Jordan Itinerary (7 Days)
Jordan is full of surprises, not least its rich culture, incredible landscapes, and ancient ruins. This Jordan 7-day itinerary takes you through some of the most incredible places in the country, whether it’s the grand canyons of Wadi Rum, the spectacular lost city of Petra, the stone-cubed city of Amman, or the mud bath minerals of the Dead Sea.
Day 1: Amman
On day 1, fly into the bustling capital of Jordan: Amman! This cosmopolitan city is home to a mixture of new and old architecture, creating a unique setting where soaring skyscrapers sit adjacent to ancient Roman theaters, domed mosques, and stony suburbs.
We were extremely surprised by the vibrant street art around the city; there are plenty of murals to be found if you keep an eye out!
Your flight will arrive at the modern Queen Alia International Airport, which is 35 km south of the city center.
We hired a car from the airport and stayed in the wondrous city of Amman, using it as a base for day trips to destinations such as the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum. We highly recommend this for your itinerary!
We recommend to rent a car in Jordan through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
If you’re not planning on renting a car in Jordan, you can also take a taxi or bus from the airport. Buses run every 30 minutes from 6 AM to Midnight daily, and the journey takes about 45 minutes to the center. See the full airport bus schedule here.
Things to do in Amman
Begin your Jordan 7-day itinerary with a visit to the 6000-seat Roman Theatre in Amman, built in the 2nd century AD! This famous landmark is one of the world’s best-surviving examples of classic Roman amphitheater architecture.
You can also spend time at the Amman Citadel, an archeological site that was once an extensive complex of royal and residential buildings. Sadly, it was destroyed by an earthquake in AD749 and never fully rebuilt. We were blown away by the incredible history, but above all, we found it one of the best spots for a stunning panoramic view of Amman.
You can see the entrance fee for the Citadel (and other famous sites in Jordan) here.
After a morning of history, visit Souk Al-Sukar, a city market that is a wonder of smells, colors, and noise! The market crosses several interconnecting streets and buildings and is full of stalls crammed with vast piles of fruit, fresh daily bread, and spice mountains. It’s a blast to the senses and not to be missed (open from 10 AM every day).
Tip: We recommend getting a Jordan Pass, which includes access to over 40 of the country’s greatest sights, including the Roman Theatre and the Hilltop Citadel in Amman.
Where to Stay in Amman
Amman has a range of accommodations for all budgets, from 5-star hotels and quirky little apartments to great hostels. We stayed in the center, close to the colorful and lively Sugar Market area — which we loved! (Here is our hotel)
For something more contemporary, stay in Al Swaifyeh, the modern center of Amman, known as the nightlife capital of Jordan.
Tip: While drinking tap water in Jordan is safe, we noticed it can sometimes taste slightly salty. Most big hotels have water purification systems to ensure the tap water is clean and drinkable for guests, so bring along your reusable water bottle and travel plastic-free!
Day 2: Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a UNESCO valley cut into sandstone and granite rock and is the largest wadi (river valley) in Jordan. The valley is set in the heart of the Jordanian desert, and its stunning mountain, reddish-orange hues, and narrow gorges are breathtaking. It’s a popular choice for Hollywood film sets; you can see all the films it’s been featured in here!
One of our favorite activities was this jeep tour that follows the area’s sand dunes and narrow canyons, stopping off for sandboarding along the way. You can also follow the many hiking trails, go rock climbing, or, for something special, see it from above in a hot air balloon.
Getting to Wadi Rum from Amman
By Car
The journey to Wadi Rum from Amman will take 4-5 hours. The Desert Highway (Highway 15) connects Amman to Wadi Rum, which passes through some incredible landscapes, so traveling by car gives you the flexibility to stop when you want.
Taxis and Private Transfer
Although we chose to drive, we noticed it’s a popular option to take a taxi from Amman to Wadi Rum; it’s around 110 JOD (155 USD) per car. You can simply hail a taxi off the street or ask your hotel to pre-book one in advance. Taxis fit up to four travelers, so if there are just two of you, then it is likely you will be sharing.
If you want the car to yourself, then we recommend a private transfer. This will be more expensive than a standard taxi at around 145 JOD (204 USD). Book your private car here.
