Landlocked in the center of the Middle East, Jordan is a small country with big attractions. Some of the mightiest armies and empires have passed through the country, each leaving their own distinct mark on the country. The Nabateans, Romans, Crusaders, and others have all left behind stunning monuments. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Petra, one of the seven modern wonders of the world. However, Jordan isn’t all about the past, it’s also home to some unique natural wonders. The desert landscape of Wadi Rum is magnificent, and the Dead Sea provides a surreal experience. In the south of the country, the beach resort of Aqaba provides outstanding diving and snorkeling. All of this is packed into a country that is only 200 miles long. This 10-day itinerary will take in the best that Jordan has to offer.
Given its location in the Middle East, there is no bad time to visit Jordan. Year-round sunshine ensures warm temperatures for most of the country. From June until September, the weather is sweltering, making the spring or autumn the ideal time to visit. The winter is much cooler, especially at night. Rainfall is close to non-existent for most of the year.Â
Many of Jordan’s neighboring countries have suffered significant upheaval over the last 30 years. Conflicts in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq have threatened to spill over into Jordan, but fortunately, none have. Jordan remains a stable, peaceful, and largely safe country to visit and travel in. A strong police and military presence throughout the country ensures the safety of Jordan’s people and visitors alike.
As overland travel in the Middle East can be difficult, we’ll assume a flight in and out of Amman for this itinerary. After visiting the sites of Amman, the route will take us north to the Roman ruins of Jerash before we head south to the Dead Sea and the Crusader castles at Shobak and Karak. The route then takes us down to the wonders of Petra. Next, we take in the desert at Wadi Rum and the Red Sea beaches at Aqaba.
Amman marks the start of your adventure. It’s a 35 km and one-hour trip from the airport into town by either bus or taxi. Amman is a notably low-key city, somewhat surprising for a country with such a rich heritage. The city is primarily made up of pragmatic residential districts with a few incursions by modern buildings in keeping with other Middle Eastern cities. The lack of architectural merit doesn’t mean the city is without attractions, and it’s worth spending a day or two to settle in and explore.Â
1. Roman Theatre – Undoubtedly, the most spectacular of Amman’s attractions is the Roman theatre, built in the 2nd century AD. Capable of holding up to 6,000 people, the theatre is impeccably preserved.Â
2. The Citadel – Sitting on Amman’s highest hill, the Citadel is another must-see attraction. Buildings constructed in the 1st century AD to the 7th century AD can be found here, with the Temple of Hercules our top pick. The Citadel also affords magnificent views across Amman, so a visit in the late afternoon or sunset is highly recommended.
3. King Abdullah Mosque – Constructed in the 1980s, the King Abdullah Mosque is the standout mosque in Jordan. Accessible for non-Muslims for a 2 JD entrance fee, it’s worth seeing the large blue mosaic dome and towering minarets.
4. Rainbow Street – Amman’s liveliest thoroughfare, Rainbow Street is home to shops, bars and restaurants. The smell of Shisha pipes and Shawarma permeates the air. If you’re spending an evening or more in Amman, this is the perfect place to do it.
The Dead Sea is a bucket list destination for many and another must-do attraction in Jordan. As the lowest place on earth, the sea is up to 8 times saltier than normal seawater. The result of this? Buoyancy, unlike anything you’ve experienced before! There’s a large number of resorts along the coast offering swimming pools, shade, and showers, which are essential after a dip. You can access the Dead Sea outside these resorts, but shade and other amenities are hard to come by. Much like Jerash, it’s possible to take a day trip from Amman, but we’d recommend stopping on the way to Karak.
The Crusader Castles at Karak and Shobak provide a fascinating stopover on your route south towards Petra. Both castles were part of a more extensive line of fortifications built by the Crusaders to protect the holy land. The ruins at Karak, in particular, are well-preserved and offer great views across the valley. It’s a great site to explore for an hour, and the town is a good place for a stopover. The town offers a good range of accommodation and restaurants.
The castle at Shobak occupies a desolate hilltop a few kilometers south of Karak. While not as well preserved as Karak, it is much more evocative. This is precisely how you would imagine a desert castle to be. A highlight of any visit is the incredible escape tunnel that runs through the hill and surrounding grounds before resurfacing away from the castle. Be sure to come equipped with a torch!
Shobak is an ideal short stopover on the way to Petra from Karak. Accommodation and amenities in this remote area are minimal, making a passing stopover necessary.
It’s difficult to describe the feeling as you set foot in Petra and catch a glimpse of the world-famous Treasury building. Entering through a canyon that extends to over a kilometer, the sense of tension builds until you get that first glimpse. The Nabateans constructed the Treasury and city in the 3rd century BC. An important trade hub, Petra was occupied until the 6th century AD when it was deserted following a massive earthquake. The city lay desolate and empty until its rediscovery in the 19th century. There are many must-see sites within Petra, and it’s certainly not a small site. Top of the must-see buildings is the Treasury, followed closely by the Monastery. The Theatre and Street of Facades are also highlights.Â
For many, a day in Petra isn’t enough, and we’d definitely recommend two days or more. While it’s possible to see all of the most important landmarks in a day, much of the magic of the red city is from exploring its quieter area. Numerous paths and routes allow you to walk and hike around the city, providing multiple vantage points. There’s also much to discover away from the larger tour groups, which frequent the main sights.Â
Wadi Musa, the present-day town close to Petra, has a good range of hotels and restaurants. There are also several travel agencies and tour operators that you may want to use for the next leg of your trip down to Wadi Rum.
It’s a 2-hour drive and over 100 km on the King’s Highway to Wadi Rum from Petra. Made famous as the location for the movie Lawrence of Arabia, this is dramatic desert scenery at its best. Entry to the conservation area is only possible as part of a tour, and it’s highly recommended to stay in the desert overnight. Aside from the experience of staying in a Bedouin camp, you’ll also get to see the desert at its most dramatic. Both sunrise and sunset see an explosion of color, which are also the best times for hiking.Â
Our final stop on the itinerary is the beachside town of Aqaba, an hour south of Wadi Rum. After a week in the desert, it’s great to see the turquoise waters of the Red Sea. Along with the beaches, the underwater world at Aqaba draws most people in. The diving and snorkeling here are excellent, and there are many established operators in the area. It’s a nice place to kick back and relax for a day or two before returning to Amman.Â
We hope you’ve enjoyed our Jordan 10 Day itinerary guide. Why not try some of our other guides for Asia or perhaps some of our other intrepid travel destinations?
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