Amman, Jordan’s capital, is the perfect base for some unforgettable day excursions. From ancient ruins and desert landscapes to sacred sites and natural wonders, day trips from Amman offer a way to experience Jordan’s rich history and stunning landscapes without the need to change the hotel. All attractions can be visited independently, and occasional information panels provide further information. Hiring a guide can enrich your visit with deeper historical context.
Ready to explore? Start planning your day trips from Amman and remember to wear comfortable shoes, modest clothes and stay hydrated. Especially in the period from spring to late autumn, it is essential to protect yourself from the sun.
No trip to Jordan is complete without visiting the rock city Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The driving distance from Amman to Petra along the Desert Highway is 2.5 hours. An early departure from Amman like 07:00 is therefore recommended. Upon arrival in Petra, you start walking through the Siq, a narrow sandstone canyon, to the iconic Treasury, known as Al Khazneh. From here continue to the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, the Roman Theater and Qasr Al Bint. The young at heart can explore further and climb viewpoints like the 800 stone hewn stairs to the Monastery El Deir. Enjoy breathtaking views to Wadi Arava and a deeper appreciation of the Nabatean civilization who carved 2,000 years ago temples and tombs in the coloured sandstone. Journey back to your hotel in Amman. You can check out our private Petra day tour offer from Amman.
If you are ready for a long day trip of at least 15 hours, you can opt for an unforgettable tour to Petra and to Wadi Rum in southern Jordan. The adventure begins at 06:00 from your hotel in Amman. After 2.5 hours on the road, you arrive at the rose-red city of Petra. Walk through the narrow Siq, with its towering sandstone walls, to the amazing Treasury. Explore more of Petra’s landmarks, carved in sandstone like the Street of Facades and the Royal Tombs. In the early afternoon, the journey continues south to Wadi Rum desert. A 4x4 jeep ride offers a sense of freedom as you pass towering rocks, stop at ancient rock inscriptions and red sand dunes. If weather and your schedule permit, experience the various colours of a desert sunset. After this rewarding day, start your long return journey of 4 hours to Amman.
A popular day tour is the excursion to Jerash and the Dead Sea, combining history with a natural wonder. This day tour lasts about 8 hours. From Amman you drive northwards to Jerash, known as Pompeii of the East. It is one of the best preserved Roman provincial cities in the world. Wander its colonnaded streets, plazas, and theatres, and feel the impressive scale of a once-great civilization. Later, continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. The Dead Sea offers a surreal floating experience buoyed by its mineral-rich, hypersaline waters. When at the beach, you can opt for covering yourself in its mineral-rich mud, known for leaving skin feeling refreshed. This tour blends archaeology with natural beauty, offering a glimpse into Jordan's diverse treasures before returning to Amman.
This compact day trip to Madaba, Mt Nebo, the Baptism Site and Dead Sea packs history, religion and nature into an unforgettable experience. Your sightseeing begins in the town of Madaba, known as the "City of Mosaics." Here, the floor of St. George's Church reveals a true treasure: a 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. More Byzantine mosaic art you find in the nearby Archaeological Park, notable is the mosaic of the Hippolytos Hall. Next, a short drive brings you to Mount Nebo. Standing where Prophet Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land. Continue to the Baptism Site, known as Bethany beyond the Jordan. This is the location where Jesus was baptized, making it a place of deep spiritual significance. Finally, descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. End the day with the experience of floating effortlessly in mineral-rich, buoyant waters. Discover our private day tour, visiting Madaba, Mount Nebo, the Baptism Site, and the Dead Sea.
Umm Quais, Ajloun Castle and Jerash can be comfortably visited in one day. Those 3 highlights let you experience layers of Jordan’s history, from Greco and Roman grandeur to Islamic military past. The day begins with a drive to Umm Qais, a Greco-Roman town with black salt columns and a theatre. It overlooks the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. From there, the journey continues to Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century fortress built by the forces of Saladin. Surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves, the castle stands as a reminder of Jordan’s medieval past. Panoramic views of the countryside provide a contrast to the desert landscapes often associated with Jordan. The final stop is Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. See Hadrian’s Arch, the Hippodrome, stroll its colonnaded streets and theatres.
This excursion lets you explore examples of Islamic desert castles bult during the 7th and 8th century under the Umayyads. The journey begins with a drive into the quiet desert to the east of Amman. The first top is at Qasr Kharanah. It shows a fortress-like structure in a flat landscape and might have served as a caravanserai. Next, journey to Qasr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkably preserved frescoes and unique early Islamic art. The small structure depicts scenes of daily life, hunting, and astronomy. The final castle is Qasr Azraq, built from black basalt. Rich in history, it once served as a base for T.E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt of 1917 and 1918. Just nearby lies the Azraq Oasis, a peaceful wetland that feels like a hidden gem in the desert. Wooden walkways lead visitors through pools and reeds, where migratory birds can often be spotted. The calm atmosphere offers a refreshing break before heading back to busy Amman.
English 
Chinese
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
