A Week of Desert Sands and Ancient Stone
From Amman to Aqaba
Trip Overview
This itinerary runs north to south, linking the capital's ancient core with the desert's monumental ruins. You'll roam Roman amphitheaters still ringing with ghost crowds, drop into a canyon's narrow shadow, and face a rose-red Nabatean facade. Active days balance against stark desert quiet, ending in the Red Sea's warm shallows. Expect gravel crunch underfoot in aged cities, sharp thyme in the markets, star-filled silence over Wadi Rum, and charcoal meats with warm pillowy bread.
Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$150-200 per day
Best Seasons
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Ideal For
First-time visitors to Jordan, Outdoor enthusiasts, History and archaeology lovers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A complete plan for every day of your trip
1
Arrival and Amman's Citadel
Amman
Land in the capital and dive into its layered history atop the Citadel.
Morning
Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport
Customs done, Jordan's dry warmth hits you. A pre-booked car slides into Amman where low cream buildings crawl up seven hills.
Arrange a private airport transfer in advance for ease.
Lunch
Hashem Restaurant
Afternoon
Amman Citadel and Roman Theatre
Climb to the Citadel. Weathered columns of the Temple of Hercules cut across modern Amman's skyline. Dust and age ride the breeze. Walk down to the Roman Theatre, a vast stone bowl where your steps echo like claps.
Buy a combined ticket for the Citadel and Theatre on site.
Evening
Dinner in Jabal Al Weibdeh
Sufra Restaurant, for a meal on a leafy terrace with views of the old city.
Where to Stay Tonight
Jabal Amman or Jabal Al Weibdeh (Mid-range hotel)
These historic heart neighborhoods stay walkable and packed with character.
See all Jordan accommodation options →For the best light and fewest crowds, visit the Citadel in the late afternoon.
Day 1 Budget: $90
2
Roman Grandeur and Saltwater Buoyancy
Jerash and the Dead Sea
Roam one of the planet's best-preserved Roman cities, then bob like a cork in the Dead Sea's mineral soup.
Morning
Jerash Archaeological Site
Head north to Jerash. Pass Hadrian's Arch and pace the original stone Cardo Maximus. Gravel crunches. Columns of the Oval Plaza soar. The hippodrome and theatres feel colossal.
Hire a local guide at the entrance gate for detailed stories of the ruins.
Lunch
A local restaurant in Jerash town
Afternoon
Dead Sea experience
Drop down the escarpment to the Dead Sea shore. The water feels oily and impossibly buoyant. Minerals scent the air. Shore mud is thick, silky, and begging to be smeared.
Pay for day access to a private beach resort for facilities and showers.
Evening
Return to Amman for dinner
Al Quds Restaurant for legendary falafel and mint lemonade.
Where to Stay Tonight
Amman (Same hotel as previous night)
A central base allows for easy day trips and avoids constant packing.
See all Jordan accommodation options →Bring old swimwear; Dead Sea salt chews fabric. Shave tomorrow, not today.
Day 2 Budget: $70
3
The King's Highway to Petra
Madaba, Kerak, Petra
Track south along the King's Highway, pausing for mosaic masterpieces and a crusader castle before Petra's siq appears.
Morning
St. George's Church and Madaba Mosaics
Madaba, the City of Mosaics, greets you with incense inside St George's Church. Beneath your feet, a sixth-century mosaic map spreads a colorful bird's-eye view of the Holy Land.
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Lunch
Haret Jdoudna in Madaba
Afternoon
Kerak Castle
Follow the King's Highway to Kerak Castle. Inside the dark Crusader fortress, the air turns cool and damp. Wander vaulted passages and squint through arrow slits at sweeping desert views.
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Evening
Arrival in Wadi Musa (Petra)
Reach Petra, check in, and eat simple maqluba at a local joint.
Where to Stay Tonight
Wadi Musa (Hotel near the Petra Visitor Center)
Proximity allows for an early start to beat the heat and crowds at Petra.
See all Jordan accommodation options →Buy the Jordan Pass online before you fly. It covers your visa and entry to Petra, Jerash, and more.
Day 3 Budget: $80
4
Petra's Treasury and High Places
A full day exploring the well-known Siq, Treasury, and climbing to the Monastery.
Morning
The Siq and Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
Enter Petra at dawn through the Siq. Cool shadows ripple across pink walls. At the final bend, the Treasury blushes in early sun. First sight thrills.
Be at the gate at 6 AM for golden light and near solitude.
Lunch
Basin Restaurant inside Petra
Afternoon
Climb to Ad-Deir (The Monastery)
From the basin, climb 800 rock-cut steps. Heat rises. Bedouin tea sellers call from the sides. The Monastery looms larger than the Treasury and gifts sweeping cliff-top views.
Take it slow, wear sturdy shoes, and carry plenty of water.
