Ten days is the perfect amount of time for a first trip to Jordan.

From the moment you set foot in Jordan, you’ll be entranced by its vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and the sheer diversity of experiences it offers.

Read on for the pefect itinerary! From the chaotic hustle and bustle of Amman, to the otherworldly Wadi Rum, this itinerary takes in the Dead Sea, Petra, roman ruins and much more, helping you make the most out of your time in this Middle Eastern gem.

Getting to Jordan

One of the great things about this itinerary is that it’s circular, whilst I would recommend starting and finishing in Amman you could start and finish at a different point. tTere are other places to enter the country such as Aqaba, and different ways to get to Jordan.

By Air

The most convenient and popular way to enter Jordan is by air, with the country’s main gateway being Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman.

This modern airport is well-connected to numerous international destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Major airlines like Royal Jordanian, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways operate regular flights to Amman.

By Land

If you’re already in the region, traveling to Jordan by land could be an option. There are several border crossings from neighboring countries:

• Israel – The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, Sheikh Hussein Bridge, and Wadi Araba Crossing connect Israel with Jordan. The Allenby Bridge is mainly used for travel between Jerusalem and Amman.
• Saudi Arabia – The Al-Mudawara and Al-Omari border crossings link Saudi Arabia with Jordan, providing access for those traveling from the Arabian Peninsula.
• Syria – The Jaber/Nasib border crossing is the main entry point from Syria, however make sure to check the current political situation before planning your trip.

By Sea

Arriving by sea is also an option. The port of Aqaba, located on the Red Sea, serves as a gateway for cruise ships and ferries. Travelers can reach Aqaba from Egypt via the ferry service operating between Nuweiba and Aqaba.

Visa Requirements

Before you travel, make sure to check Jordan’s visa requirements. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and most land borders. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa in advance through Jordanian embassies or consulates.

Consider getting a Jordan Pass, which not only covers your visa fee but also grants you entry to many of the country’s top attractions.

Getting around Jordan

Once you’ve arrived in Jordan, getting around the country is relatively straightforward, with several transportation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you prefer the convenience of a rental car, the affordability of public transport, or the comfort of private tours, here’s how you can explore Jordan’s remarkable sights:

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis are widely available in cities and towns. They are a convenient way to get around urban areas or for short trips. Make sure to agree on a fare before starting your journey if the taxi doesn’t have a meter. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem also operate in Amman, providing an alternative to traditional taxis.

Public Buses and Mini Buses

For budget-conscious travelers, public buses and mini buses are an affordable option. The JETT Bus company operates modern, comfortable buses on fixed schedules between major cities and tourist destinations like Petra, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea. Local mini buses connect smaller towns and rural areas, though they can be less predictable and slower due to frequent stops.

Rental Cars

Major international and local car rental companies operate in Jordan, with rental offices available at Queen Alia International Airport and in major cities like Amman and Aqaba. Driving in Jordan is relatively easy, with well-maintained roads and clear signage in both Arabic and English. However, be prepared for the different driving style (slightly wild and care free) and traffic in urban areas.

Domestic Flights

Jordan is a relatively small country, so domestic flights are limited. However, Royal Jordanian operates flights between Amman and Aqaba, which can save time if you’re planning to explore the Red Sea region and the surrounding areas.

Essential Tips for Visting Jordan

• Dress Modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. For women, covering shoulders and knees is advisable, while men should avoid wearing shorts in conservative areas
• Keep the PDA to a minimum! Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
• Keep in mind Friday is the holy day in Jordan, so many businesses and sites may open later or close entirely.
• In the souks (markets) bartering is part of the process, especially when buying souvenirs. Embrace it and try get yourself a good deal, don’t be shy, start with a lower offer and negotiate politely. It’s part of the experience!
• Cash is still king. While credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, cash is still the preferred payment method in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the local currency, and ATMs are widely available in cities.
• Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, a 10% tip is customary if service is not included. For guides and drivers, a small tip for good service is a nice gesture.
• Consider buying a local SIM card for your phone upon arrival. It’s affordable and provides good coverage throughout the country, making it easier to navigate and stay in touch.
• If you’re planning to visit multiple sites, the Jordan Pass is great value. It includes the cost of your visa and entry to over 40 attractions, including Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum.

The Itinerary

Amman

Amman, the vibrant capital of Jordan, is the perfect place to start your adventure. The bustling streets, lively souks and amazing food will soon help shake off any cobwebs from the flight.

After touching down at the airport, you can jump in a taxi, or on one of the half-hourly shuttle buses, to get to the city in around 30-45 minutes.

I would recommend staying in Downtown Amman, known as Al-Balad. This is the place to be if you want to be at the heart of the action. This area is rich in history, with close proximity to the city’s main attractions like the Roman Theater, the Citadel, and the souks.

