2025 Jordan Private Tour Review: A 5-Day Adventure Through Time

You know, planning a trip to Jordan can feel a little overwhelming. There’s just so much history and so many huge sites to see. Seriously, we wanted to fit in all the big things without feeling rushed, which is why a private tour sort of made sense. Basically, the idea of having a guide and a car seemed like the best way to see the country. At the end of the day, this trip was about more than just pictures. We were really looking for an experience, something kind of personal. To be honest, we booked this 5-day private tour with a bit of hope, and honestly, it delivered in ways we just didn’t expect.

Day 1: Amman’s History and Jerash’s Roman Past

So, our first day started right in Amman. A driver, whose name was Omar, met us, and honestly, he was incredibly welcoming from the start. We first went to the Amman Citadel, which, you know, sits on the highest hill in the city. The view from up there is pretty much a full panorama of Amman’s houses. Next, we walked through the old Roman Theatre; you can literally feel the history in the stones. Frankly, the real surprise was the drive to Jerash. It’s almost considered one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy. Actually, walking down the Colonnaded Street felt like a trip back in time. You could almost hear the chariots. Omar shared stories about the city’s past, which made it all so much more real. For example, he pointed out grooves in the stones made by ancient carts. The day was packed, you know, but it was just a little introduction to Jordan’s deep history.

Day 2: Down the King’s Highway to Petra

Well, on the second day we left the city behind. The plan was to take the King’s Highway south. Honestly, this old trade route is a destination in its own way. The road winds through these deep canyons and offers some just stunning views. So, our first stop was Madaba, a town known for its Byzantine mosaics. We went to St. George’s Church to see the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land. It’s sort of amazing to see how detailed it is. Next, we stopped at Mount Nebo. You know, this is apparently where Moses saw the Promised Land. Standing there, looking out over the valley, it was pretty powerful, in a way. The drive itself was slow and scenic, unlike a modern highway. Anyway, our guide kept stopping at these little spots for tea or to just take in the view. At the end of the day, it was a very nice way to travel, building our anticipation for Petra, which was our final stop for the night.

Day 3: The Lost City of Petra: A Full Day of Awe

Alright, this was the day we were all really waiting for. We started early, pretty much right after breakfast, to beat the crowds and the heat. The entrance to Petra is through the Siq, which is a narrow canyon path. So, walking through it, you see the rock colors change and twist. The guide told us to just keep looking ahead. Then, you get that first peek of the Treasury between the rock walls. To be honest, it stops you in your tracks. I mean, it’s far bigger and more detailed than you can believe. We spent the whole day just exploring. It’s not just one building; it’s a huge city of tombs and temples all cut into the pink rock. We made the long walk up to the Monastery, which is just massive. Seriously, the feeling of accomplishment when you get to the top is incredible. You can really sit up there for a while and just stare out at the mountains of rock. Obviously, it’s a lot of walking, but you just can’t stop. Petra is a place that you really have to see with your own eyes.

You know, our guide told us, “Petra isn’t just something you see; it’s something you feel in your bones.” He was absolutely right about that.

Day 4: Into the Vastness of Wadi Rum

After the dense history of Petra, Wadi Rum was like entering another world. Anyway, we drove south and the landscape changed completely. The ground became a deep red sand, and these huge rock formations, called jebels, just shot up from the desert floor. In that case, we switched from our car to a 4×4 pickup truck driven by a local Bedouin guide. The two-hour jeep tour was honestly a highlight of the whole trip. He drove us through the desert, stopping to show us ancient carvings and amazing rock bridges. We even climbed a sand dune to watch the sunset. You know, the colors across the desert were just unbelievable. At the end of the day, we arrived at a Bedouin camp where we would spend the night. They prepared a traditional dinner for us, cooked under the sand, called zarb. And then, we just sat by the fire, drank tea, and looked at the stars. I mean, the sky out there, with no city lights, is completely full of them. It was a really simple and profoundly peaceful experience.

Day 5: Floating in the Dead Sea and Heading Home

So, for our last day, we had one more very unique experience. We drove from Wadi Rum all the way to the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea. The air gets thicker and warmer as you descend. Arriving at a resort on the shore, we were kind of eager to get in the water. Obviously, you’ve seen pictures of people floating, but the feeling is still so strange. You literally can’t sink. You just lean back, and the water holds you up completely. It’s sort of a bizarre and funny feeling. Of course, we also tried the mineral-rich mud, covering ourselves in it like everyone else does. After a few days of walking and hiking, just floating effortlessly was pretty much the perfect way to relax. It’s just a little odd and wonderful experience. Finally, feeling very relaxed and a little salty, it was time to make the short drive back toward Amman to the airport. It felt like a very fitting end to a really incredible tour of the country’s highlights.

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