Jordan Travel Specialist | Expert & Bespoke Trips

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Steven Callas, Travel Agent in NorthBrook, IL

Steven Callas

NorthBrook, IL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Steven Callas

NorthBrook, IL · 3 Years of Experience

Gilded Travels LLC, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(18)
100% Recommended
I never would have picked Mallorca as a vacation destination. My wife likes the beach, I like adventure. Gilded Travels created the perfect one-week itinerary that... Read More >
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Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Jordan, Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, Dead Sea

Interests:

Historical Sites, Archaeology, Religious, Adventure, Wellness

About Me

Petra, Jordan
Petra, Jordan

Jordan has been on a lot of people's bucket lists for years, and the ones who finally go almost always say the same thing: they wish they had done it sooner. Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, the King's Highway biblical sites, and Amman all fit into a compact geography that is easy to move through. What it takes is a clear sequence, well-located properties, and a solid knowledge of the routing. Jordan travel done well is less about knowing the sites exist and more about the right order, the right start times, and where to stay the night before Petra.

VISITING JORDAN: WHAT KIND OF TRIP ARE YOU PLANNING?

Jordan draws very different kinds of travelers. Here is where most clients find themselves.

  • The Faith-Based Pilgrim: This trip has been on your heart for a long time, and you want it to feel right. The Baptism Site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Mount Nebo, the mosaic church in Madaba, and the Crusader castle at Kerak are the anchors this itinerary is built around. When visiting Jordan for a pilgrimage, the pace matters as much as the places.

  • The Bucket-List Historian: Jordan is a full historical sweep for you, not just one site. Jerash north of Amman and Umm Qais on the far northwestern edge, where the Roman ruins look out over the Sea of Galilee, are as much a part of this trip as Petra itself. Two nights in Wadi Musa, starting with Petra by night and a full day to reach the Monastery trail, with a stop at Little Petra on the way in, is how this itinerary is built.

  • The Active Adventurer: You are here for Wadi Mujib's gorge trail, a night in a Wadi Rum desert camp, and a sunrise hike before the heat builds. Aqaba for Red Sea diving makes a clean final chapter before flying home. The seasonal window matters more here than anywhere else in Jordan, and I sort the timing before planning starts.

  • The Family Traveler: You want a real trip with your kids, not a resort stay with a day tour bolted on. Petra as a canyon city carved by an ancient desert civilization lands differently for a ten-year-old. Add a mosaic workshop in Madaba and a Dead Sea Jordan float near the end, and every member of the group has something that was meant for them.

  • The Wellness Traveler: You are here to slow down, and the Dead Sea is the right place for it. The better resort properties offer mineral spa programs and an atmosphere that makes going offline easy. A night in the Dana reserve before the drive south, with its canyon trails and near-total quiet, sets the right tone before you reach the water.

WHAT MY CONTACTS IN JORDAN MEAN FOR YOUR TRIP

My local network covers the ground in ways a booking platform cannot. Licensed Petra guides who specialize in Nabataean history. Concierges at the better Dead Sea Jordan properties who hold spa bookings that fill weeks out. Wadi Rum guides who know exactly where to place your camp at the right time of morning. When something shifts on the ground, it gets handled before it reaches you. For clients with complex schedules or situations requiring discretion, that proactive layer is where the real difference shows up.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How much time do people actually need in Petra?
A:
Two nights in Wadi Musa. One full day covers the Siq and the Treasury. A second morning opens up the Monastery trail and the Royal Tombs, which most people who rushed it wish they had not skipped.

Q: Do cards work in Jordan, or do I need cash?
A:
Cards work fine in Amman and the major hotels. In smaller towns like Wadi Musa and Madaba, cash is the practical default. Jordanian dinar is easy to pick up at Queen Alia Airport on arrival.

GET STARTED ON YOUR JORDAN ITINERARY

The best Jordan trips take some honest conversation about what you want from the trip. Let's have that conversation.

