Individual TourPrivate journey
Individual Tour
14-Day Individual TourJordan Fly & Drive
Discover Jordan at an unhurried pace, with extra time in Petra and Wadi Rum before relaxing by the Dead Sea.
One countryJordan
Travel styleSelf-drive journey
Travel periodAvailable year-round
Day 1 – Amman
Departure by scheduled flight to the capital of Jordan, Amman. After arrival, the transfer to the hotel takes place.
Day 2 – Amman – Jerash – Amman
Receiving the rental car in the morning. Today you can discover the vibrant capital Amman. The Citadel used to be the administrative and religious center of the city and is located on a hill overlooking the current city. At the foot of this hill is the Roman amphitheater. The lively souk reflects the atmosphere of the Middle East. A short distance from the capital you will find one of the most impressive sights in the country: the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Jerash! Gerasa, as the city was originally called, was founded in 63 BC on a green plain and had its heyday from the 1st to the 4th century AD. A major earthquake destroyed the city and it disappeared under sand over the centuries until it was discovered in 1806 by the German traveler Seetzen. Since then, excavations have uncovered the remains of the city. Highlights include Hadrian's Gate, built with original stones, the Hippodrome, the Temple of Zeas, the Forum and the Artemis Temple with its impressive Corinthian columns.
Do you have time to spare? Then a visit to Ajloun is also worthwhile. Here you can visit the famous 12th-century desert castle Qala'at ar-Rabat. The surprisingly well preserved frescoes make this castle unique. From the castle you have a wide view of the Golan Heights, the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. After this visit, you will travel back to Amman for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight in Amman.
Day 3 – Amman – desert castles – Amman
East of Amman, in a 260 km loop, are a series of desert retreats built in the 8th century by the Umyyad princes. The caliphs of the Umayyad dynasty who conquered Damascus in 661 AD. Christ partly made use of older architectural structures, combining Greco-Roman, Byzantine and Persian styles. In doing so, they created some of the most impressive examples of early Islamic art and architecture, including remarkable figurative frescoes and reliefs. These structures are known as the 'desert castles'. The 2 most famous castles are Qusayr Amra (UNESCO World Heritage) and Qasr Al Azraq.
The fairly small but special building Qusayr Amra is characterized by its many curves and is built from sandstone blocks. It was once part of a much larger complex, but only the bathhouse of the hunting pavilion has been preserved. Inside you will find well-preserved frescoes.
The black basalt Qasr Amra originally dates from Roman times, but most of what we see now dates from the 13th century. The castle today owes its fame to the fact that Lawrence of Arabia stayed here with his Arab troops in the winter of 1917-1918. During this day you can visit some castles and return to Amman for the overnight stay.
Day 4 – Amman – Madaba – Nebo – Kerak – Dana
Madaba is located 30 km from the capital. In this pleasant town, the remains of the Byzantine St. George's Church were found in 1884, containing the millions of stones of the impressive pilgrim mosaic from 560 AD. show the Biblical places. In this area we also find Mount Nebo, from where Moses is said to have looked out over the promised land after he had wandered through the desert with his people for 40 years. The mountain is an important pilgrimage site for Jews, Christians and Muslims. In clear weather we can enjoy a wide view of the Jordan Valley stretching from the Dead Sea to the Sea of Galilee. Another attraction for today is the crusader castle in Kerak (also possible on the day from Dana to Petra). Arrival at the Dana reserve where you will stay 2 nights.
Day 5 – Dana Biospere Reserve
Today you will spend a full day in nature! Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve, covering approximately 320 square kilometers of mountains and wadis along the edge of the Great Rift Valley. From sand dunes in the west to cool mountain peaks in the east, the reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife. There are plants and animals characteristic of real desert, of Mediterranean forests and of the arid plains of Russia. In fact, Dana is a melting pot of species from three continents: Europe, Africa and Asia. A total of 700 plant species, 190 bird species, 37 mammal species and 36 reptile species have been recorded in the reserve, of which 25 are considered endangered, including the sand cat, Syrian wolf, lesser kestrel and spiny-tailed lizard. The reserve is ideal for walks and treks. The walks start close to your overnight stay and come in various distances and levels. Overnight stay in Dana.
Day 6 – Dana - Petra
Today the driving distance is short. You can take a walk in the morning before going to the pink city of Petra. You will also stay here for 3 nights.
