About Jordan

For decades Jordan has been one of the most diverse places, it gathers people and welcomes them, regardless of their ethnicity, religious or reasons of visiting.

Jordan is located in the Middle East and borders Syria, Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea, Palestine, and Iraq. J0rdan is a spectacular land of culture, scenery, history and people. This tiny Arab Kingdom has encountered difficulties; in terms of wars and conflicts in the past, and numerous ethnic groups passed through it. Thus, the effects of many of the world's great civilizations can still be seen today.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is blessed with its antiquity sites that rank amongst the most spectacular in the world. It has delighted tourists for centuries with its world heritage sites, friendly towns and inspiring desert landscapes.  One of the new Seven Wonders of the World Petra; the unique rose- red city, Jerash and its outstanding residues, the incredible beauty of Wadi Rum, and last but not least the lowest point on earth the Dead Sea, just to name a few, all of that and much more are waiting for you to visit.

All you can see, from the Desert to the Sea click here.

What to do in Jordan

The NAMES Conference 2016 Committee would like you to enjoy the conference and encourages you to take advantage of your stay in Jordan. Explore the beauty of our historical yet delightful destinations with options for several tours.

Please note that the tours are to organized by a tour operator in Jordan and not by NAMES nor the Conference’s host, the Children’s Museum Jordan.  Bookings and payments are to be made with the operator directly through the email addresses provided.

For tours bookings, please contact any of the following:

1. Ms. Nancy Turjuman (Nancy.turjuman@petratours.com)
2. Ms. Dareen Halasa (Dareen.Halasa@petratours.com)
3. Mr. Abdallah Alico (Abdallah.Alico@petratours.com)

Petra Site Visit

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient city of Petra is one of Jordan's main treasures and its best known tourist attraction. Located about three hours South of Amman, Petra is the Legacy of the Nabataens; an industrious Arab people who settled in south Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Much of Petra's appeal comes from its spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert valley. From the main entrance the visitor travels on foot through the awesome "Siq", a massive breathtaking crack in the stone.

• 08:00 – Departure from your hotel in Amman, transfer to Petra via Desert highway.
• 11:00 – 16:00 site visit with local guide for 2-3 hours (From the entrance to Qasr al Bint, near Basin Rest).
• Rest of the day at leisure to visit monuments in the lower city or climb up the 800 steps to the Monastery.
• 16:30 – Meet your driver at the exit, near the visitors’ center.
• 16:30 – 19:30 Transfer back to your hotel in Amman.

Excursion Jerash

Only half an hour drive north of Amman is the Graeco-Roman city of Jerash (Gerasa in ancient times), which boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. The site is now generally acknowledged to be one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world compromising paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples and spectacular theatres.

• 10:00 – Departure from your hotel in Amman, transfer to Jerash  
• 11:00 – 13:00 Jerash site visit with local guide  
• 13:00 – 14:00 Transfer back to your hotel in Amman

Excursion Umm Qais – Jerash

Umm Qais, situated 110 km north of Amman on a broad promontory 378 meters above sea level with a magnificent view over the Yarmouk River, the Golan Heights, and Lake Tiberius, this town was known as Gadara.

• 09:00 – Departure from your hotel in Amman, transfer to Jerash 
• 11:00 – 13 :00 Visit Jerash 
• 13:00 –14:00 Transfer to Um Qaiss 
• 14:30 – 15:30 visit Um Qaiss
• 16:00 – 18:30 Transfer back to your hotel in Amman

Excursion Jerash & Ajloun

The road to ‘Ajloun, located 25 kilometers west of Jerash and 73 kilometers from Amman, winds through fertile green hillsides lined with olive groves. The main attraction in ‘Ajloun is the stronghold of Qala’at al-Rabadh, a fine example of medieval Arab/Islamic military architecture. The castle was built between 1184-85 CE by the nephew of Salah Eddin al-Ayyubi the great Muslim commander who waged a successful campaign to recover lands lost to the invading Crusaders.

• 09:30 – Departure from your hotel in Amman, transfer to Ajloun
• 10:30 – 11:30 Castle visit
• 11:30 – 12:15 Transfer Ajloun – Jerash
• 12:15 – 14:15 Jerash site visit with local guide
• 14:15 – 15:15 Transfer back to your hotel in Amman

Excursion Madaba & Mt. Nebo

Madaba (the city of Mosaics), which has been intermittently inhabited for nearly 3,500 years. The chief attraction in this city is a wonderful vivid 6th century Byzantine mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Also there are hundreds of other mosaics scattered throughout Madaba's churches and homes. Mount Nebo, the memorial to Moses and the presumed site of the prophet’s death. From the platform in front of the church one can enjoy a breath-taking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.

• 09:30 – Departure from your hotel in Amman, transfer to Madaba
• 10:30 – 12:00 visit Madaba (St. George church) and Mt. Nebo
• 12:00 – 12:45 Transfer back to your hotel in Amman

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is only 45 minutes’ drive from Amman. It’s one of the most spectacular natural and spiritual destinations. It is the lowest point on earth; in addition it’s the world’s richest source of natural salt. The way to The Dead Sea is surrounded by astonishing landscape and arid hills, which could be from another planet.

Excursion Bethany – Dead Sea

• 09:30 – Departure from your hotel in Amman, transfer to Baptism site
• 10:00 – 12 :00 Baptism site visit
• 12:00 – 12:30 Transfer Baptism site – Dead Sea Spa hotel
• 12:30 – 15:00 Free Time at the Dead Sea
• 15:00 – 16:00  Transfer back to your hotel in Amman

Excursion Dead Sea

• 09:30 – Departure from your hotel in Amman, Transfer to the Dead Sea
• 10:30 – 13:30 Free Time at the Dead Sea Spa Hotel
• 14:00 – 15:00  Transfer back to your hotel in Amman

Amman City Tour

Amman is the modern and ancient capital of Jordan, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the World. The city's modern buildings blended nicely with the remnants of ancient civilizations. The profusion of gleaming white houses, kebab stalls with roasting meat and tiny cafes where rich Arabian coffee is sipped in the afternoon sunset and most importantly its diverse cultured citizens make it one of the best places to visit.

• 09:30 – Departure from your hotel in Amman, Transfer to Amman, panoramic view Abound district
• 10:00 – 12:00 Visit of the Citadel & Archeological Museum, Roman Theater and Folklore Museum
• 12:00 – 13:00 Time at leisure down town Suq or Jabal Amman
• 13:30 – 14:00 Transfer back to your hotel in Amman

To find more about what you can do in Amman in terms of activities, food, gifts and much more please click here.

Services Included

• A/C car with English speaking driver for 1-2 pax
• A/C 7 seater minivan with English speaking driver 3-4 pax
• Entrance fees to the sites
• Local guides in Jerash & Petra only
• Short horse ride in Petra
• Current applicable taxes

Services not included

• Lunches en route
• Personal expenses
• Carriages, Camels, Donkeys in Petra
• Customary tips & gratitude for the driver, local guides, horse boy in Petra

Prices are in USD per person, inclusive current government taxes and service charge.

Payment Policy

Full payment of tours is required one month prior to arrival.

Credit Card Procedure

• We need a scanned copy of credit card (front and back), credit card authorization form filled and signed by card holder and copy of his passport.
• Credit card authorization form is attached.
• Please note that on total invoice amount we add a charge of 3% merchant fees for Credit Card Company.

To know more about Jordan and places to visit please click here.