Evening
Petra by Night
If scheduled, return after dark. Candles light the Siq and traditional music echoes around the Treasury. Book separately.
Where to Stay Tonight
Wadi Musa (Same hotel)
A full second day in Petra is essential, making a nearby base ideal.
See all Jordan accommodation options →Want quiet? Ask a guide for the back route to the High Place of Sacrifice.
Day 4 Budget: $60
5
Wadi Rum Under a Starry Sky
Wadi Rum
Swap stone for sand. Roam by 4x4, then sleep under shooting stars in a Bedouin camp.
Morning
Travel to Wadi Rum
One hour south of Petra, Wadi Rum's gateway opens. Red sand stretches wide. Towers of weathered sandstone punch the sky.
Arrange a transfer with your Wadi Rum camp.
Lunch
Lunch at your Wadi Rum desert camp
Afternoon
Wadi Rum 4x4 Desert Tour
A Bedouin guide guns the jeep over soft dunes. You'll rumble past rock bridges, ancient inscriptions, and climb ridges to feel cool sand sift through your fingers.
This is typically included in overnight camp packages. Confirm when booking.
Evening
Sunset and Bedouin Camp Dinner
Sunset ignites the mountains in orange and violet. Dinner is zarb, lamb and vegetables slow-cooked underground, chased by sweet mint tea beside the fire.
Where to Stay Tonight
Wadi Rum Protected Area (Bedouin-style camp)
Sleep inside the reserve. Silence and stars press down, immense.
See all Jordan accommodation options →Pack a small overnight bag for camp. Leave big luggage with your driver or at your Petra hotel.
Day 5 Budget: $100
6
Coral and Coast in Aqaba
Leave the desert for the Red Sea. Snorkel, sunbathe, and devour fresh seafood.
Lunch
Al-Shami Restaurant on the marina
Afternoon
Red Sea Snorkeling
A brief boat ride drops you at a reef. Warm water buoys you. Blue and yellow fish flare past fan-shaped corals. Your breath through the snorkel is the only sound.
Book a trip through a reputable dive center on the waterfront.
Evening
Aqaba Waterfront and Dinner
Walk the palm-lined corniche under city lights on water. Dinner is sayadieh, spiced fish over rice.
Where to Stay Tonight
Aqaba City Centre or South Beach (Resort hotel)
After desert camping, a resort's soft beds and sea access feel royal.
See all Jordan accommodation options →Seek privacy? Ask for trips to Japanese Garden or farther reefs.
Day 6 Budget: $110
7
Departure from the Rose-Red City's Gate
Aqaba and Departure
One last Red Sea morning, then fly from Aqaba or drive back to Amman.
Morning
Leisure time in Aqaba
Slip into the clear warm water once more. Sun warms skin. Sip strong cardamom coffee as farewell.
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Lunch
A final seafood lunch at a beach club
Afternoon
Transfer to Airport
Fly out from King Hussein International in Aqaba, or hit the road for Queen Alia in Amman.
Flying from Aqaba? Pre-book a private transfer. Amman needs 4-5 hours.
Evening
Departure
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Amman flight? Pick a late departure to stretch your Aqaba day.
Day 7 Budget: $60
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you go
Getting Around
Hire a private driver with a car for this north-to-south run. It is the most efficient and comfortable option. You gain flexibility for stops. Distances are moderate. Roads can be winding, the King's Highway. Within cities like Amman, taxis are readily available and affordable. In Wadi Rum and Aqaba, activities include local transport. Simple.
Book Ahead
Packing Essentials
Pack sturdy, broken-in walking shoes for Petra and Wadi Rum. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses. Add a light scarf for sun and sand protection. Carry a refillable water bottle. Toss in a swimsuit for the Dead Sea and Red Sea. Pack layers for cool desert evenings. Grab a small backpack for day trips. Done.
Total Budget
$1050-1400
Customize Your Trip
Adapt this itinerary to your travel style
Budget Version
Opt for hostels or budget guesthouses in Amman and Petra. Use JETT tourist buses between major cities instead of a private driver. Eat street food like falafel and shawarma for most meals. Skip the private beach at the Dead Sea for public access areas. Choose a basic Wadi Rum camp without private facilities. Save cash.
Luxury Upgrade
Stay in boutique hotels in Amman's best neighborhoods. Book a 5-star resort on the Dead Sea cliffs. Reserve a private guided tour of Petra with an archaeologist. Upgrade to a luxury 'bubble' tent or private suite in Wadi Rum. Charter a private yacht for snorkeling in Aqaba. Dine at the most acclaimed restaurants in each location. Splurge.
Family-Friendly
Reduce walking distances in Petra by using the included horse cart for the Siq. Pick a Wadi Rum camp with family tents and shorter jeep tours. Prioritize beach time in Aqaba with a resort that has a pool and easy reef access. Break up longer drives with frequent stops at roadside fruit stands and viewpoints. Keep kids happy.
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