Jordan is one of those countries that felt out of reach for many people for a very long time. Not many knew much about it, so many believed it was not safe to travel to. Now, with more direct flights, tourist initiatives and rising global presence, Jordan is becoming a popular destination with so much on offer for its visitors. And visiting Jordan by car is the ultimate way to see the country from top to bottom in just 7 days!

From the clear waters of the Red Sea and the stillness of the Dead Sea to the red sand deserts and one of the Wonders of the World, it’s no surprise travelers are drawn to Jordan.

It is a country that was on my bucket list for a very long time, and I’m so happy to share my experience and help you have the most inclusive and amazing trip to Jordan!

Day 1

Amman

Itinerary here will be dependent on your arrival time.

Once you land, pick up your car (pick up instructions should be provided by your rental company) and head to the city. If you have some time to explore, I recommend taking a stroll around downtown and the Amman Citadel, see the remains of the temple of Hercules and visit the King Abdullah Mosque.

If you arrive early, you have an option to visit the Jaresh ruins or Qasr Al-Kharranah (both around 1hr drive from Amman).

Tip: Always, ALWAYS take a video recording of your rental car, making sure all markings, dints and scratches are visible. Do this before you start driving, ideally while the company representative is still there with you.

Day 2

Dead Sea

Reaching the Dead Sea from Amman will take you around 1 hour. Having a car means you can tour the coast and stop at many beautiful spots alongside the lake.

You’ll have three options here:

⋅ 1 ⋅ If you’re staying at a waterfront resort, head straight there and make use of your hotel’s facilities and beach access. Some of the popular ones around the Dead Sea beach include the Hilton, Movenpick, Kempinski, Crowne Plaza and Marriott.

⋅ 2 ⋅ Go to Amman Beach (12 JOD entry fee), which gives you access to facilities such as changing rooms, washrooms and showers, and of course, the lake. This will allow you to reserve a more budget-friendly accommodation – there are some apartments in the area (and more being built constantly) but I can’t comment on any of them as we didn’t stay there.

⋅ 3 ⋅ If you want to treat yourself, but don’t fancy a big resort scene, head further south along the coast of the Dead Sea and stay at the Mujib Chalets in Wadi Mujib. Floating in the lake at sunset in this secluded location with magnificent views creates a one-of-a-lifetime experience. We stayed there on our anniversary, and it was magical.

These chalets are located across the road from the Mujib River canyon with numerous hiking and water trails to experience in your free time. Some of them require guides and need to be prebooked – visit wildjordan for more info.

Tip: Unless you’re okay being surrounded by millions of flies, you won’t be spending much time relaxing on the patio. The people aren’t lying – the flies are everywhere! We made the very bad decision of not assessing the situation at the beginning of our stay and left the patio doors open for few minutes too long. Safe to say our anniversary evening got pretty crowded. So keep those doors closed for your own sanity 🙂

Nevertheless, the chalets are beautiful, the views are one-of-a-kind and by staying here you’re contributing to the conversation of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, so a win-win for you and the planet.

Overall, spend your time at the Dead Sea and take in all of its beauty throughout the day. At 418m below sea level, with water 10 times saltier than in the ocean, you won’t be doing much swimming, but you can always get creative with those iconic magazine-reading-while-floating shots in the water.

Watch out for any cuts or rashes and keep your eyes above the water at all times, otherwise, it’ll burn! Also, be careful entering and exiting the lake, as the salt formations on the edges of the lake can be sharp.

Day 3

Petra

Today you’ll be heading through the picturesque mountains to Wadi Musa, the hometown of Petra. Take the Al-Karak Highway (50) and plan to stop at a few viewpoints on the way – the views are incredible. Make sure you tank up before the trip, as there aren’t any gas stations on this road.

Once you arrive in Wadi Musa, there’s no time to waste – park your car and head straight to Petra (there are numerous free car parks near the entrance). Grab your tickets at the desk (even if you have your Jordan Pass, you will still need to collect paper tickets) and don’t forget to pick up a map while you’re there. Make sure to keep your tickets safe, as you only get one copy for the duration of your visit.

