Essential Guide to Drivers and Tour Guides in Jordan

Introduction
Jordan is a remarkable destination, famed for its historical significance, breathtaking landscapes, and the warmth of its people. Whether you're visiting the ancient ruins of Petra, the vast desert of Wadi Rum, or the lively city of Amman, choosing the right transport and guide services is essential for an enjoyable and hassle-free trip. This guide delves into the roles of drivers and tour guides in Jordan, covering options for both small and large group travelers. Whether you're embarking on a private journey or joining a group tour, this guide will assist you in making the most of your time in Jordan.
A. For Small Groups of 1-6 Travelers: Driver and Guide Options
Driver Overview
For small groups of up to 6 people, your journey in Jordan will be accompanied by an experienced driver, fluent in English (or Spanish, French, Italian, and other languages upon availability). The driver will mainly handle the transportation between destinations.
Important Notes:
Although your driver is not a licensed tour guide, they are an excellent resource throughout your trip. They are responsible for facilitating smooth transfers, including pickups and drop-offs, but they will not accompany you inside historical sites. However, they can offer general information about Jordan, suggest places to eat, and provide recommendations for other attractions to visit.
At well-known landmarks like Petra and Jerash, a local guide will be provided to offer detailed insights into the site. In Wadi Rum, a Bedouin guide will accompany your jeep tour to enrich your experience.
Optional Local Guide Services for Small Groups
If you wish, you may hire a local guide for specific locations. Alternatively, you can choose a full-time, government-licensed guide, who will travel with you throughout your entire journey for an additional cost of around $120–$140 per day (depending on language and season), along with an upgraded vehicle. This option allows you to gain deeper knowledge of Jordan’s culture, history, and traditions.
Local Guides at Petra, Jerash, & Amman City Sites
To comply with regulations, visitors to Petra, Jerash, and the Amman Citadel must use local guides when traveling with a tour agency. This is automatically included in your booking.
Guide Details for Small Groups
Languages Offered
- English is available with most guides.
- Other languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Hungarian, Russian, Romanian, Indonesian, Chinese (translators only), Dutch, and Czech (availability may vary). If your preferred language guide is unavailable, an English-speaking guide will be provided. It’s advisable to book non-English-speaking guides in advance.
Tour Types
- Self-Guided: Perfect for those who prefer to explore at their own pace, offering flexibility while still discovering Jordan’s beauty.
- Partially Guided: For major attractions like Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum, local guides will provide in-depth knowledge about these historical sites.
- Full-Time Licensed Guide (Optional): For a richer experience, you may opt for a full-time guide at an extra cost of $120–$140 per day (depending on the season and language). This option may require a vehicle upgrade, and pricing can be provided upon request.
Should You Hire a Guide for Small Groups or Private Travelers?
A common question among travelers is whether hiring a guide in Jordan is necessary. Given the country’s incredible history, culture, and scenery, having a guide can enhance your trip. But whether or not to hire one ultimately depends on your travel style and preferences.
Advantages of Hiring a Guide
- Expert Knowledge: A local guide offers historical and cultural insights that enrich your visit.
- Language Assistance: Though English is widely spoken, a guide can help with Arabic nuances, improving communication.
- Efficient Navigation: Jordan’s winding streets and remote sites can be challenging, so a guide helps streamline logistics, making the most of your time.
- Safety and Comfort: Especially in more isolated areas, like the desert, a guide ensures your safety and helps navigate any unexpected situations.
Pros of Independent Travel
- Flexibility: Traveling solo means you control your schedule and can change plans on a whim.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Skipping the guide’s fee can make the trip more budget-friendly, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere.
- Authentic Experiences: Independent exploration often leads to more personal interactions with locals and unique cultural experiences.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the choice between hiring a guide or traveling independently depends on your preferences. If you prioritize convenience, historical context, and a stress-free experience, hiring a guide can be ideal. However, if you seek adventure and the freedom to explore on your own terms, independent travel might be more appealing. Many travelers find a balance by hiring a guide for significant sites like Petra or Wadi Rum, while venturing solo in other areas.
