The temple-mausoleum of Al Khazneh in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan; Shutterstock ID 506206813

How to experience Jordan in 7 days

Let’s say you’ve decided to take a trip to Jordan – you’ve nailed down the dates, started to look into accommodations… and maybe you’ve even booked flights. Now it’s time for the fun part: actually planning out what to do while you’re there. This part of the process can sometimes feel daunting, which is why we’ve pulled together a week’s worth of ideas for how to spend your trip. From laid back beaches, to adventurous desert excursions, here’s our 7-day guide for experiencing all that Jordan has to offer.

Find your flight to Jordan

Day 1

Start the trip off with some history and culture in Amman

As the Capital city of Jordan, Amman is a good place to start your adventure. Dating back to the Bronze Age and Byzantine period, Amman has plenty of opportunities to learn more about Jordan’s history and local culture. Start your day with a visit to the Citadel, where you’ll get hilltop views of the city while discovering Jordan’s ancient roots. From there, you can shape the rest of the day around what you like – there’s a little something for everyone. Explore art exhibits at Darat Al Funun, discover artifacts at the Jordan Museum, or get a taste for the local culinary scene on Rainbow Street. Either way, you’ll find yourself wanting to spend more time in this lively city.

Day 2

Treat yourself to a relaxing day at the Dead Sea

After you’ve had your fill of Amman, pack your bag for a day at the beach and head southwest to the Dead Sea. At over 400 meters below sea level and 10 times as salty as ocean water, the Dead Sea tends to attract those in search of a little R&R. This ancient coastline now hosts luxurious 5-star resorts among the Dead Sea’s healing mud and mineral-rich waters. Opt for a day pass to a private beach club to catch some rays, or treat yourself to a mud bath at one of the many resort spas. A day spent unwinding at a destination that predates Ancient Rome is one you won’t soon forget.

Days 3 to 4

Dig into ancient archeological wonders at Petra

As one of Jordan’s most stunning sites and a symbol of the country itself, Petra offers much to explore. In fact, these royal ruins span across 100+ square miles, so it’s best to budget two days for you to really take it all in. This ancient city is known as one of the 7 wonders of the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site – so tends to get busy. Be sure to look up the different sites and set aside time for the places you want to see most.

Day 5

Explore Mars on Earth at Wadi Rum

Your journey through Jordan isn’t over yet – though this next site may make you feel like you’re on another planet. Often used as a stand-in for extraterrestrial terrain in the background of Hollywood films, Wadi Rum – known as the Valley of the Moon – is the largest wadi, or valley, in Jordan. As the second UNESCO World Heritage Site to your trip, Wadi Rum is a great place to get your fill for outdoor thrills with 4×4 tours through the rolling mounds of sand. If off-roading isn’t your thing, opt for a camel ride or traditional Bedouin camping for a different kind of desert experience.

View of beach with cabanas of Gulf of Aqaba, Aqaba, Jordan

Day 6

Float along the coast of the Red Sea in Aqaba

You’ve had your share of desert adventure, now it’s time to head an hour south to the coast of the Red Sea. Aqaba is known for its crystal-clear waters and is an ideal place to do some underwater exploring. The Red Sea in particular is frequented by divers and scuba enthusiasts as a place to get up-close to coral reefs that live beneath the surface. If you’d prefer to lounge by the water instead, Aqaba also has a handful of beaches where you can unwind from your recent travels. Plus, this city is home to bustling markets and elegant mosques, so you’ll never get bored even if the beach isn’t your thing.

Temple of Hercules at Amman Citadel in Amman, Jordan.

Day 7

Finish where you started with a trip back to Amman

By the last day, you really have been able to see and do it all. The drive from Aqaba is about four hours back to Amman, so leave from the coast on the earlier side if there were museums or other attractions in Amman that you might’ve missed on the first day. Don’t forget to do a little shopping for yourself (or your friends and family… whoever) before you leave – if you really want to splurge, the Jordan River Foundation is a great place to find top-quality artisan goods. Catch the sunset over the city at a rooftop terrace, such as District, and take in the desert at dusk one more time.