As a former shawarma lover, I can’t lie—that was one of the main reasons I was excited to visit Jordan! But of course, this beautiful country offers so much more than just mouthwatering shawarmas. If you’re planning a trip, this Jordan 5 day itinerary will help you relive ancient history, float effortlessly in the Dead Sea, explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and so much more.

Jordan was the first Middle Eastern country I visited, and it left the absolute best first impression. From stunning landscapes to friendly locals and world-class service, Jordan easily lands in my top 3 travel destinations of all time.

Is 5 Days in Jordan Enough?

Absolutely! Jordan is surprisingly small—you can drive across the country in under 6 hours, making it perfect for a 5-day itinerary. While there’s so much to explore, 5 days are just enough to soak in the highlights and leave with unforgettable memories. And if you’re staying longer? Even better! You’ll have time for hidden gems like Jerash and Aqaba by the Red Sea.

5-Day Jordan Itinerary Overview

Day 1-2: Explore Amman – Jordan’s Vibrant Capital

Arrival in Amman

Land at Queen Alia International Airport (just 25 km from the city center). On the way to your hotel, you’ll notice the iconic limestone homes dotting the hills—modern and traditional all at once.

How to Get Around Jordan

• Car Rental at the airport
• Uber (available in Amman)
• Public buses
• Private driver – highly recommended! If you click with your first driver, arrange a package with them for the whole trip.

Where to Stay in Amman

Jordan is known for its luxurious 5-star hotels, and Fairmont Amman comes highly recommended—it’s where we stayed! The perfect place to rest, reset, and prep for your adventures.

First Night: Shawarma + Local Eats

Ask locals for the best shawarma in town, grab a table outdoors, and enjoy the cool Jordanian breeze as you kick off your trip in the most delicious way possible.

Day 2: Amman Highlights + Local Culture

Start your day slowly by exploring the Fairmont Amman’s amenities—you’ll thank yourself for indulging in their spa, pool, or a delicious breakfast spread.

Rainbow Street

Only a 10-minute drive away, Rainbow Street is a colorful stretch full of local shops and authentic Middle Eastern eats. Don’t miss lunch at Jafra Restaurant—the view over Amman while enjoying hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh is perfect.

Hashemite Plaza & Roman Theater

After lunch, walk over to the Hashemite Plaza (just 5–10 minutes away). Home to a beautifully preserved Roman amphitheater, this is a local favorite for relaxing and people-watching. You could accidently walk past this if you didn’t know it was there!

Day 3: Petra & Wadi Rum – An Epic Day Trip

Amman to Petra

Start early! It’s a 3-hour drive via Desert Highway (Route 15) or a more scenic drive via King’s Highway (Route 35), with stops like Mujib Dam and Kerak Castle.

If you have a private driver, leaving Petra as early as possible is crucial to not only avoid peak crowds, but so that it leaves you enough time to get to Wadi Rum, if that is your plan, before dark and to catch the sunset.

Visiting Petra: A World Wonder

You’re finally here—the legendary Petra, the ancient Nabatean city carved into vibrant rose-red rock. Walk through the Siq, and be blown away when the Treasury appears like magic.

Petra Tip: Up for a challenge? Hike to the Treasury Overlook. It takes around 1.5 hours and includes over 1,000 steps, but the view is totally worth it.

Lunch Recommendation: Eat at Sandstone Restaurant and order Mansaf, Jordan’s national dish.

Wadi Rum: The Valley of the Moon

Only 2 hours from Petra, Wadi Rum is a surreal desert experience. Book a jeep tour (4–8 pm) with a local guide to visit:

• Lawrence’s Spring
• Um Fruth Rock Bridge
• The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
• Sand dunes and rock formations

End the evening watching the sunset with Bedouin tea, a truly unforgettable experience.

Optional: Stay overnight in Wadi Rum or Wadi Musa if you want to avoid the 4-hour drive back to Amman.

Day 4: Relaxation or Day Trip Options

After a long day, today is for relaxing.

Option 1: Stay in Amman

Chill at your hotel (especially if you’re staying at the Fairmont!). Lounge by the pool, book a spa treatment, or enjoy room service.

