7, 10 and 15 Day Itineraries for Exploring Jordan

Jordania is an incredible country that invites all types of travelers to explore its rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. If you’re pondering a trip but unsure where to start, you’re in luck. We’ve crafted what we believe to be the ultimate travel itinerary for Jordan, customizable for 7, 10, or even 15 days. This way, you can choose the option that best fits your schedule and wanderlust.

Prepare yourself to walk on the sands of the desert, dip into the waters of the Dead Sea, explore archaeological wonders, and discover one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Jordan is a land of awe and adventure, and by the end of this article, we’re confident you’ll be racing to book your flight.

Understanding the Travel Itinerary for Jordan

Traveling through Jordan offers a unique experience where a week can be incredibly fulfilling. What makes this possible is the country's compact size, allowing travelers to navigate from one spectacular site to another without enduring long transit durations. Moreover, there is a “base itinerary” ideal for a week-long visit, making it easier for travelers to plan their adventures.

However, flexibility is key. You can tailor your route based on your personal preferences, travel style, and available time. Therefore, we present our ideal travel routes for journeys of one week, ten days, and fifteen days. Buckle up and secure your keffiyeh; the adventure is about to begin!

Key Considerations Before You Travel

Before diving into the detailed itineraries, here are some essential points to keep in mind:

• Transportation Options: You have several choices for getting around Jordan: organized tours, public transport, or renting a car. Our itineraries are mainly designed for those who prefer the freedom of driving, allowing for flexibility in timing and routes.
• Starting and Ending Point: The journey commonly begins and ends in Amman, the capital, which is the only airport connecting directly to Spain. You might consider a one-way trip starting in Amman and ending in Aqaba, where flights to other European cities are available.
• Optimized Route: Our itineraries are designed to minimize travel time and distance. This means changing hotels often, which may be challenging for some travelers. If frequent moves sound daunting, mentally prepare yourself!
• Rise Early: An important tip for maximizing your experience is to start your days early. Trust us on this one!

7-Day Jordan Itinerary

This itinerary is based on our personal journey. We arrived in Amman on a Tuesday night and returned to Barcelona the following Tuesday night. Our first day begins on Wednesday, and the last day corresponds to our flight back.

Day 1: Exploring Amman

Upon landing in the Jordanian capital, complete airport formalities — don't forget to secure your Jordan Pass before your trip, which covers your visa fee — pick up your rental car (which you’ll park for the day), and catch a few hours of rest. The adventure begins as we head out to explore Amman’s highlights.

A quick taxi ride, costing around 2-3€, takes us to the Citadel, where we start to appreciate the vastness of the city. Situated atop a hill, it offers panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see, showcasing a blend of modern metropolis and ancient ruins.

As you stroll through the Citadel, be sure not to miss the stunning columns of the Temple of Hercules and the remnants of the Umayyad Palace. These historic sites serve as a testament to the city’s rich past.

From there, we descend to the impressive Roman Theatre, one of the most well-preserved ancient theatres we’ve ever seen. Climbing its steep steps is a thrilling experience, and there’s no better spot to relax than amidst this magnificent structure. Next, visit the adjacent Odeon, another charming Roman site.

Afterward, we wander through the historic center of Amman. We stop by the Al-Hussein Mosque, explore the bustling souks, savor delicious hummus and falafel at Hashem Restaurant, and sweeten our day with kanafeh from Habibah bakery.

Accommodation in Amman
Explore Amman

Day 2: Journey to Jerash, Ajloun, and the Dead Sea

The challenge of day two is navigating the traffic of Amman to head north toward Jerash. Don’t stress too much; the route, approximately 50 km, is manageable.

The archaeological site of Jerash is among the best-preserved Roman ruins in the country, comparable to other famous ancient cities in Europe. Allocate at least 2-3 hours to traverse the original colonnaded streets, magnificent arches, and monumental gates, as well as ancient temples.

Next, we drive to the Ajloun Castle, just half an hour away. This castle, alongside Karak, is one of the most significant Crusader castles in Jordan. While it may appear as a collection of ruins, its interior boasts restored halls that easily transport you back in time.

