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Daytrip to Petra (1 day)

Petra was the impressive capital of the Nabataean kingdom from around the 6th century BC. The kingdom was absorbed into the Roman Empire and became an important centre for trade and commerce, Petra continued to flourish until a catastrophic earthquake destroyed the city in 106 AD. The ruins remained hidden to most of the world until the Swiss explorer, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, infiltrated the Bedouin-occupied city in 1812. Since that time, Petra has become by far Jordan's largest tourist attraction, partially due to the exposure by the Steven Spielberg movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, in 1989.

The only modes of transport allowed within Petra are on two or four feet (camel, donkey, or horse). When entering Petra, there is a brief hike down towards the Siq, a winding sandstone canyon. Horses will be available for travel to the entrance of the Siq, or you can choose to take a horse-drawn buggy down to the Treasury. The prices for such rides are not set and are extremely negotiable, depending on one's bargaining abilities.

JETT buses, both ordinary and all-inclusive guided tour, connect to Amman. And of course you can take an organized tour. A taxi is also an option. For approximately 75 JD or less you may be able to get a private taxi from Amman to Petra and back, including the driver waiting around for 6 hours.
There is only one restaurant in all Petra. For hot and cold drinks, there are a number of stalls and vendors. Shade is sparse in Petra, and on a hot summer day you can expect to go through at least 4 litres of water.
Petra is an archaeological park, so the entrance fees are considered fairly steep compared to other Jordanian attractions. Visitors can purchase tickets at the Visitor's Centre for 33 JD/person for a one-day pass

Floating in the Dead Sea (½ day)

The surface of the Dead Sea is over 415 meters below sea level. The Dead Sea has some of the saltiest water on earth, with 33,7% salinity. That is 8,6 times as salty as the ocean. The Dead Sea is completely landlocked and it gets saltier with increasing depth. There are no fish or any kind of swimming, squirming creatures living in or near the water.
Because of the extremely high concentration of dissolved mineral salts in the water its density is way more than that of plain fresh water. What this means is our bodies are more buoyant in the Dead Sea - so you bob like a cork. In fact, people are so buoyant in this water; it makes it tough to actually swim. So it’s really nice to float in the water and read your newspaper.
A taxi services to the Dead Sea will cost approximately 20JD if you hail a cab from down town, most hotels charge 35JD for the same service. Many of the local hotels and resorts have shuttles that travel from Amman to the Dead Sea as well. The entrance fee for the public tourist beach (Amman Beach) is 15 JD.

Roman architecture in Jerash (½ - 1 day)

Jerash, located 48 kilometres north of Amman is considered one of the largest and most well preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside Italy. It is a close second to Petra on the list of favourite destinations in Jordan. You can see many colonnaded streets, baths, theatres, plazas, arches and temples. It takes about two hours to the entire site.
When exploring the ruins, wear sensible clothes and appropriate, comfortable and supportive footwear. Also, during the summer months, wear a hat, sunglasses and keep a supply of fresh drinking water with you at all times.
The Jerash Heritage Company has started daily-ticketed performances of the Roman Army and Chariot Experience at the hippodrome in Jerash. The show runs twice daily, at 11 am and 3 pm (2 pm during the winter), except Fridays. It features forty-five legionaries in full armour in a display of Roman Army drill and battle tactics, ten gladiators fighting “to the death” and several Roman chariots competing in a classical seven-lap race around the ancient hippodrome. For more information, click here.

You can get a bus from the North station in Amman, but you can take a taxi for 35JD to Jerash as well, including 2 waiting hours.

Rainbow Street (2 hrs)

In the historic area of Jabal Amman you will find an interesting area to walk around and explore, Rainbow Street. It is named after the old Rainbow Cinema, which is now out of use. The area has been recently experiencing a revival with many of the old houses being restored and put into use.
In the area are some nice cafes and bars including Books@cafe and Wild Jordan both with great views. You will also find a Turkish hammam, some interesting small shops and the Royal Film Commission which sometimes holds outdoor screenings on its patio and.

Al Pasha Turkish bath (3 hrs)

If you like to escape from the hustle in Amman, you should visit Al pasha Turkish bath. Turkish baths are not very common in Amman, but as soon as you set foot into the bath area of Al Pasha you will experience a sense of serenity.
This bathhouse is housed in an old house in Amman's oldest neighbourhood, on Mahmoud Taha Street, opposite the Ahlia girls' school. When coming from 1st Circle along Rainbow Street, it's the fifth street on the right.
The full service includes steam bath, sauna, Jacuzzi, scrubbing, a 40-minute massage and two soft drinks, all done in a superb building architecturally faithful to the tradition of a Turkish hammam. The whole treatment will take about two hours.
There are men-only hours; women-only hours and you can book ahead as a mixed group or a couple. Call for details: 06-463 3002. Price for a treatment is 25 JD.


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Language of the world

Of course you like to speak a few words of the local language onboard the plane or at your destination. Here you find some simple basics of the main language spoken in Amman.