From the iconic wonders of Petra to the serene deserts of Wadi Rum, Jordan beckons with experiences that cater to history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers alike.
Whether you are dreaming of floating in the Dead Sea or savouring authentic Jordanian cuisine, now is the perfect time to add Jordan to your travel plans. And when you do, consider the unparalleled insights offered by small group tours in Jordan.
Expert guides can make your journey seamless and unforgettable. With its stable environment and welcoming people, Jordan stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic travel experiences in the Middle East.
1. Petra: The Rose-Red City That Transcends Time
Walking through Petra feels like stepping into a time machine that transports you to an ancient civilisation.
Hidden behind towering canyon walls, the legendary city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was carved into pink sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans.
Nothing quite prepares you for your first glimpse of the Treasury (Al Khazneh) as it suddenly emerges at the end of the narrow Siq canyon. That iconic facade is just the beginning.
Petra is an expansive archaeological wonderland of tombs, temples, and an 800-step climb to the Monastery, where every carved stone and ancient pathway tells a story of ingenuity and trade.
To truly appreciate Petra’s magic, plan to spend at least a full day or two exploring and consider hiring a knowledgeable guide to reveal the city’s hidden history and secrets.
Whether you explore by day or by the flicker of candlelight during Petra by Night, this rose-red city promises a transformative encounter with the ancient world that you will carry with you forever.
2. Ancient History Everywhere You Turn
Jordan’s appeal for history lovers extends far beyond Petra. As one of the cradles of civilisation continuously inhabited since antiquity, Jordan is essentially an open-air museum of human history.
In the heart of Amman, the capital, you can stand among the ruins of the Citadel and gaze at Roman temples, a vivid reminder of the many empires that have left their mark.
A short drive north brings you to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East.
Here you can stroll down collonaded streets, stand in the vast Oval Plaza, and imagine chariots racing in the ancient hippodrome.
The layers of history continue with biblical sites like Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, and Bethany Beyond the Jordan, believed to be the site of Jesus’s baptism.
Nearly every major civilisation, from the Canaanites and Nabataeans to the Romans and Ottomans, has passed through this land.
Travelling in Jordan is a hands-on history lesson. You will find yourself swapping guidebook facts for real moments of connection, like touching the stones of a 2,000-year-old mosaic in Madaba or hearing the call to prayer echo among centuries-old mosques.
3. Wadi Rum: Desert Adventures Under Endless Stars
If it is scenic landscapes and a dash of adventure you seek, Wadi Rum will exceed expectations.
Often called the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is an otherworldly expanse of red desert sands and towering rock formations so surreal that they have stood in for Mars on film.
This desert is alive with Bedouin heritage and thrilling experiences. Picture yourself jeep safariing over rust-coloured dunes, watching the sunlight paint the mountains gold.
By day, you might scramble up a sandstone arch or opt for a gentle camel ride led by a local Bedouin guide.
By dusk, as the desert sky turns violet, you will settle into a Bedouin camp.
There, millions of stars emerge overhead with a clarity unknown to city-dwellers, and the silence of the desert is broken only by the crackle of the campfire and the soft notes of traditional songs.
Savour sage-scented Bedouin tea, a symbol of hospitality offered in friendship. At dinnertime, try zarb, a delicious feast of lamb and vegetables cooked beneath the sand, unearthed in a dramatic flourish.
Stargazing here is awe-inspiring, as you lie outside your tent and trace constellations undimmed by light pollution. It is an experience of pure wonder and serenity that will stay with you long after you leave.
4. The Dead Sea: Nature’s Ultimate Spa and Curiosity
Floating in the Dead Sea is a bucket-list experience that blends natural wonder with fun and wellness.
At over 420 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea’s hypersaline waters allow you to bob effortlessly on the surface. You really can read a newspaper while floating.
The mineral-rich mud is another treat. Coat your skin in the dark mud, let it dry under the desert sun, then wash it off in the sea for unbelievably soft, rejuvenated skin.
Beyond the novelty, there is a reflective quality to visiting the Dead Sea. Gazing across the calm, glittering expanse, you are looking at a landscape steeped in biblical history and ecological change.
The shores of the Dead Sea also offer upscale resorts and spas, perfect for unwinding after a refreshing dip.
The experience is one-of-a-kind. Your body feels weightless, time seems to slow down, and you are reminded of nature’s astonishing extremes.
5. Heartfelt Hospitality: Come as a Guest, Leave as Family
One of the most beautiful reasons to visit Jordan is the Jordanian people. Visitors often remark that Jordanians are among the most friendly and welcoming people in the world.
Do not be surprised if strangers greet you with a smile and a heartfelt “Welcome to Jordan” in the streets of Amman or in the countryside.
Their pride in their country and desire to welcome guests is genuine.
If you are invited into someone’s home or tent, you will experience a level of hospitality that is almost legendary. According to tradition, even an unexpected guest is hosted and cared for with food and shelter for three days without question.
Bedouin culture, in particular, places honour on treating guests like family. You might be offered three cups of tea or coffee, each one symbolising a step from stranger to friend.
In Jordan, connections run deep. You will swap stories with taxi drivers, receive genuine smiles from shopkeepers, and share laughs with locals at markets. By the time you depart, you truly feel like you are leaving behind new friends and family.