Additional Languages
Greek

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
18 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 18 reviews

A perfect Mallorca experience
Reviewed By Makis S. - Deerfield, IL | Traveled to Balearic Islands ~ Spain ~ Europe
I never would have picked Mallorca as a vacation destination. My wife likes the beach, I like adventure. Gilded Travels created the perfect one-week itinerary that had us exploring the beautiful beaches, hiking through rustic mountain villages, and dining at incredible restaurants on the island. No day felt too full or too empty. It was the perfect balance. Neither of us felt like we needed a "vacation from our vacation." I definitely recommend Steven and Gilded Travels and will be using them again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
10/10 recommend- WORTH IT!
Reviewed By Tina K - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Patagonia ~ Argentina ~ South America
Steven was amazing to work with. I’m an anxious traveler and he made the process so easy! I’ve always wanted to go to Patagonia but didn’t even know where to start. Steven took control and created an itinerary for me that I could’ve never done myself. We worked together to tweak it a bit and next thing you know I’m climbing a glacier in Argentina! 10/10 recommend his services- WORTH IT!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Dream Trip
Reviewed By LBACE - Mishawaka. IN | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
My wife and I worked with Steven for a trip of a lifetime in Greece. Steven went out of his way to provide service in recommending destinations, things to do and activities at each island we visited. We enjoyed incredible accommodations while exploring Greek culture, food and beverage. This was a memorable journey, which wouldn't have been so easy without his assistance. we highly recommend Steven for help in planning your getaways!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Trip of a lifetime!
Reviewed By Nancy P. - Arlington Heights, IL | Traveled to Europe
My husband and I planned an ambitious European trip and Steven made it happen. He was able to take our wishes and plan an itinerary which we thoroughly enjoyed. He worked with us as we fine tuned our plans, gave us options to choose from, and answered all of our questions. We were grateful that prior to our trip he checked in to be sure we had taken care of the items we needed to handle. During our trip we experienced a train delay which caused us to miss a connecting train and Steven was able to give us guidance so we could reach our destination. It was a pleasure to work with Steven, he showed real interest in our plans, and checked in once we returned. Thanks Steven!
Steven Callas responded
"It was such a pleasure to help craft this trip for you! Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to planning another trip for you in the future!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Gratitude for an excellent experience
Reviewed By Russ H. - Orlando, FL | Traveled to Jordan | Middle East
The balance was perfect; a fantastic mix of planned activities and personal time to explore. The meetings to pre-plan the trip were concise, helpful and relevant. Lots of great moments. Petra and Bethany by the Jordan were both highlights. It exceeded my expectations.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

Certified Leisure Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several key components including: Sales and Service, Cruise Sales, Destination and Lifestyle Knowledge,  Programs and Preferred Supplier Knowledge. This is a two year study program.
Jordan Adventure Travel Master certificate

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

Client Testimonials

Steven is your man for Japan!!
Steven was very professional with a great attention to detail. He carefully listened to what we wanted from our first trip to Japan, and he delivered! There were 3 of us traveling and he was able to plan an itinerary that met all our expectations.
Mario H. - Chicago, IL
Dream trip to Greece
My wife and I worked with Steven for a trip of a lifetime in Greece. Steven went out of his way to provide service in recommending destinations, things to do and activities at each island we visited. We enjoyed incredible accommodations while exploring Greek culture, food and beverage. This was a memorable journey, which wouldn't have been so easy without his assistance. We highly recommend Steven for help in planning your getaways!
Larry B. - Mishawaka, IN
Patagonia anniversary success
Steve was great to work with. We planned our trip in late January for November, and he guided us through it all and stayed on top of it following up with us in the fall and even checked in on the trip and after. It was great to have an expert who has traveled there really give us his recommendations. He nailed the whole trip out of the park and was one of the best life changing vacations we have taken. It was extra special because we celebrated our 20th anniversary.
Melissa H. - Riverside, IL
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