Jordan Travelers Recommend

Jordan’s Golden Triangle presents a land of startling contrasts: from the otherworldly desert landscape of Wadi Rum to the rose-red city of Petra and the sandy beaches and colorful corals of Aqaba. Here are a few ways to tour Jordan’s three main attractions.

Petra

The grand ruins of a rock-carved Nabataean capital hidden deep in the Shara Mountains, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular choice for a tour from Amman. Visitors can explore the impressively preserved ruins, which were discovered in 1812 but date back to 312 BC, and admire the Siq, Treasury, Royal Tombs, and Monastery.

Wadi Rum

A hike through the nearby desert of Wadi Rum, with its towering sandstone cliffs and dazzling sunsets, reveals many wonders. It’s famously the filming location for 1962 movie “Lawrence of Arabia,” and visitors can tour what’s said to be Lawrence’s house, trek through the dunes on a camel, or camp out beneath the stars in a traditional Bedouin tent. For a more personalised experience, opt for a small-group or private tour.

Aqaba

Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city, is where to swap desert sands for palm-fringed beaches and discover some of the Red Sea’s best scuba diving sites. The port is also a popular stop for cruise ships, and cruise visitors can opt for a shore excursion to Wadi Rum or Petra.

Golden Triangle Tours

The easiest way to take in the highlights of Jordan’s Golden Triangle is on a multi-day tour from Amman. As well as exploring Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba, a 4-, 5- or 6-day tour often visits other Jordan attractions such as Jerash or the Dead Sea, and they typically include hotel or airport pickup, accommodation, and some meals.

Bedouin culture forms an important part of Jordan’s heritage, as semi-nomadic tribes make up more than 30 percent of the country’s population. From camel rides through the desert dunes to a stay in a Bedouin camp, these are some of the best ways to experience Bedouin culture in Jordan.

• Tour Jordan’s top attractions, including Wadi Rum desert, Feynan, and Petra, with a Bedouin tour guide and driver to discover the area’s history.

• Trek by camel through the sand dunes to Bedouin communities to learn about local customs over a glass of mint tea with a Bedouin family.

• Feast on a typical Bedouin dinner around a campfire to get an authentic look at Bedouin life.

• Sleep in the desert beneath the stars in traditional Bedouin goat-hair tents on an overnight tour.

• View ancient rock carvings believed to date back 12,000 years and learn about their significance from your dedicated local tour guide.

The ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is the jewel of Jordan. And, though you could spend days exploring this spectacular sandstone settlement, travelers who are short on time can see the highlights of the ancient city during a day trip from Amman. Find out more below.  

Private Tours

If you’re on a tight schedule but want to see as much of Petra as possible, private tours are the way to go. With private tours from Amman, you dictate the timings. This means you can get your trip underway as early as you wish, or perhaps a little later, with pickup from your hotel. 

Opt for private round-trip transfers from Amman and either explore Petra independently or hire your own local guide. Alternatively, pick a more comprehensive private tour package that includes a guided excursion of Petra. Tours can be tailored to your specific interests, be they art, history, or culture. It’s also possible to add on additional experiences, such as a short horseback or camel ride, as well as visits to Little Petra and the Dead Sea.

Group Tours

Group tours to Petra from Amman offer a good-value and are an efficient and hassle-free way to see the top sights in the ancient Nabataean city. As with private tours, sightseeing experiences vary depending on which tour you choose. Pick a bare-bones excursion that includes transfers from Amman and free time at Petra, or opt for an all-inclusive tour with round-trip transfers, a guided tour of the site, a horseback ride, and even lunch. 

Things to Know

• Petra is about 140 miles (225 kilometers) from Amman. Driving takes 2.5–3 hours. 

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat to protect you from the desert sun.

• Some tours include entrance fees to Petra.

• Full-day tours from Amman typically last 8–13 hours. 

The landlocked Dead Sea sits 1,312 feet (400 meters) below sea level in the Jordan Rift Valley, making it the lowest point on Earth. Floating in its warm, mineral-rich waters is an experience that should not be missed. Here are your options for tours from Amman. 

