Jerash

Airport transfer to Amman(30 minutes)

Pre-book a hotel transfer or use Careem app (JOD 20-25). Avoid the fixed-price taxi desk which overcharges. The highway into the city is modern and fast

Check-in and freshen up at hotel(1 hour)

Stay in the Jabal Amman area — The House Boutique Suites or Sydney Hotel have great locations near Rainbow Street. Budget options from JOD 30/night

Walk Rainbow Street(1.5 hours)

Amman's hippest strip — cafes, galleries, and street art. Stop at Hashem Restaurant (open 24 hours, been serving the best falafel and hummus in Jordan since 1952) for a cheap dinner. A full meal with juice costs JOD 3-4

Sunset from Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qala'a)(1 hour)

JOD 3 entry (included in Jordan Pass). The Temple of Hercules columns frame the city. The panoramic view over downtown Amman's white buildings stacked on hills is the perfect introduction to Jordan

Drive to Jerash (depart 7:30AM)(45 minutes)

Start early — the site opens at 8AM and you want to be there when the gates open, before the 10AM tour bus rush. Bring 1.5 liters of water per person and sunscreen

Hadrian's Arch and Hippodrome RACE show(1.5 hours)

Start at the 13-meter triumphal arch 400m south of the main gate. Time for the 11AM RACE show (Roman Army and Chariot Experience, JOD 12) — chariot races, gladiator fights, and legionary drills in the original hippodrome. Only place in the world you can see this

Oval Plaza, Cardo Maximus, and South Theater(2 hours)

Walk the 800m colonnaded Cardo Maximus with original chariot ruts in the stone. At the Oval Plaza, 56 Ionic columns still stand. Climb to the top row of the 3,000-seat South Theater and clap at the center of the orchestra pit — the acoustics are extraordinary

Temple of Artemis and Nymphaeum(1 hour)

15-minute uphill walk from the Oval Plaza. Insert a spoon in the column base gaps to see the 12-meter columns sway — earthquake-resistant Roman engineering. The ornate Nymphaeum fountain along the Cardo is easy to miss if you rush

Lunch at Lebanese House in Jerash town(1 hour)

Exit the site and eat at the entrance town — much better than the overpriced cafeteria inside. Excellent mansaf and mezze for JOD 5-8 per person

Drive to Ajloun Castle(1 hour)

From Amman, take the highway north through rolling green hills. Ajloun is 73km northwest of Amman, or just 20km from Jerash

Ajloun Castle (Qal'at ar-Rabad)(1.5 hours)

JOD 3 entry (included in Jordan Pass). Built 1184 AD by Saladin's generals to control iron mines and guard against Crusaders. Seven towers, a moat, and sweeping views across the Jordan Valley

Ajloun Forest Reserve hike(2 hours)

Managed by RSCN. The Roe Deer Trail (2km, easy) winds through old-growth oak, pistachio, and strawberry trees. Entry JOD 7. The Soap House on-site sells olive oil soap made by local women's cooperatives

Lunch at RSCN lodge(1 hour)

Traditional Jordanian lunch spread for JOD 12 — stuffed grape leaves, fattoush, grilled chicken with sumac. Eat on the terrace overlooking the forest canopy

Return to Amman, dinner at Sufra(2 hours)

Drive back (1 hour) and dine at Sufra near the 1st Circle — a converted heritage house with the best upscale Jordanian cuisine in Amman. Mains JOD 8-15

Roman Theater and Archaeological Museum(1.5 hours)

A perfectly preserved 6,000-seat Roman theater from the 2nd century AD. JOD 2 entry. Climb to the top for city views. The Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions has traditional costumes and Bedouin jewelry

Downtown souk walk(1.5 hours)

Wander the gold souk, spice market, and fabric shops along King Talal Street. Try knafeh from Habibah Sweets (JOD 0.50 a plate) — the queue out the door tells you everything

Lunch at Al Quds Restaurant(1 hour)

Downtown institution serving maqluba (upside-down rice and chicken) for JOD 3. Packed with locals at noon

King Abdullah I Mosque(45 minutes)

Blue-domed Ottoman-style mosque, one of few in Jordan open to non-Muslims. Free entry (modest dress required, abayas provided). Interior blue mosaic dome is stunning. Open 8AM-11AM and 12:30-2PM

Evening at Books@Cafe(2 hours)

Amman's original artsy cafe with a terrace overlooking the city on Rainbow Street. Shisha and Arabic coffee with cardamom on the rooftop is the quintessential Amman evening

Late breakfast at Fann wa Chai(1.5 hours)

Art & Tea cafe near the 1st Circle — eggs shakshuka and fresh-squeezed orange juice with a city view. JOD 6 for a full breakfast

Beit Sitti cooking class(3 hours)

