My Itinerary Details
Travel Dates
April
Season
Spring
Transport
Private Transfers
Type of Trip
Solo
Jordan is one of those places I keep coming back to, and for good reason. Between the ancient ruins, the desert landscapes, and scuba diving, it’s a destination like no other.
I first visited in 2012, and every time I visit (and I’m talking FOUR trips now), I fall a little more in love.
This 7-day Jordan itinerary covers all the essentials, including the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba, plus a few little detours I think make the trip extra special. I’ve got you covered with all the highlights, spa stops, hotel moments, and bucket-list experiences you won’t want to miss.
It’s perfect if it’s your first time in Jordan and you want to see all of the highlights, or you’re planning a return trip like me to experience it all again.
Here’s the perfect 7-day Jordan itinerary!
The Ultimate Jordan Travel Guide
Jordan was my first-ever trip to the Middle East. I was astounded by the Dead Sea, inspired by the ruins of Petra, and mesmerized by Wadi Rum.
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The Ultimate Middle East Travel Guide
Made up of 16 countries, the Middle East is probably the least-traveled region in the world, however, there are amazing destinations for travelers.
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Getting Around Jordan
Getting around Jordan is easier than you might think!
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore at your own pace. You’ll have the freedom to chase sunsets in Wadi Rum, pull over for impromptu photo ops, and take the scenic route whenever you feel like it. Plus, you likely won’t be able to rely on public transportation to get to all of the destinations.
Just a heads up: local driving can be a bit chaotic, especially in cities like Amman, so stay confident and go with the flow.
If you’d rather skip the stress, guided tours and private drivers are super popular!
Women's Group Tour
Interested in joining an all-women’s tour?
Come explore Jordan on the TBA Escapes Ancient Wonders Tour! Explore Petra, float in the Dead Sea, dive in the Red Sea, and stargaze in Wadi Rum—all with an amazing group of women.
Find out more about my all-female tours, TBA Escapes, and apply for a future tour here!
Best Time To Visit Jordan
Jordan is full of amazing experiences year-round, but timing your trip right can make all the difference—think fewer crowds, better deals, and even unique experiences such as the chance to see Petra with a dusting of snow.
Spring (March to May) is perfect for hiking, with wildflowers carpeting the desert and forests bursting into life. Just be ready to share the trails—good weather brings bigger crowds, higher hotel prices, and busier flights.
Autumn (September to November) is another perfect time to go. After a long, scorching summer, the temperatures finally cool down, making it ideal for exploring Jordan’s ancient sites or diving in the warm waters of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Helpful Tip:
The Best Time to Travel to Jordan
Jordan boasts incredible natural wonders, ancient ruins, and pristine beaches. Here is the best time to travel to Jordan!
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Arrive in Amman
Welcome to Amman, the capital city buzzing with culture, history, and surprisingly good wine!
After touching down at Queen Alia International Airport, head to your hotel to check in and freshen up. I stayed at the seriously stunning Four Seasons Amman, which is located atop the tallest of Amman’s seven hills right in the city centre.
If jet lag hasn’t totally claimed you, head out for dinner at Fakhr El-Din, one of my fave spots that serves amazing Jordanian fare and local wine. Or if you’re feeling low-key, enjoy a relaxing meal at the hotel.
Top Places to Stay in Amman
Day 1: Explore Amman
Start your morning with an epic hotel breakfast. Four Seasons Amman knows how to lay out a spread! After fueling up, make your way to Citadel. Sitting high on Jabal al-Qala’a, it offers sweeping views over the city.
Don’t feel like hiking uphill? Grab a taxi to save your legs for wandering the ancient ruins.
You’ll find layers of history here: the crumbling columns of the Roman Temple of Hercules, the remains of a Byzantine church, and the Umayyad Palace with its iconic domed entrance.
Next, swing by the nearby Jordan Archaeological Museum if you’re keen to see artefacts dating back to the Bronze Age. Then make your way down to the Roman Theatre, a 6,000-seat amphitheatre still used for concerts today.
As the sun starts to set, head over to King Abdullah I Mosque (yes, the iconic blue-domed one). It’s open to visitors outside of prayer times.
Cap off your day with a feast at Sufra on Rainbow Street or take a traditional cooking class with Beit Sitti.
At this women-led, family-run cooking school, you’ll learn to whip up Middle Eastern classics and taste some of Jordan’s most beloved dishes. I experienced this class on my first trip to Jordan way back in 2012, and it is still one of the best Jordanian food experiences today.
Day 2: Wadi Mujib & Dead Sea
Wadi Mujib
Rise and shine nice and early, today is a jam-packed day! Drive around an hour from Amman to Wadi Mujib, a stunning nature reserve that is one of the most unforgettable places in Jordan.
If you’re planning to tackle the famous Siq Trail, aim to arrive EARLY. It’s open daily from 8 am to 3 pm, April 1 to October 31 (weather permitting).
There’s no booking system, so it’s all first-come, first-served, and spots fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Once you’ve signed in and suited up with a life jacket, the adventure begins. You’ll wade, scramble, and swim your way through narrow gorges, past gushing waterfalls, and beneath cliffs that feel like something out of an Indiana Jones movie.
Helpful Tip:
Dead Sea
Make your way to the Dead Sea, which is about a 20-25 minute drive from Wadi Mujib.
I recommend bringing a towel and a change of clothes to leave in the car, as you’ll be soaked after the Siq Trail.
From there, head straight to your hotel or, if you’re keen to see the best Dead Sea salt formations, make a quick detour first. They’re just a few minutes south of the Wadi Mujib entrance, along the main coastal road.
