Jordan is a truly exceptional country combining beauty, history, modernity and diversity. With its unique East meets West charm, Jordan is easily one of the most compelling destinations for those seeking adventure, recreation, the discovery of new cultures, and leisure or relaxation. With a graceful reverence for the past – revealed in its lovely architecture and Old World traditions, and an excited celebration of the present – with its many modern amenities and attractions, Jordan offers a the ideal travel experience, with something for everyone! Here are a few popular attractions we recommend for visitors to the region:
Petra: Amongst the many unique destinations that you can explore, the ancient city of Petra ousts every other. Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, this second-century marvel is a stunning ancient metropolis carved from rose-colored sandstone. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and named one of the 28 Must-See Destinations Before you Die, Petra is a highly recommended stop for all travelers. While every city has a past, Petra has rich history that is certain to intrigue. The city houses intricate tombs and temples carved into rich pink sandstone cliffs, earning its nickname, the “Rose City.”
Wadi Rum: The remarkable drive from Petra to Wadi Rum is your first clue that something special is on the horizon. Nicknamed the Valley of the Moon, this lunar-like landscape is everything you would expect from a desert and much more. From the gorgeous painted sunscapes casting a pink-orange glow on the rolling sand dunes and rocky cliffs, to the ink black night sky, littered with a million shimmering white stars, this necessary journey can be a truly unforgettable experience.
This magnificent location also plays host to a number of Hollywood movie shoots, from classics like “Lawrence of Arabia” to more recent films such as, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and Matt Damon’s “The Martian,” amongst others. Finally, completing your travel in Jordan’s Golden Triangle in the south you should visit the city of Aqaba, it is one of prettiest coastal towns in the Middle Eastern region offering staggering views of the Red sea, reputed for its resort-like setting.
Dead Sea: The Dead Sea is the lowest point on dry land. One of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world, the Jordanian east coast of the Dead Sea has evolved into a major hub of both religious and health & wellness tourism in the region. Its famously hypersaline water makes floating easy, and its mineral-rich black mud is used for therapeutic and cosmetic treatments at area resorts.
Ma’in Hot Springs: The Ma’in Hot Springs are a series of hot mineral springs and waterfalls located between Madaba and the Dead Sea. Popular with both locals and tourists alike, the springs are located 264m below sea level in one of the most breathtaking desert oases in the world! These mineral-rich hyper-thermal waterfalls originate from winter rainfalls and are heated by underground lava fissures, creating incredibly relaxing springs that attract thousands of bathers every year. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
Jerash: A close second to Petra on the list of favorite destinations in Jordan is the ancient city of Jerash, which is considered one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world (outside of Italy). Jerash lies on a plain surrounded by hilly wooded areas and fertile basins. Conquered by General Pompey in 63 BC, it came under Roman rule and was one of the ten great Roman cities of the Decapolis League. Hidden for centuries in sand before being excavated and restored over the past 70 years, Jerash reveals a fine example of the grand, formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle East, comprising paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates.
All in all, Jordan has an endless supply of wonderful new experiences for residents and tourists alike. With gorgeous beaches, seaside resorts, exotic desert wilderness and a wide array of ancient temples and monuments… it’s a city of countless treasures for every taste. And for students interested in Islamic culture and history, you will find many Islamic landmarks, such as historical Mosques, Maqamat Al ’Anbiya’ & Al Sahaba (Shrines of the Prophet (PBUH) & of the Companions), Cave of the Seven Sleepers “Ahl Alkahf” (site of the well-known Qur’anic story), Ajloun Castle (Salahuddin’s famous castle), Yarmouk (the site for one of the famous battles of early Islamic history), The Prophet’s (PBUH) Tree or The Blessed Tree (Famous tree near which the Prophet (PBUH) met the monk, Bahira). On the other hand you might be interested visiting Mount Nebo and the Baptism of Jesus. To know more about Jordan, we encourage prospective students to visit the official website of The Jordan Tourism Board. The options for an avid traveler are endless, so be sure to get out and explore during your stay!
If you want to embrace a truly multicultural experience, the Zikra Initiative should be on your list. This innovative initiative brings together people from different cultures and backgrounds to join with the locals to build mutually beneficial relationships. Visitors can arrange to spend a day with a local family, usually in more rural areas of the country, where they will be invited into people’s homes, learning how to weave, bake bread, cook local food – and listening to stories about their lives (translated for non-Arabic if speakers). There may also be the chance to hike in the surrounding hills, or help out picking tomatoes on village farms. This is a truly powerful and fulfilling experience and we urge our students and visitors to get involved.
To enable our students to enjoy a variety of linguistic, cultural, spiritual, and historical activities, we organize trips to different locations in Amman, as well as other famous cities in Jordan. For some students, we are able to facilitate visits to Jerusalem (Al-Quds) and travel for doing Umrah (as long as Visa and other requirements are met). Once you become a student at Wafid Institute, we will be sure to keep you informed of these opportunities. At Wafid, we believe that having this truly holistic travel experience is an integral part of effective language learning. Exposure and immersion into the lives and traditions of the local people gives students a unique cultural awareness they would not otherwise develop in a traditional classroom setting. If you need to know more about traveling in Jordan, feel free to contact our Administration desk. We are more than happy to assist.
