Jordan - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
![Holidays to Jordan will be incomplete without a visit to Petra](https://d3hne3c382ip58.cloudfront.net/files/uploads/bookmundi/resized/cmsfeatured/jordan-tour-highlights-1502099833-785X440.jpg?width=2048&quality=undefined)
Located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, Jordan is a representation of all of the intersections that occur in that crossroads. Once home to Romans and Ottomans, holidays to Jordan will bring you its rich history and culture filled with color, heart, and vibrancy. Bordered by Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, a trip to Jordan has something for all travel bugs.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, and go back in time to when things were a little simpler; if that’s not enough, it’s a modern Wonder of the World.
- Experience the viciously natural cycle of Wadi Rum, a desert that is a day away from Aqaba and Petra.
- Swim with the fishes in the Red Sea.
- See wildlife and scenery that is ancient while remaining timeless at the Dana Biosphere Reserve.
- Live in the dichotomy of the city of Amman; urbane and modern in the West, and earthy and ancient in the East.
Travel Tips
- Other than covering yourself appropriately — men with legs covered and women with arms, legs, and hair covered —there aren’t many customs that you need to worry about.
- It is a very safe place to be; none of the revolts or riots have spilled over from its neighbors. However, being a tourist, one needs to follow the usual safety precautions.
- Bring good walking shoes and breathable clothing; it’s hot and you’re going to be doing a lot of walking.
- Water is safe to drink, although it is heavily chlorinated so it might taste bad; just to be safe, stick with bottled water and pasteurized milk.
- Be aware of your sun limits; the sun is brutal and you could get badly sunburnt, or worse, pass out from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- If you need it, healthcare in Jordan is generally good, and there are hospitals in big cities and clinics in smaller villages.
Jordan has seasonal weather so please do check up on best time to visit Jordan before planning your tour. If you’re still hunting for more things to do and places to explore in Jordan, do check out our Jordan Travel Guide for more information.
Popular tour types in Jordan
- Jordan private tours: Book one of our Jordan private tours to discover the country’s historical, and mythical sights while learning more about the Christian heritage. Tour the beautiful capital of Amman and go sightseeing in Petra and Wadi Rum. Head to the Dead Sea, and on your way, stop by Mount Nebo. Do not forget to try out the local favorite, Taboon bread.
- Jordan group tours: Join a group of travelers to learn more about the history and culture of the country with one of our Jordan group tours. Admire the dramatic desert scenery of Wadi Rum, experience traditional life in Orjan village, and camp in a Bedouin tent. Alternatively, you can trek from Dana to Petra in the company of adventurous souls just like you.
- Jordan-guided tours: Join one of our Jordan-guided tours to discover the hidden gems of the land. Encounter some unforgettable moments as you traverse Kerak, the Dead Sea, Petra, Madaba, Jerash, and Amman. From one destination to the other, grasp the splendor of the whole country under the guidance of knowledgeable guides.
- Jordan family tour packages: Planning a family holiday in Jordan? Explore the enchanted old Jordan with one of our exciting Jordan family tour packages. Watch history brought to life in Petra, camp under a blanket of stars in Wadi Rum, and dip yourself in the Red Sea. And do not forget to go on exciting camel rides and 4WD desert safaris.
- Jordan eco-tours: Despite being small, Jordan is home to several nature reserves, Unesco World Heritage sites, and magnificently preserved ruins. With our Jordan eco-tours, you can have it all. from floating in the Dead Sea, canyoning through Wadi Mujib to exploring Ajloun Forest Reserve to greeting sand cats and Syrian wolves at the Dana Biosphere Reserve.
- Jordan budget tours: Traveling on a budget? Take up one of our Jordan budget tours that will take you through every destination you wish to visit at an affordable price. Discover Petra’s secrets, stroll through Jerash’s ancient streets, relax in the Dead Sea and taste some local delicacies, all while going easy on your wallet. You can also opt to travel by bike or a minibus and limit your journey to a few key destinations like Amman and Madaba.
- Jordan customized tours: With Bookmundi, your itinerary can be changed and tailored to your personal preferences. Whatever your travel aspirations are, a customized Jordan trip may help you realize them all. Whether it is Petra, Madaba, the Dead Sea, or Jerash, get in touch with our local travel specialists in Jordan to plan the perfect itinerary and realize your vacation dreams.
