7 day Jordan itinerary: the ultimate road trip 2024
Here’s your full guide to a 7 day Jordan itinerary, which is destined to be the most memorable and exciting trip!
I started my world tour in the incredible country of Jordan, a vibrant country steeped in legends and myths, culture, and natural beauty. From the chaotic, bustling capital city of Amman, to world class spas on the Dead Sea, the Rose City of Petra and out of this world deserts in Wadi Rum which has the nickname Mars on Earth.
It has something for everyone even for a 7 day Jordan Itinerary. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, hiker, spa goer or a history buff, Jordan should be the next place on your list. It is the ultimate bucket list trip! Did I mention that flights in January started from £15.99?
You might find some of my other articles on Jordan useful:
Here’s your full guide for an incredible trip!
This blog post may contain affiliate links
Quick links for your 7 day Jordan Itinerary
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
How to travel around Jordan
7 day Jordan Itinerary
Four your 7 day Jordan Itinerary, there’s two ways of getting around! Either by tour, or by car.
By Car
Car rental – if you’re booking a car, I compare prices on Discover Cars to get the best value for money. It is also fairly cheap for the time we were in Jordan. You should be able to rent a car at Queen Alia International Airport. It’s actually very easy to travel around the Middle East Jordan; the roads are fairly wide and straightforward.
By Public Transport
I decided not to go for this option because I’ve been told it’s somewhat unreliable. Busses don’t tend to leave at a certain time; they wait until the bus is full of people, then it leaves. This means, you can be waiting for hours before the bus fills up with enough people to leave. Because we were somewhat limited for time, we decided to opt for hiring a car.
A Jordan Tour
There are plenty of tours that run to Petra from Amman (or from other destinations like Aqaba, the Dead Sea or Wadi Rum); I always compare tour prices on both Viator and Get Your Guide.
Is it worth buying the Jordan Pass for a week in Jordan?
Before you do anything for your 7 day Jordan Itinerary consider buying The Jordan Pass – it is worth it!
The Jordan pass includes the cost of your visa. To enter Jordan, you can either buy a visa, or pay for the Jordan pass (same/similar price). If you’re planning on going to Petra for even one day, then it’s worth it, as the cost of the Jordan pass is cheaper/the same as the visa, so it makes sense to get it.
The Jordan pass includes access most historical sites and attractions across Jordan, so we used this well in Amman.
7 day Jordan itinerary
Here’s everything you need for one week in Jordan, it has the most incredible sights, foods and culture, you won’t forget it in a hurry! There are many tourist attractions for you to visit in Jordan in 7 days, I have individual guides on each place, make sure that you read through them for in depth tips and hotel recommendations!
Amman – 1 day
Read my in depth blog post on Amman.
The capital city of Jordan is a beautifully chaotic hub of history and culture that you need to visit on your 7 days Jordan itinerary. With its rich heritage and modern amenities, Amman is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the best of both worlds. From ancient ruins to art stores, bustling markets and colourful graffiti there is no shortage of things to do and see in Amman. Spend at least 1 night in Amman.
Don’t miss the Ancient ruins of the Citadel, Amman which is an incredible archaeological site site! It has an incredible view of the city from every single angle! It’s atop a hill, and you can see the suburbs in every direction!
I recommend visiting the citadel in the afternoon, make sure you stay for sunset for incredible views of the city. Entry is free with the Jordan pass, or costs about 2JD (£2.50).
I’d also spend time wandering around the art markets in the city for a bustling and gorgeous afternoon!
After this, consider heading towards the Blue Mosque, the Roman Theatre, the Old City Amman, Hashem, Habiba Sweets and the Rainbow stairs!
The Dead Sea – 2 days
The second stop on your Jordan 7 day itinerary might be the best. The Dead Sea was my favourite place in Jordan and is one of the most unique phenomenons in the world. If you’ve seen my TikTok video, I’ve been raving about it non stop. Its high salt content makes it impossible for you to sink and there is no animals in the sea!
