Day 1: Arrival in Amman
Welcome to Jordan! Amman, the capital, is where you’ll likely begin your adventure. The city is a mix of ancient and modern, with bustling downtown areas and pockets of Roman ruins. It’s an excellent place to start to understand the country’s history while easing into your trip.
Start by visiting the Citadel, which offers stunning views of Amman’s sprawling cityscape. The Citadel is home to Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad structures, so it’s like getting a quick course on Jordan’s past all in one spot. Don’t miss the Temple of Hercules or the Umayyad Palace.
Next, head to the Roman Theater, just a short walk from downtown. It’s one of the most well-preserved Roman theaters in the Middle East. You can explore some small museums nearby, like the Jordan Folklore Museum, which showcases traditional Jordanian life.
For lunch, check out Hashem Restaurant. This no-frills spot is a local legend and offers some of the best hummus, falafel, and moutabbal in town. It’s cheap, and the mix of both locals and tourists makes it feel authentic.
In the evening, you can walk along Rainbow Street for a relaxed vibe. This is where you’ll find cafes, restaurants, and independent shops selling local crafts. It’s a great place to unwind, sip coffee, and people-watch.
Day 2: Jerash and Ajloun
Today is dedicated to history! In the morning, head to Jerash, one of Jordan’s most impressive ancient sites. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Amman. Jerash is often referred to as the “Pompeii of the East” because of its well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins. Take your time walking through the Forum, the Temple of Artemis, and Hadrian’s Arch. If you’re here in the summer, you might even catch a reenactment of Roman chariot races.
After Jerash, drive another 45 minutes to visit Ajloun Castle. This 12th-century fortress was built to defend the region against Crusader attacks. The drive here is scenic, passing through rolling hills and olive groves. Once at the castle, you’ll find panoramic views of the valleys below. It’s an excellent spot for a quick history lesson as well as some great photo ops.
Return to Amman for the night. If you’re up for it, grab dinner at Sufra on Rainbow Street. This is one of the best spots in the city to enjoy traditional Jordanian dishes like mansaf (lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt). The ambiance there feels a bit more upscale but still retains a cozy vibe.
Day 3: Desert Castles and the Dead Sea
Today, you’ll venture out of Amman early and see some of Jordan’s famous desert castles. These were built by Islamic rulers primarily for rest and relaxation. Start your tour at Qasr Al-Kharrana which is about an hour’s drive from Amman. It’s one of the most accessible castles with its large, sturdy structure still intact.
Then drive another 30 minutes to Qusayr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its beautiful frescoes depicting royal life from centuries ago. It’s small, but the artwork is worth seeing.
In the afternoon, head straight to the Dead Sea, only an hour away from the desert castles. It’s one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water, and yes—you can float without any effort! Lather yourself in the mineral-rich mud (it’s said to have healing properties) and relax. There are plenty of Dead Sea resorts along the coast where you can spend the afternoon, but if you’re short on time, there are public access points as well.
Stay the night in Madaba, which is only a 30-minute drive from the Dead Sea. Madaba is known for its Byzantine mosaics, and it has a lot less of the tourist crowd compared to the Dead Sea resorts. Grab a casual dinner and rest up because tomorrow’s a big day!
Day 4: Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib, and Petra
Start your day at Mount Nebo, where it’s said that Moses first saw the Promised Land before he died. The views from here are sweeping and inspirational. You can look out over the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and even to Israel on a clear day. The church here also has some mosaics that you can check out.
From Mount Nebo, drive to Wadi Mujib, Jordan’s version of a slot canyon. The Siq Trail is the accessible one for most travelers, and it’s a watery adventure. You’ll wade through cool waters, climb over small waterfalls, and scramble through rocky areas. Make sure you wear shoes that can get wet and bring a waterproof bag for your belongings.
After a refreshing time, hop in your car and start the 2.5-hour journey to Petra, Jordan’s crown jewel. The scenic King’s Highway takes you through beautiful landscapes, so don’t forget to stop for photos along the way. Once you reach Petra, check into your hotel, grab dinner, and rest for the day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could buy tickets for Petra by Night, a magical experience where the entire Siq and Treasury are lit up by candles.
Day 5: Petra
Get ready for an entire day dedicated to Petra. Arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds and heat. As you walk through the Siq, the main path that leads to the famous Treasury, you’ll start to feel like you’ve stepped into an Indiana Jones movie. The Treasury is usually the first big sight that greets you after walking through the narrow canyon.
But Petra is massive, so plan to spend the whole day here. After the Treasury, make your way to the Monastery, another iconic site. It’s a bit of a hike with steep steps, but the view and the structure are well worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll pass ancient tombs, a Roman-style theater, and colonnaded streets.
Petra also has some excellent viewpoints. Try following some of the lesser-known trails to find quieter spots to enjoy the sights away from the busier main trails.
After a full day of exploring, head back to Wadi Musa (where Petra is located) for a well-deserved rest. Most hotels in the area have relaxed restaurants where you can unwind and reflect on the past five days.
Tips for Traveling in Jordan
– Bring a hat and sunscreen, as many attractions are outdoors and the Jordanian sun can be intense.
– Water is relatively scarce, so always carry enough with you, especially when visiting deserts or remote areas.
– Most Jordanians speak at least some English, but it’s helpful to know a few Arabic phrases, especially greetings like “marhaba” (hello) and “shukran” (thank you).
– If you’re exploring Petra and Wadi Mujib, wear comfortable walking shoes, preferably ones that are waterproof.
– Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Careem are easy to use in Amman, but if you’re traveling between cities, renting a car may offer more flexibility.
Now you’re all set to explore Jordan! Enjoy the history, the landscapes, and most importantly, the hospitality of the local people.
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