12 Days in Jordan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Jordan: Amman to the Red Sea

Delight in Jordan's historical and natural wonders on this Jordan highlights tour. First-time visitors will appreciate the mix of activities that includes a dinner featuring the national dish on arrival in Amman, a tour of one of the world's best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in Jerash, a visit to Al-Maghtas and other Biblical sites, a float in the Dead Sea, a free day to explore Petra, an overnight in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, and two days to swim and snorkel in Aqaba. With a blend of guided tours and free time, this itinerary suits travelers seeking a balance of structure and self-guided adventures.

On arrival in Amman, get a history lesson at the Jordan Museum, where you'll find the Dead Sea Scrolls and Islamic manuscripts before feasting on mansaf (the national dish of rice and lamb). In the morning the next day, your driver will take you north to see a Crusader castle in Ajloun and the Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash. Then, you'll visit some of Jordan's spiritual sites, including Mount Nebo (the spot believed to be where Moses took in the view of the Promised Land) and Al-Maghtas, where John the Baptist is said to have baptized Jesus Christ. Enjoy free time at the Dead Sea on Day 4 to float in the mineral-rich waters.

Journey along the winding Kings Highway to Petra, where you'll walk the Siq trail to reach the Treasury facade, famously seen in the "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" film. Take your time (and plenty of photos!); you'll have a full day and the following morning to explore other trails and monuments within the ancient Nabataean city. Then, you're off to Wadi Rum for a Jeep ride across the desert dunes, dinner around the campfire, and an overnight in a Bedouin tent. Round out your trip with two days in Aqaba to swim and snorkel in the Red Sea before returning to Amman for departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: From Amman to the Dead Sea

This Jordan heritage tour picks up the pace and introduces you to some of the country's culture and top historic sites. You'll tour Greco-Roman ruins in the north, go bird-watching and meet a Druze family in Azraq, castle-hop in the Eastern Desert, admire mosaics in Madaba, learn about Bedouin traditions in Dana, spend a day sightseeing in the Petra archaeological site, visit Lot's Cave, and enjoy a relaxing soak at the Ma'in Hot Springs. 

Your journey begins in Amman where you'll sample local eats such as knafeh (a sweet pastry and cheese dessert) and tour historic landmarks, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins atop Citadel Hill. Then, you'll venture north for a private tour of the black basalt theater and other Greco-Roman ruins of Gadara before making your way east to Azraq. Here, you'll watch for impressive raptors and other birds on a nature walk through the wetland reserve, then join a Druze family for lunch in their home. You'll return to Amman via the Desert Castles Loop, stopping to admire eighth-century frescoes in Quseir 'Amra. 

On Day 6, your driver will take you to see the ancient Mosaic Map in Madaba, and then you'll move on to Kerak for a tour of a Crusader castle. Continue south to Dana for a hike along the Nawatef Trail, passing sandstone formations to reach Nabataean ruins. You'll also have a chance to engage in weaving or cooking with Bedouins at Dana Cooperative before departing for Petra. Explore the Royal Tombs and other cliff-carved monuments of Petra at your own pace, then hit the road farther south to Wadi Rum. After a sunset camel ride and a night under the stars, you'll cap off your trip with a soak at Ma'in Hot Springs. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan

Travelers eager to engage with local people and learn new skills should opt for this cultural Jordan itinerary. In addition to visiting top spots such as Petra and Wadi Rum, you'll connect with local culture through hands-on activities that include foraging in Umm Qais, an Arabic calligraphy lesson in Ajloun, a jam and jameed-making class at a farm near As-Salt, a visit to Iraq al-Amir Women's Cooperative to meet the artisans and shop for souvenirs, a wine tasting at JR Vineyard, and a hike from Dana to Feynan where you'll learn local traditions from the Bedouin community. 

After freshening up in your Amman hotel, you'll get acquainted with the street art scene on an artist-led walking tour. The following morning, your driver will whisk you to Northern Jordan, where you'll see remnants of Byzantine temples and Roman baths in Pella, then forage for almonds or other edible plants with a local guide in Umm Qais. You'll also have time to walk the Collonaded Street in Jerash, one of the world's best-preserved Greco-Roman cities, before transferring to Ajloun. Here, you'll hike amid pistachio trees (and wildflowers, if visiting in the spring) and craft a souvenir in an Arabic calligraphy class. 