Full-Day Tours

If time is short, it’s possible to visit the Dead Sea Spa Hotel or take a swim in the Dead Sea on a half-day tour from Amman, stopping along the way to visit Bethany on the Jordan River, the believed site of Jesus’ baptism. On a full day trip, you could combine your visit with an Amman city tour; a visit to the sacred Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land; or a tour of St. George’s Church in Madaba, famous for its magnificent Mosaic Map.

Multi-Day Tours

With time to spare, a multi-day tour means you can venture further afield and explore at a more leisurely pace. A 3-, 4-, or 6-night tour from Amman means you can take in Jordan attractions such as the UNESCO-listed city of Petra, the ancient city of Jerash, the Wadi Rum desert, or the Red Sea. 

Things to Know

• The Dead Sea is located 187 miles (85 kilometers) southwest of Amman, a journey of about 1.5 hours by road.

• Day trips from Amman can last between four and nine hours. 

• Be sure to bring your swimsuit, but be aware that the mineral-rich waters can stain fabrics.

• Multi-day tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off, accommodation, some meals, and round-trip coach transport.

With its age-old carved canyons, the Nabataean city of Petra—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and its nearby attractions will easily fill a 3-day itinerary. Here are our ideas for spending three days in and around this ancient, pink-hued city.  

Day 1: Roam the Rose-Red City

Dedicate your first day to the main Petra site with a full-day tour. If you’re staying in Petra town—known locally as Wadi Musa—most tours are private, with a personal guide to show you the must-sees and provide historical perspective. Most also follow the main trail through the Siq canyon to view the stunning 1st-century Treasury and along the Street of the Facades to the Roman Amphitheater and Colonnaded Street. Some tours offer an optional Siq horseback ride. Consider climbing to the High Place of Sacrifice, a Nabataean ceremonial altar perched high above Petra’s valleys, or delve further into what’s known as the Petra Basin, where the cliffs contain royal tombs hewn by the Nabataeans. End the day with dinner at Petra’s Cave Bar, a candlelit Nabataean rock tomb.

Day 2: Wadi Rum and Beyond

The protected desert of Wadi Rum, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about a 2-hour drive from Petra, so take advantage of its proximity by booking a day trip. Many 3-day tours from places such as Amman and Tel Aviv combine a visit to Petra with a stay in this glorious wilderness. Most day trips and longer tours feature 4WD expeditions through Wadi Rum’s valleys and sometimes include an overnight stay at a Bedouin camp. Other multi-day journeys cover Petra and Wadi Rum along with other Jordan highlights, such as the Dead Sea, Aqaba, the Dana Nature Reserve, and Amman and Roman Jerash.

Day 3: Little Petra and Other Experiences

If you’re based in Wadi Musa, use your final day to inspect previously missed sights at Petra. Otherwise, head for Little Petra, reputedly Petra’s ancient suburb. See its rock-cut facades and triclinium dining halls—one still coated with colorful murals—on a 4WD safari or guided walk. Later, sample some Jordanian cuisine with a lunch or dinner experience at a local family home. Wrap up your stay with a classic Turkish bath, enjoying a steam room and invigorating-yet-relaxing massage. Alternatively, join a candlelit Petra tour to see the Treasury at its most magical—its sandstone pillars, portal, and statues softly illuminated against the darkened canyon.

Jordan offers a lot for visitors, but with three days in and around Amman, you'll have just enough time to hit the city's major sites and get out and about to important attractions such as Petra and the Dead Sea—you just have to be strategic about it. Here’s how.

Day 1: Amman

Spend your first day taking in the sights and smells of the Jordanian capital. In the morning, visit popular attractions such as the blue-domed King Abdullah I Mosque and the 6,000-seat Roman Theater. The Citadel is also worth a visit—not only does it offer great views, but it’s also home to the fascinating Jordan Archaeological Museum, replete with ancient artifacts. Other popular museums here include the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, which showcases contemporary art by local and international artists, and the Royal Automobile Museum, full of classic cars, motorcycles, and even a private plane owned by Jordan’s royal family.