Option 2: Explore Local History

Visit the Amman Citadel, located atop a steep hill with breathtaking views and historic landmarks like the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace.

Option 3: Jerash or Aqaba Day Trip

• Jerash: A must-see for history lovers—this ancient Greco-Roman city is like Jordan’s mini Rome.
• Aqaba: Perfect for snorkeling, diving, or relaxing on the Red Sea.

Dinner Suggestion: Head to Tamouz for upscale Jordanian cuisine with great ambiance.

Day 5: Madaba, Mount Nebo & The Dead Sea

Your last day wraps up with spiritual history and nature’s marvels.

Madaba

Stop for about 30 minutes to see the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land at St. George’s Church.

Mount Nebo

This biblical site offers stunning views over the Jordan Valley and Israel. It’s believed to be where Moses saw the Promised Land and where he was buried.

Dead Sea Experience

Only 40 minutes from Mount Nebo, the Dead Sea is a bucket list experience. Entry is available only through hotels, so your driver can arrange access.

Float in the super-salty water, enjoy a mud spa treatment, and bask in the sunshine at the lowest point on Earth. Your skin will thank you!

Final Thoughts on Traveling to Jordan

I hope this 5-day Jordan itinerary helps you plan a magical adventure! Jordan is a land of contrasts—ancient history, natural wonders, rich culture, and the kindest people you’ll ever meet.

Despite common misconceptions about safety in the Middle East, I felt completely safe in Jordan. The people were warm, welcoming, and proud of their beautiful country.

If you have any questions, drop a comment below or send me an email—I’d love to help!

Planning a trip to Jordan?
Already been and have a favorite memory? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time,
Adios!

The post How To Spend 5 Incredible Days In Jordan: Full Itinerary Guide appeared first on .

Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and if I must say — top 2! There is nothing like it. Although Petra is vast, even a half-day visit lets you experience its iconic highlights if you’re short on time. If you’re trying to see Petra in 24 hours, whether on a quick day trip or combined with nearby spots like Wadi Rum, this guide will help you plan a smooth and memorable adventure.

Best Time to Visit Petra, Jordan

• March to May and September to November — ideal months with cooler weather and pleasant temperatures.
• July and August — extremely hot; best to avoid midday hours.
• January and February — cold (down to 2°C) and possibly rainy but fewer crowds.

The best times to explore Petra are early morning at opening or late afternoon when crowds thin out and the sun is less harsh. Arriving between 7 am and 4 pm gives you plenty of time to explore comfortably.

Where to Stay in Petra?

If you’re planning to stay overnight, there are plenty of great hotels near the Petra Visitor Center — from budget-friendly stays to more luxurious options. Use the interactive map below to find the perfect place to stay based on your needs:

Petra Opening Hours

• Summer: 6 am to 7 pm
• Winter: 6 am to 5 pm

How to Get to Petra, Jordan

Private Driver

Hiring a private driver is often the easiest way to get to Petra, especially if you’re staying outside the town. Drivers can wait for you all day and help you navigate the site smoothly. Many hotels can arrange this for you.

• From Amman to Petra: About 3 hours, costing around 70 JD.
• From Aqaba to Petra: About 2 hours.

Tours (Private or Group)

You can find great day tours that combine Petra and Wadi Rum on platforms like GetYourGuide.com. A popular option is the Petra and Wadi Rum Day Trip.

Public Transport

• From Amman: Take the JETT bus from Abdali station. It leaves at 6:30 am and arrives around 10:30 am. The return trip is at 5 pm.
• From Aqaba: Buses depart regularly from the central market.

Petra Entry Fees and Jordan Pass

• One-day ticket: 50 JD per person (buy at the gate or use your Jordan Pass).
• Jordan Pass: Costs 70 JD and includes your visa (worth 40 JD), one-day Petra ticket, and access to 40 other Jordan sites like Jerash, Amman Citadel, and Wadi Rum — great value if you plan to explore more.
• Petra By Night: Experience Petra lit by candles in the evening — a magical sight available only three nights a week (Mon, Wed, Thu) for an extra 15 JD.