Hands-on cooking in a traditional Amman home — learn to make mansaf, stuffed vine leaves, and hummus from scratch. JOD 35 per person including lunch. Book at beitsitti.com, morning sessions at 10AM

Darat al-Funun art galleries(1.5 hours)

Free contemporary Arab art in beautiful stone buildings on Jabal al-Lweibdeh hill. Sculpture garden with city views. Open Sat-Thu 10AM-7PM

Dinner at Fakhr el-Din(1.5 hours)

Splurge dinner at Amman's finest Lebanese restaurant in a 1920s villa. Cold mezze spread (JOD 20 for two) and lamb cutlets. Book for sunset on the terrace

Drive to the Dead Sea(45 minutes)

Hire a driver (JOD 40-50 round trip) or rent a car. The descent from Amman to -430m is dramatic — ears pop on the way down

Float in the Dead Sea at Amman Beach(2 hours)

Amman Beach (public) charges JOD 20 entry with towel, locker, and shower. Float on your back — 34% salinity makes it impossible to sink. Don't shave beforehand and do NOT get water in your eyes. 15-20 minutes floating is plenty

Dead Sea mud bath(30 minutes)

Slather the mineral-rich black mud over your body (free at the beach), let it dry 10 minutes, then rinse. Your skin will feel impossibly soft

Lunch at Dead Sea Panoramic Complex(1 hour)

Restaurant with sweeping views across the water to Israel and Palestine. Grilled meats and salads for JOD 8-12. The museum covers the Dead Sea's ecology and alarming shrinkage rate

Return to Amman via Mount Nebo (optional)(1.5 hours)

Stop at Mount Nebo where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land — panoramic views across the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea. JOD 3 entry (included in Jordan Pass)

Breakfast at Shams El Balad(1 hour)

Organic cafe on Rainbow Street — excellent shakshuka, fresh bread, and locally roasted coffee. JOD 7-10 for a full breakfast. A perfect farewell meal

Last-minute shopping at Wild Jordan Center(1 hour)

RSCN-certified crafts supporting local communities, Dead Sea products, and Jordanian spices. The terrace cafe has great views too

Airport transfer(45 minutes)

Queen Alia Airport is 35km south. Allow 3 hours before your flight. Pick up Jordanian sweets from Al Nafura in the terminal

Airport transfer to Amman(30 minutes)

Pre-book a hotel transfer or use Careem app (JOD 20-25). The highway into the city is modern and fast

Check-in at hotel in Jabal Amman(1 hour)

The House Boutique Suites or Sydney Hotel have great locations near Rainbow Street. Budget options from JOD 30/night

Walk Rainbow Street(1.5 hours)

Cafes, galleries, and street art. Stop at Hashem Restaurant (open 24 hours, falafel and hummus since 1952) — a full meal with juice costs JOD 3-4

Sunset from Amman Citadel(1 hour)

JOD 3 entry (included in Jordan Pass). Temple of Hercules columns frame the city. The panoramic view over downtown Amman is the perfect introduction

Drive to Jerash (depart 7:30AM)(45 minutes)

Arrive for the 8AM opening before the 10AM tour bus rush. Bring 1.5 liters of water and sunscreen — virtually no shade

Hadrian's Arch and RACE show at the Hippodrome(1.5 hours)

Start at the 13-meter triumphal arch. Catch the 11AM RACE show (JOD 12) — chariot races, gladiator fights, and legionary drills in the original 15,000-seat hippodrome

Oval Plaza, Cardo Maximus, and South Theater(2 hours)

Walk the 800m colonnaded street with original chariot ruts. 56 Ionic columns at the unique Oval Plaza. Test the acoustics at the 3,000-seat South Theater

Temple of Artemis and Nymphaeum(1 hour)

12-meter Corinthian columns that sway in the wind — insert a spoon in the base gaps to see. The ornate Nymphaeum fountain is easy to miss

Lunch at Lebanese House(1 hour)

Exit the site and eat in Jerash town. Mansaf and mezze for JOD 5-8 per person. Much better than the cafeteria inside

Drive to Ajloun Castle(1 hour)

73km northwest of Amman through rolling green hills. Or 20km from Jerash if combining trips

Ajloun Castle (Qal'at ar-Rabad)(1.5 hours)

JOD 3 entry (Jordan Pass). Built 1184 AD by Saladin's generals. Seven towers, a moat, and sweeping views across the Jordan Valley to Palestine

Ajloun Forest Reserve hike(2 hours)

RSCN-managed. Roe Deer Trail (2km, easy) through old-growth oak and pistachio. Entry JOD 7. The Soap House sells handmade olive oil soap from local women's cooperatives

Lunch at RSCN lodge(1 hour)

Traditional Jordanian spread for JOD 12 — stuffed grape leaves, fattoush, grilled chicken with sumac on the forest terrace

