MY WONDERFUL 10-DAY JORDAN ITINERARY: THE BEST OF JORDAN

Jordan was my first-ever trip to this corner of the world, but will certainly not be my last.

Located at the heart of the Middle East, this bit-size paradise has righteously earned its fame, and after my unforgettable road trip here, it is safe to say that Jordan has become one of my all-time favourite destinations.

There’s a myriad of reasons to add Jordan to your bucket list, and I’m not just talking about visiting the ancient city of Petra and the insanely scenic Wadi Rum desert.

Though these highlights are unmissable on any Jordan itinerary indeed, there’s a whole lot more to see and do in this exceptional country.

From the lowest point on earth – the Dead Sea, to the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash, to the amazing diving spots in Aqaba, to the lively streets of Downtown Amman – Jordan is no stranger to both exciting travel experiences and world-class cultural heritage.

This Jordan itinerary is based on my 10-day road trip and talks you through the above highlights, while it also provides all the essential information in terms of accommodation, weather, transportation and more.

Here’s my wonderful Jordan road trip itinerary – enjoy planning your trip!

WHERE IS JORDAN

Jordan, also known as the Hashemite Kingdom in the Middle East is located on the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe and borders with Israel, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Syria, while also sharing maritime borders with Egypt.

With its compact size, and many interesting cultural and natural highlights, Jordan has rapidly become one of the most popular road trip destinations in the world.

VISA FOR JORDAN | THE JORDAN PASS

Though it is relatively easy to obtain a tourist visa upon your arrival in Jordan, I believe the better deal is to acquire a Jordan Pass before flying into the country.

Not only does the Jordan Pass saves you time at the airport, but it also grants free entrance to 40 of the country’s most famous highlights; Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash and the Amman Citadel just to name a few.

One thing that is worth mentioning, is the fact that travellers should spend a minimum of 4 days in Jordan to waive the visa fees. Also, the Jordan Pass is equal to a single entry visa, allowing visitors a maximum of 30 days in the country.

I applied for a Jordan Pass in advance, and had an easy time exploring the country – plus the option to skip the line at most of the tourist highlights – winner!

For more information, availability, and applying, make sure you visit the iVisa website.

USEFUL GUIDES ON TRAVELLING IN JORDAN

In my opinion, a written guide is the perfect tool to fall back on, and I seriously advise you to look into one too before travelling to Jordan.

In terms of essential travel information and tips, this Lonely Planet Jordan guide helped me on several occasions during my road trip. Search your guide here.

DAY 2 – 3 | VENTURE DEEP INTO WADI RUM

The first highlight on this Jordan road trip itinerary and by far my favourite destination in the country is the otherworldly Wadi Rum desert.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wadi Rum is an utterly magnificent landscape that is home to rippled sand dunes, towering rock formations, and burnt-orange desert terrain that stretches far in all directions.

With more than 720 square kilometres, Wadi Rum is actually known as one of the largest deserts in the world, and for that reason, best explored by a 4×4 jeep.

If you’re keen to uncover Wadi Rum as part of a full-day jeep tour, make sure you’ll be driven around by an authentic Bedouin guide. By doing so, you’ll be taken along all the nitty-gritty hotspots.

After your jeep tour, it is time to pick a sand dune, sit down and watch a breathtaking sunset light up the otherworldly dunes and rock formations of Wadi Rum – this truly is a spectacle to behold.

On top of that, there’s a bunch of other great things to do within Wadi Rum, such as uncovering the dunes by foot or beholding one of the desert’s famous movie scenes, including those of The Martian and Aladdin.

But to me, the absolute highlight on any visit to Wadi Rum, is spending the night under the starry Jordanian sky in a luxurious martian dome or one of the many traditional Bedouin camps.

+ Related | Check out my Wadi Rum guide for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

WADI RUM | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Wadi Rum

Where to stay in Wadi Rum | I stayed at Hasan Zawaideh Camp and had an excellent once in a lifetime experience. Make sure you check the link to see how awesome sleeping in a martian dome actually is.

Alternatively, search for accommodation in Wadi Rum on Booking.com.

Driving time | 1 – 2 hours

Distance | 74 kilometres from Aqaba to Wadi Rum

DAY 4 – 5 | THE ANCIENT NABATEAN CITY OF PETRA

I’m pretty sure that the ancient Nabatean city of Petra is one of the key reasons why you’ve planned an adventurous road trip through Jordan, and it is easy to understand why.

