One Week Itinerary in Jordan
The Ultimate Guide for a One-week Jordan Itinerary
Crafting the perfect vacation can be an exhilarating journey in itself. If you're considering Jordan for your next adventure, look no further. This comprehensive guide presents a one-week itinerary that encompasses the must-see attractions Jordan has to offer. Let's dive in!
Map of the full itinerary here.
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1 - Arrival and Exploration of Amman
Start your journey in Amman, the vibrant capital. Upon landing at Queen Alia International Airport, immerse yourself in the bustling energy of the city. While we recommend dedicating a full day to exploring Amman, you can also opt to begin your adventure and end it in this dynamic metropolis.
I recommend visiting:
- Citadel Hill (Jabal al-Qal'a): you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and visit the Archaeological Museum
Accomodation that I picked in Amman: The Sydney Hotel
2 – Madaba and Mount Nebo
Embark on a scenic drive to the charming town of Madaba, renowned for its ancient mosaics and breathtaking views. Be sure to visit Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land. Take in the panoramic vistas stretching across the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and the distant hills of Jerusalem.
3 - Experience the Dead Sea
No trip to Jordan is complete without a visit to the Dead Sea, one of the world's saltiest bodies of water. Indulge in the unique sensation of floating effortlessly on its waters and pamper yourself with a mineral-rich mud bath. For a more serene experience, consider visiting a private beach along the Dead Sea coast, as Western bathing suits feel out of place here. These beaches can be pricey, so I preferred to simply to stop by and soak my feet. Keep in mind that you can’t stay in the water too long, as it is not a “regular” sea.
You can stop by here to take some pictures.
4 - Dana Biosphere Reserve
Escape the crowds and venture into the wilderness of Dana Biosphere Reserve. Spend a night amidst nature's beauty and embark on a guided hike through rugged landscapes teeming with diverse flora and fauna. We follow the locals' recommendations, but please note that you can’t hike on your own, only with a guide. If you ask your hotel they will be able to help out.
Accomodation that I picked in Dana: Hobbit village
5 - Petra
Petra is an ancient city located in present-day Jordan, famous for its intricate rock-cut architecture and historical significance. Nestled amidst rugged desert landscapes, Petra stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of its ancient inhabitants. Carved into rose-colored sandstone cliffs, this UNESCO World Heritage Site presents a mesmerizing array of architectural wonders, dating back to the Nabatean civilization around 300 BCE.
The entrance to Petra is included in the Jordan Pass. Petra site is huge, so I would suggest giving it a full day at least. Petra has a main path, which is the most common one where you can see all the major stops, in order:
1- The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): this spot is the most iconic of Petra. Since it’s quite close to the entrance, is very crowded. I suggest stopping by at sunset, as the lighting is much better and most tours will be gone by the end of the day. I would also suggest enjoying the Treasury sight from above. I recommend a particular panoramic trail called Al Kubtha Trail that finishes above Petra most famous spot, Al-Khazneh. This trail is highlighted as “hard”, but I think it’s feasible for everyone. It’s 1.5 hours long (round trip), 1,7 km long. It starts from here, and finishes here. This is a one-way trail, so you will have to make your way back. Side note: in front of the Treasury of Petra there will be locals that want to sell you a spot to take a picture from above, but is not the same spot as this one.
2- Siq
6- The Monastery: the furthest place from the entrance, but worth visiting as it’s very beautiful. There is also a back entrance of Petra, where it takes less time to reach the Monastery. Keep in mind that in this case, you need two days out of the itinerary to visit Petra, the first you go through the main entrance, and the second to visit the Monastery from the back entrance. I preferred to visit everything in one single day.
There is also the possibility to visit Petra at night (starts at 8:30 pm and finishes at 10:30 pm), which is a special separate entrance at night. I decided to skip it, as some friends didn’t advise as it is a tourist experience, not very authentic.
Very close to Petra you can include into the itinerary small Petra, which is similar but less majestic than Petra. If you have time to include it, it takes half an hour to explore it.
Accomodation that I picked in Wadi Musa: Majido Hotel
6 – Aqaba
I suggest including Aqaba in your itinerary, as it’s a charming town on the sea. Here you can engage in snorkelling or scuba diving. In my opinion, diving is a must-do experience in Jordan, as the coral reef is a bit deep in the sea. It is possible to dive even as a first-timer, as the diving certification is not required. I highly recommend Aqaba Pro Divers, they have excellent reviews that I can only confirm, we were thoroughly guided throughout the experience, and even when I panicked, they were able to calm me down and proceed with the experience. As first-timers we dived around 10 meters deep.
In Aqaba, there are several attractions and activities that cater to a variety of interests. Here are some must-see sights and experiences in Aqaba:
Aqaba Fort (Mamluk Castle): Discover the rich history of Aqaba at the Mamluk Castle, also known as Aqaba Fort. This well-preserved fortress dates back to the 16th century and offers panoramic views of the city and the Red Sea.
Aqaba Archaeological Museum: Delve into Aqaba's ancient past at the Archaeological Museum, where you can explore exhibits showcasing artifacts from various historical periods, including Nabatean, Roman, and Islamic eras.
South Beach: Relax and unwind on the pristine shores of South Beach, where you can soak up the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.
City Center: Stroll through the vibrant streets of Aqaba's city center, where you'll find bustling markets, local shops, and charming cafes. Don't miss the opportunity to sample delicious Jordanian cuisine at one of the many restaurants.
Accomodation that I picked in Aqaba: Al-Naher Al-Khaled Hotel
7 – Wadi Rum
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Wadi Rum desert with a full day's exploration, culminating in a mesmerizing sunset. Here are some essential tips:
- Upon arrival at Wadi Rum Village, park your vehicle and await pickup by your booked accommodation, typically via off-road vehicle.
- Navigate the desert's vast expanse with a guided tour, easily arranged through local campsites or at Wadi Rum Village.
- There are only campsites here, but well equipped with tents with beds (so you don’t have to bring your camping equipment). There are some luxurious ones as well, however I picked one that seemed authentic to me, that I highly recommend: Star Walk Camp & Tours.
Since there are many choices of campsites (from 2$ at night to over 150$), you have to decide which kind of experience you prefer. I personally looked for the most authentic one, that also arranged the tour for the next day (otherwise you have to get back to Wadi Rum Village). Furthermore I advise to pick a remote campsite, deep into the desert and far from the Wadi Rum Village, to truly feel the place. I also wanted a camp that would prepare the typical lamb dish that is cooked underground (really cool to see).
8 – Kings Highway
As you make your way back to Amman, don't miss the opportunity to traverse the historic King's Highway (route 35). This ancient trade route winds through picturesque landscapes, dotted with ancient ruins, Crusader castles, and charming hilltop villages. Stop at notable sites along the way, such as Kerak Castle and the mosaic-rich town of Madaba, before concluding your journey in the vibrant capital.
With this one-week itinerary, you'll embark on a journey through Jordan's rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. Whether you're exploring ancient cities, relaxing on pristine beaches, or venturing into the heart of the desert, Jordan promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!