You can find my top salt spot recommendations in my Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Dead Sea.
I recommend booking a stay at one of the resorts with private Dead Sea access. These resorts offer direct entry, plus all the essentials like showers, loungers, and tubs of that iconic mineral-rich mud (hello, glow-up!).
I always stay at the ultra-luxe Kempinski Hotel Ishtar.
Spend the afternoon pool-hopping or at the spa. I booked the Dead Sea Hammam treatment and WOW. Picture getting scrubbed head-to-toe, then slathered in mineral-rich mud, your skin will thank you.
Helpful Tip:
For dinner, the Kempinski Hotel has several amazing restaurants and bars to choose from, but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Rehan Lebanese for some of the best Lebanese food you’ll ever eat. Book in advance just before sunset and ask for a table on the outdoor balcony.
Top Places to Stay at The Dead Sea
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan
From time to soak to when to get there—here are my tips for visiting the magical waters and soaking in the Dead Sea in Jordan!
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Day 3: Dead Sea to Petra
Continue in full wellness mode this morning by venturing to the beach for a little DIY Dead Sea spa.
Fun fact: The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth!
Start by floating in the Dead Sea for 10 minutes, then baking in mud for 10 minutes, rinsing off in the sea, and finishing with an exfoliation with salt straight from the shoreline. It’s like nature’s own five-step spa routine.
And don’t miss checking out the resort’s many pools, but especially the soup bowl pool and lazy river style pool, they are incredible!
Petra
Check out of your Dead Sea resort around midday to begin your 3-hour journey to Petra.
I recommend checking into the Mövenpick Resort Petra, perfectly located right at the entrance to the archaeological site.
If you’re feeling a little travel-weary, unwind at the hotel’s Zara Spa, which is complete with steam rooms, whirlpools, and a range of treatments to help you recharge before a big day of exploring.
For a seriously dreamy experience, catch Petra by Night. It only happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, so plan your visit around it!
You’ll walk through the candlelit Siq under the stars, and when you finally reach the Treasury… wow.
With over 1,500 candles lighting up the ancient facade, it’s a total bucket list moment.
Top Places to Stay in Petra
Day 4: Petra
Start your day early! Petra opens as early as 6 AM, and you’ll want every minute to explore this New Wonder of the World.
The site is massive (think: 8 hours on foot), so wear comfy shoes!
From the iconic Treasury to the Monastery and High Place of Sacrifice, there’s plenty to discover beyond the postcard shots. If you only have a day to explore, plan your route in advance and be sure to check out my Ultimate Petra Travel Guide.
After a long dusty day on your feet, you’ll be glad your hotel room isn’t far. Enjoy dinner at the hotel, or perhaps even a little cheeky room service in a comfy robe!
The Ultimate Petra Travel Guide
There's so much to see in The Rose City of Petra. This ultimate Petra travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to one of Seven Wonders of the World!
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Day 5: Petra to Wadi Rum
Enjoy a slow morning at the hotel before heading to Wadi Rum. Most camps only allow check-in around 2–3 pm, and the drive from Petra takes roughly 2 hours.
You’ll first need to stop at the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre to pay the entrance fee before continuing into the protected area. Your camp will typically arrange a pickup from the nearby village, where you’ll transfer into one of their 4×4 trucks.
After check-in, most camps head out on a 4×4 tour straight away, often around 3–4 pm to catch the cooler part of the day and enjoy sunset views.
In the evening, your hosts will often organise a visit to a local Bedouin camp, where you’ll gather around a fire and sip traditional Bedouin tea, or, in some cases, your accommodation will set up a private campfire right in the middle of the desert, which is such a magical experience.
Return to camp for a traditional Jordanian zarb dinner, cooked in an underground oven, and enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars.
Top Places to Stay in Wadi Rum
Helpful Tip:
Day 6: Amman or Aqaba
Start your morning with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Wadi Rum. Floating above the red desert as the sun peeks is one of the most UNFORGETTABLE ways to take in the Martian-like landscape.
I recommend booking with Balloons Over Rum. If you ride in the yellow balloon, you’ll get a great view of the rainbow balloon drifting nearby, which is perfect for dreamy desert photos.
Afterwards, enjoy a chilled breakfast at camp before choosing your next adventure:
Option A: Head back to Amman
Keep things relaxed with a slow morning at camp, then hit the road back to Amman to wrap up your Jordan journey. It takes around 4 to 5 hours, so plan for plenty of rest stops.
Option B: Continue on to Aqaba
Ready to swap sand for sea? Make your way to Aqaba, Jordan’s sunny seaside city on the Red Sea, which is just an hour’s drive away.
If you’re planning on scuba diving, I recommend going with Deep Blue Dive Center. To dive on this same day, you’ll need to arrive by 9 AM to make the boat trip! Alternatively, you can relax by the beach and plan to dive the next morning.
Once in Aqaba, I recommend checking into the elegant Kempinski Hotel Aqaba. With its beachfront location, infinity pool, and luxurious spa, it’s the ideal place to slow down and recharge after your desert adventures.
Top Places to Stay in Aqaba
Day 7: Depart
On your final day, fly home out of Amman, or catch a short flight from Aqaba with a connection in Amman before heading home.
Helpful Tip:
Jordan completely stole my heart when I first visited, and it continues to do so every time I return. From its epic landscapes and ancient ruins, this country is up there with one of fave destinations.
Use this 7-day Jordan itinerary as your guide to experiencing the very best of Jordan, or check out my extended 10-day itinerary!