Return to Amman, evening at Abdali Boulevard(2 hours)

Drive back (1 hour). Stroll the modern Abdali district. Dinner at Sufra near the 1st Circle — heritage house, upscale Jordanian cuisine, JOD 8-15 mains

Roman Theater and museums(1.5 hours)

6,000-seat theater from the 2nd century AD. JOD 2. Climb to the top for city views. The Folklore Museum and Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions are in the theater's wings

Downtown souk exploration(1.5 hours)

Gold souk, spice market, fabric shops on King Talal Street. Try knafeh from Habibah Sweets (JOD 0.50) — the queue is half the fun

Lunch at Al Quds Restaurant(1 hour)

Maqluba (upside-down rice and chicken) for JOD 3. A downtown institution packed with locals at noon

King Abdullah I Mosque(45 minutes)

Blue-domed mosque open to non-Muslims. Free entry (abayas provided). Interior blue mosaic dome is stunning. Open 8AM-11AM and 12:30-2PM

Darat al-Funun galleries(1.5 hours)

Free contemporary Arab art in stone buildings on Jabal al-Lweibdeh. Sculpture garden with city views. Sat-Thu 10AM-7PM

Dinner at Fakhr el-Din(1.5 hours)

Amman's finest Lebanese restaurant in a 1920s villa. Cold mezze (JOD 20 for two), lamb cutlets. Book the terrace

Drive to the Dead Sea(45 minutes)

Hire a driver (JOD 40-50 round trip). The descent from Amman is dramatic — ears pop as you drop below sea level

Float and mud bath at Amman Beach(2.5 hours)

JOD 20 entry with towel, locker, shower. Float effortlessly in 34% salinity. Don't shave beforehand, avoid eye contact with the water. Slather free mineral mud, dry 10 minutes, rinse for impossibly soft skin

Lunch at Dead Sea Panoramic Complex(1 hour)

Views across to Israel and Palestine. Grilled meats and salads JOD 8-12. The museum covers the Dead Sea's alarming shrinkage

Mount Nebo(1 hour)

Where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land. JOD 3 (Jordan Pass). Panoramic views across the Jordan Valley. The 6th-century mosaic floor in the church is exceptional

Drive to Madaba(30 minutes)

30km southwest of Amman on the King's Highway. The town is small and walkable

St. George's Church mosaic map(45 minutes)

JOD 1 entry. A 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land embedded in the church floor — the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of Jerusalem and the region. 15.7m x 5.6m with 2 million tesserae

Madaba Archaeological Park(1 hour)

JOD 3 entry (Jordan Pass). More stunning Byzantine mosaics including the Hippolytus Hall with mythological scenes. The mosaic school next door trains students in the ancient craft — you can watch them work

Lunch at Haret Jdoudna(1 hour)

Restored Ottoman courtyard restaurant. Lamb ouzi (slow-cooked in spices) and fresh tabouleh for JOD 8-12. The outdoor courtyard is lovely

Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas)(1.5 hours)

UNESCO World Heritage baptism site of Jesus. JOD 12 (Jordan Pass). Guided tours only — you walk to the actual Jordan River bank. The tiny Elijah's Hill church and excavated Byzantine baptism pools are moving regardless of faith

Late breakfast at Shams El Balad(1.5 hours)

Organic cafe on Rainbow Street — shakshuka, fresh bread, locally roasted coffee. JOD 7-10 for breakfast

Beit Sitti cooking class(3 hours)

Hands-on cooking in a traditional Amman home — mansaf, stuffed vine leaves, hummus from scratch. JOD 35 per person including lunch. Book beitsitti.com

Free afternoon stroll through Jabal al-Lweibdeh(2 hours)

Amman's artsy neighborhood — indie bookshops, street murals, and cozy cafes. Browse the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts (free). Have tea at Jadal for Knowledge and Culture

Evening at Books@Cafe(1.5 hours)

Rooftop shisha and Arabic coffee with cardamom overlooking the city. The quintessential Amman evening

Depart Amman via King's Highway(2 hours)

Head south through Madaba. The road winds through dramatic Wadi Mujib canyon — Jordan's Grand Canyon. Stop at the viewpoint for photos

Dana Nature Reserve viewpoint(45 minutes)

Quick stop at the Dana Village overlook — a crumbling 15th-century stone village perched on a cliff above a vast canyon stretching to the Dead Sea. Free viewpoint. The eco-lodge here is one of Jordan's best (from JOD 80/night)

Arrive in Wadi Musa (Petra town)(1 hour)

Check into a hotel in Wadi Musa — Rocky Mountain Hotel or La Maison Hotel are mid-range with Petra views. Budget: JOD 25-40/night. The town is walkable to the Petra entrance

Petra by Night(2 hours)

