Karen’s Trip To Jordan
When I was asked to participate in this trip, I was met with a few comments such as “Is it safe?” and “What are you going there for?”
The answers, are to highlight a few of the negative questions; and yes, it is completely safe. The Jordanianpeople were friendly and welcoming.
I travelled on Bmi, from Heathrow direct to Amman which was a very comfortable flight with in-flight entertainment and complimentary drinks. Visas were approx 20 Jordanian dinars = £18 unless there are a group of five or more travelling there and back together.
On arrival in Amman, we were transferred to the 5-star Marriott in Amman located in Shmeissani. Rooms were spacious and clean with a health club, and indoor and outdoor pools (outdoor one closes October to May).
The following morning after a hearty breakfast, weset off with our guide Graith (who throughout the trip became a wealth of knowledge and expertise) to Kerak.
Kerak boasts a Castle which was constructed during the reign of Crusader King Fulk of Jerusalem to protect the lucrative trade routes between Jordan and Arabia. After the visit to the castle, we head on a 2.5 hour journey to Petra in fully air-conditioned modern coaches, with cold water provided complimentary for guests.
We checked into the Marriott at Petra,which has stunning views overlooking Petra Valley. It is relatively small by Marriott standards – only a hundred or so rooms.
We first did Petra by candlelight that evening, which was a real adventure, walking over the cobbles in the dark with only the stars and candlelit pathway to guide you. This is about a 2 hour excursion in all.
The next day we did Petra by day (commonly known as the ‘rose-red city’). The walk along the “siq” – a huge niche in the Nubian Sandstone – was over large cobbles and special created pathways, until we reached the “ Treasury” which was the main focal point here, although there was so much more to see, including the monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice. It is an amazing place to visit. You feel as if you are on location on a film set (IndianaJones and the Temple of Doom was filmed here by the way).
The following morning we had a drive of approx 1.5 hours to Wadi Rum, which is a moonscape of ancient valley and sandstone mountains, and another famous film “Lawrence of Arabia” was shot here. This excursion involves a 4×4 jeep ride and a traditional Bedouin meal of lamb and rice, which was absolutely delicious. The amount of wildlife and birds you can see here is amazing, from the Sinai rose-coloured finch (the Jordanian national bird) to red foxes, snakes, gerbils to name a few species. It can be quite dusty and very hot here, so hats and sunglasses are a must.
The next day we were on the move again to the Dead Sea, and the group couldn’t wait togo to see what 400-metres below sea level would be like, and to float on top of the water covered in mud (it is a must do, once in a lifetime experience). Sadly I didn’t come out of there looking10-years younger!
Our hotel here was the Marriott which has views over the sea towards Palestine. We dined in the Italian restaurant which proved to be excellent cuisine and very filling. The Kempinski Hotel is just next door with a much more low-key ambience. The Marriott had a live band on a few evenings a week, which I found to be very popular with the guests. The spa here, full of Dead Sea products, was also a big hit. After checking out, we were treated to a visit to the Graeco-Roman city of Jerash (sometimes referred to as the ‘Pompeii of the East’). It was beyond belief to think we were walking around a place that was built 2000-years ago, and still standing (unlike the modern buildings of today). There were various temples, arches and churches on this site and a great museum which was fascinating to say the least. The final leg of my journey was back to Amman for one night.
The last day consisted of a walking tour around the city, taking in the local lifestyle such as the mosque, the vegetable markets, the gold souks and atmosphere. This was a must to conclude my time in Jordan.
The last evening was spent at the swanky Four Seasons Amman, which in my opinion was the crme de la crme of hotel chains.
The rooms were massive and the bathroom products were L’occitane, unless you were in a suite where you had Bulgari products. The staff were all immaculately dressed and it was quite apparent that attention to detail was their forte.
I advise any client interested in cultural tours to visit the splendour that Jordan has to offer. If you would like to ask me any questions about my trip, please email me karen@lowcostdeals.co.ukor if you wish to discuss a group or a private tour please email for advice on what we can offer you for your holiday needs.
