Israel vs Jordan: Should You Add Petra to Your Holy Land Tour?

Roughly 40% of Christian travelers add a Jordan extension to their Holy Land tour. Of those, almost all come back saying it was the right call — but they admit they almost skipped it. This guide walks through what Jordan actually adds, what it costs, and the specific traveler profiles for whom it's a clear yes vs. a clear "save it for next time."

What does a Jordan extension actually include?

The standard Jordan extension is 2 nights with two main attractions:

• Petra — full day, including the walk through the Siq, the Treasury façade, the Royal Tombs, the Monastery climb (optional, 800 steps), and the Roman colonnaded street.
• Wadi Rum — half-day or full-day Jeep tour through Mars-red sandstone canyons. Some itineraries add a Bedouin tent overnight.
• Mount Nebo — where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. Roughly 30 minutes; powerful spiritually for groups familiar with Deuteronomy 34.
• Madaba — site of the famous 6th-century mosaic Holy Land map.
• Jerash (sometimes added on 3-night extensions) — one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities.

How does the border crossing work?

There are three border crossings between Israel and Jordan:

• Allenby/King Hussein Bridge — the standard for tour groups. 1.5 hours northeast of Jerusalem; you cross with your luggage, change to a Jordanian bus, and continue. Total transit time: 4–5 hours.
• Sheikh Hussein Bridge (Beit Shean) — northern crossing, useful for groups based in Galilee.
• Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba (Eilat) — southernmost, used for round-trips that fly home from Eilat.

Crossings take 60–90 minutes each direction. Allenby is the most efficient for the typical Holy Land + Petra itinerary. American passport holders can get a Jordan visa on arrival ($60); we handle the paperwork on group tours.

What does it cost to add Jordan?

Approximate add-on cost per person for a 2-night Jordan extension to an existing Israel tour:

• Hotels (2 nights, 4-star): $280
• Jordanian guide and bus: $180
• Petra entry: $80
• Wadi Rum Jeep tour: $40
• Border crossing fees + visa: $90
• Meals: $90
• Operator margin: $90–$150

Total: $850–$1,200 per person for a 2-night extension. A 3-night extension that adds Jerash typically runs $1,200–$1,600 per person.

Is Jordan biblical?

Yes — and more so than many travelers realize:

• Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34) — Moses' final ascent.
• Bethany Beyond the Jordan — likely site of Jesus' baptism (John 1:28).
• Mukawir (Machaerus) — fortress where John the Baptist was beheaded.
• Pella — early Christian refuge city after the destruction of Jerusalem.
• Edom (Petra region) — descendants of Esau, biblical adversary territory.

If your group has done deep Old Testament study, Mount Nebo alone is worth the trip. Petra itself isn't biblical, but it's culturally and historically extraordinary.

Who should add Jordan? Who should skip it?

Add Jordan if

• This is your once-in-a-lifetime trip and you're unlikely to return.
• You can afford the extra $850–$1,200 per person.
• Your group includes physically able travelers (Petra requires 2+ miles of walking on uneven terrain).
• You're traveling 12+ days total — anything less feels rushed.
• Old Testament narratives (Moses, Esau/Edom) carry weight for your group.

Save Jordan for next time if

• This is a first trip with a limited budget — better to see Israel deeply.
• Your group includes travelers with mobility challenges (Petra is demanding).
• You only have 9 days or fewer.
• You're already considering a future return trip — Jordan can be its own dedicated 7-day pilgrimage later.

What's the alternative — Jordan-only tours?

Some groups (especially returning travelers) opt for a stand-alone 7-day Jordan tour. Jordan-only itineraries cover Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea (Jordanian side), Madaba, Mount Nebo, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Jerash, and Amman. Pricing runs $3,200–$4,800 per person. The advantage: deeper Jordan exploration without rushing. The disadvantage: you miss Israel.

Day-trip Petra: is it worth it?

Some operators offer a one-day Petra excursion crossing at Allenby and returning the same day. Net cost: $350–$500 per person. We don't recommend it unless you have absolutely no other option — you'll spend 8 hours on a bus to spend 4 hours at Petra. The 2-night extension is more than twice as good for less than three times the cost.

If you're weighing the decision, our team can quote both options side-by-side so your group can compare like for like.