- May 6, 2025
- 11 min read
Jordan is truly a fascinating country with its thousands of years of historical heritage, the ancient city of Petra (one of the New Seven Wonders of the World), its Mars-like desert landscapes seen in films, and its unique natural sites. In this blog post, I have prepared a 7-day itinerary covering highlights such as Amman, the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum. You can also find alternative places I visited or researched, along with important travel notes.
Jordan Travel Itinerary
🇯🇴 Amman – Capital city, historical landmarks, local cuisine, and Jordanian culture
🖼 Madaba & Mount Nebo – Where religion and history come together
🌊 Dead Sea – The lowest point on Earth
🏛 Petra Ancient City – The jewel of Jordan, explore the traces of history
🕌 Wadi Rum – Desert safari and exploration of the red deserts
📌 In this blog post, you can find a detailed daily plan, how much time to spend at each location, important travel notes, and alternative routes combining nature and seaside options.
Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Jordan
I’ve put together some important tips to make your trip easier. You can skip this section and continue directly with the Amman section.
🇯🇴 Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Capital: Amman (population: 2.2 million)
Population: 11.4 million
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) – 1 JOD = 1.29 EUR = 54 TRY (Current Rates)
Official Language: Arabic
Neighbors: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Israel
Time Zone: GMT+03:00
🌍 Best Season to Visit
The best time to visit Jordan is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these periods, the weather is mild, tourist crowds are smaller, and prices are more reasonable. Summer months (June–August) can be extremely hot, especially in desert areas and Petra. In winter (December–February), the weather can be cold and rainy.
🛂 Visa & Safety
Visa: Turkish citizens do not need a visa to enter Jordan. You can easily enter the country with your passport.
Safety: Jordan is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East. However, it’s still wise to check developments in Israel and surrounding regions before traveling. Throughout my trip, I encountered many tourists of all ages—women and men, traveling alone or as couples. Overall, the environment feels safe, but as anywhere in the world, it’s important to stay cautious, especially in the evenings and in quiet or isolated areas.
🎫 Jordan Pass
Jordan Pass offers great convenience for entry to many tourist attractions in Jordan. It includes options for 1, 2, or 3 days in Petra, as well as different ticketing and pricing options for the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ. It also provides access to more than 40 museums. The Jordan Museum and the Moses Memorial Church (Mount Nebo) are not included in the Jordan Pass.
🌙 Religion & Ramadan
Islam plays a significant role in Jordanian life, so I’ve included some notes especially for those traveling during Ramadan. Throughout Ramadan, most shops and venues are usually closed until noon, and restaurants and cafés are generally closed until iftar. At iftar time, restaurants often offer fixed menus, and you cannot freely choose dishes from the menu. Additionally, opening and closing hours listed on maps and online are often not up to date. During this period, it’s best to choose quieter places for eating and drinking outside.
🚶♂️ People of Jordan
The people of Jordan are genuinely very hospitable and helpful. They have a lifestyle rooted in Arab culture and are extremely understanding and kind toward foreigners. They have a strong affection for Türkiye and closely follow Turkish TV series. As you travel further south, Bedouin culture becomes more prominent. Jordan has also received significant migration from other Arab countries such as Egypt, Syria, and Palestine.
👟 Be Ready to Walk!
Jordan is generally hilly, with many slopes, ups and downs, and staircases. Cities are often built in valleys (such as Amman and Wadi Musa). Especially if you plan to explore Petra thoroughly, be prepared for a lot of walking.
🚗 Ulaşım: Havalimanı, Şehir İçi ve Şehirlerarası Ulaşım
From the Airport to Amman
From Queen Alia International Airport, you can reach Amman city center by bus or taxi/shuttle. A shuttle or taxi ride to the city center usually costs around 20–30 JOD.
Intercity Transportation
There are intercity buses in Jordan and they are commonly used by locals. However, they are not highly recommended for tourists due to limited schedules and lower comfort. The most comfortable and flexible option is renting a car. Many tourists choose this method and explore the country freely.
Public Transportation within Cities
Bus / Coach: City buses are common but mostly used by locals. Stations, signs and directions can sometimes be confusing.
🔴 Taxi: Taxis are widely available in major cities. However, before getting in, you should clearly state your destination and agree on the price in advance. Otherwise, you may encounter unpleasant surprises. For example, for distances that should cost 2–3 JOD, you might hear “the taxi-meter showed 7–8 JOD.” And, taxi meters are often not placed in a clearly visible spot.
Guides & Private Tours
I frequently noticed tourists, especially from Europe and the US, hiring local guides. These guides usually rent a 4x4 vehicle, pick you up from the airport, take you along your planned route, and drop you off at the airport at the end of the tour. I rented a car and was able to explore my route comfortably on my own. Doing good preliminary research and using map applications effectively is generally sufficient.
💰 Money & Payments
Exchange offices are easily accessible in city centers. Credit card usage is quite common in Jordan (JOD, EUR, or USD), but some small shops accept cash only. If you plan to go to Wadi Rum, make sure to carry cash with you.
