Enter the mystical world of Jordan with our travel guide! From the pink sandstone splendor of Petra to the silent grandeur of the Wadi Rum desert, Jordan offers an enchanting travel experience. Discover ancient treasures, float on the Dead Sea, and experience the hospitality of the local people. Our Jordan guide reveals essential tips for exploring cultural treasures and enjoying pristine nature. Whether you embrace the historic charm of Amman or seek the silence of the desert, let our guide lead you to an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Middle East.
We visited Jordan in early May, traveling from the north to the south of the country in 12 days.
Itinerary Jordan
Amman
Amman is the bustling capital of Jordan, and the best starting point for a tour. Discover Amman where ancient history merges with modern flair. This vibrant city reveals a wealth of archaeological sites, including the Roman theater and the Citadel. Wander through colorful souks, taste delicious dishes in local eateries, and admire the mix of ancient and modern architecture. Amman offers an enchanting journey through time, with its cultural diversity and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re strolling through the streets or enjoying the panoramic view of the city, Amman captivates visitors with its unique charm and rich heritage. Visit the Citadel of Amman, the Amphitheater, and the many charming markets. The Blue Mosque is also worth a visit. An absolute must-visit in the evening is Rainbow Street. Here you’ll find many charming restaurants and bars.
Overall, Amman offers a good mix of cultural attractions and modern amenities. A stay of 3-5 days can provide a good balance to explore the city and nearby attractions.
Jerash
Discover the enchanting history of Jerash, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman cities in the heart of Jordan. Located just a few kilometers from Amman, Jerash reveals its beauty through impressive ruins, including the Temple of Artemis and the imposing Hadrian’s Arch. Explore ancient streets surrounded by well-preserved colonnades and admire the Roman theater that is still used for performances. Jerash is not only an archaeological treasure but also a breathtaking testament to the Roman Empire in the Middle East. Step back in time as you discover the beautiful history of Jerash.
Generally, a stay of 1 to 2 days provides enough time to explore the beautiful Roman ruins of Jerash. It can also be convenient to avoid the crowds by visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Dead Sea
Discover the unique beauty of the Dead Sea, the world’s lowest saltwater lake, located between Jordan and Israel. The Dead Sea is known for its extraordinary salty water, making floating an unforgettable experience. However, be aware that you can’t stay in the water for more than 10 minutes. Additionally, the mud of the Dead Sea contains beneficial minerals, making it a popular destination for wellness and skincare. Explore the surrounding desert landscapes and enjoy the surrealism of floating on the crystal-clear water. A visit to the Dead Sea offers not only a unique natural experience but also health and relaxation benefits that have been cherished for centuries.
Around the Dead Sea, you’ll find all kinds of luxury resorts and hotels. If you primarily plan to enjoy floating in the salty water and relaxing in the mud of the Dead Sea, a short stay of 1 to 2 days may be sufficient. For a more comprehensive experience, including wellness and spa activities that utilize the healing properties of the Dead Sea mud, you may consider staying for 2 to 4 days.
King's Highway
When you want to travel from Amman to the south of Jordan, you have three different routes to choose from. One of the options runs right through the country. This is the longest route, but also absolutely the most beautiful. This route is also called the Kings Highway. This ancient trade route connects picturesque cities such as Amman, Madaba, and Petra, offering travelers a journey full of cultural treasures. Admire the archaeological sites, medieval castles, and panoramic views along this scenic road. With its winding paths through mountains and valleys, the Kings Highway is not just a travel route, but an enchanting journey through time. Discover the charm of Jordan as you explore the historical splendor of the Kings Highway. Here you can read all about the best route and stops on this Kings Highway.
The terminus of the Kings Highway is Wadi Musa. This is the village where the entrance to the absolute highlight of Jordan is located; Petra.
Petra
Explore the magic of Petra, the ‘Pink City’ in Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Carved from rocks and surrounded by majestic cliffs, Petra reveals a fascinating legacy of the Nabateans. Enter this historic city through the narrow Siq gorge and be enchanted by the iconic Al-Khazneh (Treasury). Explore the Royal Tombs, the Roman theater, and other archaeological treasures. With its unique architecture and impressive history, Petra is a must-visit destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts, and a timeless symbol of Jordan’s rich heritage.
