9 Days in Jordan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ancient Jordan & the Golden Triangle

First-time visitors will enjoy this highlights itinerary of ancient Jordan, which includes classic stops from Amman to historic Petra, to the desertscapes of Wadi Rum, and to coastal Aqaba, making up the "Golden Triangle." Start in the capital by exploring ruins at the Amman Citadel, followed by a visit to Petra and ending in southern Aqaba. Highlights include venturing into Wadi Rum for an off-roading and desert camping adventure, soaking up some sun on the Red Sea in Aqaba, and a therapeutic mud wrap at the Dead Sea.

In Jordan, explore the capital city, Amman. Discover artifacts from prehistoric times to the present at the Jordan Museum, wander through Rainbow Street, and indulge in Jordanian classics like mansaf (rice topped with lamb) for dinner. The next day, head to the archaeological ruins of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East, before heading to the 12th-century Ajloun Castle, built to ward off Crusader armies. Afterward, tour Amman's Old City, Amman Citadel, and its second-century Roman Theatre. En route to Petra, the "Rose City," on Day 3, stop in Madaba, known for its well-preserved mosaics, and at Kerak Castle. 

Marvel at Petra's rock-cut architecture, starting at the towering Treasury, and climb to the Monastery, the ancient Nabataean city's largest monument. Next, you're off to venture into Wadi Rum for a desert camping adventure. Hop in a Jeep, traversing the lunar-like landscape of Wadi Rum to get to your Bedouin-style desert camp before enjoying a swim in the Red Sea in Aqaba the next day. Spend one more morning at the beach, then head to the Dead Sea, where you can enjoy floating in its buoyant, salty waters and soak up the minerals from a full-body mud treatment. Before you know it, it's time to return to Amman for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: Amman, Azraq, Madaba, Petra & Wadi Rum

Stop in Amman, Azraq, Madaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum on this history and heritage tour of Jordan. You'll discover local culture among Amman's museums and ruins, peer inside ancient desert castles, like 13th-century Qasr al-Azraq, on the Desert Castles Loop, climb the steps to Petra's rock-cut Monastery, savor traditional Jordanian dishes like "mansaf," and connect with locals during a Bedouin family visit and experience a sunset camel ride in Wadi Rum.

Begin in Amman, where you'll explore historic sites like the Amman Citadel and its crumbling Temple of Hercules before continuing to the Jordan Folklore Museum for a lesson on Jordan's rich cultural heritage. On a city tour the next day, you'll check out the colorful mosaic tiles at the Grand Husseini Mosque and take in the buzzing scene at souks el-Bukharia and al-Sukar. Day 3 sees you heading east toward the small town of Azraq, stopping first to see the Archaeological Site of Jerash's highlights, like the grand Oval Plaza. Then, search for wildlife in and bike around the Azraq Wetland Reserve followed by driving the Desert Castles Loop.

Head to the "City of Mosaics," but not before stopping at Mount Nebo for a view of the Promised Land, first, then step inside St. George's Greek Orthodox Church to see the Madaba Map, an intricate mosaic floor map depicting the Holy Land. Travel south to Petra next, exploring the village of Dana and its traditional stone houses, narrow alleys, and terraced gardens, Shobak Castle, and Little Petra, a precursor to its more formidable Petra. On Day 7, tour Petra, from the Siq to the High Place of Sacrifice followed by discovering Wadi Rum, from meeting a Bedouin family and taking a sunset camel ride and touring the desert by Jeep. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Culture & Culinary Tour of Jordan

Foodies will enjoy this culture and culinary tour of Jordan, which includes explorations of ancient cities, hands-on craft and cooking workshops, and nature treks. Starting with a street art tour in Amman, you'll gain a well-rounded experience with foraging in Umm Qais and a visit to ancient Pella, an Arabic calligraphy and soap-making lesson in Ajloun, a brewery tour and tasting at Carakale Brewery, and hiking amid historic copper mines in Wadi Feynan. Additional highlights include cooking at a farm in As-Salt, touring a women's cooperative in Amman, and sipping local wine at Jordan Vineyards & Winery. 

In Amman, you'll begin with a street art tour of historic neighborhoods like Jabal al-Weibdeh and connect with local artists before sampling classic foods like a sweet treat of knafeh. The next day, head to Umm Qais, taking a pit stop at Tabqat Fahel or Pella to marvel at remnants of city walls, temples, theaters, and churches from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. In Umm Qais, take a foraging tour to learn about the edible plants and fruits in the area. Then, stop at the archaeological site of Jerash en route to trek Ajloun's Soap House Trail and learn about the traditional soap-making process.

