So you’re heading to Jordan for a lifetime adventure? Great choice! If you’re into exploring historical sites and diverse landscapes, then the ancient land of Jordan is just the place for you.

From the historical Roman ruins to the Dead Sea and outstanding desert scenery of Wadi Rum, Jordan definitely packs a punch for such a small country.

Since it’s a small country, covering an area of only 89,342 km2, You can typically explore the country in 7 days, if you don’t have much time. However, its rich culture and countless must-visit locations make it worth staying a little longer than that.

So, to save you the hassle of planning your trip yourself, I’ve put together the ultimate Jordan 10-day itinerary. 

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Jordan Itinerary: 10 Days in Jordan in a nutshell

Day 1: Amman

Day 2: Jerash and Ajloun

Day 3: Madaba and Mount Nebo

Day 4: Wadi Mujib and the Dead Sea

Day 5 & 6: Aqaba

Day 7: Wadi Rum

Day 8 & 9: Petra

Day 10: Amman

Before we jump in, I’m going to share a little bit of information about visiting Jordan. But, if you want to skip directly ahead to the itinerary CLICK HERE

Full disclosure! See those links below? If you happen to click on one of these and purchase something I recommend, I’ll get a small commission (wohoo). Don’t worry, this is at no extra cost to you (in fact, often I’ll have some discounts you can enjoy!). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying sales. You can read my full disclaimer here.

Want to save money in Jordan?

Of course you do! If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, I highly recommend picking up a Jordan Pass – it saved us a ton on entrance fees and was well worth it. The price starts from $99 and includes a full day in Petra, as well as entry to over 40 attractions across Jordan. 

If you purchase the Jordan Pass before you travel, and you plan to stay at least 3 nights in Jordan, your visa entry fee will also be waived. 

Don’t have time to do a full 10 day Jordan itinerary?

If you don’t have time to see everything, but rather want to do a couple of day trips here and there, here are some fantastic trips to help you make the most out of your time:

A little about Jordan

Jordan is a beautiful Middle Eastern country located in Southwest Asia. It’s bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel and Palestine.

The capital of Jordan is Amman and its population consists mainly of Arabs (95%) and Kurds (5%), with small numbers of other ethnicities. The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken throughout the country as well.

Jordan is predominantly a Muslim country, but it also has many Christian sites and other religious attractions. As such, you should always respect the customs of different religions while here.

The climate in Jordan varies from cool and rainy in the winter to very hot and dry in the summer months. So, the best time to visit would be during spring or autumn when temperatures are more moderate.

I visited in early December and it was pretty cool during the day, and even colder at night. That didn’t stop us hopping in the Dead Sea for some much needed rejuvenation towards the end of our trip! 

Safety in Jordan

Jordan is generally a very safe country to visit. But, as always, you need to be aware of your surroundings and take proper precautions while travelling here. As with any foreign country, pickpockets are common so be sure to keep your belongings secure at all times.

There are some areas of the country that are off-limits to tourists, such as certain parts of the border with Syria. Make sure you check with your tour operator before travelling to any restricted zones.

Do I need a visa to visit Jordan?

This is dependent on what passport you hold. 

Some countries are visa free for Jordan, some can get a visa on arrival, and some will need to pre-arrange with the Jordanian embassy in advance of your travels. 

You can find out more information on visas for Jordan with iVisa and if you need help arranging, they’re a great help too. 

How to get around Jordan

This depends on your type of travel, but how I did it with my friends is that we hired a driver with Jordan Classical Tours for our entire visit. It just made everything so much easier for us and we didn’t have to worry about having to get public transport at particular times. 

It also meant that we got to stop at some great local (and super cheap) restaurants which our driver would recommend, rather than sticking to the busier, more expensive areas. 

If you’d prefer to wing it and go with public transportation, buses and shared taxis are your best bet. 

Of course, you can also around yourself. It gives you more freedom than having to rely on public transport. Most attractions are off the main roads so it’s easy to get around, and you’ll get to drive through some Jordanian villages where you can stop for the best local food. 