Make your way through the Siq canyon trail and explore the street of Facades and surrounding areas – this will keep you busy for the day. Here is where you’ll also find some restaurants to grab something to eat.

Be wary of local people who will try to convince you to pay them for accessing the famous photo spots. Supporting the locals is one thing, but being ripped off is another.

Once back in Wadi Musa, grab some food with a local touch on the rooftop of My Mom’s Recipe Restaurant. Make sure to head to bed early, especially if you want that Instagram famous Treasury photo without the crowds.

Day 4

Petra

Today you’ll continue exploring Petra and get your heart pumping with some trekking and hiking. Bring a head covering and sunscreen and don’t forget to hydrate throughout the day.

Early morning is when you have the best chance of getting a photo with the Treasury without the crowds – enter Petra and head straight there.

When you get the photos, begin your hike to the Monastery. Follow the main trail from the Treasury to the city complex. From there, it is a 2.5km trail that involves climbing a lot of stairs and can get you exhausted very quickly. You will sweat, so getting it done before the sun is at its strongest is highly recommended.

Going early also means a lot less people at the site – many don’t visit the Monastery at all, but for us, it is well worth the hike. Once you get there, you’ll realise it is very similar to the Treasury, but much bigger and even more impressive. Have a rest and take in the view – it’s a lovely spot to grab a bite.

When you’re done, head back and spend the rest of the day exploring the stone carvings, canyons and the other trails at Petra – make the most of your time here.

Day 5

Wadi Rum

You’re probably waking up with aching muscles today, but you just spent two days at one of the Seven Wonders of the World – so let’s agree it was worth the pain!

When you get those legs going again, it’s time to head to what can only be described as the Mars on Earth – the desert of Wadi Rum. Once you arrive at the village, you can park your car at the visitors’ centre. From there, your camp guide will collect you in a 4×4 jeep and bring you through the Wadi Rum village and into the desert.

Your camp will have plenty of tours on offer to bring you to the most exciting places in Wadi Rum – book the ones that spark your interests and enjoy the full experience of this magical place. You can choose between places like Lawrence’s Spring, Khazali canyon, Sand Dunes, Rock Arch Bridge and more, or opt for a full-day tour of them all. When back at the camp, make sure to spend some time learning about the local Bedouin culture from your camp guides.

End your day observing the stars and the Milky Way dance around in the clear nights’ sky – a sight straight out of a movie.

 I recommend staying with Raad at Magic Bedouin Star Camp and booking the hillside Honeymoon Tent for out-of-this-world views of the deserts’ sky, complimented with great hospitality, delicious food and authentic Bedouin experience.

Day 6

Wadi Rum / Aqaba

If you feel like you’re not ready to leave the desert life just yet, spend another day here. You can sit back, read a book and take in the peacefulness of the desert, or set out to explore more of the area, hike to one of the mountain tops or join another tour – the options are many.

If sleeping under the stars sounds like the dream, enquire about the option of an outdoor sleeping experience with your camp hosts – some camps have it on offer and it’s a pretty epic way to spend a night out in the desert! 😉

If you feel like one day in the desert was enough, pack up and head over to Aqaba city. Check into a hotel and hit the beach, have a picnic on the coast of the Red Sea or hop on a snorkelling boat tour and swim among the vibrant coral reefs of the bay.

Take a stroll through the city at night and taste Sayadiah – the traditional fish dish of Aqaba.

Day 7

Aqaba

Depending on your departure time, you can choose to spend more time in Aqaba or start making your way back to the airport in Amman, making a stop at Fortress of Umm ar-Rasas on the way.

Reaching Queen Alia Int. airport from Aqaba takes approximately 4hrs (on a non-stop trip).

Got an extra day or two? Head back up to Amman and do the Desert Castle Loop drive, visit Ma’in hot springs and watch a sunset at Mt Nebo.

Don’t forget to read things to know before visiting Jordan for more information on the Jordan Pass and transportation in Jordan.

Not a fan of driving in foreign countries? Not a problem with this 7-day Jordan travel itinerary by bus!

Happy travels amigos!

Vicky