The Best of Jordan: 10 Day Travel Itinerary

Jordan, a gem in the heart of the Middle East, offers a blend of history, culture, ancient wonders, and natural beauty that lures travelers from around the world. This itinerary will help you plan an adventurous 10 day road trip in Jordan.

Known for its warm hospitality and stunning landscapes, Jordan more than exceeded my lofty travel expectations. Visitors can experience traditional Bedouin culture, the iconic archaeological site of Petra, and diverse landscapes ranging from the serene waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, to the vast, otherworldly desert of Wadi Rum.

For adventure seekers, Jordan offers a plethora of activities, from hiking in nature reserves and canyoning in Wadi Mujib to exploring the desert on a camel or in the back of a jeep. On the other hand, those looking for relaxation can unwind in a resort overlooking the Dead Sea.

There is literally something to love for every type of traveler in Jordan. Follow along for all the tips to see the best of Jordan in this 10 day travel itinerary.

How to Get Around Jordan

Before we get into an itinerary, we have to discuss the best way to get around Jordan. I 100% recommend renting a car in Jordan for a road trip! Having your own transportation will greatly increase your flexibility and you can cover a lot of ground in 10 days.

From our experience, renting and driving a car in Jordan was a breeze. Once you are out of the city you will be driving on a few main highways and you won’t have to worry about traffic. The majority of the sights are 2-3 hours apart at the most.

For more information about renting a car in Jordan, check out my blog post specifically covering all the details!

The Jordan Pass

The Jordan Pass is an absolute necessity when traveling through Jordan. The pass gives you access to over 40 tourist attractions and will save time and money when visiting the sites. Additionally, if you purchase the pass prior to arriving in Jordan and stay a minimum of 3 nights/4 days you won’t have to pay the tourist entry visa fee (40 JODs = approximately 50-something USDs) because it’s included in the cost of the pass.

Purchasing the Jordan Pass is easy and bundles the cost of all the sites together. The pass streamlines your entrance into the sites, all you have to do is show your ID and scan your pass at the entrances. It’s best to purchase the pass online before arriving in Jordan.

The pass is good to use for 2 weeks after your first entry scan and allows you a single entry into all of the attractions, which is perfect for a 10 day Jordan itinerary.

The pass comes in 3 options depending on how many days you want to spend in Petra. It’s important to note that Petra By Night is not included in the pass.

• The Jordan Wanderer: 1 day in Petra = 70 JOD (Jordanian dinar)

• The Jordan Explorer: 2 consecutive days in Petra = 75 JOD

• The Jordan Expert: 3 consecutive days in Petra = 80 JOD

10 Day Jordan Itinerary

Day 1: Amman

Amman, the bustling capital, is a modern metropolis with a rich blend of old and new. From its markets and ancient ruins to contemporary cafes and upscale dining, Amman serves as the gateway to Jordan’s many attractions and the start of a Jordan road trip.

Here are a few of the top things to do in Amman, Jordan…

Amman Citadel

The Amman Citadel is a historic landmark in the heart of the city. The site sits on top of a hill which provides a panoramic view of Amman that you won’t want to miss. Picture ancient ruins with a background of a modern cityscape.

The citadel showcases ruins from various ancient civilizations. Highlights include the Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, a Byzantine church and the Jordan Archaeological Museum.

You can access the citadel easily from downtown Amman by walking uphill approximately 20 minutes from the Roman Theater area. If you aren’t staying centrally, order an Uber or taxi to take you to the entrance.

Roman Theatre

While exploring downtown, you will likely come across the historical Roman amphitheater. It’s built into a hillside across from the Amman Citadel. The massive 6,000-seat theater was restored and is still used today.

Although we didn’t visit it, we had a birds eye view of the theater from the top of Amman Citadel. I’m sure it is much grander in person. If you love history and ancient architecture, this would be a great place to check out while in Amman. The Jordan Pass includes admission to the Amman Citadel.

Al-Balad (Downtown) Shopping District

Head to Amman’s charming Al-Balad (downtown) area to see the local culture in action. Shopping in Amman’s ancient bazaar is truly a one-of-a-kind experience filled with endless shops, stalls, and sensory overload.

The Jordanians were genuinely kind and welcoming during our shopping experience. It was a great opportunity to chat and interact with the locals without feeling pressured to buy something. You can find a great variety of artisanal items perfect for souvenirs and gifts.

Tip: Bring cash to pay for souvenirs, be prepared to haggle for prices, and have fun!

Hashem Restaurant

For a true taste of local cuisine, you must eat at Hashem! Food is served family style in a no frills restaurant in the heart of downtown Amman. This place is legit, there are over 22,000 Google reviews!

