7-Day Jordan Itinerary Travel Guide: A Journey through Time

Jordan is a country where ancient history and dramatic landscapes meet, offering an adventure through time. Each day, from sprawling Roman ruins and rose-colored sandstone cities to sweeping desert vistas, promises discoveries. If you’re planning a weeklong trip, Jordan’s blend of culture, history, and natural beauty makes it an ideal place to explore.

This 7-day Jordan itinerary covers the country’s most iconic destinations, from Amman’s bustling capital to Petra’s wonders and the surreal landscapes of Wadi Rum. We’ll take you step-by-step through Jordan’s highlights, with practical tips to help you make the most of your time. Whether you’re floating in the Dead Sea, hiking through ancient ruins, or gazing at the stars in the desert, this guide will help you experience Jordan in an immersive and manageable way.

Amman is the perfect introduction to Jordan. This bustling city is set on seven hills and resembles a mix of ancient and modern worlds. Plan to spend an entire day here, visiting The Amman Citadel, a historical site atop Jabal al-Qal’a. It’s packed with Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins, including the Temple of Hercules. You’ll need about 1-2 hours here, not just for the ruins but also for the panoramic views over Amman.

Next, head down to Downtown Amman. Walking through the souqs (markets), you’ll encounter stalls brimming with spices, perfumes, and souvenirs. For lunch, consider a local spot to sample Jordanian classics like mansaf or falafel, which are available downtown and have plenty of affordable options. Wrap up your day at the Roman Theater, just a short walk away. This ancient amphitheater seats 6,000 and is a window into the city’s Roman past. By the end of the Day 1 Jordan itinerary, you’ll understand the mix of cultures and eras that define Amman.

Check out here to ensure you don’t miss any must-see spots in Amman.

A short drive (about 1 hour) north of Amman lies Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. You’ll want to set aside at least half a day here for your Jordan itinerary. Start at The Temple of Artemis, where columns soar against the sky, giving you an impressive welcome. Next, the Oval Plaza is a unique space surrounded by colonnades that once served as the city’s heart.

Explore the Nymphaeum, a grand public fountain, and then visit the Jerash Archaeological Museum to understand better the artifacts unearthed. Bring comfortable shoes. Jerash involves a lot of walking. After about four hours, you’ll head back to Amman, giving you time to relax or explore more of the city in the evening.

For everything you need to know to make your week in Jerash, Jordan, unforgettable, check out here. 

On Day 3 of your Jordan itinerary, prepare for a unique experience at The Dead Sea, around a 1-hour drive from Amman. This planet’s lowest point is famous for its salty waters, where floating is effortless. A couple of hours here should be enough to soak in the floating experience and try a mud bath, which is said to have therapeutic effects.

Suppose you have the time and energy to detour to Masada or the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve nearby. The reserve, located around 40 minutes from the Dead Sea, offers hiking trails and cool freshwater springs. You could easily spend half a day here before returning to your Dead Sea resort or heading back to Amman for the night.

For a journey through the Dead Sea’s history and beauty, read this guide here.

On Day 4, prepare for a long but rewarding adventure in Petra. Please arrive early, as it’s about a 3-hour drive from Amman. Start with The Siq, a stunning mile-long canyon that winds to The Treasury (Al-Khazneh). This iconic structure is Petra’s star attraction and is incredibly captivating in the morning light. Expect to spend around 2 hours here.

Explore The Street of Facades from the Treasury and tackle the climb to The Monastery (Ad-Deir). The uphill hike takes about an hour, but the views are incredible. Plan for at least 5 hours in Petra, and if you’re up for it, consider staying for Petra by Night (offered on select evenings). This experience lets you see the Treasury illuminated by candles, adding a magical end to your day.

 This blog offers a detailed Jordan itinerary with recommendations for Petra, read it here.