On your way back to Amman on Day 4 for an Arabic calligraphy workshop, learn to make (and taste) one of over 32 types of jam at Umm Omar farm in As-Salt. The next day, visit Iraq al-Amir Women's Cooperative to learn about Jordanian handicrafts, followed by a tour and tasting at Carakale Brewery. Then on Day 6, take a wine tour at Jordan Vineyards & Winery in Mafraq and continue to the village of Dana the next day before hiking the Nawatef Trail. Trek from Dana to Feynan Ecolodge on Day 8, taking in views of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. On your final day, trek to Feynan's ancient copper mines before returning to Amman. Learn more

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

This itinerary leads active travelers and trekkers to hike the Jordan Trail from Dana to Petra. On this adventure through Jordan, you'll start with a tour of Amman's hilltop Citadel and historical sites in the north and make your way to Rose City of Petra in the south. Set off on a five-day guided hike along the Jordan Trail, traversing through rugged landscapes, visiting ancient ruins, and experiencing the Bedouin way of life. Other highlights include a candlelit night in Petra, a Jeep safari and stargazing tour in Wadi Rum, and a camel ride across Wadi Rum.

In Jordan's capital, Amman, take a guided tour of the hilltop Amman Citadel, downtown's local souks, and the King Abdullah I Mosque. From there, head to the village of Dana to begin your five-day hike along the Jordan Trail. You'll trek through the Dana Biosphere Reserve, spotting endemic wildlife such as gazelles, ibex, and desert foxes and passing ancient archaeological sites and Bedouin encampments before descending to Wadi Feynan. Then, trek to the remote Ras al-Feid and to Ghbour Whedat, nestled amid sandstone cliffs and desert plains, as you follow the Sharah Mountains along Bedouin paths. 

After leaving the remote areas of the desert, you'll start seeing signs of civilization as you approach Little Petra, an ancient rock-cut Nabataean city. From there, take a backdoor trail to Petra's iconic Monastery to complete your portion of the Jordan Trail. On Day 7, spend time strolling the Colonnaded Street to the Great Temple and visit the Treasury facade carved into the red sandstone cliffs. Then, set off to Wadi Rum, or "Valley of the Moon". Here, you'll explore the desert in style on a Jeep safari, stay with a local Bedouin family, and take a stargazing tour. On your final morning, enjoy a desert camel ride before returning to Amman. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Highlights of Egypt & Jordan: Cairo, Nile Cruise, Petra & Wadi Rum

Explore the crossroads of civilizations in Egypt and Jordan on this multicountry highlights adventure, suitable for history and adventure lovers, with a mix of guided tours and free time for self-exploration. Highlights include a hot-air balloon ride over Luxor, a Nile River cruise, a self-guided tour of UNESCO-listed Petra, and a Jeep tour across the desert landscape in Wadi Rum. Plus, you won't miss out on iconic spots such as the Giza pyramids, Aswan and Luxor temple complexes, and Cairo's bustling bazaars.

Begin in Cairo, Egypt, where your guide will teach you about the historic mosques, mausoleums, and palaces before leading you onto the famous Haret al-Darb al-Asfar street. Following this, visit the Giza Pyramid complex and the Great Sphinx and admire the Egyptian Museum's artifacts. Next, explore Aswan from a traditional sailboat, visiting Philae Temple and the Aga Khan Mausoleum. Afterward, board a three-day Nile River cruise, stopping at Abu Simbel's temples, dedicated to Ramesses II and his wife, Nefertari, the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Temple of Khnum, ending at Karnak Temple in Luxor.

Disembark from your cruise, and set off on a hot-air balloon ride over Luxor on Day 6, and then join your guide for a tour of the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Kings necropolis. Fly to Amman later that day to visit Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. En route, you'll stop to see mosaics in Madaba, a Crusader castle in Al-Karak, flora and fauna in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and the well-preserved Nabataean structures of Little Petra. Spend a day exploring the archaeological site of Petra proper on Day 8 and head to Wadi Rum for a Jeep tour of its dunes, rock formations, canyons, and springs before heading back to Amman for your departure. Learn more

More Great 9-Day Jordan Itineraries

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