We round off the day at a resort by the Dead Sea, about a two-hour drive. If you took our advice and woke up early, you’ll have ample time to enjoy bathing (and mud treatments) in this unique sea. Floating on its waters is an experience you simply must have!

Accommodation at the Dead Sea
Visiting the Dead Sea

Day 3: The Marvel of Petra

Today is the highlight of our journey! While the Roman ruins are spectacular, we’ve come to Jordan for a reason: to witness Petra! It’s a three-hour drive of 200 km to Wadi Musa, the gateway town for visiting Petra.

Along the way, there are several scenic spots, but we recommend not lingering too long to maximize your time at Petra. Arriving around noon, we check into our accommodation, have a quick bite, and head towards the Petra Visitor Center.

Don’t forget to collect your tickets (even with the Jordan Pass) and take the shuttle to Little Petra to start your journey through the Back Door of Petra, a less strenuous route to the stunning Monastery.

The Monastery is the largest carved monument in Petra, and as we make our way to it, we’ll marvel at the famous “Treasury of Petra” at the end of the day, leaving us breathless with excitement.

Accommodation in Petra
Visiting Petra Tips

Day 4: Exploring More of Petra

The best place to spend another night is Petra, allowing a full day to explore the vast site to your heart's content. It’s essential to know that Petra encompasses a wide area, with main attractions and lesser-known paths that offer stunning views.

We suggest two key tips: First, pace yourself and pay attention to your body’s signals. Don't push yourself to see everything if you're exhausted. Second, be cautious when climbing to viewpoints, as many are precarious.

Start your morning by walking through the famous Siq early to reach the Treasury around 7:30-8 AM. Recharge with coffee or tea from one of the makeshift cafés and embark on the Al-Khubtha Trail for the best views of the Treasury.

Be sure to visit the Royal Tombs, the Nabataean Theatre, and conclude your day at the Avenue of the Columns. If you still have energy, consider hiking to the Altar of Sacrifices before returning to the main entrance.

Two-Day Itinerary in Petra

Day 5: Adventuring in Wadi Rum

We greet our fifth day in Jordan with excitement! After the previous day's grand memories, we are heading to one of the most stunning and unique landscapes on the planet: Wadi Rum.

Many travelers list Wadi Rum as their top destination in Jordan, and it’s easy to see why. This vast desert is unlike typical images of golden dunes and palm oases; it is a stone desert, filled with bizarre rock formations, canyons, and even ancient carvings.

Aim to arrive with enough time to embark on an 8-hour jeep tour. Ensure you’re in Wadi Rum Village by 10:30 AM and coordinate with your tour operator for the meeting point. The drive from Petra takes about 1.5 hours.

These tours often conclude with a breathtaking sunset atop a rock formation, followed by a magical night in a bedouin camp. It’s a must-do experience while in Jordan, so treat yourself to a night under the stars!

Accommodation in Wadi Rum
Visiting Wadi Rum Tips

Day 6: Discovering Shobak, Karak, and Madaba

If you’ve missed driving, you’ll be pleased to know that today includes a considerable distance of around 350 km. The journey is somewhat monotonous, and you’ll need to choose between the famous King's Highway (35), which is slower and in poorer condition, or the Desert Highway (15), which is better maintained.

Perhaps marking stops on your map might help you decide. First, we’ll visit the Shobak Castle, which may seem less impressive but holds considerable historical significance. Next, we head north to the Karak Castle, which is more grandiose and often busy with tourists. Parking can be a challenge as everyone wants to take a look!

If you opted for Highway 35, you’ll encounter stunning desert vistas along the way. This road trip is full of surprises, so be prepared for anything!

We’ll end the day in Madaba, known as the city of mosaics. Since it will be late, a leisurely evening stroll through the city center while indulging in succulent shawarmas and hummus is the perfect way to unwind.

Accommodation in Madaba
What to see in Madaba (coming soon)

Day 7: Mount Nebo and Desert Castles

Our final day in the 7-day Jordan itinerary starts early as we explore Madaba, one of the most charming cities in Jordan filled with its churches, mosques, mosaics, and delightful cafes. It’s a busy but inspiring morning.