By Bus
There are no direct buses connecting Amman to Wadi Rum. However, you can get the JETT bus to Aqaba and then take a taxi to Wadi Rum. Please note that this will be an all-day trip.
By Tour
Many people choose to take a day tour to Wadi Rum from Amman. This normally includes return transportation, a jeep tour, sandboarding, lunch, and other activities. If you want to stay the night in the desert in a traditional Bedouin camp, many tours will also include this as part of the package.
Where to Stay in Wadi Rum
Staying in a traditional Bedouin camp is one of the absolute must-dos on your Jordan 7-day itinerary! You will have the most fantastic experience sleeping under the stars, hearing ancient Bedouin stories and songs around the campfire.
Visiting Wadi Rum overnight is also recommended to see the colors of the beautiful rock formations and sand dunes change as the sun sets.
Day 3: Wadi Rum to Petra
Our favorite place on our Jordan 7-day itinerary was the UNESCO world-famous Petra! The ‘Rose City’, called that because of its pink sandstone cliffs, is known for its tombs and temples carved into the rockface. Named one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, this magical archeological site, where buildings are half built into the rock, is one of the oldest cities globally. It’s an absolute must-see on your trip!
The rugged desert canyons and mountains make a stunning backdrop and also offer many scenic hiking trails for the active traveler.
Best of all, the journey to Petra from Wadi Rum is only around 1.5 hours, so you will have an afternoon to begin sightseeing at the incredible Lost City.
Getting to Petra from Wadi Rum
By Car
Travel by car on the scenic King’s and Desert Highway. This is the most common way visitors get from Petra to Wadi-Rum, taking around 1.5 hours.
Note: Be aware that private vehicles are not allowed past the village of Wadi Rum.
We recommend to rent a car in Jordan through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
By Taxi or Private Transfer
Taxis are always available, costing around 40 JOD (56 USD) per taxi and carrying four guests. Alternatively, book a private transfer in advance and just relax! The private drivers also tend to have newer vehicles, and you can stop along the way as you would in your own car. Book your private car here
By Bus
This is definitely the cheapest option at around 12 USD and can be booked online in advance. JETT and the local buses both do this route. JETT is the more modern option with air conditioning and costs a little more (22 USD). The journey by bus will take around 2 hours.
Where to Stay in Petra
Wadi Musa is the town where visitors to Petra stay. Hotels in Wadi Musa start right next to the entrance and stretch up into the hills, with the more luxurious hotels sitting closer to the entrance of Petra.
Tip: If you are not staying very close to the entrance, then there is a free shuttle bus to the visitor’s entrance twice a day.
Day 4: Petra
Once a hive of activity, the incredible lost city of Petra was buried in an earthquake, only to be rediscovered just 200 years ago. You will need an entire day to wander around in Petra as the valley is over 6 kilometers long and offers 15 incredible sites. However, it’s believed there are many more below the surface.
We followed the clear walking route from the Siq (main entrance) through a 1.2-kilometer gorge that leads all the way to the City of Petra. This is an awesome experience, as the chasm walls are up to 80 meters high in places.
Read all about visiting Petra, Jordan!
The Treasury (The Most Iconic Building in Petra)
One of the first buildings you’ll discover (and one of the most beautiful in the complex) is The ‘Indiana Jones’ Treasury. This sandstone rock face is most famous for being the home of an elaborate rock-cut tomb — spooky!
Over the years, archaeologists have tried deciphering what the building was used for. Some believed it was a temple, and others believed it was a safe place to store documents. However, more recently, an excavation revealed a graveyard underneath! The building is most famous, though, for being the setting of one of the iconic Indiana Jones movies.
Tip: We were lucky enough to see Petra by Night — an incredible evening where the Treasury is lit up by 1500 candles! If you are visiting on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you can witness this magical event. Please note that this experience is not included in your Petra Entrance ticket.
Traveling from Amman? Book your tickets for Petra by Night including return transportation
Day 5: Petra to the Dead Sea (via Dana Nature Reserve)
On your journey to the Dead Sea, stop at the stunning Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve. It is located in south central Jordan, where mammoth orange cliffs line a mammoth valley. This area of staggering beauty and history is home to a vast array of wildlife and jaw-dropping landscapes.