Hiking in Petra

What to wear in Jordan

When it comes to clothing, Jordan is a relatively conservative country so make sure that you respect local customs. For women, this means covering up from shoulder to knee when outside of tourist areas or in religious attractions; for men, it’s generally just knees and below (although I’d still suggest wearing trousers as shorts can be seen as disrespectful).

In the heat of summer, loose fitting clothing such as maxi dresses and long skirts are great for keeping cool while still respecting local customs. Lightweight material such as linen or cotton will also help keep you cooler in the summertime temperatures. 

Jordan 10 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Amman

On your first day in Jordan, you’ll likely arrive at the Queen Alia International Airport, which is just 35 km south of Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Hopefully you won’t be suffering from too much jet lag and can jump right into spending the whole day exploring Amman. The city is lively and features a blend of modern urban life and rich ancient history.

Amman Citadel

The Citadel

The best way to spend a day in the capital city of Jordan is to explore its historical sites, of which there are many! I highly recommend you start your day with the Amman Citadel. 

Located on top of the (Jabal Al Qala’a) hill, the Citadel is an ancient Roman fortification with a 1700-meter wall that dates back to the Bronze Age.

The Citadel will give you a panoramic view of the old city and some of its other historical buildings, such as the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and the Byzantine Church. The views from above are stunning and will give you deep insight into Amman’s rich history and culture.

Getting there is pretty easy. If you’re not used to hill walking (it’s perched on top of a hill, remember), you can grab a taxi from downtown Amman and this shouldn’t cost you more than $3.

Roman Theatre Amman

The Roman Theatre

After that, head to the Roman Theatre. When we were there, we had to take a car from the Citadel to the Roman Theatre, but I’ve heard there’s now a trail you can walk to go between the two – much handier! 

The Roman Theatre dates back to the 2nd century AD and boasts a wide semicircular seating space for up to 6000 spectators.

The iconic amphitheater is incredibly well-preserved and hosts events and shows to this day, so you might be lucky enough to attend a live event at such a historical landmark.

While we didn’t catch a live show, there was a lady testing out the fantastic acoustics while there, so I guess we got a free show! 

Rainbow Street

After you see the city’s historical sights, it’s time to enjoy the more colourful and active part of the city. 

Head to Rainbow Street, which is right in the heart of the city. Take a long walk on the popular street that’s stacked with cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries.

While it’s a little touristy, it’s where you’ll get a taste of delicious Middle Eastern cuisine – I recommend some hummus, falafel, and shawarma!

After exploring Rainbow Street, tour Souk Jara, which is a perfect place to buy souvenirs, gifts, and décor items.

If you still have time (and energy) left, head to the very cool blue-domed King Abdullah I Mosque in the evening.

Depending on your arrival time, you might need to spend a day or two in Amman. But generally speaking, one day is usually enough to explore the city’s ancient and modern parts. If you’d prefer to have a guide take you around, I recommend booking this City Highlights Tour.

Where to stay in Amman

Day 2: Jerash and Ajloun

Your second day in Jordan, and it’s time for a day trip to Jerash, The Pompeii of the East.

The city is 50 km north of Amman, and there are plenty of ways to get there if you don’t have your own driver for the duration of your trip – such as taxis and public buses. 

I highly recommend starting your trip to Jerash early to avoid the crowd and intense heat.

Once you reach Jerash, you’ll immediately get why it’s called The Pompeii of the East. The city is a well-preserved ancient metropolis that looks a lot like the city of Pompeii in Italy.

The first thing you’ll notice when entering Jerash is probably Hadrian’s Arch, which was built to celebrate the Hadrian Emperor’s visit.

The Hippodrome and the Oval Forum

After that, take some time to walk through the Hippodrome, a vast structure that hosted various spectator sports, such as horse racing, during the Roman times. If you’re lucky enough, you might catch something going on while you’re there. 

Next, visit the iconic Oval Forum, an ancient Roman place where all political decisions, public meetings, and markets were held.

The Nymphaeum

Next up is to see the ancient Roman Nymphaeum, which is the fountain that Romans used to get water.