B. For Larger Groups of 7 or More: Driver and Guide Services
Driver and Guide for Groups of 7 or More
When traveling in a group of 7 or more people in a single vehicle, additional regulations apply. In accordance with the Jordanian government and Ministry of Tourism guidelines, your group will be required to have a licensed tour guide for the duration of the trip.
Guide Responsibilities
The licensed guide will accompany your group from start to finish, providing insightful commentary about the sites, culture, and history of Jordan.
Visa Manifest
Your travel agency will prepare a visa manifest for the group, which will be stamped by authorities upon arrival, ensuring smooth entry into Jordan.
Police Escort
To ensure safety and comply with security protocols, groups of 7 or more will also be accompanied by a police officer throughout the tour.
Driver Responsibilities for Larger Groups
For groups of this size, the driver’s role is limited to transportation. Since the licensed guide will handle all the details, language proficiency is not a major concern for the driver. The driver will focus on logistical duties such as transfers and pick-ups.
Conclusion
Whether you're traveling with a small group or a large party, we provide flexible options to ensure a seamless and unforgettable Jordanian experience. Small groups can enjoy a mix of self-guided and guided tours, with the option of hiring a full-time guide for an even deeper exploration. Larger groups will benefit from a licensed guide and police escort to ensure security and smooth logistics from start to finish. No matter your travel style, Jordan’s rich culture, spectacular landscapes, and historical treasures will leave a lasting impression.
Classic Jordan Tour Options from QAIA
We offer customizable classic tour packages that include airport pick-up, hotel stays, licensed guides, and private transport :
12 Days
12-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport
Embark on a 12-day classic journey through Jordan, starting at Queen Alia Airport. Discover ancient cities, lush reserves, desert landscapes, Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, blending culture, history, and natural wonders.
8 Days
8-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package : Explore Jordan Heritage & Culture
Discover Jordan's rich heritage and warm hospitality with this immersive tour. Explore Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, while enjoying authentic cultural encounters, cooking classes, and local family experiences.
9 Days
9-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Jordan, exploring ancient cities, biblical sites, desert landscapes, and natural wonders—from Amman and Petra to Wadi Rum, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea, with rich history and scenic beauty.
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7 Days
7-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport
Discover Jordan in 7 days with a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Explore Amman, Jerash, and Ajloun, experience the healing waters of the Dead Sea, marvel at Petra, journey through Wadi Rum's desert landscapes, and unwind in Aqaba.
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8 Days
8-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport
Embark on a journey through Jordan’s historical and natural wonders, from Amman’s modern vibrancy to the ancient ruins of Jerash, Petra’s lost city, the vast desert of Wadi Rum, and the serene waters of the Dead Sea. Explore, relax, and discover!
14 Days
14-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport
Explore Jordan’s wonders on this 14-day journey from Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. Visit ancient cities, nature reserves, desert landscapes, and relax at the Ma'in Hot Springs. Culture, history, and adventure await.
11 Days
11-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport
Experience the best of Jordan in 11 days—from Amman and Jerash to Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and more. Discover ancient ruins, dramatic deserts, vibrant cities, and rich culture in one unforgettable journey.
8 Days
8-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport : Jordan Highlights
Discover Jordan's iconic treasures on this 8-day tour—from ancient Jerash and majestic Petra to the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba. Enjoy guided experiences, cultural highlights, and unforgettable landscapes.
6 Days
6-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport : Explore Jordan
Explore Jordan in 6 unforgettable days: wander ancient Jerash, marvel at Petra, camp in Wadi Rum, float in the Dead Sea, and trace biblical history in Madaba and Mount Nebo—an immersive journey through history, culture, and nature.
6 Days
6-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport : Jordan Memory
Embark on a 6-day Jordan adventure: explore Amman’s rich history, discover the ruins of Jerash, trek through Wadi Rum, marvel at Petra, and visit Madaba, Mt. Nebo, and the Dead Sea—an unforgettable journey of culture and nature.
5 Days
5-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport : Jordan Highlights
Explore Jordan’s highlights in 5 days: from ancient ruins in Jerash and Ajloun to the wonders of Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. Enjoy historical sites, a desert adventure, and luxurious relaxation in the lowest point on Earth.
