Situated between notorious neighbors Israel and Iraq, Jordan is a Middle Eastern destination on the rise. Though small in size, Jordan is home to big adventures and draws thousands each year seeking to check off spectacular bucket list items. Add to that its numerous historic and religious sites, delicious cuisine and well known local hospitality, and Jordan becomes one country that can cater to every traveler’s style. But if you’re short on time and long to experience the wonders of Jordan, here are a few highlights that will give you enough to create memories yet leave you craving more.
Day 1:
Book your journey using Jordan Tracks, once you arrive into the capital of Amman by early afternoon, your driver will pick you up and head straight to the Four Seasons Amman. Located between the prestigious Al Sweifiyah residential area and the Shmeisani financial district, luxurious five-star hotel is in the heart of Jordan’s bustling capital city and just what you need after a long haul flight. After you freshen up, take a trip down Rainbow Street and indulge in some shopping, food and people watching. Foodies should be sure to hit up the local street food shops and bakeries to try falafel, shawarma, and fresh-from-the-oven fatayer (samosa-like pastries) and mannoushi (flatbread topped with zaatar).
Day 2:
Get up early and start the trek along the King’s Highway towards Petra. One of the 7 original world wonders, Petra was made world famous after becoming the setting of the Holy Grail’s home in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Petra’s most famous attraction, the Treasury, is a favorite among bucket list seekers. Be sure to take a donkey or camel (or walk the 800 steps) up to the smaller Treasury for great views. After you’re done playing Indiana Jones, head to the Movenpick Resort Petra to drop your bags and take a quick dip in the pool before getting your chef on at Petra Kitchen, where you’ll learn to make traditional Jordanian cuisine.
Day 3:
Rise and shine and meet your driver for a ride out to Wadi Rum. Meet local Bedouins who will warmly invite you into their village and take you out for a camel or 4×4 ride through the desert to learn about how they live, do some rock climbing, enjoy a light picnic, sandboard and take stunning photos before heading to your luxury camp for the night. Once at your luxury camp, join your new Bedouin friends for dinner and music under the stars. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Day 4:
Enjoy once last meal and selfies with your new friends before getting back on the King’s Highway. Pull up to the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Ishtar and enjoy a welcome drink before making your way down to your next bucket list adventure, the Dead Sea. Bordered by boy Israel and Palestine, the Dead Sea is 1,407 ft below sea level and is the lowest elevation on Earth. It is 9.6 times as salty as the ocean, making it one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, that saltiness is also why it is nearly impossible for you to sink in its waters. Grab a newspaper and take a cheesy photo of you floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea for the ‘gram, then cover yourself in its mud and rinse off in the water to give yourself the best body scrub ever. Trust me. If you’re up to it, take a quick trip to the site where John baptised Jesus Christ, located just a short half hour drive away from the hotel.
Spend the rest of the day resting up for your flight home the next morning, totally in love with Jordan, and plotting your return.
Danielle T. Pointdujour is a Senior Editor for EBONY and JET. You can follow her writing, musings and global adventures on her blog Hotel Whisperer and on Twitter and Instagram.