Spend the afternoon exploring Rainbow Street, a trendy little area full of cafés and popular shops. If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss Souk Jara, the night market here, which is a good spot to pick up handicrafts—just remember to bargain.

Day 2: Petra

Devote your second day to Petra, considered one of the New7Wonders of the World and easily the most important archaeological site in Jordan. This ancient city predominantly cut from rose-red sandstone is believed to have been inhabited as early as around 9000 BC and was an important trading hub under the Nabateans. Popular attractions within the expansive complex include Al Khazneh, or the Treasury, at the entrance to the ancient city, named for the funerary treasures it is believed to contain. Just beyond the Treasury is a long expanse full of tombs, caves (many of which are inhabited by Berber people to this day), and other ancient structures. If you have the time, the Monastery toward the end of the complex is a gargantuan Nabatean tomb that dwarfs other sites within Petra, but getting there is a bit of a trek (much of it uphill).

Day 3: The Dead Sea, Mount Nebo, and Madaba

Spend your third day a bit closer to Amman, visiting the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea for a float and potentially a lunch break at one of the area's many stylish hotels, many of which have showers and changing facilities specifically for use by day visitors. From here, you can make your way slowly up to Mount Nebo, an important pilgrimage site—Moses is said to have first seen the Promised Land from here. Not far from Mount Nebo, visit the historic city of Madaba, celebrated for its gorgeous mosaics, the most notable of which is a depiction of the Holy Land dating back to the Byzantine era. Additional mosaics can be found in nearby Umm ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of ruins dating back to the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods.

Jordan’s rose-red city of Petra, once a trading hub of the Nabataean people, offers a long lineup of astonishing sights, from its Treasury and Monastery to Roman-built ruins. Here’s how to experience the highlights of this 2,000-year-old city and some of its surrounding attractions in just two days.

Day 1: The Full Petra

**Morning:**Devote today to covering Petra’s must-sees, whether you’re on a full-day tour from Petra town (Wadi Musa) or a 2-day tour with the first day assigned to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Siq canyon and marvel at star attractions such as the Treasury, Amphitheater, and Colonnaded Street—once Petra’s main shopping thoroughfare.

**Afternoon:**Dig deeper into Petra this afternoon: Many tours let you explore independently after the key sights. Perhaps trek to the High Place of Sacrifice, where a clifftop Nabataean ceremonial altar commands panoramic views, or ascend the 600 steps of the Al Khubtha trail to a vertiginous viewpoint over the Treasury.

**Evening:**Enjoy dinner at the Petra Cave Bar: an atmospheric restaurant within a 2,000-year-old Nabataean rock tomb. Many 2-day tours that visit Petra include an overnight stay at a tent camp in the desert valleys of Wadi Rum, giving you a full-on Bedouin cultural experience.

Day 2: More Petra Treasures, Little Petra, or Farther Afield

**Morning:**Continue inside Petra this morning, perhaps with a private tour customized to cover sights you missed yesterday. Maybe include a guided hike to the magnificent Monastery, or take a closer look at Petra’s Royal Tombs and temples. Alternatively, if you’re on a 2-day tour, take a trip to nearby Wadi Rum, Aqaba, or the Dead Sea.

**Afternoon:**Covered Petra? Then assign this afternoon to Little Petra, thought to have been a suburb of the main city. Book a tour of its rock-cut facades and triclinium dining halls—one bearing frescoes—or up the adventure with a 4WD journey that visits this mini-Petra and other local ruins.

**Evening:**Make your last night in Petra special with a Turkish bath: indulging in a steam bath and scrub. Otherwise, choose a Petra-by-night tour, returning to the Siq and Treasury to see them in the glow of hundreds of candles.

