Amman Tawfiq

Amman – A City of Contrasts
Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a vibrant city where ancient history meets modern energy. Known in ancient times as Rabbath-Ammon and later Philadelphia, it is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with evidence of settlement dating back to the 8th millennium BC. The city is famously built on a series of hills, or "jabals," each offering its own distinct character . At its heart lies the historic downtown, home to the magnificent 2nd-century Roman Theatre and the imposing Citadel, which houses the Temple of Hercules and the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Today, Amman is a bustling economic and cultural hub, blending its rich heritage with contemporary cafes, art galleries, and a vibrant culinary scene, making it a captivating gateway to the wonders of Jordan.

Main Attractions:

·       King Abdullah I Mosque:
Amman's iconic blue-domed mosque stands as a welcoming landmark open to non-Muslim visitors. Built as a memorial by King Hussein to his grandfather, its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere offer a unique glimpse into Jordanian faith and culture. The mosque includes a small Islamic museum and can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers.

·       The Jordan Museum:
Jordan's national museum houses the country's most treasured artifacts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the 9,000-year-old 'Ain Ghazal statues—among the oldest human representations ever discovered. Its galleries span from prehistoric times to the modern era, offering a comprehensive journey through Jordan's rich cultural heritage.

·       The Roman Theater:
Carved into the hillside of downtown Amman, this magnificent 2nd-century amphitheater once seated 6,000 spectators for Roman entertainment. One of the Middle East's largest surviving Roman theaters, its impressive structure now houses three museums within its ancient walls.

·       Jordan Folklore Museum:
Housed in the western wing of the Roman Theater, this museum brings traditional Jordanian life to life through displays of Bedouin tents, agricultural tools, musical instruments, and handicrafts from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

·       Museum of Popular Traditions:
Located in the eastern wing of the Roman Theater, this museum showcases five galleries of traditional costumes from Jordan and Palestine, intricate jewelry, Byzantine church mosaics, pottery, and everyday utensils from bygone eras.

·       Jordanian Museum of Traditional Costumes and Jewelry:
A specialized collection within the Roman Theater complex dedicated to the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional clothing, textiles, and silver jewelry from Jordan and Palestine.

·       Nymphaeum:
Just steps from the Roman Theater stand the remains of Amman's grand 2nd-century public fountain. Once featuring a 600-square-meter pool adorned with carvings, mosaics, and statues, it testifies to the wealth of ancient Philadelphia, as Roman Amman was known.

·       Amman Citadel:
Crowning one of Amman's seven hills, this ancient site has been continuously occupied for over 7,000 years. Its sprawling grounds encompass Roman ruins including the Temple of Hercules, early Islamic remains of the Umayyad Palace, and Byzantine church foundations—all with sweeping views over the city below.

·       Jordan Archaeological Museum:
Perched within the Citadel, this museum established in 1951 displays artifacts spanning Jordan's long history, including Neolithic plastered skulls and ancient jewelry, all with panoramic views of Amman as a backdrop.

·       Grand Husseini Mosque:
Amman's oldest mosque stands as a central downtown landmark rebuilt in its current form in 1932. Its striking pink-and-white stone architecture makes for a perfect photo stop amidst the bustling market atmosphere of Al-Balad.

·       Habibah Sweets:
A legendary downtown institution that has served generations of Ammanis, Habibah is famous for its traditional knafeh—warm cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup, topped with crunchy orange dye and pistachios. No visit to Amman is complete without sampling this quintessential Jordanian treat.

·       Rainbow Street:
The vibrant heart of modern Amman, this bustling thoroughfare is lined with sidewalk cafes, contemporary art galleries, boutique shops, and rooftop terraces offering panoramic city views—perfect for experiencing Jordan's capital at its most cosmopolitan.

In Summary of Your Day:
Your full-day Amman journey takes you from the iconic Blue Mosque through Jordan's national treasures at The Jordan Museum, before descending into the heart of the Roman Theater with its three fascinating museums. After exploring the ancient Citadel overlooking the city, you'll wander through bustling downtown markets, pause at the historic Grand Husseini Mosque, and savor sweet knafeh at legendary Habibah—offering a perfect blend of ancient history, local culture, and authentic Jordanian flavors.

Itinerary

Day Tour: Amman City Tour

• Activity: Private guided tour in Amman – "Culture, Citadel & Cuisine"
• Start Time: 9:00 A.M. (recommended)
• Total Driving Distance: ~ 25 km (15 miles) within the city
• Duration: 7–8 hours

Morning – Royal Welcome & Jordan's Story

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your private guide and driver. They will escort you for the entire duration of the tour, from hotel pick-up to final hotel drop-off.

King Abdullah I Mosque:
We begin our day with a visit to Amman's iconic blue-domed mosque, openly welcoming to tourists. Here, you will admire its stunning architecture and learn its significance as a memorial built by King Hussein to his grandfather.

The Jordan Museum:
From the mosque, we continue to the Jordan Museum, Jordan's national museum. Inside, you will explore exhibits home to the Dead Sea Scrolls and the 9,000-year-old 'Ain Ghazal statues—among the oldest human representations ever discovered. 