It is impossible for anything to live in its salty waters. Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mud which is high in minerals and excellent for the skin. The Dead Sea is also surrounded by luxurious spa resorts, making it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. Spend 2 nights at the Dead Sea to really make the most of this incredible place and explore the surrounding area of Wadi Mujib.
The Dead Sea in Jordan
The Dead Sea is a really unusual and unique body of water to spend part of 1 week in Jordan; it is the saltiest place in the world and the lowest point on earth at 430.5 m below sea level and sits in between Jordan and Israel and visiting is a once in a lifetime experience.
There are a number of factors that make this place so unique; extremely high amount of minerals and the levels salt content give the water and mud healing properties, making it a haven for people looking to relax and unwind. It has a super high salt level; it is 10 times saltier than the regular ocean; it has a salt content of around 33%.
It has been used since ancient times for its healing properties for its mineral-rich waters and you’ll see people from all walks of life gently walking into the water: young, old, fitness fanatics and those trying to alleviate skin conditions, and is a great place to spend at least 2-3 days. But it’s not just for those seeking healing properties, it is genuinely a lot of fun.
Petra, The Rose City – 2 days
Petra is known as the Rose City, so nicknamed for its pink sandstone. It is one of the most famous and historic sites in Jordan, attracting thousands (millions?) of visitors each year. This ancient city was created by the Nabatean people who were master hydraulic engineers, manipulating water so this huge desert city could thrive in the arid landscape. Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Jordan. Visitors can wander through Petra’s narrow canyons and admire its stunning temples, tombs, and amphitheaters. Spend 1 night and 2 days in Petra.
TIP: You’ll need to book a hotel in Wadi Musa (the area around Petra), I can recommend Movenpick Petra, it’s right outside the entrance to Petra. Remember the walk around Petra can be quite long, so starting as close as you can to the entrance can save a lot of time!
Read the full guide to Petra here
The Top 10 things to see in Petra
Read the full guide to Petra here
- The Treasury
- The Siq
- The Monastery
- The Great Temple
- The Place of High Sacrifice
- The Colonnaded Street
- The Roman Theatre
- The Street of Facades
- The Royal Tombs
- Little Petra
Jordan Petra is known as The Rose City thanks to its lovely pinkish coloured sandstone and one of The New Seven Wonders of the World. It was once a bustling trading centre for the Nabataeans in the centre of the Arabic territory and the Nabataeans were an Arabic tribe that lived in the area over 2,000 years ago. There are still some locals that live in the caves today and you can learn more about their story and way of life in Petra’s museum (free with your entry ticket).
Petra Jordan Facts
It’s an architectural marvel, and walking around this ancient city (yes, it was once a full, thriving city!) is simply breath taking. The huge monuments are incredibly impressive and as you walk through the winding passageways and stumble across them.
Read the full guide to Petra here
Master water engineers
The Nabataeans’ were masters at hydraulic engineering; they used complex and sophisticated systems and clay piping to collect water. Water resources were extremely limited, and the Nabataeans understood how to harness the water from the flash floods in the winter season. They managed to sustain 20,000 people, plus all their animals, plus water for farming.
You can learn much more in the Petra museum, which is included in the price of your ticket and definitely worth a visit; it is super modern and gives a lot of explanation to the things you see in the city.
Wadi Rum, Mars on Earth – 2 days
Nicknamed “Mars on Earth,” Wadi Rum desert is a vast desert landscape that offers a truly unique and otherworldly experience. In fact, the Martian was filmed here and you can see why! With sandstone cliffs jutting out of the sand and rolling sand dunes, Wadi Rum is a paradise for adventurers, nature lovers, and photographers.
I would recommend visiting here at new moon (I.e. no moon) if you can, because you’ll see the stars in the nights sky like never before, and the chances are you’ll see plenty of shooting stars and comets too. Activities included camel riding, sand boarding, rock climbing, hiking, jeep tours or simply relaxing and take in the breathtaking views. You can easily spend 1-2 nights in the bedouin camps here.