Whether you’re on a whistle-stop day trip to Petra from elsewhere or staying nearby with 24 hours to take in this age-old rock carved by the long-ago Nabataeans, planning ahead is essential. Read our tips for what to see and do in a day at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Morning: Petra’s Highlights

With only limited time, it’s best to focus on Petra’s highlights. Most half- and full-day trips from the town of Petra (Wadi Musa), Amman, Tel Aviv, Eilat, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea include a guide or let you hire one at the main entrance gate. From here, you’ll walk through the Siq, the canyon into the city, to marvel at the showpiece Treasury before continuing along the tomb-lined Street of the Facades to inspect the other must-sees: the Roman Amphitheater, Colonnaded Street, and Qasr al-Bint Temple. Many day trips end here before lunch at a Petra hotel, while longer tours usually let you explore further and include an optional lunch within the site. 

Afternoon: Delve Deeper

If time allows, continue deeper into Petra this afternoon to see another of its highlights—its legendary Monastery. Climb the 800 steps up to this spectacular edifice—originally a Nabataean tomb and far larger than the Treasury—and absorb its Hellenistic frontage and views over the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, hike to the High Place of Sacrifice, ascending steps from the Roman Amphitheater to this once-holy clifftop site, a Nabataean sacrificial platform. Soak in the bird’s-eye views over the gorges below and perhaps descend through Wadi Fasa—one of Petra’s most scenic trails.

Evening: Caves, Canyons, and Candlelight

Petra is especially magical after dark, so if you’re staying in the area, book dinner at the Petra Cave Bar, a restaurant set inside a lantern-studded Nabataean cave tomb. Alternatively, enjoy an evening walk through the candlelit Siq canyon to the Treasury, where a blanket of candles illuminates its façade. Sit on carpets and sip tea as you take in the sense of timelessness and listen to live Bedouin music—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Many visitors to Jordan barely see Amman, instead using the Jordanian capital as a jumping-off point to explore more popular destinations such as Petra and the Dead Sea. This is a shame, however, as the city offers plenty to do and see even if you have just one day. Here are a few suggestions.

Morning: Historic Amman

With only one day in Amman, you’re best off exploring the city, though ambitious travelers could take a half-day tour out to the Dead Sea and return in the late afternoon to check out a few local attractions. If you wish to stay in town, start your day at the Jordan Museum, known for its myriad archaeological artifacts, including parts of the Dead Sea Scrolls. From here, head to the Amman Citadel, where you can get great city views, making sure to visit the on-site Archaeological Museum on your way.

Afternoon: Modern Amman

Head to trendy Rainbow Street, known for its cute shops and ample cafés and restaurants. Stop for lunch here or grab a falafel sandwich to go before heading over to the city's ancient Roman Theater. From here, head over to one of the city's Turkish baths, or hamams, where you can spend the next couple of hours partaking of a traditional exfoliating and massage treatment. End your day with a stop at the King Abdullah I Mosque, known for its beautiful mosaic dome, or visit the Jordan Gallery of Fine Arts to check out an extensive collection of contemporary art from around the world.

Night: Amman After Dark

Amman is full of hip cafés, swanky restaurants, and bars, and when it comes to drinking and partying, it's one of the more liberal, laid-back cities in the Middle East. Many of the city's upscale restaurants have small bars or clubs, though many travelers prefer to go straight to Rainbow Street, with its lively café scene; you’ll also find the bustling Souk Jara night market here if you come during the summer months. Alternatively, for something a bit calmer, book a romantic dinner at one of the many upscale restaurants in the city.

Built by the Nabataeans thousands of years ago, the ancient city of Petra was lost to the ages until it was rediscovered by Johann Burckhardt in 1812. Even after its rediscovery, not many visitors came to Petra. It wasn’t until the site was featured in the third Indiana Jones movie in 1989 that visitor numbers started increasing, and today, more than 500,000 people visit annually. Here are some of Petra’s most famous appearances on the big screen.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

In the third installment of the Indiana Jones series, Indy’s quest for the Holy Grail takes him to the Canyon of the Crescent Moon and the Holy Temple, where the Holy Grail was hidden. In reality, the Canyon of the Crescent Moon is the Siq, the narrow gorge that visitors first pass through at Petra, and the Holy Temple is Al Khazneh, or the Treasury, the massive rock-hewn temple and memorial at the end of the Siq. Visitors can walk along the Siq themselves and take in the amazing view as it opens up to Al Khazneh.