You won’t find any forms of water there now, but it’s a masterpiece of architecture worth visiting to learn more about the history of ancient civilisations.

Temple of Artemis

To further admire the magnificent Roman architecture, you’ll need to visit the Temple of Artemis, which towers over the ruins of Jerash.

It’s one of Jerash’s most stunning attractions and was one of the most significant worship locations in the Roman ancient City of Gerasa.

Jerash, Jordan
Image by Sara Schutz of Flickrcc

Colonnaded Streets and Jerash Archaeological Museum

Take a tour around the colonnaded streets of Jerash and you’ll be amazed by the preserved Greco-Roman ancient ruins.

If you’re into museums and want to better understand the Roman ruins, visit the Jerash Archaeological Museum. It’s a great way to grasp the history of Jerash and learn more about the city’s iconic landmarks.

The South Theatre

Last up in Jerash is to head to the South Theatre, one of the Middle East’s most well-preserved ancient Roman structures. The theater holds up to 2000 spectators, and even if no live events occur, you can take some very cool pictures. 

Being there is also a chance to admire the geniuses of the Romans. The theater was designed to make an echo so the spectators experience an unforgettable acoustic experience. Give it a try yourself! 

Ajloun Castle

You can’t be in Jerash and not visit the impressive Ajloun Castle, just 30-minutes drive from Jerash. The castle was primarily built by the Ayyubid dynasty in the 12th century to protect them from invasions from the West.

Today, the Ajloun Castle is one of the most preserved and magnificent castles in the Middle East. You can go inside and navigate through the towers and passageways while enjoying the surrounding landscape from a panoramic point of view.

Where to stay in Jerash

Day 3: Madaba and Mount Nebo

You’ll need your energy for day 3, as it brings us to Madaba and Mount Nebo. 

Madaba is famous for its 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Meanwhile, Mount Nebo holds a religious significance (more on that below).

Start in Madaba by visiting the Church of St. George to see The Madaba Mosaic Map, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Jordan.

After that, make your way to the Madaba Archaeological Park to learn more about the history of Madaba. The park is like an open-air museum featuring plenty of mosaics and remains of ancient houses, churches, and artifacts from the Byzantine era.

Don’t forget to stop and check out the Virgin Mary Church, with its pretty mosaic floors.

While in Madaba, you might notice how Jordanians have a knack for making carpets. Even if you don’t buy one, they’re worth checking out. There are loads of shops on the side streets selling carpets and other souvenirs.

Mount Nebo Jordan

Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo is an elevated ridge standing around 700 meters above sea level. The remarkable mountain holds a religious significance, as mentioned in the Bible. 

It’s believed that Mount Nebo is where Moses, the revered leader, was granted a breathtaking view of the Promised Land before his death. 

But, Mount Nebo doesn’t just hold religious importance. There’s a church on top of the mountain that provides the best views of the Jordan River, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem. The modern church is also worth a visit. with its beautiful mosaics and artwork representing biblical stories.

Where to stay in the Madaba

Day 4: Wadi Mujib and the Dead Sea

Historically known as Arnon, Wadi Mujib is the lowest nature reserve on the entire planet. It’s an incredible gorge that runs along the lowest point on earth; the Dead Sea.

The Grand Canyon of Jordan is a breathtaking natural wonder that features some of the highest and lowest points out there.

Some areas are 400 meters below sea level, while some mountains reach more than 900 meters. This altitude difference makes Wadi Mujib one of those rare sights you need to see to believe.

Hiking Through the Siq Trail

If you’re the adventurous type, you can hike through the canyon of Wadi Mujib. There are many trails available, but the Siq trail is the most popular one. The trail takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure – it’s not just regular hiking!

You’ll go through water-filled gorges, deep pools, towering cliffs, and even cascading waterfalls! I recommend hiring a guide for this part of your trip.

The hiking itself isn’t that dangerous, but sometimes you’ll need to rappel and climb rocks and slippery stairs. And while the path isn’t confusing, the guides know the ins and outs and will tell you how to approach each obstacle properly.

