Ultimate 7-Day Jordan Itinerary & Travel Guide
A 7-day duration is the absolute ideal timeframe to experience the highlights of Jordan without feeling overly rushed. It allows you to seamlessly journey from the bustling capital to ancient wonders and desert landscapes.
Beste reistijd
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring ancient ruins and desert valleys comfortably.
Topsteden om te bezoeken
- Amman: Amman is Jordan's dynamic capital, blending ancient history with modernity. Visitors can explore the historic Citadel, bustling downtown souks, and vibrant culinary scenes across the city's famous hills.
- Aqaba: Aqaba is Jordan's sole coastal city, known for its pristine Red Sea beaches, world-class scuba diving, vibrant coral reefs, and relaxed resort atmosphere ideal for unwinding after desert adventures.
- Madaba: Madaba is renowned worldwide for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, most notably the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land housed inside the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George.
Must-see attracties
- Petra (Ma'an Governorate): An iconic archaeological city famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. The Treasury, carved directly into vibrant sandstone cliffs, remains one of the world's most breathtaking ancient wonders.
- Wadi Rum (Aqaba Governorate): A dramatic protected desert wilderness featuring striking sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, and vast red sand dunes. Travelers can enjoy thrilling jeep safaris and unforgettable overnight Bedouin stargazing camps.
- Dead Sea (Jordan Valley): The lowest point on Earth, famous for its hypersaline water that allows visitors to float effortlessly. The nutrient-rich mud is widely celebrated for its therapeutic and rejuvenating skin-care properties.
- Jerash (Jerash Governorate): Home to one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman provincial cities in the entire world. Visitors marvel at grand colonnaded streets, hilltop temples, massive public plazas, and stunning ancient theaters.
- Dana Biosphere Reserve (Tafileh Governorate): Jordan's largest nature reserve offers breathtaking mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, and spectacular hiking trails winding through dramatic sandstone valleys down toward the sweeping plains of Wadi Araba.
7-daagse rondreis
Day 1: Arrival and Amman Exploration
Hoogtepunten: Amman Citadel, Roman Theater, Downtown Souks
Arrive in Amman and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Amman Citadel for panoramic city views. Descend to the ancient Roman Theater, then wander the bustling downtown markets to sample local street food.
Day 2: Jerash and Ajloun Castle
Hoogtepunten: Jerash Ruins, Ajloun Forest, Medieval Castle
Drive north from Amman to tour the magnificent Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash in the morning. Afterward, proceed through pine forests to visit the 12th-century Islamic fortress of Ajloun Castle before returning to Amman for the evening.
Day 3: Kings Highway to Petra
Hoogtepunten: Madaba Mosaics, Mount Nebo, Kerak Castle
Travel south along the scenic King's Highway. Stop in Madaba to view ancient mosaic maps, admire panoramic vistas from Mount Nebo where Moses looked upon the Promised Land, and explore the sprawling Crusader fortress at Kerak.
Day 4: The Rose City of Petra
Hoogtepunten: The Siq, The Treasury, Monastery Climb
Dedicate a full day to exploring Petra. Walk through the dramatic Siq gorge to reveal the Treasury. Hike deeper into the archaeological park to discover royal tombs and climb the steep steps leading up to the monumental Monastery.
Day 5: Petra to Wadi Rum
Hoogtepunten: Little Petra, Jeep Safari, Bedouin Camp
Morning visit to Little Petra for a quieter archaeological preview. Transfer to Wadi Rum desert by midday. Embark on an exhilarating 4x4 jeep safari across dramatic dunes, watch the sunset, and enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner.
Day 6: Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea
Hoogtepunten: Desert Sunrise, Dead Sea Floating, Mud Spa
Witness a magical desert sunrise before departing Wadi Rum. Drive north towards the Dead Sea. Spend the afternoon floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich hypersaline waters and treating your skin to a traditional therapeutic mud wrap.