⚠️ Sensitive Topics
t’s important to be cautious when discussing politics (especially Middle Eastern politics) and religious topics. Being calm and respectful in religious areas is essential.
🗣 Communicate
Locals generally speak only Arabic. In central Amman and tourist areas, it’s possible to communicate in English.
You can open many doors with: Salam Alaikum, Alaikum Salam, and Shukran.
Amman
Amman is a city that brings together both the modern and traditional fabric of the Middle East. It is crowded, traffic is heavy, and because many side streets are narrow, driving can be challenging. Although places in Amman may seem close to each other, you often find yourself climbing or descending more than 100 steps along the way. Planning the areas you want to visit in advance and using taxis makes exploring Amman much easier. Visiting local markets and shops in the city is also extremely enjoyable.
Historical & Religious Sites
Amman Citadel
Temple of Hercules
Umayyad Palace
The Byzantine Church
Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque
Roman Theatre
Grand Husseini Mosque
Museums & Cultural Spaces
Jordan National Museum of Archaeology
The Jordan Museum
Areas to Explore, Streets, Entertainment & Social Spots
Wast al-Balad (Downtown)
Al Nada Souq
Rainbow Street
If you want to learn about history and culture of Jordan, explore local markets, and try some local flavors, I recommend setting aside one full day for Amman.
Madaba and Mount Nebo
Madaba is famous for its churches and Greek Orthodox mosaics. It is a lovely stop for those interested in history and religious heritage. Mount Nebo is closely associated with the life of Prophet Moses. It is believed to be the place where Moses saw the Promised Land but was not allowed to enter it. A church and a monastery were built here in his memory. From Mount Nebo, you can enjoy a panoramic view and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s historical and religious significance.
📌 By leaving Amman early in the morning, you can reach Madaba in less than one hour by car. I visited one museum there and spent about an hour before continuing on to Mount Nebo, which is very close by. After a short walk while enjoying the view at Mount Nebo, I then continued on to the Dead Sea (about 1 hour).
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is truly worth seeing. Located 427 meters below sea level, it lies between Israel and Jordan. All hotels and beaches are situated on the northern side of the Dead Sea. In the central area, there is Wadi Mujib, a beautiful spot for walking along the river. The southern part, on the other hand, is entirely industrial, with salt extraction facilities.
📌 Compared to normal seawater, the Dead Sea is about ten times saltier and is rich in chloride salts such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, and bromine. In addition, the atmospheric oxygen level here is higher than in many other parts of the world. With its extraordinary heat, high salt concentration, strong buoyancy, and mineral-rich structure, the Dead Sea has attracted people since ancient times. Historical figures such as King Herod the Great and Cleopatra are also known to have benefited from these healing waters.
📌 The site where Jesus was baptized is located just north of the Dead Sea (about a 30-minute drive). Since it is close to the Israeli border and involves strict security checks, I chose not to visit it in order to avoid losing time.
📌 After swimming in the Dead Sea and spending 2–3 hours there, I continued on toward Petra. Staying one night at the Dead Sea and heading to Petra well-rested would have been a better option.
Petra Ancient City
Petra, also known as the “Rose City,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The moment you arrive in Petra, walk through the famous Siq gorge, and reach Al-Khazneh (the Treasury) is truly breathtaking—you feel as if you’ve stepped into another world.
Petra Ancient City is one of Jordan’s most valuable treasures and by far its most famous tourist attraction. It is the legacy of the Nabataeans, a hardworking Arab civilization that settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Their refined culture, monumental architecture, and ingenious water channels and dam systems continue to inspire admiration.
Petra was home to different civilizations such as the Nabataeans, Edomites, and Romans, who combined their knowledge and skills to create this unique world wonder. In ancient times, caravans loaded with incense, silk, spices, and exotic goods used Petra as an important stop along their trade routes.
Places in Petra Ancient City
Petra Ancient City
*As-Siq (the narrow gorge)
*The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Street of Facades
Theatre (Ancient Theatre)
High Place of Sacrifice
Royal Tombs
Nymphaeum (monumental fountain / water shrine)
Colonnaded Street
Qasr al-Bint (religious temple)
Lion Triclinium (a rock-cut chamber decorated with lion reliefs, used for banquets)
*The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
* The most famous and best-preserved remains
Museums
Petra Museum
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
You can think of Little Petra as a smaller version of the main Petra site. It is only a 10-minute drive from Petra and offers a calmer, more relaxed experience due to fewer crowds. You can explore the entire area in about half an hour.
📌 Petra is located within the town of Wadi Musa. Hotels, restaurants, and markets are all in Wadi Musa. If your accommodation is far from the Petra entrance, I strongly recommend using a taxi or a car, as a long walk awaits you inside. It’s best to save your energy from the very beginning.
📌 Petra is a vast archaeological site with several different hiking routes. Fully exploring the area, including Little Petra, may require more than one day. However, if you plan to follow the main route and see the highlights, one full day can be sufficient. You can check the routes online, and keep in mind that each route is one-way only. I managed to explore Little Petra and Petra (including the Main Trail, the Monastery, and the Royal Tombs) by walking a total of around 20 km.