JOD 17 extra. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings only. Walk the Siq by candlelight (1,500 candles line the path) to the Treasury, where Bedouin musicians play traditional instruments. Starts 8:30PM. The flickering candlelit Treasury is an image you won't forget

The Siq to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh)(1.5 hours)

The 1.2km slot canyon narrows to 3 meters wide with walls 80m high. The first glimpse of the Treasury through the canyon gap is cinema-worthy. Arrive at 6AM opening to have it nearly to yourself

Street of Facades and Royal Tombs(1.5 hours)

Continue past the Treasury along the main colonnaded street. The Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, and Palace Tomb are carved into the cliff face. Climb into the Urn Tomb for interior views and the 70m-wide terrace

Lunch at the Basin Restaurant(1 hour)

The only proper restaurant inside Petra, near the trailhead to the Monastery. Buffet lunch JOD 15 — overpriced but convenient. Alternatively, pack sandwiches from Wadi Musa

Hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir)(2.5 hours)

850 rock-cut steps up from the Basin — 45 minutes each way. The Monastery is even larger than the Treasury (47m wide x 48m tall) but sees far fewer visitors. The cafe at the top serves sweet Bedouin tea with a jaw-dropping view. Don't miss this

Exit via the Siq at golden hour(45 minutes)

The late afternoon light turns the sandstone walls from pink to amber. Most tour groups leave by 3PM, so you'll have the Siq largely to yourself

High Place of Sacrifice trail(2.5 hours)

Turn left at the Treasury and climb the 800 carved steps to the summit altar at 1,035m. Panoramic views over the entire Petra valley. The descent via Wadi Farasa passes the Lion Monument and Garden Tomb — a quieter, more beautiful route than backtracking

Wadi Farasa to the Colored Sandstone(1.5 hours)

The soldier's tomb and triclinium in Wadi Farasa have the most vivid natural color banding in Petra — swirls of pink, purple, yellow, and cream in the rock face

Lunch and rest at a Bedouin tea tent(1 hour)

Bedouin families run informal tea tents scattered throughout Petra. Sweet sage tea (JOD 1-2) and shade. These families have lived in the area for generations — their stories about growing up in the caves are fascinating

Explore the Turkmaniyya tomb and Qasr al-Bint temple(1.5 hours)

The only freestanding structure in Petra (not carved from rock). The Turkmaniyya tomb has a remarkably intact carved Nabataean inscription explaining funeral rites

Last sunset views from the Treasury overlook(1 hour)

A short scramble up the trail opposite the Treasury (follow other hikers) gives a bird's-eye view down onto the iconic facade. The light at 4-5PM is magic

Drive to Wadi Rum (depart 8AM)(1.5 hours)

The road from Petra descends into increasingly dramatic desert. Stop at the Wadi Rum visitor center to buy entry (JOD 5 with Jordan Pass) and meet your Bedouin guide

4x4 desert tour with Bedouin guide(4 hours)

A pick-up truck tour through the desert valleys — Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon with pre-Islamic rock inscriptions, natural rock bridges (Burdah and Um Fruth), and the red sand dunes. JOD 40-60 per vehicle for 4 hours. The scale of the landscape is staggering

Lunch at a Bedouin camp(1 hour)

Traditional zarb lunch — meat and vegetables slow-cooked underground in sand for 4-6 hours. Tea brewed on open fire. Included in most overnight camp packages

Sunset from a sand dune(1 hour)

Your guide will take you to the best dune for sunset — the desert turns from orange to crimson to purple. One of the most photogenic sunsets on Earth

Overnight in Bedouin camp under the stars(overnight)

Sleep in a traditional goat-hair tent or upgrade to a bubble tent for stargazing. Basic camps from JOD 25/person including dinner and breakfast. Luxury camps (Sun City Camp) from JOD 120. The Milky Way is visible with the naked eye — no light pollution for 100km

Sunrise over Wadi Rum(1 hour)

Wake at 5:30AM. The first light hitting the sandstone towers turns them from shadow to gold. Coffee brewed on the camp fire. This is why you stayed overnight

Morning camel ride(1 hour)

A gentle 30-60 minute camel ride through the desert (JOD 10-15). The Bedouin way of experiencing Wadi Rum — slower and more contemplative than the 4x4

Drive to Aqaba(1 hour)

70km south from Wadi Rum to Aqaba on the Red Sea. Check into a hotel — Kempinski is luxury, Captain's Hotel is solid mid-range (JOD 50/night)

Aqaba fish market lunch(1 hour)

Buy fresh fish at the central market and have it grilled at the adjacent restaurants for a small fee. Red Sea sea bream with tahini, JOD 5-8

Snorkeling at the South Beach(2 hours)