Day 7 – Petra
Petra is without a doubt one of the most special sights in the world and the archaeological city is the reason for many to visit Jordan. The city built into the rocks was rediscovered at the beginning of the 19th century after being untraceable for a long time. Petra was the capital of the Nabataeans, an originally nomadic people who settled in this valley and built the city with splendor from their wealth through trade. There is a lot to see here and you can spend all day here. Via the Siq, a narrow gorge that starts at the visitor center, you walk to Al Khazneh, the Treasury. Al Khazneh is the most famous monument in the ancient city of Petra. Like most of the surrounding buildings in the city, this structure was carved out of a sandstone cliff face. The monumental facade with the characteristic columns and ornaments is Petra's most famous monument and makes a stunning impression on everyone. It was once a funerary temple and the urn contained valuable treasures. Overnight in Petra.
Day 8 -Petra
A second full day for Petra. For example, you can walk to the Cathedral in Petra via the so-called 'backdoor trail' via Little Petra. During this walking tour you will enjoy culture and nature and you will save the 800 steps you have to climb from Petra to see this impressive rock excavation.
Overnight in Petra.
Day 9 – Petra – Wadi Rum
Today you drive to the fairytale Wadi Rum desert.
The desert is known for its red colors and beautiful rock formations and is also called the 'Valley of the Moon'. The remote area is inhabited by a few thousand Bedouins and there is little infrastructure. It ensures that the landscape remains almost untouched. From the overnight camp you can take a 4x4 trip to discover the special landscape. Overnight stay in tent camp.
Day 10 – Wadi Rum
A full day in Wadi Rum! The colors of the sandstone formations are at their best at sunrise and sunset. You can take an early morning walk or camel ride. A day trip with a jeep through the desert also appeals to the imagination. In the evening you can enjoy the starry sky by the campfire. Overnight stay in Wadi Rum.
Day 11 – Wadi Rum – Aqaba
At sunrise you can optionally take a hot air balloon ride. Then you go to the Red Sea. Aqaba is the bustling seaside resort of Jordan. Here you can enjoy the sun, sea and beach and relax from all the impressions you have gained during this trip. Overnight in Aqaba.
Day 12 – Aqaba
Today you can relax all day and enjoy the peace and quiet in Aqaba.
Day 13 – Aqaba – Wadi Mujib – Dead Sea
From the south you drive back towards Amman. Another special place in Jordan that is one of the special features of the country and the world: the Dead Sea.
Day 14 – Dead Sea – Amman
Today you drive back to Amman where you return the car before your return flight.
Included
Part of the program
- Overnight stays in listed hotels (or equivalent) based on: 2 persons room with breakfast
- Rental car from day 2 type C (Hyundai Elentra or equivalent)
- Half board
- Included in car rental:
- Air conditioning
- Unlimited km
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
- Theft insurance
- 24-hour assistance
- CDR (Collision Damage Reduction
Not included
- International flight Amman
- Entrance fees
- Other meals
- Any parking costs
- Additional costs on site: tips, excursions and similar expenses.
Conditions and notes
- Minimum number of persons: 2
- Extension possible, contact Calaio Viajes y Turismo for further information
Hotel Information
Accommodation along the route
Amman · Larsa Hotel · 4-star hotel
A well-kept hotel in a quiet district, approximately 20 minutes by taxi from the centre and well placed for exploring Amman; City Mall is a five-minute drive away.
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi and free hotel parking.
Rooms: Spacious rooms with air conditioning, desk, safe and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
Dana · Dana Guesthouse · 3-star guesthouse
A charming, secluded guesthouse on a cliff in Dana Nature Reserve, with wide views and walking routes starting at the property; Dana village is approximately 1.5 km away.
Facilities: Restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, Wi-Fi and ample parking.
Rooms: Simple rooms with shower, toilet, seating area and terrace.
Petra · Edom Hotel · 3-star hotel
Located in Petra’s tourist area, only 200 metres from the entrance, with shops and restaurants nearby.
Facilities: Buffet restaurant, parking, rooftop terrace and free Wi-Fi.
Rooms: Tidy rooms with desk, air conditioning and bathroom with shower and toilet.
Wadi Rum · Mohammed Mutlak Camp · Tent camp
An atmospheric Bedouin-family camp deep in the desert, approximately 20 km from the visitor centre; guests leave their rental car there and transfer to camp by jeep.
Facilities: Restaurant, picnic area and sun terrace; excursions including jeep safaris are organised from the camp.
Rooms: Simply furnished tents with mattresses, pillows and blankets; bathrooms with showers are shared.
Aqaba · Oryx Hotel · 4-star hotel
A comfortable hotel in central Aqaba within walking distance of the promenade.
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool and Wi-Fi.
Rooms: Comfortable rooms with air conditioning, safe and flat-screen television; bathrooms have a bath or shower, toilet and hairdryer.
Dead Sea · Dead Sea Spa Hotel · 4-star hotel
Located on the shore of the Dead Sea, 420 metres below sea level; approximately 45 minutes by car from Amman and one hour from Amman International Airport.