The Mummy Returns

Most of the desert scenes in The Mummy Returns were actually shot in Morocco, but some of the train scenes were shot on the Hejaz Railway in Jordan. Petra also makes an appearance, and its canyons and gorges feature in the scenes where the giant wall and skull of water created by Imhotep chase the hero and heroine in a dirigible.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

The second installment of the Transformers franchise features Petra’s Al Deir, or Monastery, as the Tomb of the Primes. In reality, Al Deir is a temple on top of a mountain, which created some logistical difficulties. The scenes were finally shot with the help of the Jordanian Air Force, which lent helicopters to transport the crew and equipment. Visitors will have to climb the more than 800 steps to the top themselves, but viewing the majestic Al Deir and the surrounding scenery makes it all worthwhile.

With two days in Amman, you’ll have enough time not only to get a good feel for the Jordanian capital, but you’ll also be able to take a day trip to one of the many interesting historic sites in the area. Here’s one way to go about it.

Day 1: Amman Central

Morning: Devote your first day to exploring Amman, taking in local museums and cultural points of interests as you go. Start at the King Abdullah I Mosque, known for its beautiful blue-hued mosaic dome, followed by a trip through the nearby Jordan Gallery of Fine Arts, which showcases work from across the Middle East and beyond.

Afternoon: Start your afternoon with a traditional lunch of mansaf (lamb) or mezze before continuing your explorations. Popular attractions include the Amman Citadel, offering gorgeous city views and an interesting Archaeological Museum, and the Jordan Museum, full of artifacts from across the Levant, including pieces of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Evening: In the evening, head over to trendy Rainbow Street, known for its charming cafés and vibrant atmosphere—it’s a great place to wander or sit down for dinner and people-watching. If you’re visiting in the summer, check out the Souk Jara, a night market here that’s brimming with locally produced handicrafts.

Day 2: Day-Tripping

Morning: Spend your next day on a day trip. If you plan to check out Petra, expect to get up early and spend a lot of time in a car. If you want something closer, head out for a float in the Dead Sea instead.

Afternoon: If you’ve opted to go to the Dead Sea, you’ll still have time left in the afternoon to grab lunch and make a stop at Madaba on your way back to Amman. The city is known for its mosaics, particularly the Madaba Map, a 6th-century map of the Holy Land on the floor of Saint George Church.

Evening: From Madaba, it's a quick jaunt to Mount Nebo, believed to be where Moses first caught a glimpse of the Holy Land. Even if you aren't interested in religious history, Mount Nebo makes for a nice spot to watch the sunset before driving back to Amman in time for dinner.

Planning two days in Aqaba? An ideal jumping-off point for day trips to Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan’s only port city also serves up a bustling Old Town and the beaches, cruises, and water sports of the Red Sea. Here’s how to get the best from 48 hours in Aqaba. 

Day 1: Petra or Wadi Rum

**Morning:**Make full use of today by booking a private or group tour to one of Jordan’s nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites or even farther afield. Most visitors head for the ancient rock city of Petra or the Wadi Rum desert of orange-hued mountains, but other options include the Dead Sea and even Jerusalem.

**Afternoon:**If you’ve picked Petra, spend the best part of the day admiring its relics and facades—hand-cut by the ancient Nabataeans. Walk through the Siq canyon to the Treasury, Amphitheater, and Roman ruins—all ethereally beautiful—and hear their backstories. If you’ve chosen Wadi Rum, meanwhile, rumble through its gorges by 4WD before hikes to see its rock bridges, ancient carvings, and springs. 

**Evening:**Wadi Rum takes on a special beauty at dusk and after dark, and some tours are timed to catch the sunset or include an overnight stay in a tented desert camp. If you’re back in Aqaba tonight, however, slow the tempo with supper in the Old Town and an amble along the starlit corniche.