Day 7: Departure from Amman
Hoogtepunten: Last-minute Souvenirs, Local Coffee, Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the Dead Sea or drive back to Amman depending on your schedule. Purchase final souvenirs like Dead Sea skincare products and artisan crafts before transferring to Queen Alia International Airport for departure.
Kort verblijf (3-5 dagen)
If you are short on time, a 3-to-5 day compressed route is entirely feasible. Focus exclusively on Amman, Jerash, Petra, and Wadi Rum. Fly into Amman, spend one day seeing the capital and Jerash, travel south to dedicate two full days exploring Petra and experiencing an overnight desert camp in Wadi Rum, then depart.
Lang verblijf (10+ dagen)
For travelers with 10 or more days, extend your journey by exploring the deep desert castles of the east, hiking the rugged trails in Dana Biosphere Reserve, scuba diving in the warm waters of Aqaba, and relaxing longer at Dead Sea wellness resorts.
Beroemd voedsel
- Mansaf: Jordan's national dish consists of tender lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce called jameed, served over a bed of turmeric rice and flatbread, garnished with toasted almonds and pine nuts.
- Zarb: A traditional Bedouin barbecue where marinated meat and vegetables are placed in an underground pit filled with hot coals, covered, and slow-roasted for hours until incredibly tender and smoky.
- Falafel: Crispy, deep-fried balls made from spiced ground chickpeas and herbs. Commonly served hot in fresh flatbread with tahini sauce, pickles, and tomatoes as a popular breakfast or quick snack.
- Maklouba: A flavorful layered upside-down pot dish featuring rice, meat, and fried vegetables like eggplant or cauliflower. When cooked, the pot is dramatically flipped over onto a serving platter.
- Knafeh: A beloved Middle Eastern dessert made with spun pastry or semolina dough, layered with sweet gooey cheese, baked until golden, and soaked in sweet rosewater syrup topped with crushed pistachios.
Waar te verblijven
In Amman, stay in the lively Jabal Amman or Abdoun neighborhoods, ranging from luxury properties like the Four Seasons to boutique hotels like The House Boutique Suite. In Petra, choose walkable hotels near the visitor center such as Movenpick Petra. In Wadi Rum, book authentic luxury bubble tents or Bedouin desert camps.
Beste winkelplekken
Shop in downtown Amman at the historic Gold Souk and Mango Street for traditional textiles, spices, and silver jewelry. Pick up authentic handicrafts at Iraq al-Amir Women's Cooperative. Essential souvenirs include Dead Sea salt cosmetics, Bedouin woven rugs, miniature sand bottles, and high-quality local olive oil.
Geld en budget
The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), which is pegged strongly to the US Dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in Amman and major tourist sites, but cash is essential for smaller shops, taxis, and rural areas. A moderate daily budget ranges from 80 to 150 USD. Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants.
Vervoer
Public buses connect major cities but operate on flexible schedules. Renting a car offers the greatest freedom to navigate the scenic King's Highway. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are efficient and affordable for getting around Amman. Official tourist taxis are readily available at all major archaeological sites.
Internet en connectiviteit
Jordan boasts excellent 4G and 5G mobile network coverage in cities and along major highways, though signals weaken in deep desert canyons like Wadi Rum. Free Wi-Fi is standard in hotels and cafes. Tourists can easily purchase tourist SIM cards from providers like Zain or Orange upon arrival at the airport.
Veelgestelde vragen
Is Jordan safe for international travelers?
Yes, Jordan is widely considered one of the safest and most politically stable countries in the Middle East. Friendly locals, low violent crime rates, and a strong tourism police presence ensure travelers can explore historical sites and cities with complete peace of mind.
Do I need a visa to enter Jordan?
Most nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport or major land borders. Purchasing the Jordan Pass online prior to arrival is highly recommended, as it waives visa fees and includes entry to Petra and dozens of other top attractions.
What is the appropriate dress code in Jordan?
Jordan is a moderate Islamic country, so respectful clothing is advised. Both men and women should dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites, downtown areas, and rural towns, whereas resort areas at the Dead Sea are more relaxed.