5-Day Jordan Highlights Tour from Amman
The most complete Jordan tour from Amman — five days covering Jerash, Ajloun, Madaba, Mount Nebo, the Baptism Site, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea. Small group (max 6) with English-speaking driver and Toyota 4×4.
The 5-Day Jordan Highlights Tour from Amman is a small-group private trip (max 6 travelers) covering nine of Jordan’s most important sights in one organized itinerary. Day 1 visits Jerash Roman ruins and Ajloun Castle in the north. Day 2 travels south through Madaba, Mount Nebo, and the Bethany Baptism Site to Petra. Day 3 is a full day at Petra. Day 4 covers Wadi Rum desert and Aqaba on the Red Sea. Day 5 ends at the Dead Sea and the Umayyad desert castles before returning to Amman. From $480 per person, with hotel and airport pickup included.
Why Choose the 5-Day Jordan Highlights Tour
This is the most thorough Jordan tour from Amman — built for travelers who want to see the whole country, not just the famous postcards.
Most Jordan tours from Amman cover Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. This one adds five more: Jerash, Ajloun, Madaba, Mount Nebo, Bethany Baptism Site, Aqaba, and the Desert Castles. If you have five days in Jordan, this is the itinerary that lets you see all of it without splitting into multiple bookings.
9 Sights, One Trip
Roman ruins, Crusader castles, biblical sites, Petra, the desert, the Red Sea, the Dead Sea, and the Umayyad castles. The complete Jordan loop from one booking.
Small Group (max 6)
Smaller than typical bus tours (which can have 17+ travelers). Six people max in a Toyota 4×4 means more flexibility, less waiting, and the ability to adjust the day.
Includes Biblical Sites
Mount Nebo, the Madaba Mosaic Map, and the Bethany Baptism Site — Jordan’s Christian heritage route. Skipped by most short tours but essential for pilgrims and history travelers.
5-Day Itinerary — Day by Day
The full loop: north, center, south, Red Sea, then back to Amman via the Dead Sea.
Amman → Jerash → Ajloun
Roman ruins by morning, Arab castle by afternoon
Pickup from Amman
Toyota 4×4 picks you up from your hotel or Queen Alia Airport. Drive north toward Jerash (~50 km, 45 min).
Jerash Roman ruins (~2 hours)
Hadrian’s Arch, Oval Plaza, colonnaded Cardo Maximus, South Theatre, Temple of Artemis. One of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy.
Ajloun Castle (~1.5 hours)
12th-century Arab castle built by Saladin’s nephew to defend against the Crusaders. Panoramic views over the Jordan Valley to the west.
Return to Amman
Drive back to Amman for overnight. About 13 hours of accommodation in Amman.
Amman → Madaba → Mount Nebo → Bethany → Petra
Biblical sites + arrival at Petra
Madaba — “City of Mosaics”
St George’s Church and the famous 6th-century Mosaic Map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. About 40 minutes south of Amman.
Mount Nebo
The hilltop where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land. The Memorial Church of Moses and 4th-century mosaics. Sweeping views over the Jordan Valley toward Jericho and Jerusalem on clear days.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
UNESCO-listed Baptism Site of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River. Walk through the ruins of ancient churches and baptismal pools.
Drive south to Petra (~3 hours)
Via the Desert Highway. Arrival at Wadi Musa, the gateway town to Petra, in early evening.
Petra — Full Day
The rose-red city, unhurried
Enter Petra before the crowds
Walk the Siq down to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Cooler temperatures, better photos before tour buses arrive around 9:30 AM.
Explore Petra in depth
Royal Tombs, Roman amphitheater, Colonnaded Street, Great Temple. With a full day, you have time to climb to the Monastery (Ad Deir) — 850 steps, but the most spectacular building in Petra.
Second night in Petra
Overnight in Wadi Musa. Optional Petra by Night experience (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday only — separate ticket).
Petra → Wadi Rum → Aqaba
Desert by jeep, Red Sea by evening
Drive to Wadi Rum (~1.5 hours)
~110 km south to the Wadi Rum protected reserve.
Wadi Rum 4×4 jeep tour (~2 hours)
4×4 jeep safari through the red dunes — rock bridges, Lawrence’s Spring, ancient Nabataean inscriptions, panoramic viewpoints.
Drive to Aqaba (~1 hour)
~75 km southwest from Wadi Rum to Aqaba — Jordan’s only Red Sea port, a tax-free zone with beaches, snorkeling, and coral reefs.
Aqaba — Red Sea coast
Free time to relax on the beach, snorkel over the coral reefs, or visit Aqaba Fort. Overnight in Aqaba.
Aqaba → Dead Sea → Desert Castles → Amman
Float, mud, Umayyad castles, return
Drive Aqaba → Dead Sea (~4 hours)
Long drive north via the Wadi Araba route to the Dead Sea — the lowest point on Earth at 430 metres below sea level.
