8 Days in Jordan: Complete Travel Itinerary

Jordan is a jewel of the Middle East—compact in size but boundless in its offering of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, ancient wonders, and legendary hospitality. Whether you're captivated by the carved rose-red city of Petra, enchanted by the silent expanse of Wadi Rum, or soothed by the salty waters of the Dead Sea, Jordan will speak to your soul.

This 8-day Jordan itinerary is designed to immerse you in the country's most iconic destinations and hidden gems. From Roman ruins and desert canyons to spiritual mountaintops and starlit skies, this journey will leave you inspired.

Day 1: Arrival in Amman – A Warm Welcome to the Kingdom

Morning: Arrive and Settle In

Touch down at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. After clearing customs, transfer to your hotel in Downtown Amman, Abdoun, or Jabal Amman, depending on your preference for location and style.

Afternoon: Explore the Heart of Amman

Kick off your adventure with a light exploration of Jordan’s modern capital.

Highlights:

Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a) – With ruins from Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods, and sweeping views of the city.
Roman Theater – A well-preserved 6,000-seat amphitheater built into a hillside.
Rainbow Street – The perfect spot for a coffee, snack, or people-watching.

Cultural Bite: Head to Hashem Restaurant, famous for its falafel, hummus, and classic Jordanian street food.

Day 2: Jerash and Ajloun – Northern Jordan's Historic Wonders

Morning: Discover Jerash – Rome Away from Rome

Drive 1 hour north to Jerash, one of the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman cities. Wander the colonnaded streets and explore:

Hadrian’s Arch
Temple of Artemis
Oval Plaza
Nymphaeum
South Theater

It's easy to spend 2–3 hours immersed in this ancient city.

Afternoon: Ajloun Castle and Forest Reserve

Continue to Ajloun, where you can visit the 12th-century Muslim castle built by Saladin’s general to repel Crusader invasions. Enjoy views of olive groves, villages, and the Jordan Valley.

If you're into nature, visit the nearby Ajloun Forest Reserve for a short hike or picnic.

Evening: Return to Amman

Head back to Amman for a relaxing evening and dinner at a rooftop lounge or a traditional Jordanian eatery like Tawaheen al-Hawa.

Day 3: Madaba, Mount Nebo, and the Dead Sea

Morning: Madaba – The City of Mosaics

Drive 40 minutes south to Madaba, renowned for its intricate mosaics. Don’t miss the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land inside St. George’s Church.

Explore the Madaba Archaeological Park and Church of the Apostles to see more mosaics and ruins.

Late Morning: Mount Nebo

Just 10 minutes away, Mount Nebo is a deeply spiritual site. According to tradition, this is where Moses saw the Promised Land. The view stretches over the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and even Jerusalem on clear days.

Afternoon: Float in the Dead Sea

Descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Book a resort day pass or stay overnight.

Things to do:

Float effortlessly in salty water
Smear mineral-rich mud on your skin
Relax by the pool or spa

Evening: Spa and Sunset

Unwind with a Dead Sea salt scrub or mud wrap. Watch a magical sunset over the West Bank hills.

Day 4: King’s Highway, Wadi Mujib, and Karak Castle

Morning: Wadi Mujib – Jordan’s Grand Canyon

Continue along the King’s Highway, one of the oldest trade routes in the world. Stop at Wadi Mujib, a dramatic canyon carved through sandstone cliffs.

If you're feeling adventurous, try the Siq Trail (open March to October)—a wet canyon hike that includes swimming and waterfall climbs.

Midday: Karak Castle

Stop at Karak Castle, a massive Crusader fortress built in the 12th century. Wander through underground tunnels, stone archways, and battle rooms.

Enjoy lunch in town—try mansaf or magloubeh for an authentic local meal.

Afternoon: Continue to Dana Biosphere Reserve

Drive further south to Dana, Jordan’s largest nature reserve.

Evening: Sunset Views and Stargazing

Enjoy spectacular canyon views and perhaps a local Bedouin music performance. Dana’s remote location makes for excellent stargazing.

Day 5: Dana Nature Hike and Transfer to Petra

Morning: Hike Dana Biosphere Reserve

Wake up early and enjoy a hike through Dana’s scenic trails, which range from easy walks to full-day treks. The reserve is home to rare species like the ibex, hyrax, and Syrian wolf, and features dramatic canyon views.

Popular trails include:

Rummana Camp Trail
Nawatef Trail
Wadi Dana Trail (longer, ends near Feynan)

Afternoon: Drive to Petra

After your hike, continue to Wadi Musa, the modern town near Petra. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Check into your hotel.

Evening Option: Petra by Night

If it’s Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, attend Petra by Night, a candlelit walk through the Siq to the Treasury accompanied by traditional Bedouin music.

Day 6: Petra – The Lost City of Stone

Morning to Late Afternoon: Explore Petra

Start early to beat the crowds and heat. Petra is vast—over 60 square kilometers—so plan for a full day.

Highlights:

Siq – The narrow gorge leading into the city
Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – The iconic façade carved into rose-red sandstone
Street of Facades
The Theater
Royal Tombs
Colonnaded Street
Great Temple

Hiking Option:

Monastery (Ad-Deir) – A strenuous but rewarding hike up 800 steps
High Place of Sacrifice – Offers sweeping views over Petra

Evening: Relax and Reflect

After a day of walking and wonder, relax at your hotel or enjoy dinner with a view at Petra Kitchen or Al Qantarah. You’ve just seen one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Day 7: Wadi Rum – Valley of the Moon

Morning: Drive to Wadi Rum

Head 1.5 hours south to Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage desert known for its red sand dunes, towering rock formations, and connection to Lawrence of Arabia.

Midday to Afternoon: Jeep Tour

Explore the dramatic landscape with a 4x4 jeep tour led by a local Bedouin guide. Highlights include:

Lawrence’s Spring
Khazali Canyon
Burdah Rock Bridge
Sandboarding on red dunes
Ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions

Evening: Bedouin Camp Experience

Stay overnight in a desert camp such as Sun City Camp, Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp, or a traditional Bedouin tent.

Enjoy:

Zarb dinner (meat and vegetables cooked underground)
Bedouin tea by the fire
Stargazing in one of the world’s best dark-sky zones

Day 8: Return to Amman and Departure

Morning: Sunrise and Farewell to the Desert

Wake up early for a desert sunrise, and enjoy breakfast in the calm of Wadi Rum. Then, begin the 4-hour drive back to Amman.

Afternoon: Last-Minute Shopping or Relaxation

If time allows, do some last-minute shopping at:

Taj Mall or City Mall
Souk Jara (seasonal) or local artisan stores

Or relax with a hammam bath before your departure.

Evening: Depart from Queen Alia International Airport

Your incredible journey through Jordan comes to an end, but the memories—from Petra to Wadi Rum, from Roman ruins to desert stars—will stay with you forever.

Essential Travel Tips for Jordan

Best time to visit Jordan: March–May and September–November
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Language: Arabic (English widely spoken)
Dress modestly, especially in rural or religious areas
Stay hydrated—Jordan is dry, even in cooler months
Tipping: Common and appreciated; 10% is customary in restaurants

Is 8 Days in Jordan Enough?

Yes! With 8 days, you can:

Explore the bustling culture of Amman
Marvel at Roman ruins in Jerash
Soak in the Dead Sea
Be inspired by the grandeur of Petra
Experience the stillness of Wadi Rum
Hike the canyons of Dana
Discover spirituality on Mount Nebo

This itinerary offers an immersive, authentic, and exciting experience of Jordan’s most essential destinations, giving you both adventure and time to reflect.