Jordan by Exotik

A well-travelled bridge between sea and desert, east and west, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a land of mesmerizing beauty and contrasts, from the Jordan Valley, fertile, ever changing, to the remote desert canyons, immense and still. Visitors can explore splendid desert castles, gaze in awe at the haunting wilderness of Wadi Rum, or bathe in the restful waters of the Red Sea. Images of the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, carved from the rock over a thousand years ago, will leave you with a lasting impression of this wonderful land.

Cities

Amman

Amman, capital of Jordan, was originally built on seven hills, but it now spans over an area of nineteen hills (each known as a Jabal, Tál, Mount or Mountain). The main areas of Amman gain their names from the hills and mountains on whose slopes they lie. Much of Amman’s tourism is focused in the older downtown area, which is centred around the old souk (a colourful traditional market) and the King Hussein Mosque. Main sights to visit include Jabal Amman, a known touristic attraction in old Amman, where you can find the capital’s greatest souks, fine museums, ancient constructions, monuments, and cultural sites. Also, the Citadel hill of Amman, known as Jabal al-Qal’a, is home to the Temple of Hercules which is said to have been constructed under the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius who reigned from 161 to 180 AD. It has been inhabited for centuries, important as a military and religious site. It dates back to Roman and Byzantine times, and later work was carried out in the early Islamic era. You may also see the Roman forum and the Roman theatre – the largest theatre in Jordan – with room for 6,000 spectators. Thought to have been built between 138 and 161 AD by the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, it is constructed into the side of the mountain and is still used for sports displays and cultural events.

Petra

Petra, the fabled “rose red city, half as old as time”, was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 due to its breathtaking grandeur and fabulous ruins. Entering through the Siq is a dramatic and atmospheric introduction to the ancient city. You come out the other side of this passage at The Treasury, a rock-cut temple that’s the most-photographed part of the site due to its starring role in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The next big thing to do is to hike up 822 steps carved out of the mountain to the Monastery building – its large, intricately carved façade and views looking out over the surrounding valleys are stunning. Other things to see include the pillars of the Hadrian Gate and the Cardo beyond it – a long street that was once the ancient city’s main thoroughfare. The rock-face holds the carved-out tomb of Nabatean ruler Uneishu, as well as other fantastical tombs named the Obelisk, Urn and the Silk Tomb. The ‘street of facades’ also holds smaller tombs that were used by less rich families.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, also called the Salt Sea, is a salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east, and Palestine and Israel to the west. It’s the deepest hyper saline lake in the world. This salinity makes for a harsh environment in which animals cannot flourish, hence its name. The Dead Sea seawater has a density of 1,240 kg/m³, which makes swimming similar to floating. The Dead Sea area has become a major center for health research and treatment for several reasons. The mineral content of the water, the very low content of pollens and other allergens in the atmosphere, the reduced ultraviolet component of solar radiation, and the higher atmospheric pressure at this great depth each have specific health effects. For example, persons experiencing reduced respiratory function from diseases such as cystic fibrosis seem to benefit from the increased atmospheric pressure.

Language

Arabic and English

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.  Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 962 Concerning national calls made in Jordan, it is not necessary to dial the 962 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 962 and finally the local phone number in Jordan.

Useful links