Facilities: Three restaurants, two bars, several swimming pools, fitness facilities, an extensive spa with treatments, Wi-Fi and parking.
Rooms: Spacious rooms with seating area, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, balcony, air conditioning, safe and satellite television; bathrooms include a bath or shower, toilet and hairdryer.
Country Information
Practical country information
Jordan
General
Jordan, officially the Kingdom of Jordan, was formerly part of the Ottoman Empire until 1917.
Jordan, with its capital Amman, has a turbulent history that continues to this day.
A trip to Jordan offers many possibilities.
Location
Jordan, officially the Kingdom of Jordan, is a country in the Middle East. Jordan is situated to the east of Israel and the West Bank (part of the Palestinian Territories), bordered by the Jordan River and the Dead Sea (a salt lake). To the north, it borders Syria, Iraq to the northeast, and Saudi Arabia to the southeast. Access to the Red Sea is available via the Gulf of Aqaba. The capital is Amman.
Climate
The summers in Jordan are without exception warm to hot, sunny, and dry. The temperature for Jordan rises in the summer from 30°C to 37-41°C. The winter period, which runs from December to early March, is mild and less dry than the summer.
Religion
There is freedom of religion in Jordan, and since the introduction of the constitution in 1952, Islam has been the state religion in Jordan. Approximately 92% of the total population is Sunni and 3% Shia; about 5% are Christian.
Food and drink
The cuisine is varied and shows influences from Turkish and Greek cuisine.
Muslims can eat or do anything that is halal without restriction. For example: eating meat products from ritually slaughtered permissible or allowed species; eating all vegetables, fruit, bread, and other grains.
A lot of rice, dates, chicken, fish, lamb, nuts, falafel (made with chickpeas, among other things), and salad are eaten. Very tasty are mansaf (lamb with yogurt and rice), magloubah (rice, various vegetables, and chicken or meat), shawerma, and the various mezze (appetizers).
Shai, the black and sweet tea, is the national drink par excellence. During your trip through Jordan, you will be offered quite a few cups of tea. This shai is served in small glasses.
Alcohol is served in large hotels, bars, nightclubs, and in some restaurants with a liquor license. This is often very pricey, especially in tourist areas. It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public.
Drinking water
Tap water in Jordan is not drinkable. Only drink soft drinks from bottles and do not use ice cubes. Avoid vegetables or fruit that have been washed in unboiled water. Also boil tap water before using it for cooking. For example, use only boiled water or bottled water for brushing teeth and cleaning contact lenses.
Electricity
Jordan has 220 volts. You can usually use devices with a flat plug normally. For other devices, bring a universal adapter or a 3-pin plug.
Time difference
During our summer time, it is 1 hour later in Jordan
Language
Arabic is spoken in Jordan; it is the official language. However, English is also spoken by a part of the population.
Hello: mrhban مرحبًا
Yes: naeam نعم
No: raqm رقم
Thank you: shukran شكرا لك
How are you? Kayf halika? كيف حالك؟
Luggage and clothing
There are no special clothing requirements for Jordan, but there is something to keep in mind: because day and night temperatures in Jordan can differ quite a bit, it is useful to always have a cardigan, sweater, or jacket at hand.
It is, especially for women, more respectful to cover yourself. Not from head to toe, but at least your shoulders down to your knees. The local female population wears both Eastern and Western clothing. A woman in jeans or a dress is completely normal. Additionally, there are many women walking around shrouded in the long black chador, in some cases also with a fully veiled face.
For all our trips, you are allowed to bring one suitcase per person with a maximum weight of 20 kilos on the coach. This regulation may therefore differ from the rules of the airline operating your flight. Nowadays, the rules and dimensions for checked baggage and hand luggage vary by airline and by destination. You can find the current rules per airline on the website of the operating airline(s). If you are using a domestic flight, different baggage conditions apply. Check the current rules of the relevant airline.
Passport, visas and customs regulations
To travel to Jordan, you need a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Both Dutch and Belgian travelers need a tourist visa for Jordan. You can easily arrange this visa upon arrival at the airport in Jordan. Therefore, arranging a visa in advance in the Netherlands or Belgium is not necessary.
Dutch and Belgian driving licenses are valid in Jordan, including when renting a vehicle. Please note: rental companies may have specific requirements. For example, a minimum or maximum age, or a minimum number of years the license must have been held. Sometimes rental companies require an International Driving Permit (IDP); therefore, it is recommended to bring a Model 1949 IDP just to be safe.
Photography and Filming
The use of a camera or video camera in museums and at tourist attractions is usually permitted. Never photograph military locations, buildings, or border posts. This is not advisable in any country. Be careful when photographing the local population; ask for permission first, as that is the polite thing to do.
