9 Days in Jordan Itinerary: Ancient Wonders

Jordan is a land where history whispers from carved canyons, deserts shine with golden hues, and ancient cities hold secrets waiting to be uncovered. In just under 10 days, you can explore millennia-old archaeological marvels, float in the Dead Sea, trek through nature reserves, and sleep beneath the stars in the vast silence of Wadi Rum.

This 9-day Jordan itinerary is designed for travelers seeking a blend of culture, history, adventure, and relaxation. It includes the country’s most iconic destinations—Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea—as well as lesser-known gems like Dana Biosphere Reserve and Jerash.

Day 1: Arrival in Amman – Gateway to the Ancient World

Morning: Arrival and Check-in

Fly into Queen Alia International Airport, located about 30 minutes from Amman, Jordan’s capital. Arrange a transfer to your hotel in Downtown Amman, Jabal Amman, or Abdoun.

Afternoon: Explore the Heart of Amman

Ease into your journey with a walking tour of the capital.

Must-see sights:

• Amman Citadel – Overlooking the city, it contains ruins from the Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods.
• Roman Theater – A 2nd-century amphitheater that once held 6,000 spectators.
• Souk Al-Bukharia – A bustling local market with textiles, herbs, and souvenirs.

Enjoy dinner at Hashem, a legendary falafel and hummus spot that’s been feeding Jordanians for generations.

Day 2: Jerash and Ajloun – Jordan’s Roman Past & Forested Hills

Morning: Jerash – A Roman Masterpiece

Drive 1 hour north to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy.

Highlights:

• Hadrian’s Arch
• Oval Plaza
• Colonnaded Street
• Temple of Artemis
• South Theater

Afternoon: Ajloun Castle and Nature Reserve

Continue to Ajloun, where Ajloun Castle, built in 1184 by the forces of Saladin, guards the hills. Walk through its maze of tunnels and towers.

Optionally, enjoy a short nature walk or picnic in Ajloun Forest Reserve, home to pine and oak woodlands.

Evening: Return to Amman

Head back to Amman for a relaxing dinner.

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

Morning: Mosaic Marvels in Madaba

Drive to Madaba, the “City of Mosaics.” Visit:

• St. George’s Church to see the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land.
• Madaba Archaeological Park, which features Roman roads and ancient churches.

Mount Nebo – A Prophet’s View

Continue to Mount Nebo, the place from which Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. On clear days, you can view Jericho, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea.

Afternoon: Float in the Dead Sea

Must-do:

• Float effortlessly in the salty water
• Try the mineral-rich mud for a natural spa treatment
• Lounge by the pool with a fresh juice in hand

Evening: Sunset and Spa Time

Enjoy a tranquil sunset, followed by dinner at your resort. If you wish, indulge in a massage or Dead Sea skincare treatment.

Day 4: Wadi Mujib, Karak Castle, and Dana Biosphere

Morning: Wadi Mujib – Jordan’s Grand Canyon

Drive along the King’s Highway, stopping at Wadi Mujib, a dramatic gorge known for its rugged beauty. If open (March to October), try the Siq Trail, a half-day water hike through towering canyon walls and waterfalls.

Midday: Karak Castle

Stop at Karak Castle, one of the largest Crusader castles in the Levant. Walk through stone passageways and peer out over the vast Jordan Valley.

Have lunch at a local restaurant in Karak, known for its hearty Jordanian dishes.

Afternoon: Arrive in Dana Biosphere Reserve

Continue to Dana, Jordan’s largest nature reserve.

Evening: Sunset and Stargazing

Relax with sweeping canyon views and traditional Bedouin tea. The lack of light pollution makes Dana ideal for stargazing.

Day 5: Hiking Dana and Drive to Petra

Morning: Nature Trekking in Dana

Start your day with a morning hike in Dana Biosphere Reserve.

Recommended trails:

• Rummana Trail – A short loop with fantastic views
• Shaq al Reesh Trail – Great for birdwatching and flora
• Wadi Dana Trail – A 14km hike that ends near Feynan Ecolodge

Afternoon: Drive to Wadi Musa (Petra)

After your hike and a light lunch, drive about 2 hours to Wadi Musa, the gateway town to Petra.

Check into your hotel—

Evening Option: Petra by Night

If you’re visiting on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, don’t miss Petra by Night. Walk through the candlelit Siq to the Treasury while listening to live Bedouin music.

Day 6: Petra – Lost City of the Nabataeans

Full Day: Explore Petra

Arrive early (by 7:00 AM) to explore Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Top sights:

• The Siq – A dramatic entrance through a narrow gorge
• The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – Petra’s most iconic façade
• Street of Facades
• Theater
• Royal Tombs
• Colonnaded Street

Optional Hikes:

• The Monastery (Ad-Deir) – 800 steps, fewer crowds, and jaw-dropping views
• High Place of Sacrifice – A shorter but steeper climb with panoramic vistas

Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and snacks.

Evening: Dinner and Relaxation

Day 7: Little Petra and Wadi Rum

Morning: Visit Little Petra (Al-Beidha)

Before leaving Petra, stop at Little Petra, a smaller but fascinating site only 15 minutes away. Fewer crowds and equally beautiful Nabataean carvings make it worth the detour.

Midday: Drive to Wadi Rum

Continue south to Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon. This protected desert is home to towering rock formations, crimson dunes, and ancient inscriptions.

Afternoon: Jeep Safari Adventure

Join a 4x4 desert jeep tour with a local Bedouin guide. Explore:

• Lawrence’s Spring
• Khazali Canyon
• Sand dunes for boarding or climbing
• Mushroom and Bridge Rocks

Evening: Desert Camp Experience

Spend the night in a Bedouin camp like:

• Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp
• Sun City Camp
• Beyond Wadi Rum Camp

Enjoy:

• A zarb dinner (Bedouin BBQ cooked underground)
• Tea by the fire
• Bedouin storytelling
• Stargazing beneath an endless sky

Day 8: Camel Ride and Drive to Aqaba or Amman

Morning: Camel Ride at Sunrise

Wake up for a sunrise camel ride—a peaceful and unforgettable experience through golden sand and morning stillness.

Option A: Head to Aqaba for the Red Sea

Drive 1 hour to Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city. Spend the day:

• Snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea’s coral reefs
• Relaxing on the beach
• Shopping in the duty-free zone

Option B: Drive Back to Amman

If you're skipping the coast, drive directly (around 4 hours) to Amman, stopping for photos or lunch along the way.

Evening: Farewell Dinner in Amman

Day 9: Departure from Amman

Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and maybe a final stroll through Amman. Then, transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for departure.

Leave with a heart full of stories, a camera full of memories, and a promise to return to the Hashemite Kingdom.

Essential Tips for Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November
• Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD); 1 JOD ≈ 1.4 USD
• Language: Arabic (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Transport: Renting a car is ideal; otherwise, hire a driver or join a group tour
• Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially in religious and rural areas
• Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants; tip guides and drivers accordingly

Is 9 Days in Jordan Enough?

Yes—9 days gives you the perfect mix of ancient sites, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.

You'll get to:

• Explore Petra, one of the most iconic ancient cities on earth
• Float in the Dead Sea
• Trek through Dana’s nature reserve
• Camp under the stars in Wadi Rum
• Immerse yourself in Amman's city life
• Learn the stories of Jerash, Karak, and more

Jordan may be small, but its heart is mighty—and nine days will show you why this country leaves a lasting impression.