Dead Sea — float & mud
Float in the world’s saltiest water, apply Dead Sea mineral mud, and rinse off. Resort facilities and fresh-water pool.
Qasr Mushatta & Desert Castles
Visit Qasr Mushatta (a 8th-century Umayyad palace ruin) near Queen Alia Airport — easy stop on the way back to Amman.
Return to Amman
Drop-off at your Amman hotel or Queen Alia Airport. End of tour.
Ready for all 9 Jordan highlights?
From $480 per person · Small group max 6 · Free cancellation 24h
About the 9 Sights on This Tour
Distances, what each site is, and why each is included on a complete Jordan tour.
What sites are included in the 5-day tour?
Nine major sites across Jordan:
- Jerash — Roman provincial city, best-preserved outside Italy
- Ajloun Castle — 12th-century Arab fortress built against the Crusaders
- Madaba — “City of Mosaics,” home of the 6th-century Madaba Map
- Mount Nebo — biblical hilltop where Moses viewed the Promised Land
- Bethany Beyond the Jordan — UNESCO Baptism Site of Jesus
- Petra — rose-red Nabataean rock-carved city (UNESCO, New 7 Wonders)
- Wadi Rum — red sandstone desert reserve (UNESCO)
- Aqaba — Jordan’s only Red Sea port, snorkeling and beaches
- Dead Sea + Qasr Mushatta — lowest point on Earth + Umayyad desert castle
How far is Mount Nebo from Amman?
Mount Nebo is about 35–40 km southwest of Amman, and the drive takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour. It sits just 10 km west of Madaba, which makes the two sites a natural pair on Day 2 of this tour.
Mount Nebo is the hilltop where, according to the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses stood to view the Promised Land before his death. The Memorial Church of Moses on the summit was first built in the 4th century CE and rebuilt in the 6th century.
What is the Bethany Baptism Site?
Bethany Beyond the Jordan (also called “Al-Maghtas”) is the site on the Jordan River where John the Baptist is believed to have baptized Jesus Christ. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015.
The site is about 50 km from Amman, around a 1-hour drive. Visitors walk a marked trail through ruins of ancient churches, baptismal pools, and the Jordan riverbank itself. It’s a major Christian pilgrimage site, along with Mount Nebo and Madaba.
How far is Aqaba from Petra?
Aqaba sits about 125 km south of Petra, a drive of roughly 2 hours. From Wadi Rum, Aqaba is even closer — about 75 km, 1 hour. This tour goes Petra → Wadi Rum → Aqaba in a single day (Day 4).
Aqaba is Jordan’s only Red Sea port and a duty-free zone. It’s known for warm-water snorkeling and diving on coral reefs, plus the historic Aqaba Fort and Mamluk-era ruins.
What are the Desert Castles?
The “Desert Castles” (or “Qasr”) are a group of 8th-century Umayyad palaces, hunting lodges, and caravanserais spread across the desert east of Amman. They’re not military castles in the European sense — more like fortified rural retreats for the Umayyad caliphs.
This tour visits Qasr Mushatta, the largest of the unfinished Umayyad palaces, which sits conveniently near Queen Alia International Airport on the way back to Amman on Day 5. Other Desert Castles like Qasr Amra and Qasr Kharana lie further east.
| Route | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Amman → Jerash | ~50 km | ~45 min |
| Jerash → Ajloun | ~22 km | ~30 min |
| Amman → Madaba | ~35 km | ~40 min |
| Madaba → Mount Nebo | ~10 km | ~15 min |
| Madaba → Bethany Baptism Site | ~50 km | ~1 hour |
| Bethany → Petra | ~250 km | ~3 hours |
| Petra → Wadi Rum | ~110 km | ~1.5 hours |
| Wadi Rum → Aqaba | ~75 km | ~1 hour |
| Aqaba → Dead Sea | ~280 km | ~4 hours |
| Dead Sea → Amman | ~55 km | ~1 hour |
What’s Included in This Tour
Note: this tour has 2 package options with different inclusions — check the booking page for exact details.
Included in Both Packages
- Amman hotel pickup & drop-off
- Queen Alia Airport pickup
- Toyota 4×4 with English-speaking driver (5 days)
- Small group format (max 6 travelers)
- All transportation between sites
- Wadi Rum 4×4 jeep tour
- Free cancellation 24h before
- Reserve now, pay later
Not Included
- Accommodation in Petra and Wadi Rum (book separately)
- Entry tickets (Jerash, Ajloun, Petra, Wadi Rum, sites)
- Meals
- Licensed guides at individual sites
- Dead Sea resort entry fee
- Optional Petra by Night ticket
- Aqaba snorkeling / diving fees
- Driver gratuities (optional)
- Travel insurance
Tip: a Jordan Pass (70–80 JOD / ~$99–$117) covers entry fees for Petra, Jerash, Ajloun, Wadi Rum, Mount Nebo, and the Desert Castles — plus the visa fee. Almost always worth it on a 5-day trip.