Hiring a Tour Guide at Petra

Getting a local tour guide enriches your visit by sharing Petra’s fascinating history and answering your questions. However, be cautious: some guides may try to upsell rides on donkeys, camels, or horses. Always clarify prices upfront to avoid surprises.

• Guide cost to Treasury area: around 30 JD.
• Animal rides: can go up to 100 JD depending on routes. Animals here suffer. I recommend avoiding taking them and instead prepare for the hike.

Washrooms at Petra

Clean, functioning washrooms are only at the entrance. There are some porta-potties along the hike marked on your map — so plan accordingly.

Watch Out for Scammers in Petra

Be wary of men offering “free” horse or mule rides; they will ask for money afterward. Young local Bedouins may be pushy, urging you to ride animals or take photos, often charging between 20-60 JD. It’s tempting to get on an animal because you may be hot and tired but consider the animals’ welfare and be firm if you decline.

Walking Distances and Hiking Times at Petra

• Entrance to Treasury: 30-40 minutes walk.
• Treasury to High Viewpoint: About 1.5 hours (1000 stairs).
• Treasury to Monastery: About 1.5 hours (800 stairs).

What to Wear at Petra (For Women)

Jordan is conservative, so modest clothing is respectful. For photos, a long flowy dress paired with a light sweater or scarf works great. Pack comfortable walking shoes and sandals to change for photos. A big light scarf is handy to cover up when needed.

Essential Items to Bring to Petra

• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Scarf
• Cash
• Passport
• Water and snacks

Refer to my packing list for women: Ultimate Packing List on a Budget for Women

Must-See Stops in Petra

• The Siq: A stunning narrow rock canyon leading to Petra’s heart.

• The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): Iconic and breathtaking — no photo does it justice!

• Viewpoint: The challenging stair climb rewards you with jaw-dropping views.

• Hidden Shortcut Back Down: If you’re dreading having to walk back down all those stairs, there is another, kinda dangerous but exciting hidden shortcut. If you’re fit and adventurous, ask a local and head down the bulky rocks and you will reach the bottom in about 30-40 minutes. It’s easier than it looks (kinda). You will feel like you can do anything once you finish.

What to Eat Near Petra

After so much hiking, walking, and food talk with your local guide, at the end of your Petra trip you will be craving a delicious Jordanian meal. My guide recommended we try a dish called Mansaf which is lamb, with a yogurt sauce over rice. We went to a restaurant 5 minutes away called Sandstone Restaurant, and it was truly one of the best meals I ate in my life.

What I Would Have Done Differently

I wish I’d stayed overnight to experience Petra by Night on one of the available evenings: Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays(these dates are subject to change). With more time, you can explore the many fascinating spots Petra offers. The hikes are tiring but worth it if you want a full experience. For a one-day visit, focusing on the main highlights is more then enough.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Petra in One Day

After spending half a day in Petra, I didn’t really feel like I needed to go back for more. I was satisfied with just seeing the Treasury, the viewpoint looking down at it, and taking the cool shortcut back down that no one seemed to know about.

Is Petra safe? Yes, it is — as long as you’re aware of scammers and know how to bargain so you don’t get ripped off. Overall, the people are kind, and you’ll feel safe walking around. It’s truly an experience of a lifetime, and I would highly recommend it to everyone.

I hope this guide helps you plan your Petra trip! Have you been? Planning to go? Drop a comment and share your thoughts or questions.

Thanks for reading! <3

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If I had to choose one of my favorite travel destinations of all time, it would be Wadi Rum Desert—Jordan’s own Mars on Earth. From the moment we arrived to the second we left, I was blown away by the stunning views, welcoming locals, safety, delicious food, and surreal landscapes.

Wadi Rum MUST be on your travel bucket list—and below, I’ll tell you exactly why and how to make the most of your visit with a Wadi Rum Desert tour, especially if you’re coming from Petra (as I did!).

Can’t read this now? Pin it for future reference!

Why Visit Wadi Rum Desert?

Also known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum Desert is located in southern Jordan. Its dreamy, Martian-like scenery is dotted with towering sandstone cliffs, vast red dunes, and jaw-dropping MASSIVE rock formations that feel truly otherworldly.

