Jordan Travel Guide 2026: Why This Destination Belongs on Your List
Float in the Healing Waters of the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is a landlocked salt lake between Israel and Jordan. Nearly all its water is from the Jordan River, it flows from the north into the lake. The Dead Sea has the lowest elevation and is the lowest body of water on the surface of the Earth. For numerous decades in the mid-20th century, the body of water was some 1,300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. As mentioned, the waters of the Dead Sea are extremely saline. The concentration of salt increases toward the lake’s bottom. This results in two different masses of water in the lake for extended periods of time. Good news for travelers, the saline water has a high density that keeps bathers buoyant. The fresh water of the Jordan stays on the surface, and since its extremely salinity, it excludes all forms life except bacteria.
To enjoy the full experience of visiting the Dead Sea, travelers can visit by booking Gate 1’s 8 Day Essential Jordan Tour. Swim in the therapeutic waters and sample the Dead Sea’s renowned restorative powers. Pamper yourself with fabulous treatments and marvel at the natural beauty of this area. In the afternoon, visit the village of Bethany, the site of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.
Explore Jordan’s Dramatic Landscapes on Foot
Jordan offers travelers so much to see, especially if you book Gate 1’s 9 Day Jordan Walking Tour featuring Petra that allows you to experience the wonderful landscape like never before. First, stop at the largest nature reserve, the Dana Biosphere Reserve, home to Jordan’s most diverse wildlife. Hike the White Dome Trail, which contours the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana between the Rummana campsite and Dana Village. Passing through the terraced gardens of the village, the trail offers stunning views of the canyon-like Wadi.
Next, embark on a hike to Al Barrah, a long, deep canyon cut through massive rock walls in Wadi Rum desert. The trail takes you down the canyon, where you will walk between towering sandstone cliffs and dramatic scenery. At the end of the hike, have a Bedouin picnic lunch, before heading back.
Last, rise before dawn for the optional Wadi Rum Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride. Once the ride is over, continue through the Archaeological Park where you can see part of a Roman road, intricate Byzantine mosaics and several Ottoman buildings. After, have a tasty homemade lunch at Hikayet Sitti, prepared by the local women of Madaba.
Step Back in Time at Jordan’s Historic Sites
Gate 1’s 12 Day Jordan, Tradition & Inspiration Tour offers travelers the opportunity to see historical monuments from numerous time periods. First start your tour in Amman, you’ll get to tour the Citadel, located on the highest hill in Amman. Occupied since the Bronze Age, this impressive archaeological site includes the Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace. Here, you can also visit the Archaeological Museum, housing artifacts that date back from prehistoric times to the 15th century.
Next, visit Little Petra, a smaller archaeological site located north of Petra. The site features temples, tombs and cisterns carved out of the rock as well as impressive frescoes from the Nabatean period. Continue to Jordan’s only port city of Aqaba. Begin the city tour with a visit to the Sharif Hussein House and a view of Aqaba Castle. Adjacent to the castle lies the Aqaba Museum housing Bronze Age artifacts dating back to 4000 BC. View the Great Arab Revolt Plaza, site of the early medieval port of Aqaba, and the ruins of medieval Ayla City.
Last, travelers will tour the religious site of Bethany, located on the east bank of the Jordan River. The site of Bethany, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, has long been known from the Bible and from Byzantine and medieval texts. The Bethany area formed part of the early Christian pilgrimage route between Jerusalem, the Jordan River, and Mount Nebo.
Discover the Energy of Jordan’s Cities
Jordan has multiple cities to explore, each one is full of life and provides unique experiences you won’t get anywhere else. On Gate 1’s 9 Day Classic Jordan Tour, travelers will tour both Petra and Amman. Petra is first on the list, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the “rose red” city hand-sculpted from a mountain range by the Nabateans in the 3rd century BC. Begin your walk through the “Siq,” a winding canyon road. At the end, gaze at the towering Treasury building rising over 140 feet. Beyond, discover soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a theater, burial chambers, and water channels, all remnants of a once great Nabatean culture.
Next, take a tour of the more modern city, Amman. The city is often referred to as the “White City” because of the white stone used to build the houses. The tour will take you to the museums Roman Amphitheater and the ancient Citadel. Return to Amman for lunch on your own. Spend the afternoon at leisure or embark on the optional tour to the city of Jerash. Travel north to the best-preserved example of Roman civilization in Jordan. Jerash, part of the Decapolis (the ten large Roman cities of the East), is called the “Pompeii of the East” for its unique state of preservation. The city features theaters, churches, temples of Zeus and Artemis, a Nymphaeum, and Colonnaded Street known as the Cardo.
A Destination That Blends Adventure and Culture
What makes Jordan truly special is its balance of adventure, history, and hospitality. Whether you’re floating in the Dead Sea, hiking through desert canyons, or wandering city streets, travelers will experience a country rich in tradition. To view all our Jordan itineraries, click here. And if you’re interested in the rest of the Mediterranean, click here to view the rest of what Gate 1 has to offer!
