Take the Family holiday rating 
| Capital City | Amman |
|---|---|
| Flying Time | 5.00 hours  |
| Carbon Footprint | 3.18 tonnes CO2 |
| Timezone | GMT +2 |
| Local Currency | Jordanian Dollar |
We think families can have a fantastic adventure in Jordan as long as they prepare well.
For centuries the deserts of Arabia have held a special fascination for Western travellers. From the ancient Roman city of Jerash, which has survived an incredible 2,300 years, your family would head south on an escorted adventure trip. Using 4WD vehicles to explore the towering sandstone landscapes of Wadi Rum you’ll camp, Bedouin-style, under vast, star-filled skies. Turning north you'll visit Petra, the superb ‘pink city’ of the Nabateans which was hewn by hand from solid rock; your two-night stay gives you plenty of time to explore the site. Next is one of Jordan’s great natural treasures, Dana Nature Reserve. This little-known reserve aims to protect endangered wildlife such as ibex, gazelle and red fox among its incredible system of wadis and mountains. After exploring Kerak – a key staging post for the Crusaders – you descend to the lowest point on Earth, the incredible Dead Sea, where you'll swim in its salty and amazingly buoyant waters – an amazing end to an amazing trip.
You will, however, need to take into account some basic conditions during the trip (especially in Wadi Rum), the heat if you travel in the summer and the cold at night, and general ‘culture shock’.
Jordan’s climate is generally hot and dry. Spring and autumn are usually considered the best time to visit – temperatures during the day and at night are less extreme. Little rain falls between May and September, when temperatures range from a low of around 18°C to a high of 32°C, and usually higher. Away from the western plateau, in the desert areas of Wadi Rum and the north, summer temperatures can soar to the high 40’s falling at night to 10°C, and lower. Most rain falls from September to December and can be heavy.
take the plane
British Airways offer non-stop flights to Amman in around five hours. If you're happy to stop enroute then there are numerous other options – you'll need to balance convenience with budget. Time in Jordan is an hour ahead.
On an adventure itinerary you would spend five nights in comfortable hotels, a night in a resthouse and one night camping.
An adventure trip to Jordan would provide the following experience:
Roman Cities & Desert Sands
First you'll savour the magical atmosphere of Roman Jerash, which has survived an incredible 2300 years. You’ll then travel south, deep into the majestic desert at Wadi Rum, following in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia and sleeping out under the stars or in a Bedouin-style tent.
Petra, Dana Reserve & Dead Sea
Continuing to Petra, you approach through a narrow siq (gorge). This ancient Nabatean city, hewn out of solid pink rock, was made famous by the film ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’.
You have lots of time to explore before heading the short distance to Dana Nature Reserve. Here you'll find one of Jordan’s best kept secrets and natural treasures – a series of wadis and mountains extending from high plateau to desert lowland. After exploring the reserve you'll drive to the imposing Crusader castle at Kerak to wander its now-deserted corridors and dungeons, before descending to the lowest place on earth for the finale of your trip – a float in the salt-laden waters of the Dead Sea.
Jordanian food is a form of Arab cuisine. Lamb and chicken dishes are popular (the national dish is mansaf, whole lamb cooked with a yogurt sauce and served on rice), often accompanied by yogurt, bulgur, eggplant, tomatoes, rice or bread. Garlic and mint are the most common seasonings.
Flight inclusive prices on adventure trips start at £799 for adults (£669 for children). An adult can enjoy a decent three-course meal for around £8.
by Hugh Finlay
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A comprehensive guide to Jordan.
Spend eight days discovering the wonders of Jordan. Without Peter Andre! More
* per adult per 8 day trip, including flights, accommodation, transport and some meals.
Jordan Infant Adventure visiting the amazing ancient city of Petra and fun in the Dead Sea More
* from £949 per adult, from £789 per child, for 7 nights including flights, transfers, and some meals.
