Amman tours and excursions

Amman tours

Amman excursions

Dead Sea

If it wasn't for Petra, the Dead Sea would be Jordan's most alluring attraction. At 400m (1,312ft) below sea level, this incredible lake in the Great Rift Valley is actually the lowest point on earth. It's famed for two things: the therapeutic qualities of its mud and water (which are proven to help soothe skin disease), and its natural buoyancy. Less than an hour from Amman by car, the Amman Touristic Beach offers affordable access and has good showers, restaurants and plenty of parasols. Alternatively, the exclusive spa resorts charge a little more but have that 5-star feel about them. Wear modest swimwear.

Tel: +962 5 356 0804.

Petra

A 240km (149 mile) drive from Amman is Petra, the jewel in the crown of Jordan's antiquities and the country's top attraction. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Petra is one of the great sights of the Middle East. This city was carved straight into solid rock and it unfolds grandly after a 2km (1.2-mile) walk through a very narrow chasm, which adds to its mystery and grandeur. Built during the 5th and 6th centuries BCE, Petra is the ruined capital of the Nabatean Arabs. Its immense facades were lost for almost 1,000 years until they were rediscovered by the Swiss traveller Johan Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812.

Today, there are still many sites to see including the el Khazneh (The Treasury) monument, which is a giant tomb carved out of rock, the Temple of the Winged Lions, the al-Deir (Monastery) and the small Archaeological Museum, which displays artefacts found at Petra during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Tel: +962 3 215 7093.
Website: http://visitpetra.jo

Madaba

Famed for its Byzantine mosaic map of the Middle East, Madaba is a 42km (26 mile) drive from Amman. The mosaic, preserved in the Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George, is made from 2 million coloured stones that depict the hills, valleys, villages and towns in Palestine and the Nile Delta. A further 10km (6 miles) away is Mount Nebo where Moses was said to have seen the Promised Land before dying and being buried in an unmarked grave. Also worth visiting in this area is Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was said to have been baptised by John.

Tel: +962 5 325 2639.
Website: http://www.visitmadaba.org

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Corp Amman Hotel

Located opposite the Royal Cultural Centre, the Corp Amman Hotel has 108 rooms, so if there's nothing on across the road, it opens up ample bargaining opportunities for nabbing a knocked down price. Sleeping quarters approach apartment sizes, and each comes with a large TV, free Wi-Fi and soundproofed windows. The small gym and swimming pool is enough to keep guests primed during their stay, while the rooftop lounge is best at dusk.

Four Seasons Hotel Amman

Undoubtedly the city's most luxurious hotel, the Four Seasons knows its place as it sits atop the highest of the Amman's Jabels (hills). Naturally, the hotel's signature service, beds and ambience are otherworldly, but you can't put a price on its wonderful views. Dead Sea mud treatments and salt scrubs are available in its spa and its run of excellent onsite restaurants might mean you don't eat anywhere else.

The Amman Pasha Hotel

Look past the floral bedspreads, and rise above the dodgy water pressure, and The Amman Pasha Hotel is a bit of a bargain. Leaning towards the hostel side of accommodation, rooms are clean and staff are friendly, and there’s a lovely roof terrace. The quirky café is adorned with stained glass windows, and Arabian carpets and onsite cooking classes are worth a few hours of your time. Toss up between rooms with views of the Roman Theatre or those away from the hubbub of the road outside. Breakfast is included.

ibis Amman

With a solid stamp of standardisation, ibis Amman works hard to provide perennial hotel needs: quiet rooms, decent beds and clean bathrooms. The location is central enough, while Wi-Fi and breakfast is included as part of the deal. Funky, Ikea-like furniture adorns the public spaces and staff are super helpful.

Toledo Hotel

Modern with a hint of faux-Moorish architecture, this moderately priced, 4-star hotel combines a great location with tasteful decoration and air-conditioned bliss. Under the shadows of some 5-star stalwarts, Toledo Hotel offers decent room dimensions, a restaurant that marries East and West, plus a spa with a lap pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Amman

At Crowne Plaza hotel, you can overlook the white city of Amman. International fast food restaurants, the main shopping area of Sweifiyeh, and the popular Gold Souk of Um Utheina are within walking distance. This 5 star hotel is an acclaimed destination for business trips, family visits and even solo travels to Jordan.

Introducing Amman

While you’re there

Plan your trip

Jordan Information

Airports