5 Days
5-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport: The Road to Petra
Discover Jordan in 5 days: explore Petra's ancient wonders, the Dead Sea's therapeutic waters, and Roman ruins in Jerash, Ajloun, and Umm Qais. Relax, enjoy rich history, and experience breathtaking landscapes.
4 Days
4-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport : Jordan Wonders
Explore Jordan in 5 days: from Petra’s ancient wonders to the Dead Sea’s therapeutic waters, plus Roman ruins at Madaba, Mt. Nebo, and a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum. A perfect blend of history, adventure, and relaxation.
3 Days
3-Day Jordan Classic Tour from Queen Alia Airport : Petra, Wadi Rum and The Dead Sea
Explore Jordan in 3 days: Visit Jerash’s Roman ruins, float in the Dead Sea, and marvel at Petra’s ancient wonders. Experience the desert beauty of Wadi Rum with a thrilling 4x4 tour and end at Amman or the airport.
3 Days
3-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia Airport : Jordan at a glance
Explore Jordan’s highlights in 3 days: Visit Madaba’s 6th-century mosaic, Mount Nebo, and float in the Dead Sea. Experience Petra’s ancient wonders and finish with a 4x4 desert adventure in Wadi Rum. End at Amman or the airport.
3 Days
3-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport : Jordan at a break
Experience Jordan’s highlights: Float in the Dead Sea, explore Petra’s ancient ruins, and enjoy a 4x4 adventure in Wadi Rum. Visit Nabatean sites, Lawrence Spring, and more. Tour finishes at Amman or Queen Alia Airport.
3 Days
3-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia Airport : Petra &Wadi Rum
Discover Jordan: Enjoy a scenic tour of Amman, explore the ancient city of Petra, and embark on a thrilling 4x4 adventure in Wadi Rum, with options for camel riding. Tour concludes with drop-off at Amman Airport.
3 Days
3-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia Airport : On the Go
Experience the highlights of Jordan on this 3-day tour. Visit Madaba’s mosaic map, Mt. Nebo, and the Dead Sea. Explore the ancient city of Petra, including the iconic Treasury, and enjoy free time before heading back to Amman or the airport.
2 Days
2-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia International Airport : Jordan Break
Explore Jordan’s top destinations on this 2-day tour. Visit the 6th-century mosaic map in Madaba, Mt. Nebo, and float in the Dead Sea. Discover Petra’s ancient wonders, then experience Wadi Rum’s desert landscape before heading back to Amman or the airport.
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10 Days
10-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia Airport : Jordan Panorama
Discover Jordan's rich history and stunning landscapes over 10 days. Visit ancient sites like Jerash, Petra, and the Dead Sea, explore the desert castles and Wadi Rum, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Dead Sea before heading home.
12 Days
12-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia Airport : All Must See
Embark on a captivating 12-day journey through Jordan, exploring ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes. From the Roman ruins of Jerash to the stunning Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, this tour offers an unforgettable experience.
10 Days
10-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia Airport : Experience the Best
Experience the best of Jordan in this 12-day adventure, exploring ancient sites like Petra, Jerash, and the Dead Sea. Enjoy cultural tours in Amman, scenic hikes in Dana Reserve, desert adventures in Wadi Rum, and relaxation in Aqaba and the Dead Sea.
9 Days
9-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia Airport : Exceptional Jordan
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Jordan's iconic landmarks. From ancient cities like Petra and Jerash to the serene Dead Sea, explore historical treasures, vibrant landscapes, and unique cultural experiences in one unforgettable adventure.
7 Days
7-Day Jordan Classic Tour Package from Queen Alia Airport : A week in Jordan
Explore the wonders of Jordan on a 7-day tour, from the Roman ruins of Jerash to the majestic Petra. Visit the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and historical sites like Madaba and Mount Nebo, with expert guides and comfortable accommodations throughout.
Contact Us for More Details
For more information or to plan your unforgettable Jordan adventure, feel free to contact us. Our team is here to help you tailor your experience to suit your needs and preferences.
Email: info@johtt.com
WhatsApp: +962799610139
Or you can send us your request by filling out our form.