Money Matters
The currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). There are 1000 fils in one dinar.
Credit cards
Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Please note that a PIN code is increasingly required for credit card payments or cash withdrawals. Therefore, request this PIN code from your credit card company or bank in advance.
Exchanging money
Exchange money only at authorized exchange offices and/or upon arrival at Amman Airport.
Tips
It is customary to give a tip in Jordan. Consider a tip of approximately 20%.
The guide, driver, and chambermaid also greatly appreciate a tip.
Health
Medically speaking, Jordan is better off than a number of other countries in the region.
Large hospitals can be found in the major cities. Not all facilities meet Western standards. Emergency and specialized care falls below our standards. Sometimes this is not available at all. Medical staff usually speak little or no English.
Bring a small travel first-aid kit containing, among other things, iodine, plasters, antiseptic wipes, and remedies for fever, diarrhea, constipation, insect bites, sunburn, and possibly a remedy for motion sickness. Also consider a tick remover, thermometer (unbreakable), ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts, for dehydration), and vitamin tablets. For hygiene while traveling, include a bottle of disinfectant gel and antiseptic wipes.
Doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals
Bring special medicines with you in ample quantities (in their original packaging) or ask your doctor for a prescription. It is advisable to bring your own travel first-aid kit with regular medicines.
In case of illness, you can go to a hospital in the cities. Most embassies have a list of good hospitals and clinics, as well as the names of general practitioners, specialists, and dentists. Please note that you may have to pay cash for medical care. In the event of hospitalization, contact your insurance company immediately so that they can arrange for payment.
European Medical Passport
It is useful to bring along the European Medical Passport, a document that can help you avoid many problems in urgent situations. The passport is written in eleven languages, allowing the healthcare provider (abroad) to easily look up the patient's details, illnesses, conditions, and medication use. It also states who the treating physician is and who can be notified in urgent cases. The medical passport is available from, among others, your GP, the Travel Doctor, pharmacy, and the Municipal Health Service (GGD).
Travellers' fitness
To participate in our group trips, it is necessary that you are in good mental and physical condition and fully self-reliant. Regular walks take place over mostly uneven terrain.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not mandatory but are certainly recommended. You can ask your GP or the GGD for further advice regarding vaccinations.
Opening hours
Many shops are open seven days a week and have extended opening hours, with the occasional lunch break.
Restaurants
Most restaurants are open between 08:30 – 23:30.
Mail, internet and telephone
Internet:
In rural areas, coverage may sometimes not be optimal. Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, and sometimes you are required to pay a small fee for it. Increasingly, pubs and cafes in cities are also offering free internet.
Telephone:
Generally, you have reasonable mobile coverage in rural areas. Check with your provider in advance regarding roaming costs. You can also buy a prepaid SIM card from a local provider on the spot. Calling via Skype from an internet café is also convenient. International access code: 962.
Public transport
It may not be the most obvious way to explore Jordan, but using public transport is perfectly feasible. Although we normally do not consider taxis to be public transport, they will be taken along here. In Jordan, taxis are very common and not expensive. Other forms of public transport include buses; however, there is often no real schedule or the driver does not stick to it. The bus leaves when it is full! There are no passenger trains.
Safety
Jordan is a relatively safe country to travel in. Although crime is rare, it is wise to keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
Travel only if necessary in the 10-kilometer zone along the border with Syria and Iraq.
Do you need immediate assistance in Jordan? Then contact the local emergency services:
General emergency number: 911 (from mobile 112)
Cultural Heritage and UNESCO
- Petra
- As-Salt
- Baptism Site “Al-Maghas”
- Quseir Amra
- Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa’a)
- Wadi Rum
National holidays
The main holidays of Jordan are: Tree Day (January 15), Abdullah's Birthday (January 30), Arab League Day, Labor Day, Lailat-ul-Meraj, Ramadan, Celebration of the Great Arab Revolt, The day King Hussein ascended the throne.
Dutch Embassy Amman
Abu Bakr Siraj Ad-Din str.3, Noord Abdoun, Amman 11194, Tel: +96 265902200
Jordanian Embassy The Hague
Badhuisstraat 79, 2587 CD The Hague, Tel. +31 70 4167200
Belgian Embassy Jordan
Jabal Amman, 4th circle (near the first ministry), Saad Juma str. 17, 11118 Amman, Tel: +962 6 4655730
Jordanian Embassy Brussels
Franklin Rooseveltlaan 104, 1050 Brussels, Tel: +32 26407755
Extras
Optional additions
Travel Insurance
Protect your trip with suitable travel and cancellation insurance.
Tour Highlights
