If you are looking for 7 days in Jordan, you are in the right place. I have visited Jordan multiple times over the last 6 years and have made many mistakes when putting together what to do in what order. I was lucky enough to take an organized tour on my first visit to Jordan which took all of the confusing planning out of how to get from one place to the other. Since then I have driven all over Jordan, taken plenty of busses, and am pretty confident this is the best way to spend 7 days in Jordan whether it is your first time in Jordan or not.
I am going to make a few assumptions about your 7 days in Jordan. If these do not apply to you, I will offer alternates at the end of this post. For example, I am assuming you are arriving and departing from Amman’s Airport – AMM (Queen Alia International Airport). But if you are not, that is fine, if you are departing to Israel by land after your visit, I will suggest how you get to the border to cross).
In this Jordan 7 day trip, I am also making the assumption that you will be self-driving the country, or do not have any prior tours booked. Due to limited public transportation options, renting a car is the best way to get around in Jordan. Once you decide that that is the way to go for your visit, this itinerary will fall into place nicely. You can do most of this with a combination of taxis, private transport and public transportation, but it is far less convenient.
I also want to let you know that this itinerary is also good for visiting Jordan with kids. Almost all of Jordan is perfect for families and whether or not you are bringing your family with you, you can use this itinerary.
So let’s get into it, how to plan the best 7 days in Jordan itinerary to hit all of the major attractions of Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Jerash, and Amman!
7 Days in Jordan Start and Finish In Amman
Contents
Day 1 Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport
Most international long-haul flights into Amman arrive in the evening. So other than getting to your hotel, there is nothing on arrival day. If your flight arrives in the morning and you are not completely jet-lagged from a long travel day, you could head straight to Jerash (on Day 2 itinerary or perhaps wander around in Amman – also on Day 2).
If you arrive mid-day, I would suggest you check out our evening food tour of Amman.
To make the most of your time, I suggest you book a rental car with airport pickup.
Hotel Options in Amman: Check out Amman’s Five Star Hotels
Get a quote on renting a car here.
Overnight in Amman and rest up for day 2.
Day 2
Today you should take yourself on an Amman City Tour including the Amman Citadel, Roman Amphitheatre, walking through the old downtown visiting the local souq. Then you are going to want to visit Jerash (about 1 hour drive from Amman). Jerash is the most well-preserved Roman city in the world outside of Rome. Jerash features theatres, churches, temples, and colonnaded streets. You can easily spend a few hours walking around the site.
While you are in Amman, check out these places to eat in Amman. If you did not dive into the food scene on a food tour last night, you can book a food tour tonight!
Overnight in Amman
Day 3
After breakfast at your hotel, you will drive to Madaba. Here you will see the biggest mosaic map describing the Holy Land in St George’s Church dating to the 6th century AD. After, travel to Mount Nebo where Moses saw the “Promised Land” for the first time. The Franciscan monks originally built a small church here to house early Christian mosaics. In 2016 a new church was been built. It features restored mosaics all over the church. Next, travel to Karak Castle, one of the best preserved Crusader castles in Jordan. End your day by driving to Petra and overnight in Wadi Musa, the city where Petra is located.
Where to Stay in Petra
Mövenpick Resort Petra is the most opulent of all the 5-star hotels near Petra. It is also located on the other side of the street from Petra’s entrance, making it a perfectly convenient place to stay. Arguably the best hotel in Petra, the rooms at Mövenpick are exquisite; large and airy, and elegantly decorated. Thanks to the large windows, the rooms stay bright and filled with natural lights. The beds in each room are soft and comfortable, making residents want to spend their days sleeping in them. Even the pull out couches have comfortable mattresses and are perfect for families! The hotel also has a pool, it can be quite cold in fall, winter and spring.
Check Prices and book Movenpick Petra by clicking here
Petra Palace Hotel is located just a few minute’s walk from the Petra Visitors Center and the best three/four-star option near the site entrance. Its rooms are warmly but simply decorated and some have walkouts to the pool. Every room has a seating area. The rooms also have a well-stocked minibar, a mini-fridge, a television set with cable, and a spacious bathroom that comes with all the necessary toiletries. Breakfast is complimentary and served in the restaurant of the hotel, which is on the first floor.