You'll prepare jam and jameed (dried yogurt) at a farm near As-Salt before meeting the textile and ceramics artisans at Iraq al-Amir Women's Cooperative. Then, you'll savor local spirits on a Carakale Brewery tour, followed by wine tasting at the JR Vineyard. Outdoor adventures await in Southern Jordan, where you'll hike the rocky trail from Dana to Feynan Ecolodge for stargazing and a lesson in making Arabic coffee over a campfire. Your next stop is Petra, where you'll learn to cook mansaf and trek to ancient temples and tombs. Lastly, you'll traverse the Wadi Rum desert with a Bedouin guide. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Hike the Jordan Trail From Dana to Petra

Avid hikers and active travelers can tackle a section of the Jordan Trail on this Dana to Petra adventure. Highlights along the way include a meal with the Bedouin community in Dana, camping under the stars in Ras al-Feid, searching for petroglyphs on the rust-red rocks along the trail to Ghbour Whedat, and trekking the ancient stairs to the tallest structure in Petra. Following your hike, you'll also have the opportunity to stargaze in Wadi Rum, take a bike ride from Mount Nebo to Mukawir, and soak your tired muscles at Ma'in Hot Springs. 

After touching down in Amman, you'll climb the steps of the second-century Roman Theatre and visit the blue-domed King Abdullah I Mosque. Then, your driver will transfer you to Dana, where you'll dine with the Bedouin community at Dana Cooperative before setting off on your hike along the Jordan Trail. Descend from verdant Dana and pass Bedouin tents as you trek through the valley to Wadi Feynan. After a peaceful sleep at Feynan Ecolodge, you'll hike amid ancient mines and across rugged terrain to your campsite in Ras al-Feid. Here, you'll feast around the campfire and sleep in a tent under the stars.

The scenery changes to red and orange rocks (look closely, and you may spot petroglyphs!) dotted with the green of hardy shrubs as you trek your way along shepherd paths to Ghbour Whedat. After another night under the stars, you'll hike to Little Petra, where you'll find cliff-cut Nabataean structures. From there, climb the ancient stairs to Petra's backdoor entrance, arriving at the 147-foot-tall (45 m) Monastery. Afterward, you can rest your legs on a Jeep Safari and stargazing tour in Wadi Rum, then fit in one last hike from Mount Nebo to the Mukawir fortress, followed by a dip in the Ma'in Hot Springs. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Egypt & Jordan Cultural Tour: Cairo, Amman & More

This Jordan and Egypt cultural tour is suited to archaeology enthusiasts and those looking to cover a lot of ground. In Egypt, you'll visit the Great Pyramid of Giza and then tour ancient temples as you cruise along the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan. In Jordan, you'll hit some of the hotspots, including the Citadel in Amman, the Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash, the UNESCO-listed Nabataean city of Petra, the unique rock formations of Wadi Rum desert, and the Dead Sea—the lowest point on Earth. The combination of self-directed activities and guided tours is best for those who prefer some free time to explore on their own. 

Kick off your trip in Cairo, Egypt, where you'll visit the Great Pyramid of Giza (the last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!) and browse artifacts spanning over 5,000 years at the Egyptian Museum. Afterward, fly to Luxor, where you can admire the carved columns of Karnak Temple before boarding your Nile River cruise. En route to Aswan, you'll stop at historical sites along the river, such as the Temple of Kom Ombo, where you can see reliefs and hieroglyphics that depict ancient rituals. In Aswan, you can visit the Philae Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess of healing and magic.

On a tour of a Nubian village on the Nile's west bank, you'll learn about textile weaving traditions before returning to Cairo for your flight to Amman, Jordan. You'll have a free evening to nibble falafel and shop or café-hop along Rainbow Street. Then, your driver will take you to Jerash on Day 9 for a tour of the Hippodrome and other Greco-Roman ruins. Afterward, you'll head to the Nabataean city of Petra, where you can trek to the various temples and viewpoints, such as the High Place of Sacrifice. Your final full day includes a Jeep tour of Wadi Rum's dunes, rock bridges, and inscriptions, followed by a float in the Dead Sea. Learn more

More Great Jordan Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Jordan? Check out these other Jordan itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.