6. Immersive Cultural Encounters Off the Tourist Trail
Jordan is filled with enriching, culturally meaningful experiences. Beyond the famous tourist sites, you can dive into everyday Jordanian life through hands-on activities and encounters that few tourists think to seek out.
Join a family in their home to learn how to cook traditional dishes like maqluba or mansaf, wander through a bustling market in Amman or Madaba, or support artisans at a women’s cooperative in Dana.
Music and dance also provide a doorway into the culture. You may be invited to join in a dabke performance, a lively folk dance that embodies Jordanian pride and unity.
Every region has unique customs too, from olive harvesting in Ajloun to Bedouin falconry traditions in the desert.
These are the kinds of immersive moments that turn a trip into a transformative journey. They peel back the layers of a destination and allow you to participate in the living culture of Jordan.
7. Diverse Landscapes from Red Sands to Green Valleys
One of the most astonishing things about Jordan is how geographically diverse it is. In just a few days, you can experience an incredible variety of landscapes, each offering its own kind of beauty and adventure.
There are sweeping deserts like Wadi Rum’s red dunes, but travel north and you will find lush highlands and forests in Ajloun and Umm Qais, where pine trees and olive groves cover rolling hills.
Jordan is home to several nature reserves, including the Dana Biosphere Reserve and Wadi Mujib, a dramatic sandstone gorge often dubbed “Jordan’s Grand Canyon”.
Adventure seekers can trek, rappel down waterfalls, hike canyon trails, and camp under starry skies. On the Red Sea coast, Aqaba offers coral reefs for snorkelling and diving, alongside a laid-back beach atmosphere.
From the salty shores of the Dead Sea to snowy mountain peaks in winter, Jordan’s compact size makes it easy to see it all. The country’s diverse landscapes ensure that scenic beauty is a constant companion on your journey.
8. A Food Lover’s Feast: Savouring Jordanian Cuisine
Travelling through Jordan is a delicious journey in its own right. If you value authentic culinary experiences, you will be in foodie heaven here. From street stalls to family kitchens, Jordanian cuisine is all about generosity and flavour.
Start your day in Amman with a traditional breakfast of hummus, fresh falafel, and warm pita from a local favourite. Try mansaf, the national dish of lamb cooked in tangy jameed yoghurt sauce, or maqluba, an upside-down casserole of spiced rice, vegetables, and meat.
Jordan’s mezze culture will win you over with plates of baba ganoush, labneh, stuffed grape leaves, and more. Save room for kunafa, a syrup-soaked cheese pastry best enjoyed at a sweet shop in Amman.
Meals here are leisurely, social affairs. Sharing mint tea or cardamom coffee with locals is just as important as the dishes themselves. Food in Jordan is both a feast and a cultural gateway.
9. Safe, Stable, and Easy to Explore
It is only natural to wonder about practicalities when considering a trip to the Middle East. The good news is that Jordan is remarkably safe and stable, making it an inviting destination for travellers of all ages.
In contrast to some of its turbulent neighbours, Jordan stands out as a peaceful oasis and has kept itself out of regional conflicts in recent decades.
The country is governed by a stable monarchy and enjoys a reputation for internal security. Violent crime is rare, and you will notice reassuring security checks at hotels and tourist sites.
English is widely spoken, road signs are bilingual, and infrastructure makes it easy to travel from Amman to most major attractions in just a few hours by road. Tourism is important here, and locals often go above and beyond to help visitors.
Jordan offers peace of mind that allows you to fully embrace the adventure.
10. Seamless Small-Group Journeys with Expert Guides
The ultimate reason to put Jordan on your bucket list this year is knowing that you can experience all of the above in a truly meaningful way. Not as a rushed tourist checking boxes, but as an immersed traveller with the right guidance.
A well-curated small-group tour prioritises cultural depth, expert knowledge, and smooth logistics. Encounters Travel offers intimate group sizes and exclusively uses knowledgeable local Jordanian guides. These passionate residents bring history and traditions to life and ensure that your journey feels authentic.
With all transport, tickets, and timing handled for you, you can relax and be present in the moment. Small-group travel also provides access to unique perspectives, such as entering Petra via a quiet Bedouin path or sharing a meal with a local family.
Such thoughtful touches ensure your journey feels special, not cookie-cutter. In the end, travelling in Jordan this way is not just sightseeing. It becomes a transformative travel experience that you will never forget.
JORDAN EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS
From walking in the footsteps of Romans and Nabataeans, to sharing laughter with a Bedouin family over tea, to watching the sun dip below desert horizons, it is the kind of destination that changes you for the better.
These ten reasons are just the beginning. The true magic of Jordan is discovered in person, through your own encounters and the memories you make.
So pack your curiosity and an open heart. The journey of a lifetime awaits in Jordan. Ahlan wa sahlan "welcome".
For those planning travel to Jordan, incorporating small group tours can elevate your adventure, providing expert guidance and intimate explorations.
Ready to turn dreams into reality? Embrace the moment, pack your sense of wonder, and dive into these ultimate, unique Jordan experiences. Your Jordan bucket list awaits. Start by exploring options with trusted providers today.
Do not wait. Jordan's timeless wonders are calling. Safe travels.
