Best Tours and Day Trips in Amman

Amman is a city surrounded by natural beauty as well as archaeological sites. The people are very warm, hospitable and receptive, even very understanding of cultural and language barriers. For this reason, it is the best place to spend a vacation wandering from street to street and from excursion to excursion. Here you can make plans like taking advantage of a gastronomic tour of Jordanian food.

If you want to soak up some history and architecture, start at the site of the baptism of Bethany, or escape to the Cave of the 7 Sleepers. Among the best things to do in the city are the Dead Sea, Mount Nebo, Roman sites and a variety of castles dating from different eras. In addition, you can not miss Petra, a magical city with centuries of history.

The capital of Jordan is a box of surprises, so it is worth taking the time to get to know its alleys, modern areas and ancient ruins. It's a great plan, especially if you're planning to travel with friends or family. There are customizable activities, which often include a Turkish bath experience, entrance fees to major attractions and museums, and even lunch.

Must-see sites include:

• King Abdullah Mosque: can be seen from different points in the city, because of its striking blue dome. It is the only one that women can enter, but they must cover their arms, legs and head.
• Roman Amphitheater: it is an impressive building, where it is worth a visit inside from 3 euros.
• Amman Citadel: it is a location at the top of the capital, so it offers breathtaking views. It is also an archaeological complex with collections dating back 7,000 years.
• Citadel Archaeological Museum: it is a great place to learn about the archaeological finds that have taken place in Jordan.
• Raghadan Palace was built in 1926 and is a location with unparalleled cultural and historical richness.

Details of interest

• Price: you can organize a tour on your own, preparing an itinerary that includes the most important sites. If you prefer a guided experience, it is possible to find options from 133 euros.
• Duration: I recommend about four hours.
• Means of transportation: the tour is usually done on foot, but some guided tours may offer a comfortable air-conditioned bus.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to see the whole city in a short time, you can usually choose between half-day or full-day tours, which are customizable.
• Disadvantages of this option: the tours in Jordan are very interesting, however it can be unsafe to walk alone at night.

Jordan is a country surrounded by sacred lands, from Amman you can embark on a spiritual journey through very special locations. An hour from the capital is the renowned Bethany or Bethany of Transjordan, the site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ. Other biblical events of the Old and New Testament also took place here. I recommend you enjoy a guided tour, to get to know its historical heritage in depth.

Note that it is located near the Jordan River, on the border between Jordan and Israel. Take the opportunity to take a look at the archaeological excavations and witness the baptismal ceremonies. A guided tour is a great option to explore other nearby sites. For example, you can visit the Iraq Al Amir Caves, a Hellenistic castle dating back to the Copper Age. It is famous for its olive gro ves and hiking trails. Also, the pre-Roman palace Qasr al-Abad is a restored architectural gem, right in the Bethany area.

Details of interest

• Price: The entrance fee to Bethany is around 15 euros, although access is also included in the Jordan Pass. If you prefer, you can hire a guided tour, which start at 93 euros and usually include extra activities.
• Duration: about four hours.
• Means of transportation: generally, guided experiences offer transfers in comfortable and well-equipped vehicles. If you plan to go on your own, there are buses connecting Amman to Bethany.
• Advantages of this option: it is a complete tour that will take you to see an archaeological heritage, plus in Bethany you can sign up for a gastronomic experience.
• Disadvantages of this option: most restaurants in Jordan do not serve alcohol, also the tour is not recommended under unfavorable weather conditions.

To explore primitive architecture and art, nothing beats escaping on a private tour to the Umayyad Desert Castles. It's an hour and a half from Amman, so you can wake up early and head out in search of new adventures that will transport you back to medieval times. It is not as crowded as other monuments, so you can walk around and enjoy its interior to the fullest.

Its name is due to its great height, as in the past they were shopping centers, caravan stations and even pavilions. It is an ideal place to explore the traditions and culture of the city, as well as take a look at the mosaics and sculptures that decorate its interior. Additionally, the Jordanian desert is notable for its rustic landscape, as well as the oases scattered around what was once the famous crossroads of Syria, Jerusalem, Arabia and Iraq.

Details of interest

• Price: from 87 euros per person.
• Duration: between three and four hours.
• Means of transport: private tours usually include round-trip transportation in comfortable vehicles. Keep in mind that in the desert of Jordan, you can only move in private transport, you will hardly find a public line that connects with this area.
• Advantages of this option: it is the best way to visit the Umayyad Castles in a short time, especially if you have a tight itinerary.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not wheelchair accessible.

Hiking the trails of Jordan's river gorge is an experience you have to have at least once in your life. Note that Wadi al-Mujib is located about an hour from the capital. Here you can go canyoning, an adventure sport that safely combines rappelling and hiking.

You can get a change of scenery and get away from the routine of the big cities, while enjoying the mountain scenery. It is an easy to moderate hiking route, so it is not recommended for children. To live this experience it is necessary to be in good physical condition, to be able to climb between the course of the river and reach the beautiful waterfall. In addition, the path between Amman and Wadi is breathtaking, so you can enjoy a scenic drive.

Details of interest

• Price: from 127 euros.
• Duration: approximately five hours.
• Means of transport: getting there on your own can be complicated if you don't have a rental car, as you need to board a bus to Madaba and from there a cab that can charge you approximately 210 euros. If you opt for a guided tour, you can relax about transportation. In general, this type of experience usually includes round-trip transportation.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to take a short scenic tour in Amman, as well as a trekking tour.
• Disadvantages of this option: it cannot be done with children, as it is necessary to be at least 18 years old and know how to swim. It is also not recommended for pregnant women, people with delicate health problems or in wheelchairs. In addition, it cannot be done during rainy days.

