Jordan tour highlights
Jordan may be famous as a desert nation, but there’s much more to this famously hospitable country than sand dunes. Of course, the lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum are a massive highlight, but consider also the ancient ruins of Petra and the thriving capital of Amman, the sublime beaches and snorkelling of the Red Sea and the salt-ruffled shores of the Dead Sea. You can visit all of these places and more on our selection of small group holidays to Jordan.
From trekking or cycling through the astounding desert scenery to touring Crusader castles, or spotting underwater treasures on a snorkelling excursion in Aqaba, here are the top things to do and best places to see in Jordan:
1. Petra
Petra is a guaranteed stand-out of all the places we visit in Jordan. Once abandoned by the Nabateans and later rediscovered, the rose-hued city of wind-sculpted sandstone preserved for many centuries is the most enduring image of Jordan. Even the entrance to the archaeological site is jaw-dropping: you edge your way though the narrow canyon called the Siq to emerge in front of the magnificent façade of the Treasury.
Though uninhabited since around the 7th century AD, Petra offers a fascinating glimpse into life in ancient Jordan. While its incredible detail is revealed during the day, it’s also wonderfully atmospheric to visit after dark, when it is lit by thousands of candles – an optional extra on our Spice Trails of Jordan holiday.
2. Wadi Rum
Despite being blanketed in desert, Jordan is a fascinating destination to visit on an active break. One of the best places to explore on foot or by bicycle is Wadi Rum, where the tawny dunes are sculpted by the winds and jaw-dropping rock formations provide an otherworldly backdrop.
While you’ll certainly take note of the rippling sandstone and unbroken dunes, take time to enjoy the wondrous silence – just the sound of the wind whistling between the dunes and footsteps or bicycle wheels crunching over the sand.
It’s also a great spot for meeting the friendly Bedouin people of Jordan; on our Cycle Jordan tour you’ll spend a night out under the bright desert stars in a secluded Bedouin camp.
3. Jerash
Jerash is located just 50km north of Jordan's capital city, and is another must-visit on any trip to Jordan. In its heyday (around 1st century AD), this vast settlement was the most significant in Jordan and part of the Decapolis – one of the 10 most important cities in the Roman Middle East.
Today, the scattered ruins include arches, columns and temples, all in various states of preservation. Its impressive, imposing ancient ruins is what makes Jerash such a special place to visit. Most of our holidays to Jordan visit Jerash, including our Treasures of Jordan tour.
4. Red Sea
The seas that lap against Jordan's short coastline are some of the best in the world for snorkelling and scuba diving. Jordan may have just 26 miles of coastline, including the popular resort of Aqaba, which is almost on part with Egypt's Red Sea Riviera with its clear waters and marine life.
Head to the Red Sea resort on one of our small group holidays to Jordan and you’ll discover lovely beaches and shipwrecks, reefs and dive sites easily accessible from the shore. Read about Sian's experience of snorkelling in the Red Sea here.
5. Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is one of the world's most famous bodies of water. With its intense, milky blue waters, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and creates the border between Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. Interestingly, the Dead Sea is actually a landlocked lake rather than a sea.
The Dead Sea's heightened levels of salinity also make it the saltiest body of water on the planet; it’s about 10 times saltier than the ocean.
When you visit the Dead Sea – perhaps on our Jordan Discovery holiday – take time to float in the waters and wallow in the mud. Both are rich in natural minerals and said to cure all manner of skin ailments.
Can you travel solo in Jordan?
Solo travel in Jordan can be very rewarding. Each of our Jordan holidays has been designed to suit solo travellers as well as those travelling with friends, family or in a couple. The numbers differ depending on the choice of tour, but you can expect that about half of our customers will be travelling solo.
If you’re considering travelling on an Explore holiday as a single person then you can be sure that you’ll receive exactly the same welcome and service. You’ll also spend time visiting fabulous destinations in the company of likeminded travellers. If it’s your first time travelling solo, read up on our frequently asked questions.
Do you need a visa to travel to Jordan?
A real plus point of taking an Explore trip to Jordan is the complimentary visa system available to our customers, which provides you with a saving of around £45 per person.
The only criteria you must meet is that you have booked an arrival airport transfer through Explore. A representative will meet you on arrival and assist with the visa process making it both quick and easy for you.
When is the best time to go to Jordan?
Jordan is a year-round destination, but the most pleasant time to visit is between March to May and between September to October. However, these are also the busiest times to visit, so you may encounter more tourists and higher priced flights.
If you want to avoid the crowds, a trip to Jordan in the summer or winter months is a good option, but be prepared for more extreme climates. Get up early to discover the majesty of the red-rose city of Petra during the sizzling summer months of June through to August, and wrap up warm to explore the copper-coloured sand dunes of the Wadi Rum valley from November to February.
How do tourists get around Jordan?
The best way of getting around Jordan is by minibus, which we use for all of our Jordan tours. We make sure there is a water tank on board so that you can refill your reusable water bottle in a convenient, sustainable way. In Wadi Rum, you'll cross the undulating sand dunes by 4x4 vehicle, and on many of our Wadi Rum tours there's an optional camel ride, too.
You can also get around Jordan by foot, from walking the Siq down to the Treasury to wandering around the bustling souks of downtown Amman. Many solo female travellers feel safe in Jordan, too; read Emily's account of her Jordan tour to find out more.
What is there to eat and drink in Jordan?
Jordan's national dish is Mansaf, where lamb in a dried yoghurt sauce is served over fluffy rice. Another popular dish in Jordan is Zarb, a traditional Bedouin cooking style where meat is barbecued in an underground pit. In coastal cities like Aqaba you can enjoy freshly caught seafood (usually grilled or fried), while you'll find delicious falafel and hummus throughout the country.
Mezze is another popular eating option in Jordan, where you can enjoy a variety of hot and cold plates including salads, rice, vegetables and grains. Mezze is a good option for vegetarian or vegan travellers, too. Those with a sweet tooth should try baklava; this pistachio-filled pastry is a popular Jordanian dessert.
As Jordan is predominately a Muslim country, alcohol isn't part of the country's culture, and it's illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces. Tap water can be safe to drink in Jordan, but you may notice a slightly salty taste and as such it's best to make use of our water tanks on board the minibus. Tuck into the best food and drink the country has to offer on our Taste of Jordan food tour.