Aqaba's coral reef starts right off the beach — no boat needed. The Japanese Garden and Cedar Pride wreck are accessible with snorkel gear (rent JOD 5). The Red Sea has 1,000+ fish species and year-round warm water (22-28°C)

Sunset dinner at Ali Baba Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Waterfront seafood restaurant — grilled prawns and mezze with Red Sea views. Mains JOD 8-15. One of Aqaba's best

Morning dive or snorkel trip(3 hours)

Two-tank dive with Ahlan Aqaba or Seastar Watersports (JOD 55-70). The Cedar Pride wreck at 25m is the highlight. Non-divers can snorkel the Aqaba Marine Park reef (JOD 3 entry). The coral here rivals the best in the Red Sea

Relaxed beach morning(2 hours)

Berenice Beach Club (JOD 15 entry with pool access) or the free public South Beach. The water is clear and warm year-round

Lunch at Rovers Return(1 hour)

British-run pub-restaurant with surprisingly good fish and chips and cold beer (JOD 4). A Aqaba institution for travelers

Free afternoon — souk and duty-free shopping(2 hours)

Aqaba is a duty-free zone — electronics and perfumes are cheap. The small souk near the fort has silver jewelry and spices. Aqaba Fort (Mamluk-era) is worth a quick visit, JOD 3

Seafood dinner at Royal Yacht Club(1.5 hours)

Upscale waterfront dining at the marina. Fresh Red Sea fish, grilled lobster (JOD 20), and marina views. Book ahead for an outdoor table

Morning swim or beach walk(1 hour)

One last dip in the Red Sea. The early morning light on the water is beautiful, with Saudi Arabia's mountains visible across the gulf

Breakfast at Al Mohandes Bakery(45 minutes)

Local bakery famous for fresh-baked cheese manakish (flatbread with za'atar or cheese) and cardamom coffee. JOD 2-3 for a full breakfast

Airport transfer or highway drive(45 minutes to 4 hours)

Aqaba Airport (AQJ) is 15 minutes from town with Royal Jordanian flights to Amman (45 minutes). Or drive the Desert Highway to Queen Alia Airport (AMM) — 4 hours, flat and fast. Pick up Dead Sea products and Jordanian sweets at the airport

Airport transfer to Amman(30 minutes)

Careem app or pre-booked hotel transfer (JOD 20-25). Avoid the taxi touts at arrivals

Check-in at hotel(1 hour)

The House Boutique Suites or Sydney Hotel near Rainbow Street. Budget options from JOD 30/night

Walk Rainbow Street(1.5 hours)

Dinner at Hashem Restaurant — open 24 hours, the best falafel and hummus in Jordan since 1952. JOD 3-4 for a full meal

Sunset from Amman Citadel(1 hour)

JOD 3 (Jordan Pass). Temple of Hercules columns and panoramic city views. The perfect introduction to Jordan

Drive to Jerash(45 minutes)

Taxi JOD 25-30 round trip or minibus from Tabarbour (JOD 1). Arrive for the 8AM opening

Hadrian's Arch and RACE show(1.5 hours)

Start at the triumphal arch. Catch the 11AM RACE show (JOD 12) — chariot races and gladiator fights in the original 15,000-seat hippodrome

Oval Plaza, Cardo Maximus, South Theater(2 hours)

800m colonnaded street with chariot ruts. 56 Ionic columns at the Oval Plaza. Test the acoustics at the South Theater

Temple of Artemis and Nymphaeum(1 hour)

Swaying 12-meter columns (insert a spoon in the base to see). The ornate 2nd-century fountain

Lunch at Jerash Rest House(1 hour)

At the entrance town. Mansaf and mezze for JOD 5-8. Far better than the site cafeteria

Drive to Ajloun(1 hour)

73km northwest of Amman. Or combine with Jerash (20km between them)

Ajloun Castle(1.5 hours)

JOD 3 (Jordan Pass). 1184 AD Ayyubid fortress with seven towers and Jordan Valley views

Ajloun Forest Reserve Roe Deer Trail(2 hours)

2km easy walk through oak, pistachio, and strawberry trees. JOD 7. The Soap House sells handmade olive oil soap

Lunch at RSCN lodge terrace(1 hour)

Stuffed grape leaves, fattoush, grilled chicken. JOD 12 for the spread

Drive back, dinner at Sufra(2 hours)

Heritage house restaurant near Amman's 1st Circle. Upscale Jordanian cuisine, JOD 8-15 mains

Roman Theater(1 hour)

6,000-seat 2nd-century theater. JOD 2. Climb to the top for city views

Downtown souk walk(1.5 hours)

Gold souk, spice market, King Talal Street. Knafeh from Habibah Sweets (JOD 0.50)

Lunch at Hashem (downtown branch)(45 minutes)

Falafel, hummus, and ful — JOD 3. Kings and backpackers eat here alike

Jordan Museum(2 hours)

JOD 5. Jordan's premier museum — the Dead Sea Scrolls, Ain Ghazal statues (9,000 years old), and excellent archaeological collections. Air-conditioned. Allow 2 hours

King Abdullah I Mosque(45 minutes)

Blue-domed mosque open to non-Muslims. Free entry with abayas provided

Dinner at Rakwet Arab(1.5 hours)

Traditional Jordanian food in a restored downtown building. Lamb mansaf and maqluba. JOD 6-10 per person

Late breakfast at Fann wa Chai(1.5 hours)

Art & Tea cafe — shakshuka and fresh orange juice with a city view. JOD 6

Beit Sitti cooking class(3 hours)

Cook mansaf, stuffed vine leaves, and hummus in a traditional home. JOD 35 including lunch. beitsitti.com

Darat al-Funun galleries(1.5 hours)

Free contemporary Arab art. Sculpture garden with city views. Sat-Thu 10AM-7PM

Evening stroll through Jabal al-Lweibdeh(1.5 hours)

Amman's artsy neighborhood — indie bookshops, street murals, cafes. Tea at Jadal for Knowledge and Culture

Drive to the Dead Sea(45 minutes)

Hired driver JOD 40-50 round trip. Ears pop on the dramatic descent to -430m

Float and mud bath at Amman Beach(2.5 hours)

JOD 20 entry. Float effortlessly in 34% salinity. Free mineral mud bath — skin feels impossibly soft

Lunch at Dead Sea Panoramic Complex(1 hour)

Views to Israel/Palestine. Grilled meats JOD 8-12. Museum on the Dead Sea's ecology

Mount Nebo(1 hour)

JOD 3 (Jordan Pass). Where Moses viewed the Promised Land. 6th-century mosaic floor in the church

Madaba — St. George's Church mosaic map(45 minutes)

JOD 1. The oldest surviving map of the Holy Land, 6th century, 2 million tesserae embedded in the church floor

Madaba Archaeological Park(1 hour)

JOD 3 (Jordan Pass). Byzantine mosaics including the Hippolytus Hall. Watch students at the mosaic school practicing the ancient craft

Lunch at Haret Jdoudna(1 hour)

Ottoman courtyard restaurant. Lamb ouzi and tabouleh for JOD 8-12

Bethany Beyond the Jordan(1.5 hours)

JOD 12 (Jordan Pass). UNESCO baptism site of Jesus. Guided tours walk to the actual Jordan River bank

Drive south on the King's Highway(2 hours)

One of the Middle East's most scenic roads — through Wadi Mujib canyon (Jordan's Grand Canyon), past ancient villages and olive groves

Kerak Castle(1.5 hours)

JOD 2 (Jordan Pass). Massive 12th-century Crusader castle with underground tunnels. Reynald de Chatillon's fortress that provoked Saladin. Far less crowded than Jerash

Lunch in Kerak town(1 hour)

King's Restaurant near the castle entrance — simple but good grilled chicken and rice, JOD 4-5

Continue to Dana Nature Reserve(1.5 hours)

Continue south on the King's Highway through increasingly dramatic desert scenery

Check in at Dana Guest House(1 hour)

RSCN eco-lodge perched on the cliff edge of Dana Village. From JOD 80/night with dinner and breakfast. The crumbling 15th-century stone village is atmospheric. Views over a vast canyon to the Dead Sea rift are extraordinary

Wadi Dana Trail hike(5 hours)

14km one-way downhill from Dana Village to Feynan (arrange car pickup). Descends through sandstone gorges, past Nabataean copper mines, and into the Wadi Araba desert. Moderate difficulty. JOD 20 guide fee. One of Jordan's best hikes

Packed lunch en route(30 minutes)

The guesthouse prepares trail lunches — flatbread, cheese, cucumber, boiled eggs. Eat at the canyon viewpoint halfway down

Feynan Eco-Lodge afternoon tea(1 hour)

If you hike to Feynan, this candlelit eco-lodge (no electricity, solar powered) serves tea and local snacks. Run by the RSCN and local Bedouin. One of National Geographic's top 25 eco-lodges. Optional overnight from JOD 120

Return to Dana Village and evening stargazing(2 hours)

Transfer back to Dana (30 minutes by car). The night sky from the village terrace is spectacular — zero light pollution. Dinner at the guesthouse included with your stay

Morning walk around Dana Village(1 hour)

Explore the crumbling Ottoman-era stone village at dawn. Locals still live here — you'll see goats, chickens, and incredible light on the canyon walls

Drive to Wadi Musa (Petra)(1.5 hours)

90km south. Check into Rocky Mountain Hotel or La Maison Hotel (mid-range, Petra views). Budget: JOD 25-40/night

Lunch at Al-Wadi Restaurant(1 hour)

Near the Petra entrance. Reliable Jordanian food — fattoush, grilled meats. JOD 6-8 per person

Wadi Musa Turkish Bath (hammam)(1.5 hours)

Salome Turkish Bath on the main road. Full scrub, steam, and massage for JOD 25. Perfect pre-Petra relaxation

Petra by Night(2 hours)

JOD 17. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday only. Walk the Siq by 1,500 candles to the Treasury. Bedouin music echoes off the cliffs. Starts 8:30PM

The Siq to the Treasury(1.5 hours)

1.2km slot canyon narrowing to 3m with 80m walls. The first glimpse of the Treasury through the gap is cinema-worthy. 6AM arrival for near-solitude

Street of Facades and Royal Tombs(1.5 hours)

Carved cliff tombs — Urn, Silk, and Palace Tombs. Climb into the Urn Tomb for the 70m terrace views

Lunch at Basin Restaurant(1 hour)

Buffet JOD 15 near the Monastery trailhead. Or pack sandwiches from Wadi Musa

Hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir)(2.5 hours)

850 steps up — 45 minutes each way. Larger than the Treasury (47m x 48m). Bedouin tea at the summit cafe with jaw-dropping views

Exit via the Siq at golden hour(45 minutes)

Late afternoon light turns the sandstone from pink to amber. Most groups leave by 3PM

High Place of Sacrifice trail(2.5 hours)

800 steps from the Treasury to the summit altar at 1,035m. Panoramic valley views. Descend via Wadi Farasa for the quieter route past the Lion Monument

Colored sandstone in Wadi Farasa(1 hour)

The soldier's tomb and triclinium have the most vivid natural color banding — pink, purple, yellow swirls in the rock

Bedouin tea tent break(45 minutes)

Sweet sage tea (JOD 1-2) and shade with Bedouin families who've lived here for generations

Qasr al-Bint temple(1 hour)

The only freestanding structure in Petra. The Turkmaniyya tomb nearby has a Nabataean inscription about funeral rites

Treasury overlook at sunset(1 hour)

Short scramble up the trail opposite for a bird's-eye view of the Treasury. The 4-5PM light is magical

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)(2 hours)

Free entry. A miniature Petra 9km north of Wadi Musa — narrow siq, carved facades, and a painted Nabataean ceiling (the only surviving painted interior). Far fewer visitors. The trail connecting to Petra's back entrance is a beautiful 2-hour walk

Ammarin Bedouin Camp visit(2 hours)

A community-run tourism project outside Little Petra. Learn bread-baking in hot sand, try target shooting with a slingshot, and hear Bedouin stories. JOD 15-25 per person for the experience

Lunch at the camp(1 hour)

Traditional zarb (underground oven) lunch — lamb and vegetables cooked under sand. Included in the camp experience

Free afternoon in Wadi Musa(2 hours)

Rest, shop for Nabataean-inspired jewelry and sand art bottles at the local shops. Or hike to the Ain Musa (Spring of Moses) — the spring where Moses struck the rock

Dinner at My Mom's Recipe(1.5 hours)

Family-run restaurant in Wadi Musa with home-style Jordanian cooking. Lamb maklouba and fresh salads. JOD 7-10

Drive to Wadi Rum(1.5 hours)

Meet your Bedouin guide at the visitor center. Entry JOD 5 with Jordan Pass

4x4 desert tour(4 hours)

Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon rock inscriptions, natural rock bridges (Burdah and Um Fruth), red sand dunes. JOD 40-60 per vehicle

Lunch at a desert camp(1 hour)

Traditional zarb — meat and vegetables cooked underground. Tea brewed on open fire

Sunset from a sand dune(1 hour)

The desert turns orange to crimson to purple. One of the most photogenic sunsets on Earth

Overnight in Bedouin camp(overnight)

Traditional tent or bubble tent for stargazing. Basic camps JOD 25/person (dinner + breakfast). Luxury: Sun City Camp from JOD 120. The Milky Way is stunning

Sunrise over Wadi Rum(1 hour)

Wake at 5:30AM. First light turns the sandstone towers from shadow to gold. Camp fire coffee

Burdah Rock Bridge hike(3 hours)

A scramble up to the highest natural rock arch in Wadi Rum (35m above ground). Moderate-difficult, requires a guide (JOD 25). The view from the bridge over the desert is vertigo-inducing

Camel ride through Barrah Canyon(1.5 hours)

A narrow canyon with towering walls — experienced on camelback the Bedouin way. JOD 15-20. Slower and more contemplative than the 4x4

Lunch in the shade of a cliff(1 hour)

Your guide prepares traditional Bedouin bread cooked in the sand and hot tea. Simple, perfect

Sandboarding on the red dunes(1.5 hours)

Borrow a board from your camp and slide down the steep red sand dunes. Free. The dunes near the Um Fruth rock bridge are the best

Second night under the stars(overnight)

Sleep out on mattresses in the open desert (weather permitting) — no tent, just you and the Milky Way

Morning tea and farewell to camp(1 hour)

Breakfast with your Bedouin hosts. The quiet morning desert has a peace unlike anything in the modern world

Drive to Aqaba(1 hour)

70km south. Check into Captain's Hotel (mid-range, JOD 50/night) or Kempinski for luxury

Aqaba fish market lunch(1 hour)

Buy fresh catch and have it grilled next door. Red Sea bream with tahini, JOD 5-8

Snorkeling at the Japanese Garden reef(2 hours)

The best snorkeling in Aqaba — coral starts right off the beach. Rent gear JOD 5. Warm water year-round (22-28°C), 1,000+ fish species

Dinner at Ali Baba Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Waterfront seafood — grilled prawns and mezze with Red Sea views. JOD 8-15

Two-tank morning dive(3 hours)

Dive the Cedar Pride wreck (25m) and the Japanese Garden reef with Ahlan Aqaba or Seastar (JOD 55-70). Even beginners can do a discovery dive (JOD 60)

Beach time at Berenice Beach Club(2 hours)

JOD 15 entry with pool access. Sun loungers, clear water, cold drinks. Or the free South Beach for a local vibe

Lunch at Rovers Return(1 hour)

British-run institution — good fish and chips, cold beer (JOD 4)

Glass-bottom boat tour(1.5 hours)

See the coral without getting wet — boats depart from the marina, JOD 10 per person for a 1-hour cruise over the reef

Dinner at Royal Yacht Club(1.5 hours)

Upscale marina dining. Fresh Red Sea fish, grilled lobster (JOD 20). Book an outdoor table

Sleep in and slow morning(2 hours)

After two weeks of active travel, enjoy a proper lie-in and leisurely hotel breakfast

Aqaba Fort and Archaeological Museum(1 hour)

Mamluk-era fort near the waterfront. JOD 3. The museum covers Aqaba's history from the Nabataean period through Islamic eras

Duty-free shopping(1.5 hours)

Aqaba is a Special Economic Zone — no sales tax. Electronics, perfumes, and gold are cheaper here. The small downtown souk has silver jewelry and spices

Afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding(1.5 hours)

Rent from the South Beach operators — JOD 10-15/hour. Paddle over the reef in crystal-clear water

Farewell seafood dinner at Floka Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Local favorite for grilled fish — no frills, just excellent fresh seafood at honest prices. JOD 6-10 per person

Drive north through Wadi Araba(2.5 hours)

The road follows the Dead Sea rift with dramatic views of the Negev desert across the border. 180km to Feynan turnoff

Transfer to Feynan Eco-Lodge(45 minutes)

Leave your car at the Feynan access point and take the lodge's 4x4 shuttle (included). No roads lead to the lodge — that's the point

Afternoon hike with local Bedouin guide(2 hours)

Explore the copper smelting sites dating back 7,000 years. The area has the oldest copper mines in the world. Your guide shares Bedouin knowledge of desert plants and survival

Candlelit dinner at the lodge(1.5 hours)

Feynan has no electricity — everything is by candlelight and solar. Vegetarian buffet using local ingredients. The atmosphere is magical

Stargazing from the rooftop(1 hour)

The lodge provides telescopes and star maps. With zero light pollution, the Milky Way is a bright river across the sky. One of the top 25 eco-lodges in the world (National Geographic)

Sunrise walk in the canyon(1 hour)

The sandstone walls glow orange at first light. Listen to the silence — broken only by birdsong and distant goat bells

Bedouin bread-making workshop(1 hour)

Learn to make shrak bread on a domed metal plate over open fire with the local Bedouin women. Eat it fresh with za'atar and olive oil

Drive to Amman via Desert Highway(3.5 hours)

Return your car to the access point and drive the fast Desert Highway north. Stop at a highway rest stop for one last mansaf

Final evening on Rainbow Street(2 hours)

One last walk down Amman's hippest strip. Pick up souvenirs — Dead Sea products, Jordanian spices, and olive oil soap. Farewell dinner at Sufra

Breakfast at Shams El Balad(1 hour)

Organic cafe on Rainbow Street — shakshuka, fresh bread, locally roasted coffee. JOD 7-10. A perfect goodbye

Last-minute shopping at Wild Jordan Center(1 hour)

RSCN-certified crafts, Dead Sea products, and Jordanian spices. The terrace cafe for a final coffee

Airport transfer(45 minutes)

Queen Alia Airport is 35km south. Allow 3 hours before your flight. Pick up a box of Jordanian sweets from Al Nafura in the terminal