Important: drones are not allowed in Wadi Rum, Petra, or at sensitive sites. Photography by phone or regular camera is fine.
5-Day Tour Photo Gallery
From Wadi Rum sunsets to Jerash columns.
5-Day Tour Reviews
Verified GetYourGuide reviews of this small-group Jordan tour.
“Five days that covered everything I wanted to see in Jordan. Our driver knew the routes and timings perfectly — never rushed, never late. The small group of 6 meant we could chat with the others or have quiet time on long drives. Petra and Wadi Rum were the highlights, but Mount Nebo and the Baptism Site were unexpectedly moving.”
“Exactly what we wanted — a thorough tour without committing to a big bus group. The driver was friendly, the Toyota was comfortable for long drives, and the itinerary made geographic sense (we never doubled back). Aqaba was a nice break after the desert. Highly recommend for anyone with 5 days in Jordan.”
“Worth getting a Jordan Pass for this tour — entry fees add up across 9 sites. Otherwise everything went smoothly. The Desert Castles stop on the way back to the airport was a nice extra. Would book again.”
5-Day Jordan Tour FAQ
Common questions about this small-group itinerary.
Yes — 5 days is the sweet spot for a complete Jordan tour. It covers the country’s main historical and natural sights without rushing, including Petra (full day), Wadi Rum (jeep tour), the Dead Sea, and the biblical sites near Madaba.
If you only have 3–4 days, consider the 3-day private tour or 4-day Dana tour. For 7+ days you can add Dana Biosphere Reserve, more time in Aqaba, or trips to Umm Qais and the Wadi Mujib canyons.
This is a flexible budget option: by leaving accommodation out, the tour can offer a lower starting price ($480 vs $700+ for fully-bundled tours). Travelers book their own hotels in Petra and Wadi Rum based on preferred budget — budget hostels, 3-star hotels, luxury resorts, or desert camps.
If you want a fully all-inclusive tour with accommodation bundled, consider the 4-day Dana tour ($669/pp, all meals + accommodation) instead.
Maximum 6 travelers, in a Toyota 4×4. This is much smaller than typical Jordan bus tours, which can have 17–40 travelers. A group of 6 means: more flexibility (the driver can adapt timing within the day), shorter waits at sites, easier conversation, and faster boarding/exiting.
If you book as a couple or family, your group may be merged with other travelers (also booked through GetYourGuide) until the 6-traveler cap is reached.
Yes, almost certainly. Entry fees are not included in either package, and over 5 days you’ll visit at least 6 paid sites (Petra, Jerash, Ajloun, Wadi Rum, Mount Nebo, Madaba). A Jordan Pass costs 70–80 JOD (~$99–$117) and includes:
- Petra (worth 50 JOD on its own)
- Jerash, Ajloun, Wadi Rum, Mount Nebo, Madaba (12 + 3 + 5 + 2 + 1 = 23 JOD)
- Visa fee waiver (40 JOD if staying 3+ nights)
- 40+ other sites included
Total savings: 50+ JOD per person vs paying entry fees individually.
No — drones are not allowed at most Jordan sites, including Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, and the Baptism Site. Bringing a drone into Jordan also requires advance permits from civil aviation, and using one without permission can result in confiscation.
Regular cameras and phone photography are fine everywhere except a few sensitive religious sites (Mount Nebo church interior, Baptism Site shrines).
Day 2 covers the Jordan Christian heritage route: Madaba, Mount Nebo, and the Bethany Baptism Site. These three sites form Jordan’s traditional pilgrimage path:
- Madaba — the Mosaic Map of the Holy Land at St George’s Church
- Mount Nebo — where Moses viewed the Promised Land
- Bethany Beyond the Jordan — Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (UNESCO)
The pace allows time for reflection at each site, not just photo stops.
Yes — airport pickup is included at no extra cost. The airport sits south of Amman, so if your flight lands in the morning, you can start the tour from there. For evening arrivals, you may want to spend a night in Amman first (separate booking).
Different sites and pace:
- This 5-day tour ($480/pp): covers 9 sites including Jerash, Ajloun, the biblical sites, Aqaba, and the Desert Castles. Accommodation in Petra/Wadi Rum is not included.
- The 4-day Dana tour ($669/pp): covers 4 sites (Dana, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea) but is fully all-inclusive — accommodation, all meals, entry tickets, bubble tent.
Choose the 5-day for maximum coverage at a budget-friendly base price. Choose the 4-day Dana for fewer sites but everything included.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal — mild temperatures across the country, comfortable for both walking ancient sites and the desert nights. Summer (June–August) is hot in Petra, Wadi Rum, and especially Aqaba; winter is quieter but desert nights can be very cold.
The Dead Sea is comfortable year-round.
9 Sights, 5 Days, One Small Group
The most thorough Jordan tour from Amman — covering Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, the Dead Sea, and the biblical sites. Toyota 4×4, English driver, reserve now and pay later.
