We based our stay in Jordan on day trips from Amman – the country’s capital. As we were traveling with our son, we decided to use the services of local guides. Take a look at our recommended day trips from Amman.
If time permits, spend at least one day in Amman and discover the bustling capital of Jordan on foot.
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Day trip to Petra from Amman
A day trip to Petra from Amman is probably the first thing you want to plan once in Jordan.
We did a day trip from Amman to Petra – we left Amman at 8am and returned at 7pm the same day.
About Petra
Petra is located in southern Jordan, about 235 kilometers south of Amman. It is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The ancient city of Petra was carved out of red sandstone cliffs by the Nabateans over 2,000 years ago and was a hub of commerce and culture in its time.
Petra trip from Amman – main highlights
Start your Amman to Petra day trip early in the morning. A one-way tour to Petra from Amman takes around three hours by car. Along the way, you will enjoy the scenic beauty of Jordan’s desert landscape, passing through small villages and towns.
Once in Petra, you can explore the famous Siq, a narrow canyon that leads to the iconic Treasury building, the most photographed structure in Petra. The Treasury’s intricate facade is carved into the red sandstone cliffs and is a true marvel of ancient engineering.
From the Treasury, visitors can continue to explore Petra’s many attractions, including the Roman Theater, the Monastery, and the Royal Tombs. You can also hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
How to get there
Luckily, you will find many day tours from Amman to Petra. Find our recommended Petra tours from Amman.
Day trip Amman to Madaba
If you like the ancient history and not obvious directions, a day trip from Amman to Madaba is a great way to move to another world.
Madaba is a small town located about 30 kilometers southwest of Amman, known for its famous mosaic map of Madaba – the Holy Land, which dates back to the 6th century.
Things to do in Madaba – main highlights
The journey from Amman to Madaba in Jordan takes approximately 45 minutes by car. Start your tour at St George Church Madaba, which houses the famous Madaba Mosaic Map. The map depicts the Holy Land, including Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, and is a fascinating representation of the region’s geography and history.
After exploring the Church of St. George, continue your tour by visiting other historic sites of Madaba, including the Madaba Archaeological Museum and the Madaba Archaeological Park.
How to get there
There is an Amman Madaba bus available, but we decided to go to Madaba with the local guide.
Amman to Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is located close to Madaba, so it is good to visit those two places within one day trip from Amman. A day trip from Amman to Mount Nebo is a spiritual and historical journey with stunning views and a glimpse into Jordan’s religious heritage.
Mount Nebo is located about 10 kilometers west of Madaba and is believed to be the place where Moses first saw the Promised Land and the place where Moses was buried.
Mount Nebo Jordan – what to see
The journey from Amman to Mount Nebo takes approximately an hour by car. You need a maximum 1-hour to visit the Mount Nebo by yourself. You can start your tour at the Mount Nebo Visitors Center, with the famous Serpentine Cross. From there, you can climb to the top of the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, and the hills of Jerusalem.
Amman to Jordan River
A day trip from Amman to the Jordan River gives you a glimpse into the biblical history of Jordan. The Jordan River is a 251-kilometer-long river that flows from the Sea of Galilee in Israel to the Dead Sea, forming the border between Jordan and Israel.
Jordan River – what to see
The journey from Amman to the Jordan River takes approximately 45 minutes by car. First, you will start your tour at the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, which is located on the east bank of the river. This site is believed to be the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and is an important pilgrimage destination for Christians from around the world.
Then you can explore the archaeological site and see the remains of ancient churches, monasteries, and baptismal pools. Finally, you can walk down to the riverbank and dip your toes (immerse yourself completely) into the cool waters of the Jordan River.
You will be allowed to spend only 5 minutes and the Jordan River as the Visitor Point is located within the military area. Once there, you will observe dancing and singing pilgrims from the Israeli part of the Jordan River.
How to get there
We combined three sights in a one-day trip from Amman: Madaba, Mount Nebo and the Jordan River.
Day trip to Dead Sea from Amman
A day trip to the Dead Sea from Amman is an unforgettable experience. You will get a chance to float in the world’s saltiest body of water and enjoy the region’s natural beauty. The Dead Sea is a saltwater lake located between Jordan and Israel, and is known for its high salt and mineral content. During your Amman to Dead Sea day trip, be sure to plunge into the sea and try a mud mask.
Dead Sea day trip from Amman – main highlights
The journey from Amman to the Dead Sea takes approximately an hour by car. It is very common to start the tour at one of the many resorts that line the Dead Sea shoreline. Usually, you need to pay an entrance fee. Then you can enjoy spa treatments, mud baths, and other wellness activities. They can also spend time floating in the sea.
How to get there
Find some inspiration for your Dead Sea tour from Amman.
Amman day tours – final thoughts
Amman day tours give you plenty of possibilities. You can visit places known from the Bible, discover nature and ancient ruins and spend an unforgettable time. Our favorite day trip from Amman was definitely Petra. It is a perfect choice for family travel!
