A safe haven in a region of conflict, Jordan has delighted visitors for centuries with its UNESCO World Heritage sites, friendly towns and inspiring desert landscapes. Our Jordan adventure holidays should be high up on everyone’s travel bucket list, check out some of the activities you can experience with us.
1. Float in the Dead Sea
Although it goes by the name “The Dead Sea”, this incredible natural wonder is actually a salt lake, located in the Jordan Rift Valley. It is the lowest point on earth at 430m below sea level and contents of the water are thought to have therapeutic properties and are often used in treatments for skin and joint conditions, as well as in cosmetics.
2. Take a Jeep Ride in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a vast desert landscape of towering sandstone and granite formations. This area is rich in history and culture, with Bedouin tribes still inhabiting the region. The desert's dramatic scenery has served as the backdrop for many films, adding to its mystique. The clear night skies also offer spectacular stargazing opportunities, making it a haven for both adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
3. Explore Petra
Best known for the façade of its iconic Treasury, which famously appeared in the film ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’, the “pink city” of Petra is an entire city carved from the desert rock. Established by the Nabataean people over 2000 years ago, it’s no wonder that this vast city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The entrance to the city is through a Siq, or narrow gorge, which stretches over 1km in length. It is possible to spend days exploring the city’s temples, tombs and collonnaded streets, taking in the beauty of the intricate carvings in its colourful rock.
4. Discover Amman
Built on a series of hills between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley, the capital city of Amman is a unique blend of ancient and modern. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and its ancient past can be seen everywhere, from its Roman ruins and amphitheatre to the Citadel that sits on the city’s highest hill with a history spanning some 7000 years. Meanwhile, Amman’s commercial area is a hub of modernity full of new buildings and hotels, the leafy suburbs boast elegant avenues and crisp white houses, while Downtown is the beating heart of the city, with its many markets, mosques and coffeehouses.
5. Mujib & Dana Biosphere Reserves
Mujib and Dana are two of Jordan’s most spectacular nature reserves, popular with tourists who want to get out and explore their unique landscapes along the many canyons and hiking trails. Mujib Biosphere Reserve is the lowest nature reserve in the world, reaching 410m below sea level where the Wadi Mujib gorge enters the Dead Sea. Its complex river system supports over 300 species of plants, 10 species of carnivores, as well as a wide range of birds. Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan’s largest nature reserve and the only one to comprise four different bio-geographical zones (Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian and Sudanian). As such, Dana is able to support plants and animals characteristic of the desert, of Mediterranean forests and even of the dry plains of Russia.
6. Experience a tour of Jerash
Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world. Walking through Jerash is like stepping back in time, with its impressive theatres, colonnaded streets, and monumental gateways. Highlights include the Oval Plaza, the Temple of Artemis, and Hadrian's Arch.
7. Visit Ajloun Castle
Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century fortress, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a fascinating look into medieval military architecture. Built by the Ayyubids to defend against Crusader attacks, the castle features a complex network of towers, chambers, and galleries.
8. Marvel at Madaba’s Mosaics
Madaba is famed for its intricate Byzantine mosaics, especially the ancient map of the Holy Land housed in St. George's Church. The city's Archaeological Park and Museum feature even more exquisite mosaics, showcasing the artistic achievements of early Christian communities. Madaba's rich cultural tapestry is also reflected in its vibrant Christian community, which adds to the town's unique historical and cultural charm. The detailed and colourful mosaics provide a fascinating insight into the region's history and artistic heritage.
9. Take a Cooking Class
Engage in a culinary experience by taking a cooking class in Amman. Learn to prepare traditional Jordanian dishes such as mansaf, falafel, and knafeh. This hands-on activity provides insight into Jordanian culture through its rich and diverse cuisine. Enjoy the fruits of your labour by sharing a meal with fellow participants, making it a memorable and delicious experience.
10. Snorkel in the Red Sea
Snorkelling in Aqaba is an unforgettable experience, offering access to the Red Sea's vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life. The crystal-clear waters reveal colourful fish and intricate coral formations. Aqaba's stunning beaches and historical sites like Aqaba Fort and the ancient city of Ayla add a cultural dimension to this beautiful coastal destination
TD active Holidays offer small group tours to Jordan which allow you to wander through ancient ruins in Jerash and Aljoun, marvel at the mosaics of Madaba, and discover the secrets of the capital, Amman, with its many museums, bustling markets and historic sites from down through the ages. You’ll also have the chance to experience some of Jordan’s wonderful great outdoors, with hikes in the remarkable Mujib Nature & Dana Reserves, a boat trip to snorkel among the colourful coral of the Red Sea, a 4x4 jeep tour and overnight stay in the desert valley of Wadi Rum, as well as a soak in the healing salty waters of the Dead Sea.
If you would like to get to know Jordan through its people, culture and cuisine, as well as its ancient sites and natural wonders, then you have come to the right place.