We kept our order simple; falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, and mint tea. Everything was delicious, but the hummus stole the show. We loved it so much that we went out of our way to drive back into Amman before our evening flight for one last meal at Hashem.

Tip: You must bring cash, it’s a cash only restaurant.

Habibah Sweets

Habibah Sweets is the perfect place to cure a sweet tooth! It’s an iconic dessert shop in downtown Amman that serves traditional Arabic desserts.

Try the kunafa (knafeh), it’s known for its unique texture and rich flavor. It features a base of finely shredded phyllo dough layered with a rich, creamy filling made of cheese. The dessert is baked until golden and crispy, then soaked in syrup. The final touch is a sprinkle of crushed pistachios.

There are two shops in the downtown area. They seem to stay busy and the line out the door speaks volumes for its popularity. Desserts from Habibah Sweets are served take away style. We found a sidewalk spot to enjoy a few bites while it was still warm and then took the rest back to our hotel for a late night snack.

Rainbow Street

Finally, if you still have the legs for more walking after a busy day exploring the old city, head to Rainbow Street. This colorful and scenic street offers more opportunities to shop and stroll with plentiful cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. This is also the place for nightlife and where you can find rooftops bars and shisha (hookah) lounges.

Day 2-3: Dana

Dana is somewhat remote and a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Many travelers skip over Dana, but I firmly believe it’s worth a visit if you enjoy hiking and nature!

The serene environment offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.

How to Get to Dana

Day 2 brings the official start to the road trip! The best way to get to Dana is to rent a car and drive yourself. From your accommodation in Amman, taxi back to the airport to pick up your rental car.

Dana is an easy 2 hour drive south from Queen Alia International airport or about 2.5 hours from central Amman.

Dana Village

Visiting Dana Village is like stepping back in time. It’s a small ancient village with stone buildings that blend in with the colors of the landscape. The village is perched on a cliff overlooking the Wadi Dana gorge and surrounding mountains.

The village is so small that as we were driving through it we were stopped by a local man who told us that the end of the road is a cliff and it would be best to park the car and walk the rest of the way. He was not kidding. The end of the village opens up to an amazing view of the valley. It’s the perfect location to watch the sunset.

Tip: There are no ATMs in Dana, so it’s a good idea to bring cash

Dana Biosphere Reserve

The main reason to visit Dana is to hike! The Dana Biosphere Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Jordan and it offers multiple hiking trails with unique desert landscapes.

Additionally, the area around Dana has a rich history, with archaeological sites and ruins that date back to ancient civilizations.

Hiking in Dana Biosphere Reserve

Dana offers a variety of hikes with trails that cater to different skill levels. You can hike on your own, but it is recommended to hire a local guide for the more remote areas within the Dana Biosphere Reserve.

Dana village is a hub for multiple hiking trails such as:

• Wadi Dana Trail

• Wadi Ghuweir Trail

• Shaq Al Reesh Trail

• White Dome Trail

• Nawatef Trail

• Wadi Dathneh Trail

• Dana to Petra on a multi day hike on a portion of the Jordan Trail

Wadi Dana Trail

The Wadi Dana Trail is a popular route that takes you through stunning landscapes, from mountains to valleys offering breathtaking views and the chance to experience the region’s natural beauty up close.

The Wadi Dana Trail is the most convenient trail to access. It begins at the Dana view point, right at the cliff at the edge of the village. It’s approximately 9 miles one way and ends at the Feynan Ecolodge.

The trail immediately gets down to business with an intense initial descent for approximately 45 minutes. Afterwards, it’s a fairly easy and enjoyable walk the rest of the way down into Wadi Dana gorge.

Along the hike you will be treated to interesting rock formations, solitude, and possible encounters with Bedouins and their animal herds.

If you plan to hike the trail one way to Feynan Ecolodge you will need to arrange a transfer back to Dana. It’s a 2+ hour drive back and will cost approximately 45-55 JOD. Alternatively, you can book a room at the ecolodge and stay the night or complete a round trip hike.

We decided to hike the trail out and back instead of hiking 18 miles round trip to the ecolodge. We hiked a good distance into the canyon and made our way back before the late afternoon heat set it.

Wadi Dana Trail Tips:

• Do not attempt if rain is in the forecast, this area is prone to flash floods

• It’s mostly an unmarked trail, sometimes it’s not so obvious

• There is very little shade, pack sun protection and extra water

• If you are hiking out and back remember to pace yourself, the final portion of the trail will be a very steep uphill grind

• This hike does not require a guide, however you will need to arrange transportation back to Dana village if you plan to hike the trail one way from Dana to Feynan Ecolodge.

Day 4-5: Wadi Rum Desert

Next, we are driving to the Wadi Rum desert, located in southern Jordan, near the border of Saudi Arabia. If you are following this itinerary and traveling from Dana to Wadi Rum, the drive is very straightforward and mostly on the Desert Highway.