We recommend starting your day in the tiny village of Dana, perched on the edge of an epic canyon. This beautiful spot is the perfect addition to your Jordan 7-day itinerary! Most people come here for the breathtaking hiking trails, so if you’re up for an adventure, extend your Jordan itinerary by a few days.
Getting to the Dead Sea from Petra
By Car
The convenience of having a car on your Jordan itinerary means you can stop off at the Dana nature reserve at your leisure. Our journey to Dana took around 1.5 hours (about 68 KM). From there, we drove 2 hours more to The Dead Sea — a further 92 km.
By Taxi or Private Transfer
Private Transfer is the best option as you can stop along the way in Dana at your leisure and then move on to The Dead Sea. The cost will depend on the length of the day.
Tour
Booking a multi-day Petra tour will often include a visit to the Dead Sea.
Where to Stay in The Dead Sea
We chose to stay in resort hotels, which have their own spas and direct access to the beach, for the ultimate luxury experience! If you have a bit of extra budget, we highly recommend this as part of your Dead Sea experience.
Don’t worry if you’re choosing to stay in an apartment or guesthouse instead; there are also public areas to access the Dead Sea.
Day 6: Dead Sea and Wadi Mujib
The extraordinary Dead Sea is famed as the lowest point on Earth and probably the most difficult place to actually swim due to its high salt content! But the floating experience is second to none, and the feeling of being totally weightless is incredibly relaxing.
Before you enter the water, read our Dead Sea travel guide for tips
We tried some incredible spas here at the Dead Sea with a massive choice of facilities and treatments to pamper your body and mind. Many of them are traditional spas in a holistic environment with ancient Arabian and Asian rituals, so treat yourself as part of your Jordan 7-day itinerary.
Wadi Mujib
Within easy reach is Wadi Mujib, an incredible canyon where you can climb small waterfalls and rocks using ropes or rungs. The adventure begins in ankle-deep water and then gets steadily deeper until you will need to swim in some sections. After our relaxing time at the Dead Sea, this definitely felt a bit more than a ‘hike’, but it was such a great experience on our Jordan 7-day itinerary (see Nick’s happy face below)!
After the adventure, you return to the mouth of the canyon and are rewarded with a stunning view of the Dead Sea.
Tip: All of the canyoning trails only operate from April 1 – October 31 for safety reasons. Additionally, the Canyon and Malaqi trails require guides and are closed during Ramadan.
Read: Complete guide to Wadi Mujib
Getting to Wadi Majib by Car
Wadi Mujib is very accessible by car and only a 25-minute drive south from the resort area of the Dead Sea to the Mujib Adventure Centre.
We recommend to rent a car in Jordan through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Getting to Wadi Mujib by Taxi/Private Transfer
A taxi or Uber is a good option if you are taking a day trip to Wadi Mujib from The Dead Sea. Your adventure through the canyon only takes a couple of hours, so you can make a deal with a cab driver to wait for this time so they can take you back to The Dead Sea (make sure you work out the price beforehand). It is only an hour round trip, so it is a great place to go for half a day.
By Tour
You can also book a tour from your hotel in the Dead Sea to Wadi Mujib, including pick up and drop off.
Day 7: Back to Amman
The return trip to Amman is less than an hour, so have a relaxing day; take one last dip in the Dead Sea or treat yourself to a spa morning.
By Car
The drive only takes 45 minutes and is all highway driving (which we found very straightforward and easy!). A few checkpoints are along the way, so have your documents ready. In our experience, it was just a quick check by the authorities, and we were waved through.
We recommend to rent a car in Jordan through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
By Taxi or Private Transfer
You can hire a taxi for the trip to Amman, but if you want a private driver, your hotel can help you find a suitable transfer. The trip will cost around 80 USD.
By Bus
There is a Jett bus that leaves from the Movenpick, which takes an hour and will cost about 10-15 JOD (14-21 USD).
Getting Around Jordan
By Car
Hiring a car will give you the maximum flexibility on your 7-day itinerary, and the roads in Jordan are well maintained. In general, it’s very safe and forward-thinking, and you’ll see many electric cars and hitchhikers traveling on the roads.