While in Wadi Mujib, keep an eye on the wildlife as it hosts a wide range of flora and fauna. That includes birds, amphibians, and plants.

Floating in the Dead Sea Jordan

The Dead Sea

Now it’s time to visit the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is a natural wonder for its extremely salty water that makes you float effortlessly on its surface. Head to public beaches where you can enjoy the extraordinary buoyancy of the lake.

While at the Dead Sea, I highly recommend spending some time at some of the resorts and hotels. They offer private beaches so you don’t have to fight with a bus load of other tourists to get your floating shot. 

A must at the Dead Sea is to lather yourself with Dead Sea mud, which is notorious for its therapeutic skin benefits. Cover yourself head to toe, before washing it off in the mineral-rich waters, and let your skin reap its exceptional benefits.

Your skin will feel like a baby’s afterwards, I promise! 

Read also: 5 Reasons To Add Dead Sea Floating To Your Jordan Bucket List

If you do opt to stay at one of the 5-star resorts, be sure to pamper yourself with relaxing massages, salt scrubs, and mineral-rich facials to revitalize your body and mind.

Where to stay at the Dead Sea

Day 5 and 6: Aqaba

After soaking up the salty minerals and pampering for the day at the Dead Sea, it’s time to head to Aqaba, one of the largest coastal cities in the area.

Located on the Red Sea coast, Aqaba is known for its extraordinary marine life and beautiful beaches.

The Red Sea

Spend a day or two at any of the luxurious resorts in Aqaba, where you’ll get to enjoy their private beaches, pools, and sun beds. Relax for the first day and be ready for some adventure in the morning.

Aqaba is a paradise for scuba divers, snorkelers, and watersports enthusiasts. I mean, you can’t go to the Red Sea and not see the sea (see what I did there?). There are tons of snorkeling and dive centers that offer trips catering to all skill levels.

Here are the best rated ones:

Even if you’re not a seasoned diver, you have the chance to explore the wonders of the Red Sea. From coral pinnacles and coloured fish to stunning shipwrecks and corals, I highly recommend diving, or at least snorkeling, in the Red Sea.

If you want to get a closer look at marine life without getting wet, you can always do a tour in a glass-bottom boat. This means you get to enjoy the aquatic life of the Red Sea while also discovering the beauty of Aqaba’s shoreline – and it is beautiful.

Aqaba also offers a chance to try various water sports. If you’re feeling adventurous, try kitesurfing, water skiing, or kiteboarding to get that adrenaline pump.

Aqaba sunset

Aqaba Castle and Archeology Museum

After finishing your sea adventures, you can explore the historical part of Aqaba. The best way to do this is by visiting Aqaba Castle, also known as Mamluk Fort. This 16th-century historical castle provides a closer look at the city’s rich history and offers quite a view of the coastline.

Aqaba is also notorious for its various shopping opportunities. If you hit the great souks of Aqaba you’ll find unique local items including spices, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Middle Eastern culture while buying souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family.

While in Aqaba, there’s also the Aqaba Archeology Museum, if you’re interested in delving into the fascinating history of Aqaba and the surrounding region. The museum boasts a huge collection of artifacts from the Iron Age, as well as the Nabatean era. Some notable highlights of the museum include coins, jewelry, ancient manuscripts, and pottery.

Where to stay in Aqaba

Day 7: Wadi Rum

After two days in Aqaba, it’s time to visit one of the most magnificent deserts in the world, the desert of Wadi Rum. It’s a vast desert landscape that attracts tourists from all over the world every year.

This stunning UNESCO-listed desert is famous for its vast dunes, red sand, incredible rock formations, and ancient petroglyphs.

If you’ve ever seen a movie set on Mars, it’s likely actually set in Wadi Rum. Some of the movies that have been filmed in Wadi Rum include The Martian, Red Planet, and Rogue One.

To make the most of Wadi Rum, I recommended you stay overnight at one of the luxurious desert camps or Bedouin tents. It’s such an unforgettable experience to wake up in this stunning landscape and watch the sunrise over the desert.

How to explore Wadi Rum

The best way to explore Wadi Rum is to hop in an open-air 4×4 Jeep.