Petra is truly breathtakingly beautiful and, in our opinion, the highlight of a trip through Jordan. Because Petra is large, it is wise to make a plan in advance and choose a route you want to walk. If you only have one day to visit Petra, we recommend getting an early start. In any case, make sure you have good shoes on, because you are guaranteed to walk many kilometers.
For an exploration of Petra, including the Siq, the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), and the Roman theater, a visit of 1 to 2 days may be sufficient. If you are interested in a more thorough exploration of Petra, including the Royal Tombs, the Monastery (Ad-Deir), and other less visited parts, you may consider staying for 2 to 3 days.
Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, enchants visitors with its surreal landscape in southern Jordan. This vast desert, made famous by movies and literature, reveals impressive rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and endless sand dunes. Discover the beauty of Wadi Rum on a jeep tour, camel expedition, or a starry night in a Bedouin camp. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wadi Rum is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural heritage. Dive into the magic of this desert, where adventure and history go hand in hand under the enchanting starry sky.
Aqaba
Discover the sunny splendor of Aqaba, Jordan’s vibrant coastal city on the Red Sea. With its enchanting coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, Aqaba is a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Explore the city’s historic charm with the Aqaba forts and sample the local cuisine in the bustling souks. Located at the southernmost tip of Jordan, Aqaba offers not only relaxation on white sandy beaches but also adventurous excursions to the surrounding desert. Dive into the cultural and natural treasures of Aqaba, where history and contemporary luxury harmoniously come together.
Please note that Jordan is an Islamic country, and as such, you (as a woman) cannot wear a bikini to the public beach. We stayed in a bay just outside Aqaba called Grand Tala Bay. There are several resorts in this bay where tourists are allowed to sunbathe and swim in bikinis.
If you’re primarily coming to Aqaba for relaxation on the beach, water sports, and visiting the coral reefs, a short stay of 2 to 3 days may be sufficient. For exploring the historical sites in Aqaba, such as the Aqaba Forts, local markets, and the nearby desert, you may consider staying for 3 to 4 days. If you plan to dive extensively, snorkel, or participate in other adventurous activities, a longer stay of 4 days or more may be suitable.
Transportation during this itinerary
The fastest and most common way to travel to Jordan is by plane. You can book flights from Dutch airports, such as Schiphol, to international airports in Jordan, such as Queen Alia International Airport in Amman or King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba. We flew from Brussels Airport to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. This direct flight is only 4.5 hours.
Upon arrival at Amman airport, you will need to go through customs. Here you will also receive a visa immediately. You don’t actually have to arrange anything in advance for this visa, because it is a so-called visa on arrival. The costs for this visa on arrival are 40 JD. We do advise you to purchase a Jordan Pass in advance, because this also includes the costs for a visa. If you also plan to go to Petra, this pass is especially advantageous. Wadi Rum, Jerash and other attractions are also included in this pass. Here you can read everything you want to know about the Jordan Pass.
Because public transport in Jordan is limited, we strongly recommend renting a car. It is best to pick up and return this car at Amman airport. The roads in Jordan are quite good. Please note that there are many thresholds and they are not always well indicated in advance. We do recommend taking a car with a little power. There is quite a lot of height difference in Jordan and some villages have very steep streets. Wondering what we paid for the rental car in Jordan? Here you can read everything about the costs of a tour through Jordan.
Overnight stays during this itinerary
During our tour we stayed in 5 different hotels, all of which were unique in their own way. Are you curious about the best place for stargazing in the middle of the desert, or what the ideal base is for visiting Petra? Here you will find a complete overview of all the hotels we visited, and what we thought of them.
How much time do you need for this route?
We took 12 days for this route, including the flights. This gave us enough time at all destinations, and we didn’t have to skip any sights.
Do you have less time planned for a trip through Jordan? Then we recommend planning less time at the Dead Sea or Aqaba. That way you don’t have to miss any sights. Do you have more time available? Then we recommend taking an extra day to discover Petra. You can also choose to drive the King’s Highway in two parts. This gives you more time to view all the sights on the route.
Jordan is also ideal to combine with neighboring Israel. Just make sure that a combination of these two countries is not at the expense of all the great sights that Jordan has to offer.
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