Activity-based Jordan tours
Cultural, religious, and historic tours: Besides the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, the Roman ruins of Umm Qais, the majestic Ajloun Castle, and St. George’s Church, Jordan is also home to a large collection of sacred monuments and cultural artifacts. With our Jordan's cultural, religious, and historic tours, discover and explore the many ancient sites and treasures strewn across Jordan.
Desert safari tours: Explore the majestic landscape of Wadi Rum on our desert safari tours. See the dunes and canyons that change color throughout the day as you wander the sandy desert on a camel or a jeep safari. Spend the night in a Bedouin-style desert camp and fall asleep while gazing at the starry sky.
Local culture tours: Immerse yourself in Jordan’s rich and diverse culture by taking the cultural tours of the capital Amman to the incredible Madaba to the best preserved Roman ruins in Jerash. Our local culture tours will also take you to Petra, Aqaba, and Orjan, where you will find unique insight into Jordan’s storied history and culture.
Adventure tours: From sliding across the Wadi Hidan canyon to cycling along the Jordan bike trail and exploring the beautiful seabed of the Red Sea, our adventure tours of Jordan pack distinct experiences. Take a trek through the rocky hills near Ajloun, take a jeep tour in the Wadi Rum desert, and do not miss out on a scuba diving adventure in Aqaba.
Art and architecture tours: Jordan is home to some of the most beautiful, classical art and architecture influenced by the Roman and Ottoman empires. Dive deeper into Jordanian history as you tour the well-preserved treasures and ancient sites of the country in one of our art and architecture tours of Jordan. You will be visiting the Jordan Folklore Museum, Amman's Citadels, the Amphitheater, and Petra’s Treasury, among other sites, in these illuminating tours.
Trekking tours: From Wadi Rum’s dramatic beauty of jebels to the magnificent desert canyon with immense rock walls, Siq el Barrah, experience Jordan’s noteworthy geography and biodiversity on the country’s hiking routes. Join one of our Jordan's trekking tours through Dana to Petra, the Wadi Mukheires waterfall trail, or Petra’s Siq.
Popular durations for Jordan trip
Thanks to the proximity of attractions in Jordan, you can cover several highlights in Petra, Amman, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum within a short stay. However, if you also wish to explore the dramatic landscapes of Jordan, we recommend spending at least 10 days in Jordan. This way you can explore even the lesser-known jewels of Jordan such as Wadi Mujib and Dana Biosphere Reserve.
Jordan tours — Top destinations to visit
- Unveil the hidden jewel of Amman: Discover the traditional and conservative energy of Jordan's hilly capital, which is home to world-class museums, labyrinthine souks, and beautiful Islamic architecture. Amman is a charming, underrated travel destination that can introduce you to Jordan’s rich heritage. Visit the Jordan Archeological Museum and the city's Citadel. Visit the Royal Automobile Museum nearby the Roman Theater, or the Jordan Museum to learn more about the country’s past. Then, escape Amman's chaotic traffic and unwind on Rainbow Street before exploring the city's vibrant nightlife.
- Travel back in time to Petra: Petra, also known as the "Rose City," thrives with its multicolored sandstone and authentic Nabatean architecture in the windswept landscape of southern Jordan. The city draws lots of hikers, nature lovers, and, of course, those seeking an escape from the hectic modern lifestyle. From the Obelisk Tomb and Bab AL-Siq Tricilinium, begin your 1200-meter journey and pause at the Al-Khazneh Treasury, then continue your hike along the Wadi Farusa trail while marveling at the royal tombs and admiring the Treasury from the Jebel Al-Khubtha Trail. You can also visit Colonnaded Street, the Great Temple, the Petra Churches, and Little Petra while on a tour of Petra.