It takes approximately 2-2.5 hours to drive to Wadi Rum from Dana. Alternatively, it’s 4 hours from Amman and 1.5 hours from Wadi Musa/Petra.

Wadi Rum is renowned for its stunning desert scenery. The landscape features seemingly endless red sand dunes, funky rock formations, dramatic canyons, and rock arches. The whole scene felt out of this world. Wadi Rum easily became one of my all time favorite places!

Where to Stay in Wadi Rum

There are many different options for accommodations in Wadi Rum ranging from traditional Bedouin Camps to luxury hotels in a “bubble dome” and even caves. Whatever type of experience you want to have in the desert, you can have it!

If you want to experience glamping in the Wadi Rum desert, here’s all the info you need to plan it!

What to Do in Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum’s main attraction is its natural beauty. The desert offers a wide range of experiences for adventure enthusiasts such as:

• Wadi Rum jeep tour

• Camel ride through the desert

• Hiking and climbing

• Stargazing

• Sand boarding

• Hot air balloon rides

• Visiting a traditional bedouin camp

I go into all the details about things to do and tips for visiting Wadi Rum in a separate blog post, click here to read it!

Day 6-8: Wadi Musa and Petra

Next on the road trip, we are driving approximately 2 hours north to Wadi Musa to explore Petra.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra is renowned for its well-preserved archaeological treasures. Petra’s landscape features unique rock formations and colors, creating a visually stunning environment. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it should be on every traveler’s bucket list!

Wadi Musa

The inviting town of Wadi Musa is the gateway to Petra. It is a lively town that caters to tourism as a base for visiting its main attraction, Petra.

What to See in Petra

With its extensive network of tombs, temples, and trails the ancient city of Petra is an adventurer’s playground/paradise. Here are the major points of interest:

• The Siq

• The Treasury

• Street of Facades

• Nabatean Theater

• High Place of Sacrifice

• The Royal Tombs

• Colonnaded Street 

• The Great Temple

• Qasr al-Bint

• The Monastery

• Petra by Night

• The Petra Museum

We purchased the 2 Days in Petra Jordan Pass and maximized our time as best as we could. Petra is huge and totally worth at least 2 full days of exploration. Here’s the breakdown of our 2 days in Petra.

Petra Itinerary: Day 1

• Petra Museum

• Walk through the Siq

• Treasury

• Explore other views of the Treasury (Al Khubtha Trail)

• Royal Tombs

• Walk through the Street of Facades

• Nabatean Theater

• The Great Temple

Petra Itinerary: Day 2

• Walk the Siq to Treasury (much more peaceful in the early morning without the crowds)

• High Place of Sacrifice Trail connecting to the Wadi Farasah Trail

• Al Dier Trail to Monastery

• Explore the area around the Monastery

• End of the World Cafe

There is so much to cover regarding visiting Petra. I wrote an in depth blog post to help you plan your trip to Petra with itinerary information, what to see, hiking information, and tips – read it HERE!

Day 9: The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a salt lake located in the Jordan Rift Valley, bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. If you’re following this itinerary, a stop at the Dead Sea is the perfect way to wind down at the end of the trip and get a little salty!

Continuing the road trip from Wadi Musa, it’s about a 3 hour drive north to the Dead Sea.

Side Trip to Shobak Castle

Located on the drive from Wadi Musa to the Dead Sea, Shobak Castle is a good opportunity to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and explore a little of Jordan’s history.

Perched on a hilltop, Shobak Castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and landscapes. The castle features well-preserved Crusader architecture, towers, and a series of underground tunnels and cisterns.

Admission to Shobak Castle is included with the Jordan Pass and is a nice stop if you are in the area.

Where to Stay at the Dead Sea

There are tons of big resorts along the coast such as the Hilton, Marriott, and Movenpick. All have pools, private beaches, and all the amenities you would expect from a nice resort.

We wanted something a little different so we booked a bungalow at the Mujib Chalets. Upon checking into the Mujib Chalets, my partner Jace pronounced, “we’ve hit rock bottom” and he was right 😂 The Dead Sea is famed as the lowest point on Earth’s surface. The setting was really beautiful, we loved sitting out on the patio of our chalet.

The Chalets are about 30 minutes away from the resort areas which provided a more private and quiet experience. The only downside of not staying in the resort area is the lack of food options.

I think the best reason to stay at Mujib Chalets is for easy access to Wadi Mujib. The Chalets are the perfect place to base yourself if you want to explore the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve, the entrance is directly across the road.

Things to Do at the Dead Sea

Visit the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve

The Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve is known for its adventurous hiking and canyoning trails featuring dramatic slot canyons with towering cliffs and the Mujib River. It reminds me of hiking the Narrows at Zion National Park in Utah.