Midday – Roman Grandeur & Downtown Delights
The Roman Theater Complex:
Next, we descend into downtown Amman to explore one of the Middle East's largest 2nd-century Roman amphitheaters. Your ticket grants access to three fascinating museums within the complex:

• Jordan Folklore Museum: Discover traditional Jordanian life through Bedouin tents, agricultural tools, and handicrafts.
• Museum of Popular Traditions: View traditional costumes, intricate jewelry, Byzantine mosaics, and pottery.
• Jordanian Museum of Traditional Costumes and Jewelry: Admire a specialized collection of traditional clothing, textiles, and silver jewelry.

Nymphaeum (Exterior Stop):
Just steps from the theater, we pause to view the remains of this grand 2nd-century Roman public fountain, once adorned with carvings, mosaics, and statues.

Lunch Break:
Following our exploration of the Roman complex, time will be allocated for lunch at a local downtown restaurant (optional and not included in the tour price). Your guide can assist with authentic recommendations.

Afternoon – Citadel Views & Sweet Treats
Amman Citadel + Jordan Archaeological Museum:
After lunch, we ascend to Amman's historical heart—the Citadel—occupied for over 7,000 years. Here, your guide will lead you through:

• Temple of Hercules: Roman ruins with massive standing columns.
• Umayyad Palace: Early Islamic palace remains with a domed audience hall.
• Byzantine Church Remains.
• Jordan Archaeological Museum: Displays artifacts spanning Jordan's history, with panoramic city views.

Downtown Market Walk:
From the Citadel, we descend into bustling Al-Balad to wander through vibrant souks, including the gold market and spice stalls, soaking in the authentic local atmosphere.

Grand Husseini Mosque (Exterior Stop):
As we continue through downtown, we pass by Amman's oldest mosque—a striking downtown landmark perfect for photos.

Habibah Sweets:
No visit to Amman is complete without indulging in legendary knafeh—warm cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup—at this beloved local institution.

Hotel Drop-Off:
After a full day of exploration, your guide will escort you back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

:: Thank you for choosing to explore Jordan with us ::

Highlights of Your Day:

·        Private Full-Day Journey: Enjoy the personalized experience of having your own dedicated guide and driver from the moment you leave your hotel until your return.

·        King Abdullah I Mosque: Visit Amman's iconic blue-domed mosque, a welcoming landmark open to non-Muslim visitors, and admire its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

·        The Jordan Museum: Discover Jordan's rich history and culture, with artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era.

·        The Roman Theater Complex: Explore one of the Middle East's largest 2nd-century Roman amphitheaters, with access to three fascinating museums within its ancient walls.

·        Three Museums in One: Discover traditional Jordanian life at the Folklore Museum, admire intricate costumes and jewelry at the Museum of Popular Traditions, and view exquisite textiles at the Costumes and Jewelry Museum.

·        Amman Citadel: Wander through 7,000 years of history atop Jabal Al-Qal'a, where the Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, and Byzantine ruins stand side by side with panoramic city views.

·        Downtown Amman (Al-Balad): Wander through the bustling souk markets (like Souq Al-Balad and the gold market), soak in the local atmosphere, and see the city's historic center

·        Habibah Sweets: Indulge in legendary knafeh—warm cheese pastry in sweet syrup—at Amman's most beloved sweet shop, a local favorite for generations.

Notes: 

• Prices are per person (adult and child), in USD and are inclusive all taxes.
• This tour departs daily from Amman, subject to availability.
• This is a private guided tour with pickup and drop-off at your Amman hotel.
• An advance full payment is required to complete and confirm this booking.
  
  

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Important Notes:

• Premium Comfort: To ensure a more comfortable and luxurious experience with better views, this tour is operated with a private Premium Business Class Van “Business Vans “.
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), camera, and your passport/ID.
• Fitness Level: A moderate level of fitness is required due to walking at archaeological sites over uneven terrain. Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible. For wheelchair-friendly tours or transfers, please contact us.
• Entrance Fees: If you have purchased a Jordan Pass, please remember to bring it with you. It covers entrance fees to all sites in this tour except King Abdullah I Mosque and The Jordan Museum.
• Dress Code: Modest dress is required for visiting King Abdullah I Mosque (shoulders and knees covered; women will be provided with robes).
• Tuesday Closure: Please note that The Jordan Museum is closed on Tuesdays. If your tour falls on a Tuesday, an alternative visit (such as the Royal Automobile Museum, additional time at the Citadel or shopping on Rainbow Street) can be arranged.
• Friday Hours: On Fridays, King Abdullah I Mosque is closed to tourists, and The Jordan Museum operates from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Your guide will adjust the itinerary accordingly.
• The local currency: is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). It is advisable to have cash on hand.
• Site Visits: Your guide may adjust the order of visits based on timing and local conditions to ensure the best possible experience.

Price Includes:

• Private guided service: A licensed Professional English-speaking guide will accompany you for the entire day, from hotel pick-up to hotel drop-off.

·        Private transportation: Air-conditioned Premium Business Class Van with a professional driver.

·        Hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman.

• Bottled water on board.

Price Excludes:

• Entrance fees.
•  Lunch, and beverages and any personal expenses
• Gratuities Gratuities (tips) for drivers, guides, etc. (expected).
• Travel insurance (highly recommended).
• Any items or services not mentioned in the "Included" section.