The Bedouins are nomadic Arabic tribes that live in the desert. They come across as very gentle, very relaxed people, and I feel the same amount of calm as I do in a yoga class. They know everything about the desert, and I mean everything.
I asked Abdullah, our guide, whether he would ever get lost out here and he just laughed softly and shook his head. I asked him how he always knows where he is? He tells me he knows every jutting rock of the landscape, and I test him, being the immature person that I am, by pointing at random mountains and asking what they’re called.
He can name every. single. rock. on our journey home. Abdullah is a 22 year old, who seems a little shy but is kind and smiles a lot. 22 seems young, but he’s been driving in the desert since he was 12. It’s normal for 11 and 12 year olds to start driving jeeps in the desert out of necessity; they need to help their parents round up camels and grab supplies.
That’s it! If you have any extra time, consider visiting Jerash for a few days too, they have a tonne of archaeological sites with stunning views across the city.
1 week itinerary in Jordan
If you want a 7 day Jordan Itinerary consider spending the following amount of time in the following locations:
- Amman – 1 day
- Dead Sea – 2 days
- Petra – 2 days
- Wadi Rum – 2 days
2 week itinerary in Jordan
If you want to do a 2 week itinerary consider spending the following amount of time in the following locations:
- Amman – 2 days
- Dead Sea – 3 days
- Petra – 3 days
- Wadi Rum – 2 days
- Aqaba – 3 days
- Overnight by the airport – 1 night
I would say 4 days in Wadi Rum isn’t really necessary, you probably could get away with 2 days, unless you’re an avid hiker or want to do something specific. You could pop down to Aqaba on the coast and go snorkelling in the Red Sea instead to finish off your 2 week trip. If you head to Jordan, let me know how you get on!
Jordan Weather: best time to visit Jordan
The best time to spend a week in Jordan is definitely in the cooler months, Spring and Autumn are fairly warm whilst the winter season can be a little chillier at night. We went in winter, in January, and found that many of the days were 20°C during the day, which is still pleasant. At night, it can be a little colder, but when you’re tucked away inside, this wasn’t exactly a problem. In the summer, you’ll find quieter crowds but expect it to be very hot!
Jordan Weather in January:
- Northern and Central Jordan: 8-13°C
- Southern Jordan (e.g., Petra and Aqaba): 15-20°C
- Average Rainy Days: 8-10 days
- Average Daylight Hours: Approximately 10-11 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:00 PM
Jordan Weather in February:
- Northern and Central Jordan: 9-15°C
- Southern Jordan (e.g., Petra and Aqaba): 16-21°C
- Average Rainy Days: 7-9 days
- Average Daylight Hours: Approximately 11 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:30 PM
Jordan Weather in March:
- Northern and Central Jordan: 11-17°C
- Southern Jordan (e.g., Petra and Aqaba): 19-24°C
- Average Rainy Days: 6-8 days
- Average Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:45 PM
Jordan Weather in April:
- Northern and Central Jordan: 14-21°C
- Southern Jordan (e.g., Petra and Aqaba): 22-28°C
- Average Rainy Days: 3-6 days
- Average Daylight Hours: Approximately 13 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:00 PM
Jordan Weather in May:
- Northern and Central Jordan: 18-25°C
- Southern Jordan (e.g., Petra and Aqaba): 26-32°C
- Average Rainy Days: 1-3 days
- Average Daylight Hours: Approximately 14 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
Jordan Weather in June:
- Northern and Central Jordan: 21-29°C
- Southern Jordan (e.g., Petra and Aqaba): 29-36°C
- Average Rainy Days: Minimal to none
- Average Daylight Hours: Approximately 14 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Jordan Weather in July:
- Northern and Central Jordan: 23-32°C
- Southern Jordan (e.g., Petra and Aqaba): 31-38°C
- Average Rainy Days: Rare
- Average Daylight Hours: Approximately 14 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM
Jordan Weather in August:
- Northern and Central Jordan: 23-33°C
- Southern Jordan (e.g., Petra and Aqaba): 32-39°C
- Average Rainy Days: Uncommon
