Get ready because this road trip is going to be memorable! Depending on the airport you fly into, you can follow this itinerary from South to North or the other way around. Here is an epic 8-day itinerary through Jordan.
Itinerary overview:
- Aqaba
- Wadi Rum
- Wadi Musa (Petra)
- Dead Sea
- Amman
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DAY 1 – Arrival Aqaba + Wadi Rum
Jordan has 2 international airports: one in the capital Amman and one in the South, Aqaba. The latter offers access to the Red Sea and from the seaside, you can see Israel. You can find luxurious resorts here and great spots to snorkel. If you have more than 8 days, you can spend some time in Aqaba, but for this itinerary we’re going straight to the desert: Wadi Rum.
Tip: book at least 2 nights in Wadi Rum. The desert is just something special and you want to book enough time to do a tour and enjoy the campsite. There are many different campsites – here are a few recommendations:
***Location: Al-Ghandour Beach***
***Location: Memories Aicha Luxury Camp***
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DAY 2 – Full day in Wadi Rum
Today we’re doing a Jeep tour! The easiest way to arrange a Jeep tour is via your camp. Choose a half day or full day and enjoy the mesmerising surrounding in the desert. Definitely a day you’ll remember for a long time.
***Location: Little Bridge, Wadi Rum***
***Location: Sand Dunes Area, Wadi Rum***
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DAY 3 – Drive to Wadi Musa (Petra)
Time to leave the camp and drive to Wadi Musa. If you have a rental car, you can leave right away. For the public bus, you’ll need to go back to Aqaba first. Another option is to take a taxi, which will be more expensive.
Note that the roads in Jordan are not the best (many potholes and unmarked traffic islands). I do NOT recommend driving after dark as there isn’t much street lighting either, which makes driving very dangerous.
The drive from Wadi Rum to Wadi Musa takes around 2-3 hours. Get yourself a 3-day Petra Jordan Pass and go exploring right away. Petra is one of the New Wonders of the World and is worth your time!
More info on the Jordan Pass.
***Location: The Treasury, Petra***
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DAY 4 – Full day in Petra
Rise and shine! Today you’re going on a sunrise mission to Petra. If you want to admire the Treasury without a crowd, you need to be there as the first one. Make sure to get your entrance ticket (via the Jordan Pass) the day before so you can skip the line today and go straight to the gates.
Check the opening times in advance and plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before the gates open. Once you’re in: RUN!
Spots you can’t miss:
- The Siq
- The Treasury (obviously)
- Viewpoint(s) of The Treasury
- Petra Theater
- The Royal Tombs
- The Monastery
***Location: The Monastery, Petra***
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DAY 5 – Petra & Dead Sea
If you’re still feeling fit, get up early and hike to a viewpoint to admire the Treasury for the very last time. Follow the Blue route to this amazing spot. Visiting the viewpoint itself is for free, but purchasing a drink there from the locals is advisable.
***Location: The Monastery, Petra***
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After your memorable morning, let’s get back on the road and drive towards the Dead Sea. This ride takes around 3-4 hours.
An accommodation located next to the Dead Sea is definitely not cheap, however, you’ll want some time to relax after these busy 5 days and it’s absolutely worth it. We booked 2 nights at Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa and it was honestly one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at!
***Location: Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa***
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DAY 6 – Dead Sea
Spend your day relaxing at the pool area and float in the Dead Sea. This experience is actually 10 times more fun than it looks like. Enjoy a mud bath afterwards – your skin will feel so soft!
Other places to visit around the area of the Dead Sea:
- Dead Sea salt formations
- Ma’in Hot Springs
***Location: Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa***
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DAY 7 – Dead Sea to Amman
Spend your last morning at the Dead Sea and head over to Amman. The drive should only take you an hour. During my trip, I didn’t visit Amman as I had a return flight from Aqaba. I do regret not visiting Amman as it was recommended by many travellers I met along the way.
***Location: Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa***
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DAY 8 – Amman & Fly home
Today is your last day in Jordan, you’ll feel like 8 days is not enough, but you’ll have some amazing experiences that will stay with you forever.
***Location: Memories Aicha Luxury Camp***
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