Jordan

In mid-January 2023, me and my friend made a trip to Jordan.  Air tickets from Vienna to Agaba were very cheap, only CZK 1,500. The flight took around 3.5 hours. Before going to Jordan, check your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the end of your trip. With shorter validity, you will not be let into the country. We went through passport control during which we were asked how long and where we would stay. After that, we got the stamp and could continue.

DAY 1

We had arranged pick-up from the airport to our accommodation, but most people take a taxi or rent a car. Our driver was very kind and explained everything to us during the journey. My first question was if it was safe there and the answer was: Yes, madam. Very safe. This calmed me down. It took approximately an hour to get to the place called Wadi Rum – desert. When getting out of the car, we both had to look at the sky full of stars, something what is impossible to see in a city. It was magical. We were accommodated in a ball-shaped tent with a small terrace. We visited a tent of our host who invited us to original Bedouin tea which we tried for the first time. Then, he escorted us to a tent where dinner was served. After dinner, we took a short walk around our tent enjoying the night sky and looking forward to the next day.

DAY 2

We woke up to a beautiful but freezing morning. Although the air conditioning was on the whole night, the heat was leaking out as the tent was made of cloth. The view of the desert and nearby mountains cheered us up a little bit. After breakfast, we had a Jeep Tour. We were offered three options according to length: two, three or four- hour tour. Not having much time, we decided for the shortest one, two-hour tour. Our driver was very nice and drove really slowly. He took us to different places that were special in something. After two hours, we returned back to the camp, where our driver from the airport was waiting for us, and he took us to the two hours away town of Wadi Musa, the place of the famous historic and archeological town called Petra. We checked in and went to the city to try local falafel.

DAY 3

We began the day with breakfast at the very top of the hotel with a view of Petra. After breakfast, we walked to the Visitor center. There is the main entry to Petra and if you have Jordan pass, that has to be printed (do not forget to print it in advance), you can buy tickets there. One ticket is CZK 2,500. When we entered, suddenly plenty of vendors with camels and donkeys surrounded us and offered us a ride on animals. We categorically denied it but there were tourists who really paid for it. When walking the route, you can see various rock buildings. However, the biggest one, The Treasure, is 2.5 km far from the entry. You have to go through the Siq and at the end, you will see the view well-known by almost everyone from postcards. When you go through the Treasure, you will see the Theater, the only one in the world that is carved into the rock. It can take in approximately 4,000 people. We walked 20 km that day.

DAY 4

As we had the last day to spend in Petra, we went out earlier. That turned out to be a good idea, because there were much less people than the day before. We wanted to see Petra from above. We passed the Siq, Treasury and Theater and on the left, there was a small hill with royals’ tombs. On the left, there were stairs leading to the top of rocks. The route was long, and the sun was shining on a big part of it. On the top, there was a tent where we could buy some tea, but we did not want to waste our time. We just took a few photos and went back. When walking, you are truly surprised how big the town was. During its biggest prosperity, there were up to 40,000 inhabitants and some of the buildings are well-preserved. We walked 14 km that day.

DAY 5

We left the town at 9 AM. A driver drove us to the airport in Aqaba and we waited for our flight back home. If you are interested in a detailed itinerary with prices and tips on meals and accommodation, just send me an e-mail.