Day 2: Another Day Trip or Beach Time

**Morning:**Devote your second day to Petra or Wadi Rum—visiting the sight you didn’t cover yesterday—or focus on Aqaba’s attractions. Visit 16th-century Aqaba Fort, also called Mamluk Castle, from which Lawrence of Arabia ousted the Turks in 1917, and see the huge seafront Aqaba Flagpole, one of the world’s tallest.

**Afternoon:**Lounge on one of Aqaba’s beaches this afternoon, or crank up the fun with a snorkel cruise to Pharaoh Island, a glass-bottom boat ride, or a scuba dive in the reefs of Aqaba Marine Park. 

**Evening:**Tonight, hit Aqaba corniche to watch the sun disappear behind Egypt’s Sinai Mountains across the water. Then, hunt for last-minute gifts such as ceramics and spices in the Old Town before dinner at a traditional restaurant.

From the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Petra and Wadi Rum to golden beaches and crystal-clear seas, Aqaba makes a great base for exploring Jordan’s treasures and experiencing the Red Sea’s waters and marine life. Here’s how to get the best from three days in this conveniently located city.

Day 1: Visit UNESCO-Listed Sites

Set on the Red Sea’s northern tip, Aqaba is ideal for accessing two of Jordan’s biggest highlights—Petra and Wadi Rum. Book a day trip to either, or combine them into one long but unforgettable day. History aficionados should opt for a group or private tour to Petra: the rose-red rock city carved by the long-ago Nabataeans. View its 2,000-year-old Treasury, Roman Amphitheater, and tombs with a guide for historical perspective. If scenery tempts you more, choose a half-day or day trip or overnight camping excursion to Wadi Rum: a desert mountain wilderness with ancient inscriptions, rock formations, Bedouin settlements, and sites associated with Lawrence of Arabia. Tours typically include a 4WD safari around the gorges and dunes for a touch of adventure.

Day 2: Relax in Aqaba

Catch your breath today and enjoy Aqaba. Blessed with long beaches and reef-rich waters, it’s tailor-made for sunbathing and water sports. Admire exotic fish and corals on a snorkel or scuba dive at Aqaba Marine Park, join a snorkel cruise to coral-fringed Pharaoh Island, or take a glass-bottom boat to see the underwater world from above. Alternatively, explore Aqaba Fort (aka Mamluk Castle), the medieval fort captured by Lawrence of Arabia and his Bedouin army in 1917. Other nearby draws include the towering Aqaba Flagpole and Aqaba Archaeological Museum. Later, hit the Old Town for shopping and dinner, snapping up souvenirs before savoring the day’s catch at one of the popular fish restaurants.

Day 3: Explore Farther

Use today to visit Petra or Wadi Rum, whichever you didn’t see the first day. Alternatively, head to the Dead Sea to float in its salty waters, indulge in a mud bath, and bask in its famous mineral spa treatments, or seize the opportunity to visit neighboring Israel on a private day trip. Pass the Dead Sea en route to Jerusalem to see the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, before potentially adding a visit to Bethlehem. Lastly, if time allows, while away the evening in Aqaba with dinner, shopping, and a seafront stroll. On Fridays, don’t miss the Souk by the Sea: a mini food-and-music festival staged on the corniche.

Cupping the Gulf of Aqaba at the northern corner of the Red Sea, Aqaba offers more than sands and sea. In between lazing on its beaches and taking snorkel and scuba trips over coral reefs, visitors can explore historical ruins and bustling souks or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra. Here are some ways to spend a day in Aqaba. 

Morning: Historical Highlights

Dedicate this morning to Aqaba’s most prominent historical landmark: the corniche-set Aqaba Fortress, aka Mamluk Castle. Admire this 16th-century Ottoman fortification, and reflect on its role in one of World War I’s key battles—when Lawrence of Arabia and his Bedouin forces seized it from the Turks in 1917. Roam the courtyard and then the ramparts for stellar views of the Red Sea. Afterward, head for the nearby Archaeological Museum to check out its prehistoric and Roman exhibits.

