Jordan, a captivating blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, offers travelers an unforgettable experience. There are so many incredible things you can do or see in Jordan but here’s what I considered mine perfect itinerary for a week in Jordan, capturing the essence of this incredible country.
Day 1: Discovering Amman
Morning: Exploring Historical Amman
Begin your journey in the capital city, Amman. Start with a visit to the Citadel (Jabal al-Qal’a), where you can explore ruins from the Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods. Don’t miss the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Afternoon: Delving into Culture
Head to the Roman Theatre, a magnificent structure that dates back to the 2nd century AD. Nearby, visit the Jordan Folklore Museum and the Museum of Popular Tradition to get a glimpse into Jordanian culture and heritage.
Evening: Downtown Amman
Wander through Rainbow Street, a bustling area filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy a traditional Jordanian dinner at Hashem Restaurant, known for its delicious falafel and hummus.
Day 2: Floating in the Dead Sea
Morning: Journey to the Dead Sea
Drive to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, renowned for its hyper-saline waters and therapeutic mud.
Afternoon: Relax and Rejuvenate
Spend the afternoon floating effortlessly in the buoyant waters and indulging in a mud bath. Many resorts offer day passes to use their facilities, including pools, private beaches, and spas.
Evening: Sunset by the Sea
End your day with a stunning sunset over the Dead Sea. The sight of the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water, is truly magical.
Day 3: Adventure in Wadi Mujib
Morning: Arriving at Wadi Mujib
Drive to Wadi Mujib, a dramatic canyon that offers thrilling adventure activities. The Mujib Biosphere Reserve is one of the most unique places in Jordan, with its rugged terrain and flowing streams.
Afternoon: Siq Trail Hike
Embark on the Siq Trail, a popular water hike that involves wading, swimming, and scrambling through the gorge. The trail is best experienced between April and October when the water levels are suitable.
Evening: Relax and Reflect
After an exhilarating day, relax at your accommodation near the reserve, reflecting on the natural beauty and adventure of Wadi Mujib.
Day 4: Exploring Petra
Morning: The Rose-Red City
Set off early to the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter through the Siq, a narrow gorge that leads to the stunning Al-Khazneh (The Treasury). This iconic façade is a breathtaking introduction to Petra.
Afternoon: Delving Deeper into Petra
Explore further into Petra, visiting the Street of Facades, the Theatre, and the Royal Tombs. For the adventurous, hike up to the Monastery (Ad Deir) for spectacular views.
Evening: Petra by Night
Many people say you shouldn’t miss Petra by Night, a magical experience where the Siq and Treasury are illuminated by thousands of candles, accompanied by traditional music and storytelling. After some research I decided to pass: the show is pretty expensive, the music it very quiet (people around will make it impossible to hear anything), they let many more people in then there’s place and a building being illuminated by colourful bulbs just steals from the uniqueness and its history. Of course, the choice is yours – I’ve heard about many that enjoyed the experience too!
Learn from my mistake: don’t sleep in Petra
There are some beduins that live in Petra: they also have caves in which they host tourists. A cost per night is huge but I decided it was once in a lifetime adventure, to be able to sleep next to one of 7 Wonders of the World. The conditions are very bad – and I didn’t expect any luxuries but the caves have no windows and the door is made of metal – which means it makes the cave extremely hot throughout the whole day when the sun warms it up. There’s also no ventilation – I almost passed out a few times. Our host also didn’t appear till around midnight and then was quite rude. Probably the worst night traveling ever.
Day 5: The amazing Wadi Rum desert
Morning: Heading to Wadi Rum
Drive to Wadi Rum, a vast desert landscape also known as the Valley of the Moon. Its dramatic scenery has been featured in numerous films, including “Lawrence of Arabia.”
Afternoon: Desert Adventure
Embark on a 4×4 jeep tour to explore the desert’s towering rock formations, narrow canyons, and ancient petroglyphs. Consider a camel ride for an authentic Bedouin experience.
Evening: Bedouin Camp Experience
Stay overnight in a Bedouin camp, enjoying traditional music, dancing, and a delicious dinner under the stars. The clear desert skies offer incredible stargazing opportunities.
I have an awesome recommendation of a camp (that also organises trips!). We stayed with Wadi Rum Desert Base Camp and we loved every second of it!
Day 6: Snorkeling in Aqaba
Morning: Travel to Aqaba
Drive to Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city, located on the Red Sea. The city is known for its vibrant marine life and clear waters.
Afternoon: Snorkeling and Relaxation
Spend the afternoon snorkeling in the Red Sea. The coral reefs are home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. Dive centers in Aqaba offer guided snorkeling tours to the best spots but you also don’t have to pay – there are maps + locals who are always ready to help and show you where the spots are.
Of course, if you want to make sure you capture the views and can come back to them, here’s a post about why I always take my underwater action camera with me 😉 + some tips what to look for if you decide to buy one too!
Bonus no1: Did you know that, to speed up the growth of coral reefs, they sank a tank, a ship and a plane quite near the shore? You can now visit all three spots (only the place is quite deep but you should be able to see both the tank and the ship if the sea is calm!)
Bonus no2: If you’re a woman, I’d say here is a place to swim in sleeves and leggins. I went for a “normal” swimming suit and I didn’t feel good – people were pointing fingers at me, boys swimming around me trying “to peak”, and there was a group of ladies in burkas that kept taking pictures of me. I did my research beforehand and read it’s ok cause a lot of tourists are there but my advice is just go for something covering your body.
Evening: Aqaba’s Waterfront
Stroll along Aqaba’s waterfront, enjoying the lively atmosphere and fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Leisure and Departure
Morning: Leisure Time
Take the morning to relax on the beach or explore Aqaba’s markets and shops. You might find some unique souvenirs to take home.
Afternoon: Departure
Prepare for your departure, reflecting on a week filled with unforgettable experiences and the rich tapestry of Jordan’s history and landscapes.
Tips for Your Trip
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather for exploring.
- Transportation: Renting a car is convenient for this itinerary, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
- Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites and rural areas. Respect local customs and traditions.
This turned out to be an absolute perfect week in Jordan. We wouldn’t change a thing (ok, except for sleeping in Petra!) and it gave us a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, leaving us with memories for a lifetime.