Not far from Madaba is Mount Nebo, a significant biblical site where Moses is said to have gazed upon the Promised Land before his death. The visit is fascinating, not only for its historical significance but also for the church housing some of Jordan’s finest mosaics.

If time allows before your flight, you can drive towards Iraq via Highway 40 and spontaneously explore the Desert Castles. These are unique structures that served as caravanserais or palaces along trading routes, providing security and support for travelers. Key sites include Qasr Al-Kharranah, Qusair Amra, which is known for its stunning frescoes, and Qasr Al Azraq.

Do keep closing times in mind; we arrived at the first two sites just before 5 PM, missing the last one entirely.

As you can see, a week provides ample opportunity for a fulfilling itinerary in Jordan, but having 10 days would allow for additional must-see sites like Aqaba.

10-Day Jordan Itinerary

If you're fortunate enough to have an extra three days, you can delve deeper into Jordan's treasures, including sites that often get overlooked. In addition to the highlights, you can explore places like the Roman ruins of Umm Qais, the Wadi Mujib gorge, and the Dana Biosphere Reserve.

Here’s our recommended 10-day itinerary:

• Days 1 and 2: The essentials of Amman.
• Day 3: Visit the Roman ruins of Umm Qais and the archaeological site of Pella. Overnight in Amman.
• Day 4: Day trip to Jerash and Ajlun Castle. Return to Amman.
• Day 5: Stop by Mount Nebo and Bethany beyond the Jordan River, spending the night at the Dead Sea.
• Day 6: Relax at the Dead Sea or at the Ma'in Hot Springs, explore the Wadi Mujib gorge (make sure to book in advance), and arrive in Petra.
• Days 7 and 8: Two full days to thoroughly explore Petra and its breathtaking pathways and viewpoints.
• Days 9 and 10: Enjoy the Red Sea, its coral reefs, and beaches in Aqaba.

15-Day Jordan Itinerary

For those lucky enough to spend two weeks in Jordan, you can incorporate even more hidden gems into your journey. This extended itinerary allows you to experience sites that are often missed, such as the archaeological wonders of Umm Qais, the stunning Wadi Mujib gorge, and the lush Dana Biosphere Reserve.

Here's your ideal 15-day itinerary:

• Days 1 and 2: The must-see sites of Amman.
• Day 3: Day trip to the Roman ruins of Umm Qais and the archaeological site of Pella, returning to Amman for the night.
• Day 4: Day tour of Jerash and Ajlun Castle, returning to Amman.
• Day 5: Drive by Mount Nebo and Bethany, spending the night at the Dead Sea.
• Days 6: Relax at the Dead Sea or visit the Ma'in Hot Springs, explore Wadi Mujib (remember to book), and head toward Petra.
• Days 7 and 8: Enjoy two full days exploring Petra, including its trails and viewpoints.
• Days 9 and 10: Experience the Red Sea, coral reefs, and beaches in Aqaba.
• Days 11 and 12: Join the 10:30 tour in Wadi Rum and spend the night in a desert camp. The next day, explore less touristy areas and spend another night under the stars.
• Day 13: On your way back north, stop at Shobak Castle and spend the night in the Dana Biosphere Reserve.
• Day 14: Visit Karak Castle, the ruins of Um er-Rasas, and overnight in Madaba.
• Day 15: Morning exploration of Madaba, and if time permits, visit the Desert Castles. You could also head to Shaumari Reserve or Azraq Wetland Reserve.

Interactive Map of the Jordan Itinerary

To help you navigate your journey, here’s a comprehensive interactive map that includes all the must-visit points during your trip to Jordan:

We hope our itineraries for 7, 10, and 15 days in Jordan have inspired you. With so much to see and do, Jordan truly deserves a thorough exploration. Yes, you may return home more tired than when you left, but as you lay your head on your pillow and reflect on the rich experiences you’ve gathered, all traces of fatigue will vanish, replaced by a sense of fulfillment and adventure.

Have you enjoyed our Jordan travel itinerary? Would you change anything?

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