Alternatively, if this is your only stop in the region, take the opportunity to visit UNESCO-listed Petra on a day trip to this rose-red city, carved from rock 2,000 years ago.

Afternoon: Beaches and Boat Trips

If you didn’t strike out to Petra earlier, kick back on Aqaba’s beaches. Hit the public Palm Beach or a private beach club and enjoy the warm sun and cool waters. Perhaps catch a glass-bottom boat to see the underwater world without getting wet, or join a snorkel-stop cruise to Pharaoh Island—a barren islet ringed by fish-filled corals. For your own snorkeling trip, head to the Aqaba Marine Park, where protected reefs await. Drift above the brilliant corals or try scuba diving on an introductory course. Qualified divers also have lots of options, with numerous dive trips available to outlying coral gardens.

Evening: Sunset, Shopping, and Supper

As dusk falls, join locals on a stroll along Aqaba’s corniche to drink in the sunset-and-sea views. Then, head into the bustling Old Town to scour the market stalls and shops for souvenirs such as glass lamps, pottery, jewelry, and spices—remembering to haggle to avoid overpaying. Finally, if it’s a Friday, return to the seafront for Souk by the Sea, a pop-up event featuring craft stands, food stalls, and live music.

Since time immemorial, the nomadic desert people of Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula have raised horses. Today, traveling by saddle remains one of the best ways to explore the ancient Nabataean city of Petra and the nearby desert of Wadi Rum. Here is what you can expect from horseback riding tours in and around Petra.

Highlights

• Conserve energy by riding a horse from the nearby town of Wadi Mousa to the archaeological site—a journey that normally takes around 20 minutes by foot.

• Clip-clop through the Siq, a long and narrow high-walled gorge that serves as the main entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra.

• See the highlights of the stone city of Petra, including the magnificent Greek-inspired facade of the Treasury, from the saddle.

• Trot along paths up nearby Mount Aaron, also known as Jabal Haroun, a holy pilgrimage site for Muslims, Christians, and Jews, before completing the final ascent to the summit, where a small shrine is located, on foot.

• Embark on a horseback riding trek through the red sands of the nearby Wadi Rum desert, an area immortalized by T.E. Lawrence’s Seven Pillars of Wisdom and the 1962 epic film, Lawrence of Arabia.

• After your horseback ride, wash off the desert dust and soak tired muscles at spa resorts in the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba.

Many visitors to Jordan barely see Amman, instead using the Jordanian capital as a jumping-off point to explore more popular destinations such as Petra and the Dead Sea. This is a shame, however, as the city offers plenty to do and see even if you have just one day. Here are a few suggestions.

Morning: Historic Amman

With only one day in Amman, you’re best off exploring the city, though ambitious travelers could take a half-day tour out to the Dead Sea and return in the late afternoon to check out a few local attractions. If you wish to stay in town, start your day at the Jordan Museum, known for its myriad archaeological artifacts, including parts of the Dead Sea Scrolls. From here, head to the Amman Citadel, where you can get great city views, making sure to visit the on-site Archaeological Museum on your way.

Afternoon: Modern Amman

Head to trendy Rainbow Street, known for its cute shops and ample cafés and restaurants. Stop for lunch here or grab a falafel sandwich to go before heading over to the city's ancient Roman Theater. From here, head over to one of the city's Turkish baths, or hamams, where you can spend the next couple of hours partaking of a traditional exfoliating and massage treatment. End your day with a stop at the King Abdullah I Mosque, known for its beautiful mosaic dome, or visit the Jordan Gallery of Fine Arts to check out an extensive collection of contemporary art from around the world.

Night: Amman After Dark

Amman is full of hip cafés, swanky restaurants, and bars, and when it comes to drinking and partying, it's one of the more liberal, laid-back cities in the Middle East. Many of the city's upscale restaurants have small bars or clubs, though many travelers prefer to go straight to Rainbow Street, with its lively café scene; you’ll also find the bustling Souk Jara night market here if you come during the summer months. Alternatively, for something a bit calmer, book a romantic dinner at one of the many upscale restaurants in the city.