- Average Daylight Hours: Approximately 13 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Jordan Weather in September:
- Northern and Central Jordan: 21-31°C
- Southern Jordan (e.g., Petra and Aqaba): 29-36°C
- Average Rainy Days: Rare
- Average Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:00 PM
Jordan Weather in October:
- Northern and Central Jordan: 16-26°C
- Southern Jordan (e.g., Petra and Aqaba): 26-33°C
- Average Rainy Days: 1-2 days
- Average Daylight Hours: Approximately 11 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:30 PM
Jordan Weather in November:
- Northern and Central Jordan: 11-19°C
- Southern Jordan (e.g., Petra and Aqaba): 20-27°C
- Average Rainy Days: 3-4 days
- Average Daylight Hours: Approximately 10 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:15 PM
Jordan Weather in December:
- Northern and Central Jordan: 8-14°C
- Southern Jordan (e.g., Petra and Aqaba): 16-22°C
- Average Rainy Days: 6-8 days
- Average Daylight Hours: Approximately 10 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:45 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:00 PM
There are plenty of tours that run to Petra from Amman (or from other destinations like Aqaba, the Dead Sea or Wadi Rum); I always compare tour prices on both Viator and Get Your Guide.
Common taxi scam in Amman
A scam that nearly happened to us, if it weren’t for me being so stubborn and point black simply refusing to pay a ludicrous fee.
Some taxi drivers like to run up the meter before you get in the car, so you pay an abnormally large fee. Before you get into any metered taxi, check the meter starts at 0. As a safety measure, check the child lock is not on.
Make sure you know the approximate cost of your journey in advance. Before starting our journey, I asked our taxi driver 5 times to show me the meter but he said it wasn’t long enough to reach, so I couldn’t see it which should have been the biggest warning sign. Our journey was 3 minutes and expected to cost about 2JOD (£2.50), and our taxi driver tried to charge us around 35 JOD (£40). Absolutely not – I refused to pay more than 5JOD, and we argued for about 20 minutes before the taxi driver conceded – I’m not sure if I shamed him into conceding, but it worked. Be polite but firm.
‘Where are you from?’
Not technically a scam, but we were constantly asked by everyone from shopkeepers, hustlers on the street, restaurant owners, children trying to sell you trinkets, doormen… ‘where are you from?’
If you said you were from a country that was perceived as ‘wealthy’ or well known (like England or America), it seems you’d be charged a lot more for wares and services.
When we said we were from England, we were given higher prices for food, clothes, entry into museums, etc.
When I started saying I was from Poland (the truth), I was given a slightly different treatment; I was told to go into museums free of charge by doormen, and prices seemed a lot cheaper.
Be warned though, many of the shop keepers know a bit of Polish, French, German, Spanish and every language under the sun it seems, so don’t pretend you’re from somewhere you don’t speak the language. Thankfully, my Polish was a lot better than theirs so I was able to convince them I really was a Pole.
Take from this what you will, but by the end I only ever said I was from Poland because I couldn’t be bothered with the haggling.
Travel resources for your trip that are actually really handy!
Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad, I strongly advise you to have travel insurance, and the other recommendations are also super handy!
Quick links for you 7 day Jordan Itinerary
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
There are plenty of tours that run to Petra from Amman (or from other destinations like Aqaba to Petra); I always compare tour prices on both Viator and Get Your Guide.
That’s it! I hope you found this 7 days in Jordan itinerary useful and enjoy your visit safely. I loved my time here and the itinerary for Jordan, and I hope you do too. If you found this useful, drop me a message and let me know how you got on, I love to hear from you!
You might find some of my other articles on Jordan useful:
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