Hidden between the rough mountains that encircle Wadi Musa lies Petra, an exceptional ancient city that is carved directly out of the sandstone rose-red rock formations that the area holds.

After a long period of being completely hidden for the western world, the mesmerizing archaeological site was eventually rediscovered by Swiss traveller Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. For the above reason, Petra is often referred to as ‘The Lost City’.

At present, the former capital of the Nabataean empire is acknowledged as one of the new wonders of the world, and only a few words can describe how it feels when you first encounter the exquisite facade of Petra’s famous Treasury.

But it is not just the Treasury that put Petra on the map of travellers and adventure seekers alike.

Other incredible sights that are equally as impressive include the Monastery, the Royal Tombs, the Al Kubtha Trail, the Siq and the High Place of Sacrifice just to name a few.

To make the most out of your time in Petra, I’d recommend spending at least two days here to take it all in. Also, I highly advise visiting early in the morning (Petra opens at 06:00) to beat the crowds.

+ Related | Check out my Petra guide for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

PETRA | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Petra, Wadi Musa

Where to stay in Wadi Musa | I stayed at Town Season Hotel, a great budget-friendly hotel only a stone throws away from the Petra visitor centre. Prices and availability here.

Alternatively, search for accommodation in Petra on Booking.com.

How to get around Petra | Petra is best explored on foot, however, be prepared to walk a bunch. Also, please be aware to travel in a responsible and ethical manner, meaning you consider skipping transport by horse or donkey.

Driving time | 2 – 2,5 hours

Distance | 114 kilometres from Wadi Rum to Wadi Musa

DAY 6 | UNWIND AT THE ICONIC DEAD SEA

Next up is the iconic Dead Sea, one of the most impressive natural phenomena in the country, and in my opinion an unmissable destination on any Jordan itinerary.

Unlike its name, the Dead Sea is actually more of a lake that is known for its incredibly high salinity, containing around 10 times more salt than any given ocean on earth.

As a result, it is impossible for organisms to inhabit the sea, hence its name ‘The Dead Sea’.

Also, the area is deemed to be the lowest point on earth, as it lies 400 metres below sea level.

In terms of location, the Dead Sea is perched between Jordan and Israel, at around 3,5 hours away from Wadi Musa, which is quite a drive. The good news though, it’s a damn scenic journey!

If you’re into photography, make sure you make a stop left of the Wadi Mujib Adventure Center, where you’ll find some pretty neat photography options, as well as some of the best salt formations.

Upon arrival in your hotel, I’d recommend heading straight to the beach for an unforgettable experience, namely swimming in the Dead Sea, or better said, floating in the Dead Sea.

Besides this quirky happening, there’s not much else going on around the Dead Sea, and therefore I recommend making your time here all about relaxing and sunbathing.

+ Read more | Check out my guide to the Dead Sea for inspiration, travel advice and the essentials.

THE DEAD SEA | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Dead Sea

Where to stay near the Dead Sea | I stayed at Ramada Resort Dead Sea, a comfortable option located directly next to the Dead Sea. Prices and availability here.

Alternatively, search for accommodation near the Dead Sea on Booking.com.

Driving time | 3 – 3,5 hours

Distance | 205 kilometres from Wadi Musa to the Dead Sea

DAY 7 – 9 | AMMAN, JORDAN’S BUSTLING CAPITAL CITY

After relaxing at the Dead Sea, it is time to move further north to Amman, Jordan’s lively capital.

Although Amman is significantly more chaotic than other destinations on this itinerary, I believe it’s a city of its own accord, with many interesting things to see, do and of course, taste.

I’ve personally spent two days here, one while staying at the phenomenal W Amman Hotel (this place is unreal, and so is the food), and one to uncover the many highlights that this energetic city has to offer. A brilliant combination that worked out perfectly fine for me.

All in all, Amman is definitely worthy of your visit, and given it is pretty compact in size and easy to navigate, the city is in my opinion a great introduction for first-time travellers to the Middle East.

AMMAN | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

The Amman Citadel | Situated high atop of the Jabal Al Qala’a hill is the Amman Citadel, an area rich in history that has been under the rule of many great civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, Persians, and Greeks. If you have time to visit only one place while in Amman, make sure it’s the city’s time-worn citadel.

