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Highlights of Jordan: 7 things you can't miss

Planning a trip to Jordan? Don’t miss these must-sees, from vast deserts and epic historical sites to biblical views and shimmering coral reef.
Author: Helen Pettitt - Digital Content Manager at Explore Worldwide
Updated: 20 June 2024
 

Jordan is famous for its sand dunes and ancient cities, but there's so much more to this welcoming country to discover. The ethereal landscapes of Wadi Rum and centuries-old ruins of Petra are undeniable highlights, but also consider the bustling capital of Amman, the prime snorkelling territory of the Red Sea and the salt-ruffled shores of the Dead Sea.

On our selection of small group holidays to Jordan, you can visit all of these and more. From traversing Roman ruins to serene scenes at Mount Nebo, read on for our ultimate highlights of Jordan:

Petra

There’s only one place to start when we’re talking about Jordan, and that’s at Petra. Nothing prepares you for your first glimpse of the iconic Treasury. As you approach through the kilometre-long winding Siq, the picture-perfect facade appears through the crevice as if from nowhere. Add a special touch to your Petra trip by visiting after dark, when the ancient wonder is illuminated by thousands of candles.

Beyond the signature Treasure, the scale of this rose-red city is mind-blowing. Spend two days exploring the site on our Jordan Discovery trip, including a day to explore under your own steam. Trek to the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice for staggering views across the site and to the mountains and desert canyons beyond. 

Wadi Rum

The hauntingly-beautiful desert landscape of Wadi Rum has been traversed by Bedouin tribes for millennia, and was referred to as ‘vast, echoing and godlike’ by Lawrence of Arabia. One of Jordan’s star attractions, Wadi Rum awes visitors with its jagged sandstone and sweeping desert, and listening to the wind whistling between the dunes adds to the otherworldliness of it all.

Amid its subtly hued sands the colossal rock formations reach for the sky and their strange and peculiar contours seeming to drip like icing running down a cake. Stay in a traditional Bedouin camp, where on a clear night you can choose to sleep directly beneath the stars. An unforgettable experience. All of our Jordan trips include a stay in the magical Wadi Rum. 

Little Petra

About 5km from the main site of Petra, Little Petra is away from the main tourist trail and, as a result, receives relatively few visitors. On our walking in Jordan trip, we hike the 3km to Little Petra from our camp nearby, approaching the site via the narrow canyon Siq Barid (the ‘cold canyon’ – so called because this deep canyon is is impenetrable by the sun).

The Little Petra valley is lined with tombs and interesting facades, and the climb to the viewpoint (another that claims to be the greatest view on earth) is worth the effort to reach. 

Jerash

Located 50km north of Amman, the ruined Roman site of Jerash dates back to the 1st century. Once one of the most important cities in the Roman Middle East, today the city’s plazas, temples and columns have been immaculately preserved. Highlights include the two theatres at either end of the site, the immense forum and the elaborate columns of the Temple of Artemis.

Visit during spring, when lush greenery punctuates the sandy hues of the architecture. For a family-friendly trip to Jordan, take a look at our Family Jordan, Petra and Desert Adventure, which includes a visit to Jerash.

Dead Sea

To float in The Dead Sea’s salty waters is one of those unforgettable travel experiences that shouldn’t be missed. This saline lake on the borders of Jordan and Israel is the lowest point on the planet. It’s also the world’s most mineral-laden body of water and, as such, is famed for its health benefits. The Dead Sea is actually a landlocked lake, and is about 10 times saltier than the ocean.

On our Jordan Discovery tour we’ll spend a day at a private beach facility, where there’s also a pool and café as well as shower blocks. There are opportunities to shop for Dead Sea products, should you wish to continue the experience at home.

Mount Nebo

This important biblical site is cited as the place where Moses glimpsed the Promised Land. This ridge overlooks the Dead Sea to Jericho, Bethlehem and, on a clear day, Jerusalem.

Even if you’re not religious, is a serene spot with a tangible atmosphere. The Moses Memorial Church at Mount Nebo houses some fascinating mosaics that date back to the 6th century. Explore Mount Nebo and more on our Jordan adventure tour.

Aqaba on the Red Sea

Popular with divers and snorkelers alike, the Red Sea resort of Aqaba offers a very different side to Jordan. From here you can join a day trip to enjoy the crystal clear waters and colourful marine life from a boat, or simply relax at the hotel pool and look back over the incredible sites we’ve seen over the week.

Our Family Jordan, Petra and Desert Adventure spends two nights in Aqaba.

 

Explore our Jordan tours

Is Jordan at the top of your bucketlist? We offer Discovery, Walking, Cycling and Family tours in Jordan. 
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