widely. For this reason, the sounds of the words are a much better guide than the spelling. Speaking Arabic is easier than you might think; attempting a few basic words will gain you respect from the locals and is a good way to break the ice. The Jordanian people are extremely understanding and will help you whenever they are able.