This guide introduces twelve places and experiences to consider when planning your trip with Excursions Jordan.
1. Explore the Ancient City of Petra
Petra’s dramatic setting and rock-cut architecture make it a highlight of a first visit to Jordan.
Walk through the Siq to the Treasury, then continue according to your interests and energy. The Street of Facades, Royal Tombs and Monastery offer different perspectives on the ancient Nabataean city.
Allow a full day for an introduction, or longer for a slower exploration. Staying in nearby Wadi Musa can make an early start easier.
Check current opening hours, trail access and admission arrangements. If Petra by Night interests you, confirm its programme and separate ticket requirements before planning your evening.
2. Discover Wadi Rum with Local Guides
Wadi Rum’s sandstone mountains, dunes and open valleys create an unforgettable desert landscape.
Choose an excursion that suits your preferences: a vehicle outing with scenic stops, a guided walk or an overnight stay. Local knowledge can add context to the scenery and introduce you to the area’s living heritage.
For camps, confirm the bathroom facilities, meals, bedding and transfers. A camp stay does not automatically include a sightseeing excursion, and clear night skies depend on conditions.
Explore desert adventures and other Jordan experiences
3. Relax Beside the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea offers a change of pace between sightseeing days. Its highly salty water makes floating unusually easy, while established beach facilities provide access to showers, shade and other amenities.
Choose a day pass or overnight stay according to the time available. Check whether pools, towels and meals are included.
Follow bathing instructions, avoid splashing or putting your face underwater, and supervise children closely. Buoyancy does not make the water risk-free.
4. Walk Through Jerash’s Ancient Streets
Jerash offers an impressive introduction to Roman-era urban life.
Explore the Oval Plaza, colonnaded streets, temples, arches and theatres, allowing time to appreciate both their scale and architectural details. A knowledgeable guide can help explain how these spaces functioned and changed over time.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection. If combining Jerash with Ajloun, leave enough time for both rather than adding too many northern stops.
5. Experience Amman Beyond the Main Landmarks
Jordan’s capital deserves time in its own right.
Start with the Citadel and Roman Theatre, then explore downtown markets, neighbourhood cafés and galleries. Jabal Amman, Al-Lweibdeh and Abdali offer different settings for discovering the city.
Include a museum visit or a food-focused activity if it matches your interests. Between stops, pause for falafel, fresh bread, coffee or a small serving of knafeh.
Amman is hilly, so combine walking with transport where useful.
6. Enjoy Aqaba and the Red Sea
Aqaba adds coastal scenery and marine activities to a Jordan itinerary.
Choose from beach time, boat outings, snorkelling and diving, depending on your confidence and experience. A glass-bottom boat can offer an alternative for visitors who prefer to stay out of the water.
Check equipment, supervision, age requirements and weather conditions before booking. For diving, confirm the operator’s qualifications and any medical or training requirements.
Observe marine life without touching coral, feeding animals or disturbing the seabed.
Browse Red Sea outings and activities across Jordan
7. Plan a Canyon Adventure in Mujib
Mujib’s steep canyon walls and flowing water create a striking outdoor setting.
Some activities involve wading, swimming and negotiating obstacles, so choose according to the actual route requirements. Do not assume that every experience is suitable for beginners or children.
Confirm seasonal operation, access restrictions, equipment and weather conditions before travelling. Respect closures, particularly when rainfall could affect the route.
8. Discover Madaba’s Mosaic Heritage
Madaba is known for its mosaics, including the historic map in St George’s Church.
Beyond this famous work, take time to explore archaeological sites, local workshops and the city’s streets. A guided visit can help explain how mosaics were made and what their imagery reveals.
Madaba can be combined with Mount Nebo, but allow realistic time for meals, travel and each visit.
9. Visit Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is traditionally associated with Moses viewing the Promised Land.
Its religious heritage, mosaics and elevated setting make it a meaningful stop for pilgrims and travellers interested in history. Views across the surrounding landscape depend on weather and visibility.
Check visiting arrangements and follow instructions within religious spaces.
10. Explore Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Bethany Beyond the Jordan, also known as Al-Maghtas, is traditionally recognised as the site where John the Baptist baptised Jesus.
Its archaeological remains and continuing role as a pilgrimage destination give it significance beyond a brief riverbank stop.
Begin at the official visitor facilities and follow the arrangements for your ticket. If your plans involve a ceremony or private prayer programme, coordinate those separately in advance.
Dress respectfully, follow photography rules and allow worshippers privacy.
11. Discover Umm Qais
Umm Qais combines archaeological remains, distinctive dark stone architecture and an Ottoman-era village setting.
Take time to explore the relationship between the ancient site and later settlement rather than treating it only as a viewpoint. A local guide can add context to the buildings and surrounding landscape.
For northern itineraries, check current official travel advice and choose a manageable route. Combining every major northern attraction in one day can leave little time at each.
12. Walk in Dana’s Changing Landscapes
Dana offers opportunities to appreciate Jordan’s natural diversity through routes that vary in length, elevation and difficulty.
Choose between a shorter walk and a more demanding trek according to your experience. Confirm guiding requirements, water, accommodation and transport before setting out.
For overnight stays, check the property’s exact location and access arrangements. Accommodation in Dana village and in the lower valley can require very different journeys.
Add Local Experiences to Your Itinerary
Jordan’s landmarks become more meaningful when paired with opportunities to meet people and learn from their knowledge.
Consider a cooking activity, craft workshop, guided neighbourhood walk or locally hosted meal. Ask who leads the experience, how you will participate and what is included.
Respect private spaces and ask permission before photographing people.
How to Plan Your Jordan Route
Choose your priorities before deciding how many destinations to include.
Your interestsPlaces and experiences to considerAncient historyPetra, Jerash, Amman and Umm QaisReligious heritageMadaba, Mount Nebo and Bethany Beyond the JordanOutdoor explorationWadi Rum, Dana and suitable Mujib activitiesCoastal experiencesAqaba’s beaches, boat trips and marine activitiesRelaxationA Dead Sea stay and a slower coastal itineraryFood and cultureNeighbourhood walks, cooking activities and local workshops
Allow for driving, rest and unexpected changes. A shorter itinerary with time to enjoy each place can be more satisfying than a rushed checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend in Jordan?
A short visit can focus on a few destinations. A week allows a varied itinerary, while additional days provide room for northern Jordan, nature experiences and a slower pace.
The right duration depends on your arrival point, transport and priorities.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn are often comfortable for sightseeing and walking. Summer can bring intense heat, while winter may bring rain, cold and occasional snow at higher elevations.
Check conditions for each destination rather than relying on one national forecast.
Should I book a private or shared experience?
Shared activities may suit solo travellers and couples, while private arrangements can offer flexibility for families and groups. Compare complete prices and inclusions.
Is the Jordan Pass suitable for my trip?
Compare its current eligibility, validity, included attractions and visa-fee conditions against your itinerary. It is not itself a visa, and its value depends on your circumstances.
What should I check before booking an activity?
Confirm the departure point, duration, admission, guiding, meals, equipment and cancellation terms. For outdoor experiences, also review physical requirements and weather arrangements.
Explore Jordan with Excursions Jordan
Build your journey around the experiences that interest you most, then leave space for food, conversation and discoveries along the way.
Excursions Jordan brings together activities from local providers across the country. Compare available options and create a balance of history, nature, culture and relaxation that suits your travel style.
Discover tours, activities and local experiences with Excursions Jordan