Note: You may come across a few Police checkpoints on your route in Jordan, but they are all super kind, so there’s nothing to worry about. Just have papers, visa stamps, and documents ready.
We recommend to rent a car in Jordan through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
By Bus
The main cities and several tourist sites are easily reached by public transport.
Although a little slower, traveling by bus in Jordan is easy to use and good value. However, it’s good to plan ahead and book Jett buses for those routes you need.
By Taxi
In the capital city of Amman, yellow taxis can be requested from the side street or booked in advance. Other cab services are Uber and Careem, both of which require you to download apps in order to book.
You can also order private transfers to move between destinations – it’s a bit more expensive than a taxi, but you are guaranteed to have the vehicle to yourself.
Our Favorite Accommodations
How Much Does 7 Days in Jordan Cost?
Although Jordan is not considered a budget travel destination, visiting it more affordably is possible. Choose cheaper accommodations, visit during the off-season, and get yourself the Jordan Pass to enter numerous sights around the country. You can also find delicious traditional dishes in Jordan for a very reasonable price from street vendors and local restaurants, such as hummus, tabouleh, and shawarma kebabs. (Learn more about Jordanian food here)
The national currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Most hotels will exchange money for you, but if you need a bank, they are open from Sunday to Thursday from 8.30 AM to 3 PM. Outside of the cities, there are not many ATMs, so make sure to take some cash on your trip.
Do I Need a Visa for 7 Days in Jordan?
Most international visitors require a visa to enter Jordan, but many nationalities can obtain the visa on arrival. All countries are subject to different visa rules, so it’s best to check online before you travel.
Is Jordan Safe?
We felt really safe in Jordan! In general, it’s a safe country to travel in, no matter if you’re traveling solo or as a big group. However, like any destination, petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas, so leave valuables at home and always keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in bigger cities.
Must-Read: Learn more about travel safety
Please note: Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, so dressing conservatively while on your trip is a sign of cultural respect. Shorts and dresses above the knee are not generally acceptable, and if out in public, you should aim to cover your shoulders and knees at the minimum. Midriff and cleavage should never be on show, although there is no need to cover your hair.
Travel Insurance Jordan
Even if you’re only traveling in Jordan for 7 days, we recommend purchasing single-trip travel insurance. Although the country itself is safe, there is potential for accidents – for example, an injury while trekking, a canceled flight, or lost baggage.
Travel Insurance
Don't forget a travel insurance for your Jordan trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here
What to Pack for 7 Days in Jordan
Jordan generally has a dry, hot climate, and although you’ll find bits of shade in places like Petra, it’s always a good idea to wear sunscreen and carry a sun hat to protect you from the sun. At night, in the desert, temperatures can rapidly drop, so you’ll need to bring layers.
Jordan Packing List
- Take layers – Layers of clothing are essential to add or remove items when the temperature changes.
- Hat – There are a lot of sunny moments. For that, take a hat/cap to protect against the sun for the hikes you will be doing.
- Long socks & trousers – In some parts of Jordan, especially in areas with stagnant water, you might find there are mosquitos. During the night, you might also want to wear long socks and trousers to cover your legs to prevent being bitten.
- Suitable footwear – There’s a lot of distance to cover in Jordan, so wearing good walking shoes/sneakers/sandals is an absolute must. It’s not wise to wear flip-flops here.
- Camera – Capture memories on your Jordan itinerary with a camera like a GoPro.
- Power bank – For long hikes or camping, it’s helpful to have a power bank to recharge your phone. (Get one here)
Packing Sustainable Items
- Insect repellent – Bring an insect repellent, but get a non-toxic product to prevent harming nature or animals.
- Sunscreen – We recommend a product without toxic ingredients so it doesn’t harm the environment. (Read about non-toxic sunscreens here)
- Refillable water bottle – Although the water is drinkable from the tap in Jordan, the taste can be salty. For that reason, bring your own refillable water bottle with a built-in filter system or refill at your hotel or in restaurants with filtered water.
- Reusable bag – Don’t take plastic bags when purchasing fruits or other items. Instead, carry your own. See all our favorite plastic alternatives.
By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost.
Thank you for your support. ♥️
- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Flights to Jordan via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.