🔴 Inside Petra, you may encounter Bedouins offering to take you on mules. They often claim that this service is free and included in the entrance ticket, but this is not true. Additionally, the animals did not appear to be in good condition, so I definitely chose not to ride them.
Wadi Rum
With its red deserts, Wadi Rum truly makes you feel as if you are no longer on Earth. The crimson-colored mountains and the endless desert landscapes create an otherworldly atmosphere. Everything feels reminiscent of Mars; silent, vast, and deeply mesmerizing.
There are many camp sites in Wadi Rum, most of which are run by the local people, the Bedouins. You can also easily arrange activities through these camps. Options include 2, 3, 4, or 6-hour Jeep safari tours, as well as camel rides at sunrise or sunset. It’s possible to book these activities even if you are not staying overnight at a camp.
📌 I highly recommend arranging all your plans before arriving in Wadi Rum, as leaving things to the last minute can be challenging once you’re there. Credit cards are not accepted anywhere, so make sure to carry enough cash with you.
📌 In Wadi Rum, you can stay either at desert camps or in Bedouin mountain caves. Traditional dinners served at the camps are also very delicious.
📌 Unfortunately, stargazing in Wadi Rum was a bit of a disappointment. I had expected to clearly see the entire Milky Way, but that wasn’t the case. It looked similar to how the night sky appears in an average city.
7-Day Itinerary, Alternatives & Notes
📌 Transportation Notes
Pegasus flights from Türkiye to Jordan usually operate late at night. This can create some time-related challenges, especially for both outbound and return flights. If you’re planning to travel with Pegasus, it’s a good idea to take this into account while organizing your itinerary.
📌 Travel Route
I started my trip in Amman and traveled south, finishing the journey by returning from Wadi Rum back to Amman on the last day. However, the trip can easily be done in different ways as well.
Option 1: After landing at Queen Alia International Airport, you can rent a car and head directly south—to Aqaba or Wadi Rum. (The drive takes about 3–4 hours. Roads are mostly 2–3 lanes and very comfortable.) You can then travel north, visiting key sights along the way, and finish your trip in Amman.
Option 2: You can take a domestic flight from Queen Alia International Airport to Aqaba and rent a car there. From Aqaba, travel north, visit the main attractions, and end your journey in Amman.
📌 Driving
Driving in Jordan is generally quite comfortable. Amman can be busy, with heavy traffic and roads that may seem confusing at first. Because side streets are narrow, I personally tried to avoid driving within Amman. However, driving between cities and in other towns is much easier and more relaxed. Most road signs are in both Arabic and English, so navigation is straightforward. Free parking is also widely available almost everywhere.
📌 Sea & Nature Alternatives
Aqaba: Located about 70 km from Wadi Rum (around a 1-hour drive). Aqaba is one of the most recommended destinations for tourists who want to dive in the Red Sea or try other water activities.
Dana Biosphere Reserve & Feynan: A highly recommended route for nature lovers, known for its stunning landscapes. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Wadi Musa (Petra).
Jerash & Ajloun: These can be added to your itinerary while staying in Amman. After Petra, the ancient city of Jerash is the second most visited site in Jordan and is considered one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world. It is about 45 km north of Amman, roughly a 40-minute drive. Unfortunately, I couldn’t visit due to a few issues with my car rental, but every tourist and local I spoke to strongly recommended it. Apparently, both Jerash and Ajloun can be comfortably explored within half a day.
Food
Jordanian cuisine reflects the rich flavors of the Middle East and carries influences from Arab traditions as well as Ottoman and Levantine cuisines.
Mansaf
Considered Jordan’s national dish. It is served with lamb, rice, and a special sauce called jameed (dried fermented goat’s milk/yogurt). Mansaf is traditionally prepared for weddings, holidays, and special occasions, and it symbolizes hospitality and social unity.
Maqluba (Makloubeh)
The name means “upside down” in Arabic. Meat, vegetables, and rice are layered in a pot and cooked together. When served, the pot is flipped upside down, creating a visually impressive dish.
Falafel
Usually made from chickpeas, these fried balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are commonly eaten in sandwiches, wraps, or as part of a mezze spread. Falafel is especially popular for breakfast and snacks, and it becomes even more delicious when served with tahini sauce and hummus.
Kebab
Kebab varieties are very common in Jordan and genuinely delicious. There are skewered lamb or chicken kebabs, as well as spiced kebabs similar to Adana kebab. They are typically served with grilled vegetables, rice, or in flatbread wraps.
Hummus
This mezze, made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, appears on almost every table. Flavored with olive oil and cumin, hummus is enjoyed at all meals, from breakfast to dinner.
Baklava
One of the most popular desserts. Thin layers of pastry are filled with pistachios or walnuts and soaked in syrup. Compared to Turkish baklava, the Jordanian version is usually less sweet and lighter in syrup. Carrying clear traces of Ottoman cuisine, this classic dessert is still made using traditional methods in Jordan. I especially recommend Zalatimo Brothers baklava, you can find many branches in the city, and it’s also easy to buy at the airport.