The trails in Wadi Mujib are generally well-marked, guides are not required, but are available for those who prefer a more structured experience. Life jackets are required and provided with the entrance fee. A dry bag for your personal belongings and water shoes are recommended.

We unfortunately missed out on exploring Wadi Mujib because the trails were closed in February when we visited Jordan. Make sure to coordinate your travel plans when Wadi Mujib is open for visitors (April 1 – October 31) if this is an experience you want to have!

The Siq Trail

The Siq Trail is the most popular, offering an adventurous experience that involves wading, occasional swimming, and floating through the Mujib River, scrambling over rocks, and climbing small waterfalls.

In the warmer months the Siq Trail is the perfect place to escape the heat while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Zara Cliff Walk

The Zara Cliff Walk offers panoramic views of the Dead Sea and the surrounding landscapes. The trail is accessible from the Panoramic Dead Sea Complex. It’s a short and easy walk along the cliff.

The complex includes a museum that provides information about the Dead Sea’s geology, ecology, and historical significance.

Ma’in Hot Springs

The Ma’in Hot Springs are an oasis in the Jordan desert among the rugged mountains and lush greenery. The mineral-rich hot springs are renowned for their therapeutic properties. The water is naturally heated and has been used for health benefits for centuries.

The hot springs feature natural waterfalls where the warm water cascades into pools. There are multiple pools at Ma’in Hot Springs, including public pools and a “sauna cave.”

The Ma’in Hot Springs area is home to a resort that offers spa treatments and private pools exclusively for hotel guests. It may be worth the splurge to stay at the hotel and get full access to all of the pools and wellness areas, as it’s said to get very busy in the public pool areas during the day.

However, if you only want to visit for the day, day passes are available to Ma’in Hot Springs from 9am-9pm for 15 JOD and offer access to 3 of the hot springs pools.

Float in the Salty Water

Floating in the Dead Sea is a must-do activity and a certainly memorable experience. The high salinity of the Dead Sea makes it impossible to sink, allowing you to effortlessly float on the water’s surface. It’s almost impossible to swim without getting mouth full of salt water, trust me when I say float, don’t swim 😂

Most of the resorts and hotels have a private beach area for the guests, but there are also a few free/public beaches along the coast.

Soak Up the Minerals and Health Benefits

The mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea are believed to have therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, and antioxidants benefiting the skin and overall well-being.

Try a Dead Sea Mud Bath

For even more health benefits you can slather yourself in the Dead Sea’s black mud, known for its high concentration of minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium.

The mud is like a natural spa treatment and is said to have rejuvenating and healing properties for the skin. After letting the mud dry on your skin, rinse off in the sea, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed.

Relax

I purposely planned to end the trip across Jordan at the Dead Sea, purely for relaxation. This is the place to enjoy the tranquil environment, lounge on the beach, and take in a few incredible sunsets over the Dead Sea as you wind down from an action packed itinerary.

Tips for Visiting the Dead Sea

• Don’t shave prior to getting in the water (it will sting!)

• Don’t splash, you don’t want to get the salt water in your eyes

• Keep a bottle of water close in case you get salt water in your eyes and need to rinse

• Be careful near the shore as the rocks and hardened salt can be painful on your feet (wear water shoes if you have them)

• Shower off immediately afterwards and thoroughly wash out your swimsuit

• Dead Sea skincare products such as salts, mud masks, and lotions make excellent gifts and souvenirs!

Day 10: Return to Amman to Fly Home

From the Dead Sea area it’s about a 90 minute drive north to the final destination, Queen Alia International Airport. Since the rental car companies are based here, it’s quite easy to drop off the rental car and fly out. Cue the last day travel blues.

In conclusion, the country of Jordan really took me by surprise and totally exceeded all expectations! I never knew how beautiful Jordan was and how many incredible natural wonders, landscapes, and experiences it had to offer. There is no time to be bored in a country as beautiful and diverse as this!

Lastly, I highly recommend combining a trip to Jordan with nearby Egypt! With nonstop and frequent flights between the two countries, it’s an easy way to extend your trip and see so many incredible sites. Check out my 7 Day Egypt Travel Itinerary to help coordinate and plan an unforgettable trip to Egypt + Jordan!

Click here for more information about things to do in the Wadi Rum Desert!

If you are planning trip to Petra, this blog post covers all the details.

If you want to extend your trip in Jordan, consider adding these places to your itinerary:

• Aqaba – Jordan’s Red Sea resort city

• Jerash – explore the ancient Roman ruins

• Ajloun Castle

• Visit the mosaic city of Madaba

• Mount Nebo

• Kerak – explore the impressive Crusader castle

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