Petra Moon Hotel is located just above the parking lot for the Petra Visitors Center and is one of the best hotels in Petra for travelers with a midrange budget who want to be close to the site. Petra Moon hotel is reasonably priced and is definitely worth the money spent to be very close to the site entrance. The rooms of this 3-star hotel are roomy, excellently cleaned, and simply decorated. The beds are simple and comfortable. Breakfast is served buffet-style in the restaurant and afterward. When you return in the evening, feel free to head up to the rooftop pool, where you can rest and think fondly about your full day of Petra exploration.
Check Prices and Book Petra Moon by Clicking Here
You can check out other hotels in this guide to the best hotels near Petra.
Overwhelmed with Planning a trip to Jordan?
Want to skip all of the planning and access my detailed Jordan Itinerary and Guide? I have been to Jordan several times and after being asked again and again for suggestions, not only did I build this website but I created an interactive PDF guide to help you plan the best trip to Jordan! It includes an interactive map, multiple itineraries for up to 10 days and as little as three days and plenty of practical information about renting a car and driving in Jordan. Get the guide by clicking the button below.
Day 4
Today is your day to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra. Explore the center of the Nabatean kingdom, which occupied the site in the 3rd century BC lasting over 400 years. Located along historical trade routes between Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean, Petra flourished with prosperity. Discovered only 200 years ago, your full-day site visit will cover the highlights of the mysterious capital city of the Nabateans starting with the narrow entrance called the “Siq” to the Treasury, Petra’s most famous sight. Continuing on, we will see pompous graves, an ancient amphitheater, a facade street, royal tombs, and remains of the Cathedral. You will have the opportunity to walk to the Monastery and the high place of sacrifice in the afternoon.
Optional cooking class with dinner or check out a list of places to eat near Petra. If you want something to do in the evening you can visit the Cave Bar, or book an evening show.
Overnight in Wadi Musa (Petra)
Day 5
Breakfast at hotel
Petra 1/2 day visit or little Petra, drive to the Jordan desert, Wadi Rum, for 2-hour sunset Jeep tour, optional camel rides and traditional Bedouin dinner and overnight in Wadi Rum traditional camp.
Day 6
Breakfast in Wadi Rum, visit Aqaba for free half day with optional snorkeling or diving. There are lots of things to do depending on your interests. Check out places to eat in Aqaba and things to do in Aqaba.
Overnight in Aqaba (Here are places to stay in Aqaba)
Day 7
Drive to the Dead Sea float at the lowest point on earth, optional Wadi Mujib, optional Baptism Site. Overnight at Dead Sea.
Where to Stay at the Dead Sea
Dead Sea Spa is the most economical choice for a nice hotel on the beach. The pools are nice, the staff is friendly and the rooms are good. They have a small waterpark for kids and a larger waterslide, perfect if you are traveling with a family. The Dead Sea Spa has a good chunk of beach access with mud for guests. There are showers right by the Dead Sea to shower off or get water or mud out of your eyes (trust me it stings) and there are a few pools for swimming and lounging. They have evening entertainment on the outside deck and guests can opt for a breakfast only room, or breakfast and dinner options.
Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea offers luxurious infinity pools and modern rooms. It boasts 20 acres of gardens and a massive spa. It has 9 restaurants and bars and features wifi inside and outside. It offers beach access to float at the Dead Sea as well as a kids club. It offers packages with breakfast and breakfast and dinner.
Marriott Dead Sea is one of the most expensive places to stay, but the property is stunning. It offers high end luxuries and a beautifully manicured property. It is located on the Dead Sea with beach access for floating
Hilton Dead Sea Resort and Spa is popular for loyal Hilton members. It offers luxurious, modern rooms, multiple bars, two swimming pools, private beach access and a fitness centre. Rooms can be booked with breakfast only or breakfast and dinner. If you choose the Hilton, you will not regret the upscale atmosphere. There is also a kids club for those traveling with kids. This gives mom and dad a break or time to float at the Dead Sea, as few kids enjoy the experience.
Crowne Plaza Dead Sea Resort and Spa often offers rates that are close to that of Dead Sea Spa but you get that little bit of extra 5* service. It offers a luxurious feel and modern rooms. It also caters to families.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is also one of the most beautiful properties on the Dead Sea. Its pools offer ultimate relaxation and views of the Dead Sea below. It is exceptionally clean and staff are friendly. It offers beach access for guests to float.
