Overview
Jordan is one of the Middle East's most extraordinary and visitor-friendly destinations — a compact kingdom that packs an astonishing density of ancient history, natural wonder and cultural richness into an area smaller than Ireland. At its heart is Petra, the rose-red Nabataean city carved directly into sandstone cliffs two thousand years ago — one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites on Earth. Yet Petra is just the beginning.
Wadi Rum — the "Valley of the Moon" — is a vast landscape of crimson sandstone and granite mountains that served as the backdrop for Lawrence of Arabia, and more recently as a stand-in for Mars in Ridley Scott's The Martian. An overnight stay in one of the traditional Bedouin camps beneath a sky blazing with stars is one of the most memorable nights any traveller can spend. The Dead Sea, at 430m below sea level the lowest point on Earth, offers the surreal experience of floating effortlessly in water so salty that swimming in the conventional sense is impossible.
Jordan is also one of the safest, most welcoming and most compact travel destinations in the Middle East — the country can be seen in its entirety in a week, and the Jordanian people have a well-deserved reputation for extraordinary hospitality. The food (mansaf, falafel, mezze, Arabic coffee) is excellent, and the Jordan Pass — which bundles the visa fee with free entry to most sites including Petra — makes it excellent value for UK visitors.
Find Jordan Packages →Must-See
The Nabataean city of Petra is simply one of the most extraordinary places on Earth — a vast archaeological complex of tombs, temples, colonnaded streets and civic buildings carved directly into rose-coloured sandstone cliffs. The iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh), glimpsed first through the narrow 1.2km Siq gorge, is one of travel's most theatrical entrances. Allow at least a full day — ideally two — for Petra, and consider the Petra by Night experience (candles down the Siq, traditional music at the Treasury) for an unforgettable evening.
The vast red desert of Wadi Rum — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is one of the world's great landscape experiences. Ancient Nabataean and Thamudic inscriptions mark the sandstone cliffs; Bedouin guides navigate the dunes by jeep, camel or on foot; and the silence of the desert at night, under a sky unpolluted by light, is something most urban dwellers have never experienced. Stay overnight in one of the "bubble tents" or traditional Bedouin camps for the full experience.
At 430m below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth — and floating in its hyper-saline water (10 times saltier than the ocean) without being able to sink is one of those genuinely disorienting experiences that no traveller forgets. The mineral-rich black mud is renowned for its skin benefits. Several luxury spa resorts line the Jordanian shore; combine a float with a Dead Sea mud treatment for the definitive experience.
Jordan's capital is a vibrant, hilly city of modern districts and an ancient citadel overlooking the Roman theatre below. The Rainbow Street area and the Friday market (souk jum'a) offer excellent local atmosphere. An hour north of Amman, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world — the triumphal arch, hippodrome, temples of Zeus and Artemis and colonnaded main street (cardo maximus) make an extraordinary half-day excursion.
Jordan's only sea coast — just 26km of Red Sea shoreline near the southern tip of the country — offers world-class snorkelling and scuba diving on some of the most accessible coral reefs in the world. The steep drop-offs and clear warm water support an extraordinary diversity of marine life. Aqaba is also the gateway to Wadi Rum and a convenient last stop before crossing to Israel/Palestine or Saudi Arabia.
Plan Your Trip
The best time to visit Jordan — warm, sunny days (20–28°C), occasional wildflowers in the desert, and comfortable temperatures for walking Petra and Wadi Rum. March and April are increasingly busy; book accommodation and Jordan Pass well ahead.
Very hot in most of Jordan (35–40°C), though Aqaba and the Dead Sea are popular with Arab tourists during this period. Wadi Rum is extremely hot during the day but the desert nights are pleasantly cool. Not recommended for active sightseeing unless you start very early.
Almost as good as spring — temperatures are comfortable, the light is warm and golden, and the tourist crowds of spring have thinned. October is particularly beautiful in Petra. November can bring occasional rain but is generally excellent.
Jordan's short winter brings genuine cold to Amman and Petra (temperatures can drop below freezing and snow occasionally falls on the highlands). The Dead Sea coast remains mild. January–February offer the best hotel rates and emptiest sites, but come prepared for cold evenings.
Top Areas
Petra is the centrepiece of any Jordan itinerary — most UK visitors base themselves in the nearby village of Wadi Musa for 1–2 nights. The Jordan Pass (purchased online before arrival) bundles the Petra entry fee (normally 50 JOD per day) with the Jordan tourist visa, making it excellent value. Wadi Rum (2 hours south) is the perfect overnight addition before heading on to Aqaba.
An overnight stay in Wadi Rum — at minimum — is essential. The tourist village (Rum Village) has numerous camps ranging from basic Bedouin tent setups to luxury "martian dome" bubble camps with private bathrooms. A sunrise jeep tour, afternoon camel ride and overnight stay beneath the stars is the classic experience.
Amman is Jordan's base and most international gateway — most itineraries start and end here. The citadel, Roman theatre, and vibrant café culture of the 1st Circle/Rainbow Street area are worth half a day. Jerash, Ajloun Castle and the mosaic-rich city of Madaba are excellent day trips from the capital.
The Dead Sea is best done as a half-day from Amman or as an overnight at one of the luxury resort hotels on the shore (Kempinski, Marriott, Mövenpick). Aqaba is the Red Sea beach resort and diving hub — combine it with Wadi Rum for the ideal southern Jordan circuit before flying home.
Need to Know
Compare flights, hotels and all-inclusive packages. Best UK prices guaranteed.
Holidays from £699pp per person
Experiences & Activities
Tours, tickets and unmissable experiences — book ahead and skip the queues.
Get Around
The freedom to explore at your own pace — compare the best rental deals at your destination.
Compare prices from leading rental companies worldwide
Explore cities and countryside on two wheels
Explore More
The ultra-modern counterpart to Jordan's ancient wonders — Burj Khalifa, desert safaris and world-class shopping.
Explore Dubai →Across the Red Sea — the pyramids, Nile cruises and Red Sea diving at Sharm el-Sheikh make Egypt a natural extension to any Jordan trip.
Explore Egypt →The UAE's cultural capital — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Formula 1 racing.
Explore Abu Dhabi →