About an hour and a half south of Petra is Wadi Rum, a desert landscape that feels like another planet. Many travelers recommend booking a Jeep tour for an adrenaline-filled ride through the dunes, canyons, and rock formations. The tour takes about 2-3 hours and often includes a stop at Lawrence’s Spring and ancient petroglyphs.

To get a sense of Bedouin life, spend a night at a Bedouin camp. Most camps provide meals, traditional music, and even a campfire so that you can stargaze in this low-light area. Some tours also offer a camel trek, allowing you to experience the desert as the Bedouins have for centuries. Wadi Rum is ideal for an overnight stay to appreciate its beauty at sunset and sunrise.

For those dreaming of exploring Wadi Rum’s stunning deserts, this blog here offers an ideal roadmap.

From Wadi Rum, drive 1 hour south to Aqaba on the Red Sea coast. Aqaba is Jordan’s gateway to beautiful coral reefs and underwater life. If you’re into diving or snorkeling, Aqaba’s coral reefs are a must-see, and tours are available for half-day or full-day excursions.

After some underwater adventures, relax on the beaches or at one of Aqaba’s resorts. If you’re still up for exploration, the Aqaba Fortress is a historic site worth visiting, and Souk by the Sea offers a mix of local crafts and live music performances. By evening, catch a seaside dinner and enjoy the calm of the Red Sea.

Returning to Amman, where it all began, feels fitting as our week in Jordan winds down. This final day of the Jordan itinerary is a chance to slow down and savor the city’s energy and charm. Start with a stroll along Rainbow Street, a vibrant area packed with cafés, art galleries, and little shops. It’s a perfect spot to pick up any last-minute souvenirs, but even if you’re not shopping, just wandering here gives you a sense of modern Amman, a city that blends its rich history with a lively, contemporary vibe. 

Then, head to the Jordan Museum in Ras Al-Ain. This place is a walk through Jordan’s story, from prehistoric artifacts to the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, which bring the country’s historical roots to life. The museum’s interactive displays make it engaging for all ages, so you’ll get a deeper connection to everything you’ve seen this week.

As the day unfolds, carve out a moment for some peaceful reflection at the King Abdullah Mosque. The beautiful blue dome and the serene interior offer a quiet place to appreciate the journey. 

By evening, dive into the culinary scene, try Mansaf, the national dish, or indulge in Knafeh, a sweet, cheesy dessert. For a memorable farewell to the city, grab a rooftop spot to catch the sunset over Amman’s skyline, a mix of minarets, modern buildings, and ancient ruins all glowing in the golden light. Watching the city bathe in the sunset, you can’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and nostalgia for all the experiences this journey has offered.

Weather: Jordan can be hot in summer and chilly in winter, so plan accordingly. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are ideal for more moderate temperatures.

Travel Time: Some places, like Petra and Wadi Rum, require long drives, so be prepared for road trips and consider hiring a guide or driver for smoother travel.

Tickets and Fees: Sites like Petra and Wadi Rum have entrance fees, so it’s worth checking costs ahead of time and purchasing a Jordan Pass, which covers multiple sites and the visa fee.

Packing: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and a hat, sunscreen, and water bottle are must-haves for desert areas.

For those dreaming of exploring Europe’s finest travel destination, our blog offers an ideal roadmap to get the most out of your trip. Read here.

Our one Jordan itinerary was filled with incredible experiences that unexpectedly brought history, nature, and culture to life. Each destination, from Petra's ancient wonders to the Dead Sea's peaceful waters, left a lasting impression, and together they painted a complete picture of Jordan’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Every site we visited felt like a window into another time, each telling its unique story against the backdrop of modern-day Jordan.

If you're planning a trip to Jordan, a week is just enough to cover the highlights while leaving space for personal discoveries and moments of reflection. Jordan’s diverse landscapes and warm hospitality make it more than just a travel destination; it’s a place that invites you to connect with the past and the present meaningfully. As you head home, you'll likely feel, as we did, that this journey, while complete, has left a part of Jordan with you, one that continues to inspire long after the trip ends.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo