Petra

Airport transfer to Wadi Musa(3 hours)

JETT bus from Amman's 7th Circle at 6:30AM (JOD 11 one-way, book at jett.com.jo). Private taxi JOD 60-80. Rental car from JOD 25/day. The Desert Highway is faster; the King's Highway is scenic but adds 2 hours

Hotel check-in in Wadi Musa(1 hour)

Stay near the Petra Visitor Centre for easy access. Movenpick Resort Petra is directly at the entrance. Budget options from JOD 20/night, mid-range from JOD 50/night. The Petra Guest House has a cave bar

Evening orientation walk in Wadi Musa(1 hour)

The town has restaurants, ATMs, and shops along the main road descending to the Petra entrance. Stock up on water (minimum 3 litres per person for tomorrow) and snacks

Dinner at Al-Wadi Restaurant(1 hour)

Local restaurant on the main road. Mansaf (Jordan's national dish — lamb in yoghurt sauce over rice) is the must-try. JOD 8-15 per person. Simple but authentic

Enter Petra at 6AM through the Siq(45 minutes)

Buy your ticket at the Visitor Centre (Jordan Pass recommended — JOD 70-80 includes visa fee waiver). The 1.2 km Siq canyon with 80m walls is dramatic. Walk slowly — notice the ancient water channels and Roman-era paving. The first glimpse of the Treasury through the Siq's end is unforgettable

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)(45 minutes)

Arrive before 8AM to see the 40m facade without crowds. The morning light makes the rose sandstone glow golden. No entry inside — it's a tomb. The Treasury viewpoint trail (unofficial, opposite cliff) adds a different perspective. Photos are best before 9AM

Street of Facades(30 minutes)

Row of carved Nabataean tombs along the main path past the Treasury. Free (included in ticket). Each facade shows a different style of funerary architecture

Royal Tombs(1.5 hours)

Climb the short trail to the eastern cliff face — Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, Palace Tomb. The Urn Tomb interior was converted to a Byzantine church in 447 AD. Less crowded than the Treasury. Remarkable carved arches

Lunch at Basin Restaurant(1 hour)

The only proper restaurant inside Petra, near the museum. Buffet lunch JOD 15-18. Overpriced but convenient. Alternatively, bring packed lunch and eat at one of the shaded rest areas

Colonnaded Street & Great Temple(1 hour)

The Roman-era main street of the ancient city. The Great Temple (partially excavated) gives a sense of Petra's scale beyond the famous facades. Free

Walk back through the Siq at sunset(45 minutes)

The return walk through the Siq in late afternoon light is magical — the walls glow pink and orange. Much quieter than the morning. Most tour groups leave by 3PM

Hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir)(3 hours)

850-step climb from the basin (45-60 minutes up). Larger than the Treasury at 50m wide x 45m tall. Go in the morning for the best light on the facade. The cafe at the top sells tea and snacks. Continue past the Monastery for viewpoints over the Araba Valley. Total 8 km return from main entrance

Tea at the Monastery viewpoint(30 minutes)

Bedouin tea tent past the Monastery with views into the desert below. JOD 2-3 for a glass of sweet sage tea. One of the most serene spots in Petra

Descend and lunch break(1 hour)

Return to the basin area. Eat at Basin Restaurant or your packed lunch. Rest in the shade — the midday sun is intense

High Place of Sacrifice(2 hours)

Steep 30-minute climb from the Street of Facades. 360-degree panoramic views over Petra's basin. The sacrificial altar and obelisks at the top date to the 1st century BC. Carry water. Descend via the back route past the Lion Fountain and Garden Tomb for a different perspective

Dinner at Petra Kitchen(2 hours)

Cooking class + dinner experience. JOD 35. Prepare traditional Jordanian dishes (hummus from scratch, fattoush, main course, dessert) then eat everything you made. Book ahead — popular and intimate (max 60 guests)

Drive to Wadi Rum(1.5 hours)

Rental car or arranged taxi from Wadi Musa. The desert highway is straightforward

4x4 jeep tour of Wadi Rum(4 hours)

Join a Bedouin-guided jeep tour through the desert. JOD 40-60 per person. Visit Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon (petroglyphs), red sand dunes, and the natural rock bridges. The scale of the sandstone formations is overwhelming

Bedouin lunch in the desert(1 hour)

Most tours include a Bedouin-prepared lunch — zarb (underground BBQ), rice, salads, and tea. Eaten sitting on carpets in the shade of a rock formation

Sunset at a viewpoint(1 hour)

Your guide will take you to a dune or rock formation for sunset. The desert turns from orange to red to purple. Wadi Rum sunsets are consistently among the best on earth

Return to Wadi Musa(1.5 hours)

Drive back in the evening. Alternatively, spend the night in a Wadi Rum desert camp (from JOD 40 per person including dinner and breakfast) — sleeping under the stars here is exceptional

Drive to Dana Village(1 hour)

Follow the King's Highway north from Wadi Musa. Dana Village sits on the edge of a canyon with stone houses from the 15th century

White Dome Trail hike(3 hours)

8 km trail through sandstone formations and juniper woodland. Free with Dana reserve entry (JOD 10). Moderate difficulty. Views into the Wadi Araba rift valley. Start from Dana Guest House

Lunch at Dana Guest House(1 hour)

Simple but excellent local food with canyon views. JOD 7-12 for a full meal. The terrace overlooks the entire Wadi Dana valley

Dana Village walk(1 hour)

Explore the restored stone village. The RSCN (Royal Society for Conservation of Nature) runs it as an ecotourism project. Local crafts, herbal soaps, and silver jewelry available at the cooperative shop

Sleep in and late breakfast(2.5 hours)

Your legs will thank you. Many hotels have rooftop terraces with views over the Petra hills

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)(1.5 hours)

A miniature Petra 9 km north of Wadi Musa. Free entry. A short siq leads to carved facades, triclinium banquet halls, and a painted Nabataean ceiling (one of the only surviving ones). Far fewer people. 20-minute drive

Late lunch at Al Saraya Restaurant(1 hour)

In central Wadi Musa. Jordanian grills, hummus, and fresh tabouleh. JOD 8-15. The mixed grill platter feeds two

Petra by Night(2 hours)

Walk through the candlelit Siq to the Treasury illuminated by 1,500 candles. Runs Mon, Wed, Thu at 8:30PM. JOD 17 in addition to your day pass. Arrive 30 minutes early for the best seating position facing the Treasury. The Bedouin music under the stars is haunting

Optional stop: Shobak Castle(45 minutes)

Crusader castle ruins 25 km north of Wadi Musa on the King's Highway. Free entry. Less restored than Kerak Castle but more atmospheric. Quick stop if driving to Amman

Drive to Queen Alia Airport (Amman)(3 hours)

Desert Highway is fastest (235 km). JETT bus departs Petra at 5PM (JOD 11). Or drive the King's Highway for stops at Kerak Castle, Dana viewpoint, and Madaba mosaics — adds 2-3 hours but is worth it if you have the time. Allow 3 hours before international flights

Airport transfer to Amman(45 minutes)

Airport Express bus to 7th Circle (JOD 3.30). Taxi JOD 25-30. Uber/Careem operate. Stay in the Jabal Amman or Rainbow Street area for walkable restaurants and views

Walk Rainbow Street(1.5 hours)

Amman's hippest street with cafes, art galleries, and sunset views over the city's hills. Wild Jordan Center at one end has a terrace overlooking the Old City with excellent fresh juices (JOD 4-6)

Dinner at Hashem Restaurant (Downtown)(1 hour)

Amman's most beloved restaurant — open since 1952. Falafel, hummus, fuul, and fresh bread. JOD 3-5 per person for a full meal. Kings have eaten here. Always packed, always excellent

Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qala)(1.5 hours)

JOD 2 entry (free with Jordan Pass). The Temple of Hercules columns and Umayyad Palace ruins overlook the entire city. The Jordan Archaeological Museum inside is small but has the Dead Sea Scrolls fragments

Roman Amphitheatre(45 minutes)

JOD 2 (free with Jordan Pass). 6,000-seat theatre from 2nd century AD, still used for events. Excellent acoustics — test them from the stage. 5-minute walk downhill from the Citadel

Lunch at Sufra Restaurant(1 hour)

Traditional Jordanian cuisine in a beautiful old Amman house. The maqluba (upside-down rice and chicken) and musakhan (roasted chicken on taboon bread) are outstanding. JOD 12-20 per person

King Abdullah Mosque(30 minutes)

The blue-domed modern mosque. JOD 1 entry for non-Muslims. Modest dress required — abayas provided. Guided tours available. The interior dome is impressive

Sunset from the Citadel terrace(45 minutes)

Return to the Citadel area for sunset views over Amman's white stone buildings and minarets. The light at golden hour is beautiful

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

30 km south of Amman. A 6th-century floor mosaic showing the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land. JOD 1 entry. The map of Jerusalem is particularly detailed

Mount Nebo(45 minutes)

JOD 2 entry. The site where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. On a clear day you can see the Dead Sea, Jordan Valley, and even Jerusalem. The 6th-century church has beautiful mosaic floors

Lunch at Haret Jdoudna (Madaba)(1 hour)

Atmospheric restaurant in a restored Ottoman-era building. Jordanian mezze and grills. JOD 10-18 per person. The courtyard setting is charming

Kerak Castle(1 hour)

Massive Crusader castle from 1142 AD. JOD 2 (free with Jordan Pass). Explore the dark underground passageways — bring a flashlight. The castle overlooks the town from a dramatic hilltop. Allow 1 hour

Arrive in Wadi Musa(1.5 hours)

Final stretch to Petra. Check in and rest. Stock up on water (minimum 3 litres per person for Petra)

Dinner at Al-Wadi Restaurant(1 hour)

Mansaf (lamb in yoghurt over rice). JOD 8-15. Simple, authentic

The Siq and Treasury(1.5 hours)

Jordan Pass at the Visitor Centre. 1.2 km Siq with 80m walls. The Treasury reveal at the end is unforgettable. Arrive before 8AM for crowd-free photos

Street of Facades(30 minutes)

Row of carved Nabataean tombs past the Treasury

Royal Tombs(1.5 hours)

Eastern cliff: Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, Palace Tomb. Urn Tomb has Byzantine church interior (447 AD). Less crowded

Lunch at Basin Restaurant(1 hour)

Only restaurant inside Petra. Buffet JOD 15-18. Or bring packed lunch

Colonnaded Street & Great Temple(1 hour)

Roman-era main street and the partially excavated Great Temple

Return through the Siq at sunset(45 minutes)

Late afternoon light makes the walls glow pink and orange

Monastery (Ad-Deir)(3 hours)

850-step climb (45-60 min up). Larger than the Treasury. Morning light best. Cafe at top. Continue past for Araba Valley views. 8 km return

Bedouin tea at the Monastery viewpoint(30 minutes)

Tea tent with desert views. JOD 2-3 for sage tea. One of Petra's most serene spots

High Place of Sacrifice(2 hours)

Steep climb from Street of Facades. 360-degree views. 1st century BC altar and obelisks. Descend via the back route past Lion Fountain and Garden Tomb

Dinner at Petra Kitchen(2 hours)

Cooking class + dinner. JOD 35. Make hummus, fattoush, and a main from scratch. Book ahead

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)(1.5 hours)

Free entry. 9 km north. Short siq, carved facades, painted Nabataean ceiling. Far fewer visitors. 20-minute drive

Afternoon rest and pool(3 hours)

Some Wadi Musa hotels have pools. Recovery for your legs. Read about the Nabataean civilization — it makes the third Petra day much richer

Petra by Night(2 hours)

Mon, Wed, Thu at 8:30PM. JOD 17. Candlelit Siq to Treasury with 1,500 candles. Arrive 30 min early for best Treasury-facing seats. Bedouin music under the stars

Al-Khubtha Trail (Treasury viewpoint from above)(2 hours)

A steep trail up from the Royal Tombs area to a viewpoint directly above the Treasury. The aerial view looking straight down is one of Petra's most incredible perspectives. Unmarked — ask locals or guides to point the way

Wadi Farasa trail(2 hours)

A quiet back route descending from the High Place via the Renaissance Tomb, Soldier's Tomb, and Garden Tomb. Few visitors take this path. The carved gardens are remarkable

Lunch at a Bedouin tent inside Petra(1 hour)

Small Bedouin-run tea and snack tents are scattered through Petra. Simple food — flatbread, tea, sometimes maglouba. JOD 5-10. The conversations with the Bedouin families are often the trip highlight

Revisit the Treasury in afternoon light(30 minutes)

The afternoon sun creates completely different shadows and colours. Most day-trippers are gone by 3PM. The Treasury in near-silence is a different experience entirely

Drive to Wadi Rum Visitor Centre(1.5 hours)

Entry JOD 5 (free with Jordan Pass). Meet your Bedouin guide and jeep at the village

4x4 jeep tour(4 hours)

JOD 40-60 per person. Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon petroglyphs, natural rock bridges, red sand dunes, Burdah Rock Bridge. The scale of the sandstone is overwhelming

Sunset at a dune(1 hour)

Your guide finds the perfect spot. The desert turns orange, red, purple. One of the best sunsets on earth

Bedouin zarb dinner at camp(2 hours)

Zarb — lamb and vegetables slow-cooked underground in an earth oven. Dug up dramatically in front of you. Plus rice, salads, hummus. Eaten around a fire under a sky with more stars than you've ever seen

Sleep in the desert(8 hours)

Desert camps range from basic (mattress under the stars, JOD 40) to luxury bubble tents (JOD 200+). Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp and Memories Aicha Camp are highly rated

Desert sunrise(1 hour)

Set an alarm. The dawn light on the sandstone mountains is breathtaking. Bedouin breakfast with tea, bread, and jam

Drive to the Dead Sea(3 hours)

Via the Araba Highway heading north. The landscape transitions from desert to the Jordan Rift Valley. The descent to 430m below sea level is palpable — your ears pop

Float in the Dead Sea(1.5 hours)

The hypersaline water makes you float effortlessly. Cover yourself in the mineral-rich black mud (free from the shore). Do NOT get water in your eyes — it's agonizing. Shower off after 15-20 minutes max. Most hotels and resorts have Dead Sea access

Late lunch at Dead Sea resort(1 hour)

Kempinski or Hilton Dead Sea allow day visitors (from JOD 25-50 including pool and beach). The lunch buffets are generous. JOD 15-25

Check in to Dead Sea hotel or drive to Amman(1 hour)

Dead Sea to Amman is only 1 hour. Stay the night at the Dead Sea for the full experience, or head to Amman for the next day's exploring

Drive to Dana Village(2 hours)

From the Dead Sea via the King's Highway. Or from Amman (2.5 hours). Dana Village on the canyon edge has stone houses from the 15th century

White Dome Trail hike(3 hours)

8 km through sandstone and juniper woodland. JOD 10 reserve entry. Moderate. Wadi Araba rift views

Lunch at Dana Guest House(1 hour)

Local food with canyon views. JOD 7-12. The terrace overlooks the entire Wadi Dana

Dana Village walk and cooperative shop(1 hour)

RSCN ecotourism project. Local crafts, herbal soaps, silver jewelry at the cooperative

Drive to Jerash(1 hour)

From Amman, take the highway north. Well-signed

Jerash archaeological site(3 hours)

JOD 10 (free with Jordan Pass). The Oval Plaza, Temple of Artemis, and colonnaded streets are remarkably intact. The South Theatre still hosts performances. The daily chariot show and legionary demonstration (included in entry) are entertaining. Allow 3 hours minimum

Lunch at Lebanese House (Jerash town)(1 hour)

Local restaurant near the entrance. Excellent hummus, tabbouleh, and grilled meats. JOD 7-12

Ajloun Castle(1.5 hours)

JOD 3 (free with Jordan Pass). 12th-century Arab castle built by Saladin's general to counter the Crusaders. 30 minutes west of Jerash. The hilltop views are outstanding. Less visited than Kerak

Transfer to Aqaba(2 hours)

From Wadi Rum or Petra. Or fly from Amman (1 hour, from JOD 30 one-way on Royal Jordanian). Aqaba is a free trade zone — many goods are tax-free

Snorkeling at the South Beach reef(2 hours)

The Japanese Garden and First Bay are the best snorkeling sites. Entry to the marine park JOD 5. Snorkel gear rental JOD 5-10. The coral is remarkably close to shore — within wading distance

Lunch at Ali Baba Restaurant(1 hour)

Waterfront institution since the 1970s. Fresh grilled fish and seafood. JOD 8-15. The sea breeze and Red Sea views make it special

Glass-bottom boat tour(1 hour)

JOD 15-25 per person. See the coral reef without getting wet. Boats depart from the main marina. The Aqaba reef has 500+ species of fish and 200 species of coral

Aqaba souk walk(1 hour)

Tax-free shopping — spices, coffee, nuts, and gold are cheaper here than elsewhere in Jordan. The old town streets have a relaxed Red Sea port atmosphere

Morning at leisure or Dead Sea revisit(3 hours)

One more float in the Dead Sea, return to Amman for last souvenir shopping, or revisit the Citadel at sunset

Souvenir shopping in Downtown Amman(1.5 hours)

The souks around King Hussein Mosque sell spices, mosaics, keffiyehs (traditional scarves), and Dead Sea products. Haggling is expected but gentler than in Egypt

Farewell dinner at Fakhr El-Din(2 hours)

Amman's finest restaurant in a converted 1920s residence on Zahran Street. Lebanese-Jordanian haute cuisine. JOD 25-40 per person. The vine-leaf terrace is romantic. The hot and cold mezze spread is extraordinary. Reserve ahead

Final breakfast at Hashem Restaurant(45 minutes)

One last falafel breakfast at Amman's legendary eatery. JOD 3-5. Open early

Last walk in Amman or shopping(1.5 hours)

Pick up last-minute Dead Sea cosmetics (Jordan River brand is excellent and affordable) or Arabic coffee sets

Airport transfer to Queen Alia (AMM)(45 minutes)

Airport Express bus JOD 3.30. Taxi JOD 25-30. Allow 3 hours before international flights

Airport transfer to Amman(45 minutes)

Airport Express bus JOD 3.30. Taxi JOD 25-30. Stay in Jabal Amman or Rainbow Street area

Walk Rainbow Street(1.5 hours)

Amman's hippest street. Wild Jordan Center has terrace with fresh juices JOD 4-6

Dinner at Hashem Restaurant(1 hour)

Since 1952. Falafel, hummus, fuul. JOD 3-5. Kings have eaten here

Amman Citadel(1.5 hours)

JOD 2 (free with Jordan Pass). Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace

Roman Amphitheatre(45 minutes)

JOD 2 (free with Jordan Pass). 6,000 seats. 2nd century AD

Lunch at Sufra Restaurant(1 hour)

Maqluba and musakhan. JOD 12-20

King Abdullah Mosque(30 minutes)

JOD 1 for non-Muslims. Abayas provided

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

6th-century floor mosaic. JOD 1

Mount Nebo(45 minutes)

JOD 2. Where Moses saw the Promised Land

Lunch at Haret Jdoudna (Madaba)(1 hour)

Restored Ottoman building. JOD 10-18

Kerak Castle(1 hour)

JOD 2. Crusader castle from 1142 AD

Dinner at Al-Wadi Restaurant(1 hour)

Mansaf. JOD 8-15

The Siq and Treasury(1.5 hours)

Jordan Pass at Visitor Centre. 1.2 km Siq. Before 8AM for crowd-free photos

Royal Tombs(1.5 hours)

Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb. Less crowded

Lunch at Basin Restaurant(1 hour)

Only restaurant inside Petra. Buffet JOD 15-18

Monastery (Ad-Deir)(3 hours)

850 steps. Larger than Treasury. Morning light best. 8 km return

Bedouin tea at Monastery viewpoint(30 minutes)

Sage tea JOD 2-3

High Place of Sacrifice(2 hours)

Steep climb. 360-degree views. Descend via Lion Fountain

Dinner at Petra Kitchen(2 hours)

Cooking class + dinner. JOD 35. Book ahead

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)(1.5 hours)

Free entry. 9 km north. Painted Nabataean ceiling

Petra by Night(2 hours)

Mon, Wed, Thu at 8:30PM. JOD 17. 1,500 candles in the Siq

Al-Khubtha Trail (Treasury viewpoint from above)(2 hours)

Steep trail from Royal Tombs area. Aerial view down to Treasury

Wadi Farasa trail(2 hours)

Back route via Renaissance Tomb, Soldier's Tomb, Garden Tomb

Lunch at a Bedouin tent(1 hour)

Flatbread, tea. JOD 5-10. Conversations are the highlight

Revisit the Treasury in afternoon light(30 minutes)

Most day-trippers gone by 3PM. Near-silence

Drive to Wadi Rum Visitor Centre(1.5 hours)

JOD 5 entry (free with Jordan Pass)

4x4 jeep tour(4 hours)

JOD 40-60. Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon, rock bridges, sand dunes

Sunset at a dune(1 hour)

Orange, red, purple desert

Bedouin zarb dinner at camp(2 hours)

Lamb cooked underground. Stars like nowhere else

Sleep in the desert(8 hours)

Basic (JOD 40) to luxury bubble tents (JOD 200+)

Desert sunrise(1 hour)

Dawn light on sandstone mountains

Drive to the Dead Sea(3 hours)

Araba Highway. Descent to 430m below sea level

Float in the Dead Sea(1.5 hours)

Cover yourself in mineral-rich black mud. Max 15-20 minutes

Late lunch at Dead Sea resort(1 hour)

Kempinski or Hilton. Day visitors from JOD 25-50

White Dome Trail hike(3 hours)

8 km. JOD 10 entry. Wadi Araba rift views

Lunch at Dana Guest House(1 hour)

JOD 7-12. Canyon views

Dana Village walk and cooperative shop(1 hour)

RSCN ecotourism project. Local crafts and herbal soaps

Jerash archaeological site(3 hours)

JOD 10 (free with Jordan Pass). Oval Plaza, Temple of Artemis. Chariot show included

Lunch at Lebanese House(1 hour)

Hummus, tabbouleh, grills. JOD 7-12

Ajloun Castle(1.5 hours)

JOD 3. 12th-century castle by Saladin's general. 30 min west of Jerash

Transfer to Aqaba(4 hours)

From Amman. Or fly 1 hour from JOD 30

Snorkeling at South Beach reef(2 hours)

Japanese Garden. Marine park JOD 5. Gear JOD 5-10

Lunch at Ali Baba Restaurant(1 hour)

Waterfront since 1970s. Grilled fish JOD 8-15

Glass-bottom boat tour(1 hour)

JOD 15-25. 500+ species of fish

Aqaba souk walk(1 hour)

Tax-free shopping — spices, coffee, gold

Morning scuba diving(3 hours)

Two-tank dive ~JOD 50-70. The Aqaba reef has excellent coral walls and a sunken tank and cedar tree deliberately placed as artificial reefs. PADI discover scuba for beginners ~JOD 40

Lunch at Royal Yacht Club(1 hour)

Waterfront dining with boat harbour views. Fresh fish and seafood. JOD 10-18

Afternoon at Berenice Beach Club(3 hours)

JOD 15 day pass including pool and beach access. The best public beach facility in Aqaba. Loungers, restaurant, and calm water for swimming

Sunset from the Aqaba Fort(45 minutes)

14th-century Mamluk castle near the flagpole. JOD 2. The fort overlooks the port and has views across the Red Sea to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia

Dinner at Floka Restaurant(1.5 hours)

On the waterfront. Fresh grilled lobster and prawns. JOD 15-25. The Red Sea seafood is excellent

Morning swim in the Red Sea(1.5 hours)

One last warm-water swim before heading north

Drive to Amman via Desert Highway(4 hours)

The direct Desert Highway is faster than the King's Highway. The landscape is flat desert with occasional Bedouin camps and camel herds visible from the road

Lunch stop at a highway rest stop(45 minutes)

Simple but fresh — mansaf, grilled chicken, and Arabic bread. JOD 5-8

Evening walk on Rainbow Street(1.5 hours)

Return to Amman's social hub. The cafés and restaurants are packed on evenings. Shisha and fresh juice at any terrace. The sunset over the city from the Citadel viewpoint is free and beautiful

Walk through Amman's souks(2 hours)

The downtown souks around King Hussein Mosque sell gold, spices, Arabic sweets, and household goods. More authentic than tourist shops

Lunch at Al Quds in downtown(1 hour)

Famous for falafel and hummus. JOD 3-5. Consistently ranked among Amman's best street food

Afternoon at leisure(3 hours)

Rest, hotel pool, or visit the Jordan Museum (JOD 5) for an excellent overview of Jordanian history from the Neolithic to modern day. The Dead Sea Scrolls copper scroll fragment is here

Drive to Bethany Beyond the Jordan(1 hour)

The baptism site on the Jordan River. JOD 12 entry. UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided tours run continuously. You can see Israel/Palestine across the narrow river. The site has excavated Byzantine churches and ancient baptismal pools

Final Dead Sea float(2 hours)

Day pass at a resort (JOD 25-50). One more float in the hypersaline water. One more mud bath. The Dead Sea is dropping 1 metre per year — future visits may look different

Lunch at a Dead Sea resort(1 hour)

JOD 15-25 for a buffet

Drive to Umm Qais(2 hours)

120 km north of Amman. The drive passes through Jordan's agricultural heartland — olive groves and wheat fields

Umm Qais archaeological site(2 hours)

JOD 3 (free with Jordan Pass). Ancient Gadara — one of the Decapolis cities. Roman theatre, basilica, and colonnaded street. The viewpoint over the Sea of Galilee with Syria and the Golan Heights visible is extraordinary — three countries visible simultaneously

Lunch at Umm Qais Rest House(1 hour)

Restaurant with panoramic terrace overlooking the Jordan Valley. Mezze, grilled meats, and Arabic coffee. JOD 10-18. The view alone is worth the drive

Visit Al-Himma hot springs(1 hour)

Natural thermal springs near the Yarmouk River gorge. JOD 2. Basic facilities but the warm mineral water is soothing. A local rather than tourist experience

Morning at Amman's new cultural district(2 hours)

The Hangar arts space and Darat al Funun (free, contemporary art in a restored villa with archaeological garden) are excellent. Darat al Funun has views over downtown and a beautiful sculpture garden

Lunch at Beit Sitti(2 hours)

A cooking experience in a family home on Jabal Weibdeh. JOD 35. Grandmother's recipes — learn to make musakhan, fattet hummus, and knafeh. You eat everything you cook. Book ahead — a highlight of any Amman visit

Walk through Jabal Weibdeh(1.5 hours)

Amman's emerging arts neighbourhood. Independent cafes (try Rumi Café for pour-over coffee and books), small galleries, and street art. More bohemian than Rainbow Street

Dinner at Romero(1.5 hours)

Italian-Jordanian restaurant on Rainbow Street. Homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza. JOD 12-20. Good wine list. Terrace dining with city views

Souvenir shopping in Downtown Amman(2 hours)

Dead Sea products (Jordan River brand is excellent), keffiyehs, mosaic art, Arabic coffee sets. The shops near King Hussein Mosque have the best selection

Lunch at Hashem one final time(1 hour)

One more perfect falafel breakfast. JOD 3-5

Farewell dinner at Fakhr El-Din(2 hours)

Amman's finest. Lebanese-Jordanian haute cuisine in a 1920s residence. JOD 25-40. Vine-leaf terrace. Reserve ahead

Morning at the Citadel one final time(1 hour)

Morning light on the Temple of Hercules columns. The view over Amman's white stone hills and minarets. Free with Jordan Pass

Walk through downtown Amman(1.5 hours)

The vegetable market, the gold souk, the spice vendors. Amman's downtown is chaotic and alive

Final sunset from Rainbow Street(1 hour)

The cafés fill with young Jordanians drinking coffee and smoking shisha. The muezzin calls from the mosques below. The golden light over the city is Jordan's farewell to you

Final breakfast at Hashem Restaurant(45 minutes)

One last falafel. JOD 3-5. Open early

Last walk or shopping(1.5 hours)

Pick up Dead Sea cosmetics or Arabic coffee sets

Airport transfer to Queen Alia (AMM)(45 minutes)

Airport Express bus JOD 3.30. Taxi JOD 25-30. Allow 3 hours