Jordan is an incredible destination with a mix of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and hospitable people. It’s compact enough that you can experience a lot in just one week without feeling rushed. Here’s a 7-day itinerary that hits the highlights, with enough flexibility for a relaxed pace.
Day 1: Arrival in Amman
You’ll likely arrive in Jordan’s capital, Amman. It’s a bustling city that mixes old and new, full of cafés, markets, and striking historical sites.
After checking into your hotel, head to the Citadel. Here, you’ll get panoramic views over the city and find impressive ruins including the Temple of Hercules. The Jordan Archaeological Museum is also here—small but worth a quick visit.
Later, take a stroll down Rainbow Street, a popular spot with local boutiques and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to grab dinner and relax after your flight.
Day 2: Exploring Amman
Start your day with a visit to the Roman Amphitheater. This 6,000-seat theater is truly massive, and it’s a key part of Amman’s downtown. There’s also the Jordan Folklore Museum and Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions if you’re interested in learning more about local culture.
Next, head to the Jordan Museum, which showcases the country’s rich history. One of its highlights is the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit.
In the evening, grab dinner at one of the many authentic restaurants around the city center. Local specialties like mansaf (lamb with yogurt sauce) and falafel are a must-try.
Day 3: Jerash and Umm Qais
Today, head out on a day trip to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy. It’s about an hour north of Amman and well worth the visit. You’ll wander through ancient colonnades, marvel at the temples, and explore the oval-shaped forum.
After Jerash, you can continue to Umm Qais, which offers beautiful views over the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. This ancient Greco-Roman city has fewer tourists but is just as interesting.
Head back to Amman for the night.
Day 4: Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea
In the morning, drive to Mount Nebo, a site of religious significance where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. From the peak, you get incredible views over the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and on clear days, even Jerusalem.
Next, travel to the Dead Sea, which is only about an hour away by car. The Dead Sea’s mineral-rich waters are famous for their therapeutic properties. Float in the salty water and then relax at the shore with some mud, which is also known for being great for your skin.
Stay overnight at one of the resorts along the Dead Sea.
Day 5: Madaba and Wadi Mujib
In the morning, drive to Madaba, known for its impressive mosaics. The most famous is the Madaba Map, a 6th-century mosaic of the Holy Land. St. George’s Church is where you’ll find this masterpiece.
After exploring the town, head to Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve, also known as the Grand Canyon of Jordan. This is a great spot if you’re up for adventure, with some hikes that lead you through canyons while wading in shallow water. The Siq Trail is a popular one if you want something that doesn’t require expert skills.
In the evening, you can either head to Petra or stay another night near the Dead Sea, depending on your pace.
Day 6: Petra
Start your day early to make the most of your time in Petra. Also known as the “Rose City,” it is easily Jordan’s most famous attraction. Be sure to allow a full day to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walk through the Siq to the iconic Treasury, one of the most photographed sites in the world. But Petra is much more than that. Hike up to the Monastery or explore the Royal Tombs, and don’t forget to check out the Roman Theatre.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water—it’s a lot of walking. You’ll stay overnight in the nearby town of Wadi Musa.
Day 7: Wadi Rum
Your last full day in Jordan should be spent visiting Wadi Rum, a vast desert space with incredible rock formations and red sands. You can arrange a jeep tour through the desert with a local Bedouin guide, which is a great way to see the best spots in a short amount of time.
If you have extra time, try a camel ride or hike up one of the sandstone mountains. Watching the sunset here is an unforgettable experience.
Many visitors choose to sleep in the desert at a Bedouin camp. Not only is it unique, but you’ll also enjoy amazing star gazing far away from city lights.
Optional: Day 8 – Return to Amman or Aqaba
If your flight out is today or you want an extra day of relaxation, you can return to Amman or head to Aqaba, Jordan’s Red Sea resort city. Aqaba is a bit out of the way but is a great spot for diving or simply relaxing by the water.
For those flying out of Amman, it’s about a 4-hour drive back from Wadi Rum. If you’re heading to Aqaba, it’s a short 1-hour drive to reach the city.
Practical Tips:
Getting Around
Jordan is relatively easy to navigate. You can rent a car, book private transfers, or use buses for longer points between cities. A car will give you the most flexibility, though some roads are quite remote.
Money
The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the local currency, and credit cards are accepted in many places, though you’ll need cash for more rural areas. ATMs are widely available in Amman and larger cities, but it’s a good idea to carry enough cash before heading to Petra or Wadi Rum.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Jordan is in the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when temperatures are mild. The summer months can be scorching, especially in Petra and the desert areas.
Winter is also a bit cooler, though Wadi Rum and Petra are still doable in winter, just bring warmer clothes for the evenings.
Jordan is a magical place with so much to see. This 7-day itinerary covers Jordan’s highlights without the rush, but feel free to adjust your schedule based on the pace you’re comfortable with.
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