Jordan Tours – What Are Petra Tours From Amman Like?
Jordan“A rose red city half as old as time” – John William Burgon Hidden from the sands of time...
Notable Places
Discover Jordan
Use the map to explore Jordan, and start with our tour to Petra
Jordan Quick Guide
- Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
- Language: Arabic (English is widely spoken in tourist areas)
- Emergency Number: 911
- Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants; round up for taxis and leave small tips for hotel staff.
- Fun Fact #1: Jordan is home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—Petra, an ancient city carved into rose-red rock.
- Fun Fact #2: The lowest point on Earth is found in Jordan – the shore of the Dead Sea, which sits around 430 meters (1,410 feet) below sea level.
Where to Stay in Jordan
Stay in Amman for a bustling capital experience and great base for day trips. Petra offers magical nights near the archaeological site, while Wadi Rum provides unforgettable desert camps. Aqaba, on the Red Sea, is ideal for beachgoers and divers. Each region offers a unique slice of Jordanian life.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
How to Get Around Jordan
Public transport in Jordan is limited but usable. Buses and minibuses (like the JETT Bus) connect major cities like Amman, Petra, Aqaba, and Irbid affordably and relatively reliably. In Amman, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Careem are your best bet for short distances. Always agree on taxi fares in advance or ensure the meter is running.
For places like Wadi Rum, remote desert attractions, or exploring the King’s Highway at your own pace, a rental car is the most practical option. Roads are generally good, and driving is straightforward, especially outside of Amman’s city center. Many travelers combine public transit with short-term car rentals to reach harder-to-access spots.
Must-Visit Places in Jordan
- Petra – The ancient Nabatean city carved into sandstone cliffs is Jordan’s crown jewel.
- Wadi Rum – A surreal desert landscape known as the Valley of the Moon.
- Amman – Explore Roman ruins, mosques, markets, and modern cafés in the capital.
- Aqaba – A Red Sea resort town perfect for diving, snorkeling, and beach relaxation.
- Dead Sea – Float effortlessly in the salty waters and enjoy spa experiences.
- Jerash – One of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy, with colonnaded streets and theatres.
- Dana Biosphere Reserve – Hike Jordan’s largest nature reserve with stunning mountain views and local wildlife.
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Jordanian Food to Try
Jordan’s cuisine blends Levantine flavors with Bedouin traditions. Expect bold spices, fresh herbs, and communal dining. Here are must-try dishes and where to find them:
- Mansaf – Nationwide, especially Amman and Bedouin areas: Jordan’s national dish of lamb cooked in fermented yogurt sauce, served over rice and flatbread.
- Zarb – Wadi Rum: A Bedouin barbecue of meat and vegetables slow-cooked underground in sand-covered pits.
- Maqluba – Amman & Northern Jordan: A savory upside-down rice dish layered with chicken or lamb, eggplant, and spices.
- Falafel & Hummus – Amman: Found in every city, but Amman’s street vendors serve some of the best.
- Kunafa – Nationwide, especially in Jerash and Amman: A sweet pastry soaked in syrup and filled with cheese or cream, often served warm.
- Galayet Bandora – Northern Jordan: A simple, flavorful tomato and garlic stew often served with bread.
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours to Discover Jordan
- Petra: Step into the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into pink-hued cliffs and famously known as the ‘Rose City’. Hidden in Jordan’s desert canyons, Petra’s dramatic Treasury, royal tombs, and winding Siq passage make it one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archaeological wonders.
- Dead Sea: Float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, Earth’s lowest point on land and one of Jordan’s most iconic natural wonders. Renowned for its healing mud and extreme salinity, this unique destination is perfect for both relaxation and rejuvenation in a surreal, otherworldly landscape.
- Madaba, Mount Nebo, and the Baptism Site offer a fascinating blend of biblical history, ancient art, and spiritual significance. Discover Madaba’s intricate Byzantine mosaics, stand where Moses is said to have glimpsed the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, and visit the sacred site on the Jordan River where Jesus was believed to be baptized.
- Wadi Rum: Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this is a breathtaking desert landscape of red sand dunes, towering sandstone cliffs, and ancient petroglyphs. The otherworldly terrain has served as the backdrop for countless films and offers unforgettable experiences like jeep safaris, stargazing, and overnight stays in Bedouin camps.
- Jerash, Ajloun Castle, and Umm Qais: Explore northern Jordan’s rich history with a visit to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, where ancient colonnaded streets and amphitheaters bring the past to life. Continue to Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century Islamic fortress with panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, built to guard against Crusader attacks. Finish at Umm Qais, the site of ancient Gadara, where Roman ruins overlook the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights, offering a fascinating blend of history and breathtaking scenery.