Wadi Rum can be romantic, exhilarating, peaceful, mind-blowing, relaxing, joyful—and even emotional (yep, because of all its beauty)—all at once. Why not go and feel it for yourself?

What Makes Wadi Rum So Special?

• It’s almost as big as New York City!
• The desert is home to thousands of ancient petroglyphs—rock carvings of humans and animals—as well as inscriptions in Thamudic, Nabataean (yep, the builders of Petra!), early Arabic, and Islamic scripts. There are hundreds of archaeological sites, and it’s believed that the early development of the alphabet and the evolution of human thought can be traced right here, dating back as far as 12,000 years ago.
• The Thamud were a nomadic tribe linked to the Nabataeans and are even mentioned in the Quran. They lived in this region around the 8th century BC, adding to Wadi Rum’s deep cultural and religious significance.
• If parts of Wadi Rum feel oddly familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen them on the big screen. The desert has starred in Lawrence of Arabia, Dune, Star Wars, Aladdin, and The Martian. Its surreal, Mars-like landscape makes it a go-to stand-in for alien worlds.
• The Oscar-winning classic “Lawrence of Arabia” was the first film to truly showcase Wadi Rum’s raw beauty to the Western world. The film tells the story of T.E. Lawrence, a British army officer who supported an Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I—and yes, much of it was filmed right here.

How to Get to Wadi Rum Desert (Transportation Tips)

We booked a trip that covered both Petra and Wadi Rum Desert. After exploring Petra early in the morning (around 7 AM), our amazing driver Hassan (+962 795709903) drove us one hour to Wadi Rum. It was the perfect time to arrive for our 4-hour Wadi Rum Desert tour and catch the sunset.

Once we reached the entrance, our Bedouin guide (whom we called “Lawrence”) picked us up for a private jeep ride into the desert. He was the best.

Other Transportation Options:

• Jeep tours with local Bedouin drivers
• Quad bikes and dune buggies
• Camel rides
• Air-conditioned guided tours

4-Hour Wadi Rum Desert Tour: Our Itinerary

Our Wadi Rum Desert tour lasted four hours, with four magical stops—each more amazing than the last.

1. Ship Rock

This was our first stop: a giant rock standing alone in the desert, shaped like a ship. We had the entire place to ourselves. I couldn’t find it on Google—maybe our guide picked it especially for us. It was surreal.

2. Umm Forth Arch

This massive natural rock arch is a must-see during any Wadi Rum Desert tour. You can even ride a camel up to it for a fee (~$22 USD). It’s a fantastic photo op and has a real “Lawrence of Arabia” feel to it.

3. Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Named after T.E. Lawrence’s book, these towering rock formations rise dramatically from the desert floor. I was encouraged to yell “Yallah, Yallah Habibi!” and echo it into the canyons. One of the most memorable moments.

4. Bedouin Tea at Sunset

As the sun set, our guide laid a carpet on the sand, started a fire, and brewed fresh Bedouin tea. We sat, sipped, and our guide shared stories about him & his family living as Bedouin. Watching the desert glow under the fading light—this was my favorite part of the entire Wadi Rum Desert tour.

What I Would Do Differently Next Time

If you’re planning your trip, here are some extra experiences to consider beyond the 4-hour Wadi Rum Desert tour:

• Overnight Stay – Book a luxury bubble dome (like Sun City Camp) or stay in a traditional Bedouin camp.
• Stargazing – Camp under the stars in one of Wadi Rum’s dedicated stargazing camps.
• Sand Surfing or Rock Climbing – Explore more of the desert with a local guide.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise – Get there early to float above the desert!

Final Takeaway: Just Go!

If you’re considering Jordan, don’t skip Wadi Rum. A Wadi Rum Desert tour is not just a sightseeing stop—it’s a full-on soul experience. Between the landscapes, the local culture, and the kind people, I left Wadi Rum feeling inspired and grounded.

Share Your Experience

Planning a trip to Jordan? Already been to Wadi Rum? I’d love to hear about your experience or answer any questions you have in the comments!

Until the next trip—Adios!

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