King Abdullah I Mosque | Though it is located slightly outside the city centre, the ornate King Abdullah I Mosque is an absolute must-see in Amman. Recognized by its vivid blue dome, the mosque is truly mesmerizing and can house up to 7.000 worshippers at a time. It is possible for non-Muslims to enter, but make sure to follow the religious customs.

The Roman Amphitheatre | With the capacity to house roughly 6.000 people, the Roman Amphitheatre is said to be the most impressive remnant of Roman Philadelphia, and it’s easy to see why. What’s even more impressive, is the fact that it is still in use for concerts and plays at present. Additionally, if you’ve managed to acquire a Jordan Pass, you’ll have entrance to the adjacent Folklore Museum.

+ Related | Check out my guide to Amman for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

AMMAN | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Amman

Where to stay in Amman | I stayed at W Amman and it is safe to say that it is my most luxurious travel experience I’ve had to date. Make sure you check it out here.

Alternatively, search for accommodation in Amman on Booking.com.

Driving time | 1 hour

Distance | 50 kilometres from The Dead Sea to Amman

DAY TRIP | THE ROMAN RUINS OF JERASH

The Roman ruins of Jerash are located only an hour away from Amman and are therefore easily visited as part of a self-drive day trip.

Often referred to as the ‘Pompeii of the East’, Jerash is acknowledged as the best-preserved Greco-Roman city outside of Italy, and believe me, it is truly a delight to behold.

As a result, Jerash is extremely popular among travellers and locals alike, making it the second most visited tourist destination in Jordan – behind Petra, obviously!

That said, the interior of Jerash is absolutely breathtaking, and some sights that I highly suggest visiting include the Arch of Hadrian, the Temple of Artemis, Oval Square and the Northern Theatre among many others.

Though Jerash was high on my list of things to see in Jordan, I, unfortunately, planned way too little time to fully explore the extensive archaeological site. Therefore, I advise planning at least four hours to explore in a relaxing manner.

Related | Check out my guide to Jerash for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

JERASH | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Jerash

Cost | Entrance fee 10 JOD ($14,10) – free with the Jordan Pass

Driving time | 1 hour

Distance | 50 kilometres from Amman to Jerash

DAY 10 | TIME TO LEAVE JORDAN

After 10 incredible days in Jordan, where you’ve discovered incredible landscapes, ancient architectural masterpieces, and everything in between, it is time to pack your stuff and head for the airport.

Whether you need to drive back to Aqaba or Amman, your last moments in Jordan are all about heading home, so it is a full day of travelling anyhow.

However, one thing I like to spare you is a long exhausting drive back from Amman to Aqaba on the day of your outbound flight.

I personally opted to leave Jordan by plane from the Queen Alia International Airport in Aqaba, but would have done this part of my itinerary differently if I had to do it again – epic fail.

For that reason, I believe it is best to book separate flights, especially if spending your final 6 hours in Jordan behind the wheel isn’t your way to end this awesome road trip.

WEATHER IN JORDAN | BEST TIME TO VISIT JORDAN

Given Jordan almost entirely consists of desert landscapes, the country is rather tricky in terms of weather.

For that reason, it is good to note that Jordan can be scorching hot during the peak summer months, while at the same time, it is freezing cold during the winter months.

Depending on what you’re looking for, I believe the best time to visit Jordan is from early March to late May, especially if you’re bent on exploring Jordan’s most popular points of calls, including Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea.

However, if you wish to uncover the Red Sea’s lively underwater world, or work on your tan on a sun lounger next to it, the summer months of June to September might be the better option for you.

I followed this Jordan road trip itinerary in March and had excellent weather to tick the sights I wished to visit off my bucket list.

One thing that is worth mentioning though, is that despite the pleasant temperature during the days, the nights often become pretty chilly, specifically in the desert. So make sure you pack at least one pair of trousers and a comfy hoodie!

SAFETY IN JORDAN | TRAVEL INSURANCE

When travelling this big wide world, I never go on an adventure without my essential travel insurance sorted out, and though I felt completely safe in Jordan, I recommend anyone travelling here to do the same.

Though you rather don’t think about the things that could go wrong, there’s always a chance that it might happen, and when that’s the case, it is better to be safe than sorry.

To help you find the right policy, I’ve listed two of my favourite options below:

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.