The Jeep will take you through the sandy terrain bouncing over dunes and through canyons, stopping at some places where you can take photos of the dramatic scenery of the Wadi Rum desert. 

These include:

  • Lawrence’s Spring: It’s where the Lawrence of Arabia once camped in Wadi Rum.
  • Jebel Khazali: A narrow canyon featuring lots of ancient petroglyphs of humans and animals etched into its walls.
  • Burdah Rock Bridge: Some trips offer a hiking tour across this massive sandstone arch. The hike is usually four or five hours long, but the breathtaking view is worth it.
  • Little Bridge: This natural rock bridge is located in the heart of the desert. Its size and shape might remind you of a rainbow.
  • AlHabrah Rock Bridges: There are three large arches and numerous small ones, creating an incredible view with the bright blue sky as a perfect backdrop.
Driving in Wadi Rum Jordan

So what else is there to do in Wadi Rum?

For an experience like no other, you have to head out in a . It’s absolutely incredible to view the desert from above. 

The best time to do this is first thing in the morning. And I mean first thing. But it’ll all be worth it to see the sun rising above the red sand. And after the flight, you’ll receive your very own certificate of your !

You also can’t visit Wadi Rum without taking in a spot of stargazing. Even if you’re not a seasoned astrophile, you’ll be stunned by the number of stars and planets you can see in the middle of the vast desert.

There are Bedouin-style camps dotted around Wadi Rum. The locals in Wadi Rum are friendly, and they’ll offer you to sit around the fire and serve you some tea. I’m not a tea drinker but they seemed a little offended when I declined so I had a little, and it wasn’t too bad!

Drinking tea in Wadi Rum Desert

You can also get a taste of a delicious Bedouin meal while you listen to the local folks’ captivating stories about their country and way of life.

Sometimes they’ll invite you to participate in cultural activities like dancing and playing music. It’s a great chance to immerse yourself in the Bedouin life.

Where to stay in Wadi Rum

Day 8 and 9: Petra

Now comes the most anticipated part of your trip, exploring the city of Petra. Known as the Rose City, Petra is one of the World’s New Seven Wonders and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Located right next to Wadi Musa, Petra is probably on every traveler’s bucket list. 

I definitely recommend starting your visit as early as possible to get the most out of your experience in Petra. It can of course get pretty crowded as the day goes on. Plus, depending on the time of year, you’ll want to be out of the afternoon sun. 

The Siq in Petra

The Siq

The city has a magnificent entrance through the Siq, a legendary winding canyon where you’ll get the first view of the city.

It’s so amazing walking through the snaking path with huge walls towering above you. It feels like a different world altogether. With every bend along the way, you’ll get a peak view of the Treasury.

Petra Treasury

The Treasury

After walking through the Siq, you reach Petra’s most iconic landmark; the Treasury. You’ll probably have already seen this place on every website or magazine advertising Petra.

But now’s your own chance to get some great shots of it! 

It’s believed that the Nabataeans built the Treasury as a tomb for their king. But later, in the 19th century, the Bedouins of Petra believed the structure contained treasures, so they named it “Al-Khazneh” or The Treasury.

Once you’re in front of the Treasury, take your time to enjoy the intricate facade and learn from the locals and guides about its significance in history.

Next, continue to a wider path into the street of facades. You’ll see tons of tombs and houses built by the Nabataeans thousands of years ago.

One of the best things to do in Petra is to hike through the mountains. You can hike up to high vantage points and take a special look at the city of Petra and the path to the Monastery from above.

I highly recommend you hire a guide or use the help of a local if you want to do this, as the hiking trails are unmarked. Although if you’re just going as far as the Monastery, you’ll be able to find your way. 

The Royal Tombs and The Colonnaded Street

After that, you can visit the Royal Tombs, which is a series of monuments carved from the sandstone mountain by the Nabataeans.

Continue hiking for a closer look at The Colonnaded Street, one of Petra’s most iconic Roman remains. The street is well-preserved today with multiple columns lining its side; you can tell that Romans were building masters.