Ramada Resort Dead Sea is an economical option at the Dead Sea, but it is not located on the beach. It is a nice hotel, rated as a 4 star. It has two pools, one of which is heated in the winter. There is a shuttle that will take you to a private beach that runs all day. You can also walk if you do not mind. If you are visiting on a budget, this is probably your best option, but compare it to the other 4 star properties.
Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea is one of the most economical options to stay at the Dead Sea. The one downside to this hotel is that it is located acrosss the street from the Dead Sea so it does not have direct beach access. For the price, I personally think you are better off with the Dead Sea Spa.
Day 8 Fly home
Your time in Jordan has come to an end. Drive back to Queen Alia International Airport for departure. If you plan to now cross to Jerusalem, check out this post on getting from Amman to Jerusalem.
More Jordan Travel Resources for your 7 days in Jordan
Grab my Guide!
Want to take the guesswork out of your trip? I have a detailed color guide (over 35 pages with a detailed day-by-day itinerary for your time in Jordan). You can get more info and purchase it here.
5 Things to Bring with You to Jordan
I have always been a guidebook person and physically having that book in your hand as you plan your day, in addition to blogs like this one, can help immensely. I have a PDF guide to Jordan that covers this itinerary and more in detail! It is perfect to download to your phone and can even be printed! You can find it here!
Whether you want to keep the sun off your head or want to show a little modesty, a scarf goes a long way in Jordan any time of the year. You can bring one with you or pick up one when you arrive, but don’t leave your hotel in the morning without it! It can serve as a hat to keep the sun off your head and neck in the summer and can add some warmth in winter and can offer modesty to cover shoulders for women.
A Grayl Water Bottle is something I recommend for every traveller, not just those going to the Middle East. Some people say the water is safe to drink from the tap, others say it is not; it is not something I am going to chance. And Jordan has a HUGE garbage problem. The streets, the forests and even the desert are littered with plastic bottles.
If you consider drinking at least 1-2 big water bottles a day while you are there, think of how much plastic that creates when every visitor and the population’s 9 million people do the same. With a Grayl, you can filter any tap water (or actually any water source) and have clean drinking water in seconds. Since most people travel with water bottles already, consider one like this with a filter so that you are not just pouring from big water bottles to small. It might sound expensive, but when you compare it to spending a few dollars per day on water while you travel (and do not forget how expensive the water is inside airports), you will pay for this very quickly.
An inexpensive Universal Travel Adapter is another must for Jordan. You will find an assortment of 220V plugs, from European 2 pin, another style of 2 pin and UK Plugs. While European 2 pin is most common, it is best to carry one of these adapters with you. With a handy USB input, you do not need to bring your plugs from home.
Kleenex or Wipes are another thing to put on your list. Jordan’s public washrooms (and even restraint or hotel lobby washrooms can often be unstocked. Unless you are good with a bidet sprayer, bring yourself some kleenex or wipes just in case! You will find that most washrooms in tourist sites and rest stops have an attendant that will give you toilet paper and paper towel for a small tip. Usually, half a dinar is fine.
In Jordan, the plumbing is not set up to handle toilet paper. Every bathroom (even hotels) you should use the garbage can beside the toilet for your toilet paper and any sanitary products.
Motion Sickness Pills might be needed if you are prone to motion sickness and plan on traveling by bus or in the back of the car. There are many windy, hilly and bumpy roads in Jordan. Sea Bands might work for you if you are prone to motion sickness.
More Resources
In order to help make your visit to Jordan as memorable as possible, I have created a number of resources from planning guides to local eats.
If you have just begun the planning, check out 101 Things to do in Jordan and Interesting Facts about Jordan to give you some inspiration on the places you want to make sure you have time to see. Are you a backpacker? Or like to travel like one? Check out my guide to backpacking Jordan.
Rental Cars are very popular in Jordan, get a quote on renting a car before you arrive.
If you are working on a self-drive itinerary or plan to see the country independently, there is a guide on getting around in Jordan.
If you are thinking of booking a tour, or wondering how much hassle a self drive itinerary can be, check out this post I have on the best Jordan tours to book.
For your time in Amman, check out top things to do in Amman and where to eat.
For your time in Petra, check out our guide to Petra and what to eat in Wadi Musa