If you're planning a quick getaway to Amman, you can't leave without exploring the surrounding area. This way, you will be able to see Madaba, Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea. It is certainly one of the best things to do in the city, as it is a flexible and fun visit. You will have privileged views of the artistic center of Madaba, where you will find the famous mosaic in the Church of St. George. It is also one of the main places of worship as well as pilgrimage.

A little further towards the sea is Mount Nebo, known as the Promised Land of Jordan. It has a lookout at the top, where you can also see the monument of the cross and the snake. It is the symbol of Moses' pilgrimage in the desert. You can access from 5 euros per person. On the other hand, the Dead Sea is an Asian lake composed of a high percentage of salt which is said to have healing properties.

Details of interest

• Price: from 117 euros.
• Duration: about eight hours.
• Means of transport: Madaba can be reached by bus in about half an hour, while Nebo and the Dead Sea will take more than an hour. The best option is to opt for an excursion, as they usually include transportation and you won't have to worry about anything.
• Advantages of this option: you will experience a variety of sensations, it is ideal if you have little time to tour the city and want to enjoy a day trip.
• Disadvantages of this option: it cannot be done in winter (from November to March), it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with serious health problems.

A combined tour is the best way to explore the archaeological sites north of Amman. You can get the most out of your trip, in just one day. I invite you to stroll through three locations near the capital. Start your trip in Jerash, a Greek Roman city where you can visit Hadrian's Arch, the Hippodrome, the Temple of Artemis or the Oval Colonnade. Its streets and abandoned squares.

The next stop I suggest you make is the Ajloun Castle, located on a hill near Jerash. It is a 12th century fortress with a museum ideal for discovering its history. If you continue away from Amman, you can stop at Umm Qais. This is the ruins of the Roman city of Gandara, overlooking Lake Tiberias and the Jordan Valley. Take the opportunity to stop by the Roman theaters and archaeological sites.

Details of interest

• Price: from 83 euros.
• Duration: between six and eight hours.
• Means of transport: there are public buses, although in the case of Umm Quais you must change at Irbid and pay a cab which costs around 90 euros. The best option is to book a guided tour, as this type of experience usually includes transportation between tourist attractions and back to Amman.
• Advantages of this option: a simultaneous tour to these locations is the best way to save time and money.
• Disadvantages of this option: guided tours usually do not include entrance fees to tourist attractions.

Jordan is a very interesting country with a unique beauty. If you are planning to spend several days wandering around, I recommend taking advantage of a combined tour. Start by visiting Petra, the reddish city that is more than 2,000 years old. You can visit Byzantine temples, Roman theaters and climb the lookout points. After hiking the narrow Siq Trail, head for an overnight camp in Wadi Rum.

Camping in Jordan is a magical sensory experience, almost as interesting as gliding in a jeep through the desert or taking a salty dip in the Dead Sea. If you stay an extra day in the city, you can also see Mount Nebo, Madaba, the historic Shobak Castle and the back of the city of Petra.

Details of interest

• Price: from 250 euros.
• Duration: between two and three days, depending on the itinerary you choose.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: this type of experience usually includes some meals, camping nights and accommodation.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with health problems. In addition, it is necessary to be older than 12 years old and younger than 69 years old to be able to do the tour safely.

Arabian gastronomy is very tasty and varied, with interesting street food. Many people leave the city without tasting the local delicacies, which is a regrettable mistake. A tour of the local restaurants and stalls will allow you to taste Falafel, Hummus, Ful, Shawarmah, Kunafa, Walnut or Dates. One of the most popular places is Habibah Sweets, especially if you want to try popular desserts, such as coffee with cardamom.

Try a sandwich at Jordan's oldest shawarma stand, known as Reem, or sit and enjoy a drink at the local terraces. This gastronomic tour will take you to Amman's narrow streets and ruins, such as the Roman Amphitheater, the Citadel, Rainbow Street and more.

Details of interest

• Price: from 130 euros.
• Duration: approximately five hours.
• Means of transportation: usually includes transportation around Amman.
• Advantages of this option: it is possible to include entrance to the Citadel and the Roman theater of Amman.
• Disadvantages of this option: if you want to taste or buy any product outside the tour, you will have to pay for it yourself.

Another short trip outside of Amman is to escape to the Cave of the 7 Sleepers. It is a scenic drive that allows you to enjoy breathtaking views from the moment you leave Amman. It can take you between half an hour and an hour to get there, but you can take advantage of the opportunity to explore the rural life. Legend has it that 7 young men slept here for centuries, trying to escape persecution by Christianity.

You can find informative exhibits, which tell the story in detail. It has a mosque and nowadays you can appreciate the ancient archaeological sites. I recommend you take advantage of this visit to tour the Mosques of Amman, which you must enter following the dress code.

Details of interest

• Price: from 65 euros.
• Duration: between six and seven hours.
• Means of transportation: usually includes transportation between attractions and back to Amman.
• Advantages of this option: it fits short itineraries, as it allows you to visit different places in less than a day.
• Disadvantages of this option: these types of experiences are generally only available in English and do not usually include entry to the King Abdullah I Mosque.

A magical oasis near Amman, it is located in the mountains of Madaba. It is the Ma'in hot springs or Hammamat Ma'in, where people come to relax and enjoy a spa afternoon. They are famous for their relaxing massages, which start at 120 euros. They are very special, since during the rainy season water accumulates and heats up during the summer.

They have healing powers, since inside there are lava fissures, which makes them have a pleasant temperature ranging between 30° and 37°. They are usually less crowded than the Dead Sea and is one of the best things to do in the city to return relaxed from your vacation.

Details of interest

• Price: from 92 euros.
• Duration: about six hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transportation in a minibus.
• Advantages of this option: usually includes entrance to the hot springs.
• Disadvantages of this option: if you plan to relax in the spa, please note that it is not usually included in the cost.