Things do in Amman

There’s loads to see and do in Amman, here are some things to consider for your time there;

• Take in views of Amman sprawling over the nearby hills, as well as amazig views of the Roman Ampitheatre, at the Amman Citadel.
• Nestled in the heart of Amman is the Roman Ampitheatre, standing almost exactly as it did millenia ago. A must-see.
• Head to the lively Rainbow Street for popular bars, cafes and restaurants.
• Marvel at the towering King Abdullah I Mosque, which is also open to tourists.
• Head to Souk Al-Sukar, for a sensory overload as crowds of people flow through the market, with colourful fruit stacked high and the smell of armoatic spices filling the air.
• No trip to Jordan or Amman would be complete without trying copious amounts of Falafel.
• Visit Jerash to see the impressive ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gerasa.
• Take a day trip over to the Dead Sea, for a relaxing float, away from the hustle and bustle of Amman.
• Go hiking in the beautiful Dana Nature Reserve.

Petra

Nestled in the heart of the Jordanian desert, hidden among rugged mountains and steep gorges, lies one of the world’s most breathtaking archaeological sites—Petra. A UNESCO world heritage site, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is unmissable on any Jordan itnerary.

Catch an early moring bus from Amman to Petra on day 4. The JETT bus leaves at 6:30, arriving at 10:15 and costing £21.

For an off-the-beaten-path experience I recommend staying around Little Petra. Little Petra is a smaller archaeological site just a few kilometers from the main Petra complex. Here you can stay in stunning camps in the desert, in comfortable (or luxury) tents, enjoying great hospitality and with easy access to both Little Petra and Petra.

Things do in Petra

Well, theres only really a few things to do here, but what an incredible few things they are;

• Visit the unmissable Petra. Top Tip – It’s a large site with little to no shade. Take plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared to be hounded by people offering camel rides.
• Despite living in the shadow of it’s much more famous namesake archaelogical site, Little Petra is still a fascinating place with impressive structures. Bonus, it’s also much quieter, with less tourists, and less people harassing you for camel rides. Well worth a couple of hours of your time.
• Stay in the desert for a unique experience, sleeping under starry skies.

Wadi Rum

On the morning of day 6 (or you could go in the evening of day 5 if you wanted) head over to Wadi Rum.

One of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth, and known as the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum is a vast desert wilderness in southern Jordan, celebrated for its otherworldly beauty, towering sandstone mountains, and sweeping red sand dunes.

Wadi Rum is around 2 hours south of Petra, you can get a JETT bus again or even get a taxi, but remember if you get a taxi to agree a price beforehand, which should be around 35-40JOD (or around £40).

See my through the lens post for Wadi Rum here.

Top Tip – At this point in our trip we had made friends with a taxi driver who gave us his phone number and organised our transfers for a very good price for the rest of the trip. So make sure you take a business card from a driver if they offer it!

Just like at Petra, I would recommend again staying in one of the stunning desert camps here. Its unique experience and gives you easy access to the desert to make the most out of your time here.

Things do in Wadi Rum

There’s lots to see and do here as you explore the otherworldly landscape;

• Jump in a 4×4 for a bone-rattling Jeep tour of the desert, taking in the Burdah Bridge, Khazali Canyon, Mushroom Rock and much more.
• Climb Jebel Umm ad Dami and scale the highest mountain in Jordan. Check out my guide here!
• Hop on a proverbial desert ferry (camel) for a ride through the desert.
• Head to the skies in a Hot Air Balloon, to take in the incredible moon like landscape.
• Stargazing. Take in the incredible night sky, free from any light pollution.
• Make the most of the rolling sand dunes and try your hand at sand boarding.
• Visit the home of Lawrence of Arabia.

Aqaba

Next up after Wadi Rum is Aqaba.

Jordan’s only coastal city, Aqaba is a vibrant gateway to the Red Sea. Nestled between rugged mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, Aqaba offers some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, with stunning coral reef, marine life and shipwrecks to explore.

Again JETT buses can get you there from Wadi Rum, and the journey will only take around an hour. You can also get a taxi for around 20-25JOD (£20).

Things to do in Aqaba

Here are my top things to do whilst in this Red Sea gem;

• Snorkelling and Diving, there’s few better places in the world for it than the Red Sea.
• The Aqaba Fortress, also known as the Mamluk Castle, is famous for its role in the Arab revolt. The Fortress is mainly intact today, and you can explore the entire two-storey structure, including the stables, the prison and the execution room.
• If snorkelling and diving aren’t your cup of tea, jump in a glass bottom boat to take in the marine life and coral reefs.
• Head to the beach for a day of swimming and sunbathing. Check out Al-Ghandour Beach or South Beach.
• Don’t fancy the snorkelling, diving or boat? Check out the aquarium. The Aqaba Aquarium is part of the Aqaba Marine Science Station, near the port. It is full of rare wildlife that can be seen in the Red Sea.