- Enjoy a rejuvenating dip in the Dead Sea: The Dead Sea, which borders Jordan and Israel, is 67 kilometers long and 18 kilometers wide, boasting a stunning location. At this exceptional location, you can enjoy relaxing activities like soaking in thermal hot springs, thrilling hike-swims, and much more, in addition to simply relaxing in the water. Unwind in the waters of the lowest point on Earth while enjoying therapeutic spa services that have a distinct Dead Sea feel. On a wet hike, visit the ruins of Mukawir and explore the Wadi Mujib canyon. Visit Lot's Cave Monastery and Sodom and Gomorrah on the way to the Lisan Peninsula. And do not forget to take a dip in the Hammamat Ma'in Thermal Springs and sit on a ridge to admire the expansive Dead Sea panorama.
- Follow the steps of Jesus Christ at Holy Land: A revitalizing Holy Land tour not only satisfies your spiritual aspirations and curiosities but also allows you to experience its historical significance. A trip to the Holy Land is not complete without going to the Great Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Visit Mount Nebo, where Moses could see Canaan, and rediscover Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was baptized. Swing by Jabar Mar-Elias, the site of Elijah's ascension, or take the Jordan Trail past the ruins of Gadara, the site of the Gadarene swine miracle. If you really want to get lost in the stories of the Bible, head to Jordan and stay in Amman, Jerash, Tel Mar Elias, or Pella.
- Discover the thrilling adventures of Wadi Rum: In southern Jordan, near the Saudi Arabian border, this 74,200-hectare reserve flourishes as a mixed cultural and natural site. Explore Wadi Rum and its narrow gorges, ramps, natural arches, massive landslides and caverns, and towering cliffs are evidence of millions of years of landscape evolution. Camel rides, hikes, 4WD rides, camping, and a variety of other exciting activities are available among these shifting desert landscapes. While camping in Wadi Rum, you can stargaze and watch the landscape change throughout the night. Climb the beautiful Little Bridge or Burdah rock bridge for a breathtaking view of the desert. Hike through the canyon of Abu Khashaba and eat a traditional Bedouin lunch. Sandboarding on the Al Hasany dunes is a must-do activity.
- Tick off the highlights in Madaba: Visit Madaba, a friendly market town, that is known for its collection of Byzantine-era mosaics and has one of Jordan's largest Christian populations. This vibrantly colored city encompasses numerous attractions through its historical sites and offers a hearty Jordanian experience. Visit St. George's Church to see the amazing Mosaic map and the Church of Apostles to see the inscribed figures of 12 apostles. View the entire city and the Jordan River from the top of Mount Nebo, or visit Carpet City for the best quality and most beautiful carpets. And if you happen to be in Madaba on a Friday, you will be able to witness the town's long tradition of joyfully and loudly expressing its religious tolerance at dawn.
Peak season and low season tours in Jordan
- Peak season tours in Jordan: The peak season is between March and May when Jordan's weather is pleasant and moderate all around. Ajloun woodlands' blooming wildflowers and Wadi Rum's red sands and high cliffs are both must-sees during this time of year. This is the best time to visit Jordan to explore Petra, Jerash, and the stunning Desert Castles before the scorching summer heat sets in.
- Low season tours in Jordan: The low season is between June and August when the heat becomes oppressive in the deserts. Yet, this is the best time to visit Jordan on a budget, as hotels and airlines will typically reduce their rates. For those who enjoy stargazing, the Perseid meteor shower is best visible in August. There are also some fascinating events you can attend if you travel during these months, such as the Jerash Festival in July, where the entire city comes together to celebrate Jordanian culture, cuisine, the arts, and literature.
Popular Jordan trip travel guide
If you are planning a trip to Jordan, you will want to know about the best time to visit Jordan as well as check out all the available Jordan tours. You may also wish to learn more about the top things to do in Jordan. Once you are sure about some of the activities you wish to experience in Jordan, along with the destinations you want to visit, you may want to consider how many days to stay in Jordan. We generally recommend staying at least 7 days in Jordan, but recommend 10 days in Jordan or more, to get the most out of your trip to Jordan.
Next, we recommend you start thinking about the money you can allocate to the trip to know whether you should be looking for a budget tour, a luxury tour, or perhaps a completely customized tour to Jordan. If you are in doubt, check out all our Jordan tours at the top of this page.
Jordan is an amazing country to visit, and there may be other key factors that you wish to consider traveling there. Please check our "Jordan travel guide" which will give you a lot of relevant information about traveling to Jordan.