The Roman Theatre

As you make your way to the center of Petra, stop at the Roman Theatre, which was constructed by the Nabataeans 2000 years ago.

It was first built to take up to 2000 spectators, but the Romans expanded it after AD 106 to seat more than 8000 spectators. Despite being damaged by an earthquake back in AD 363, the Greco-Roman theater is still one of the must-visit sites in Petra.

Petra Monestary

The Monastery (Al-Deir)

Another must-see site in Petra is the Monastery (Al-Deir). The architectural masterpiece is located in the mountains of Petra, so you’ll need to hike more than 800 steps uphill to reach it. It’s quite a long and tiring hike, especially in the afternoon heat.

Please don’t ride the donkey up. They weren’t built for it! If you can’t manage the hike up, please consider staying below and enjoying the rest of the ancient city instead. 

You’ll have stalls selling souvenirs and handcrafts all the way up to the Monastery on one side. So bring some cash if you plan to stop and do a little haggling. 

The Monastery is similar to the Treasury in design but it’s much bigger and there are less people there (I guess because of the 800 steps!). There’s also a small restaurant near the Monastery where you can grab a snack and a drink to recover from the long hike while enjoying the view.

You’ll see a sign that says “The Best View,” pointing you toward Petra’s best view. It’s another short hike uphill, and you’ll get an amazing view of the Monastery surrounded by the great mountains. This is when you’ll find the long hike was worth it.

If you’re down for another amazing viewpoint, keep going up to the High Place of Sacrifice. The hike won’t be too much longer, but you’ll get to see Petra from a different angle and take some more great photos.

Petra by night lit up

Petra By Night

I know, you might be wondering, why go back at night and see the same thing again? But you just can’t visit Petra and miss the chance to see the city at night. 

You’ll make your way through the candlelit Siq, and sit in front of the Treasury lit by candles while the Bedouins tell stories and play their traditional music.

You’ll be offered a taste of local tea while you’re enjoying the sight of the illuminated Treasury facade. 

Bear in mind that the candlelit visit to Petra runs only three times per week. So plan your visit beforehand because you don’t want to miss this unforgettable experience.

Petra offers a great shopping experience if you’re interested in traditional handicrafts. Near the Roman ruins, you’ll find multiple Bedouin tents where you can immerse yourself in the Jordanian culture and shop (or ‘window shop’) for a plethora of silverware, pottery, embroidery, and stone cravings. 

Wadi Musa

For an even better shopping experience, visit Wadi Musa, where you’ll find The Nabatean Ladies Cooperative of Wadi Musa taking place.

The initiative focuses on producing and selling jewelry and silverware to tourists and wholesalers to promote local products and create employment opportunities for Jordanian women.

While in Wadi Musa, take your time to recover from hiking and check into a Turkish Bath (hammam). There are so many hammams in Wadi Musa and it’ll be a welcomed treat following all the walking.

Treat yourself to a relaxing massage, steam bath, and a full-body scrub to replenish your energy and get you ready to finish up our Jordan 10-day itinerary. 

Where to stay in Petra

Day 10: Back to Amman

If you’re flying out of Jordan, you’ll probably leave from Queen Alia International Airport. So it’s better to spend the last day of your trip in Amman city. This is the perfect time to visit the bustling souks and grab those last-minute gifts and souvenirs from Rainbow Street.

Enjoy your laid-back final day in the beautiful city by taking a bite of the unique Jordanian cuisine. That includes Mansaf, Shawarma, Falafel, Kibbeh, and Knafeh. Don’t forget to drink some sage tea or Turkish coffee before saying goodbye to the beautiful Amman city.

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Jordan 10-day itinerary Pinterest

To Wrap Up

You’ve now reached the end of your adventurous Jordan 10-day Itinerary. You’ll hopefully have explored the bustling city of Amman, effortlessly floated in the Dead Sea, and marveled at the magnificent Treasury in Petra.

Despite its moderately small size, Jordan has so much to offer – with spectacular landscapes and its generous and inviting locals, this beautiful country will leave a mark on your soul.

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