Your Ultimate Jordan Itinerary: Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba & the Dead Sea

You’ll likely start your journey in Amman, Jordan’s capital, as most flights arrive and depart from Queen Alia International Airport. You may be jet lagged so spend this first day checking into your hotel and getting adjusted. If you’re feeling up for some exploring head to a nearby restaurant and try some falafel or shawarma.

I’d recommend checking in to the Four Seasons Amman or the Fairmont Amman for an elevated and comfortable stay.

Visit the Amman Citadel for sweeping city views and ancient ruins, followed by the Roman Theater, a remarkably preserved 2nd-century amphitheater. You can then enjoy a traditional Jordanian feast at Hashem Restaurant, known for its falafel and hummus.

In the afternoon, take a short drive to Jerash, one of the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman cities, where you can walk through the grand Oval Plaza and explore the majestic Temple of Artemis. Return to Amman for a refined dinner at Fakhreldin Restaurant, a quintessential and traditional Middle Eastern spread.

At this point you’ll need to rent a car, hop on a bus or hire a driver. Head first to Madaba, home to the famous 6th-century Madaba Map at St. George’s Church. Then continue on to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, and take in breathtaking views of the Jordan Valley.

Then, arrive at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, where you can float in its mineral-rich waters and indulge in a rejuvenating mud treatment. It’s time to relax and soak in everything the Dead Sea has to offer. Stay at the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, one of my favorite properties (and one that offers incredible perks when you book with me!), where you can enjoy a world-class spa experience and watch the sunset over the tranquil sea.

Now sit back and enjoy everything the Dead Sea has to offer. Indulge in a massage at the spa, relax in the pools overlooking the sea and mountains, and of course, take a dip in the Dead Sea and watch how you instantly float with no effort.

Take advantage of the Dead Sea mud that has tons of healing properties and nourishes your skin. Beware of any cuts you may have; it’ll burn when you get in due to the salty water.

Head to Petra, Jordan’s most iconic site, and walk through the dramatic Siq to reach the awe-inspiring Treasury. I recommend an early start to this day. You’ll have the option to ride camels, donkeys or horses throughout this day so take advantage of the moment and enjoy the adventure.

Spend the day exploring this vast archaeological wonder, from the Royal Tombs to the Monastery (Ad Deir), a stunning structure reached after a challenging, but rewarding hike.

For an unforgettable evening, experience Petra by Night, where thousands of candles illuminate the ancient city. Stay at Mövenpick Resort Petra.

Travel to Wadi Rum, a breathtaking desert landscape that will have you feeling like you arrived on another planet. Spend the night under a star-filled sky at the luxurious Memories Aicha Luxury Camp or the futuristic Sun City Camp, where you can stay in a Martian dome. This will literally be an experience you’ll never forget!

Enjoy a day in the desert. Embark on a jeep tour, exploring towering sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs and rolling red dunes. Then experience a traditional Bedouin zarb, a slow-cooked underground barbecue, and ride a camel at sunset for a magical desert experience.

Wrap up your tour of Jordan in Aqaba, Jordan’s coastal gem on the Red Sea. Dive or snorkel in pristine coral reefs, relax on the beaches of Ayla Oasis and savor freshly caught seafood at Ali Baba Restaurant. Unwind at the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, where you can enjoy a sunset over the water as you wrap up the trip.

Make the approximate 4-hour journey back to Amman where you will catch your flight home from. If you have some extra time, check out Rainbow Street with its boutique shops and the Balad (old downtown) souks for some shopping and to admire the historical architecture.