Experience an engaging 6-day road trip across Jordan, tailored for history and culture lovers on a moderate budget. With a rented car, early starts, and late finishes, you'll maximize sightseeing and cultural immersion at iconic sites, deliberately excluding Aqaba.
Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman.
Pick up your pre-booked rental car, which will be essential for your exploration of Jordan. Proceed to your hotel for check-in and to drop off luggage.
Ensure you have all necessary documents for car rental, including international driving permit. Many car rental agencies are located at the airport.
Rental car pickup at airport.
Check into the InterContinental Amman, a 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Amman, offering comfort and convenience after your journey.
Explore the historic Citadel, one of the oldest continually inhabited places in the world.
Visit the Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, and the Jordan Archaeological Museum, offering panoramic views of Amman.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Best visited in the afternoon for stunning views.
Drive to the Citadel, parking available.
Descend from the Citadel to visit the magnificent 2nd-century Roman Theatre, carved into the hillside.
Explore the Jordan Folklore Museum and Museum of Popular Traditions located within the theatre.
The Roman Theatre is often still used for cultural events. Combine with a stroll through Downtown Amman.
Short drive or walk downhill from the Citadel area.
Enjoy an evening stroll and dinner on Rainbow Street, one of Amman's oldest streets, known for its vibrant atmosphere, cafes, and diverse restaurants.
A great spot for people-watching and trying local cuisine. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating.
Drive or taxi from your hotel. Parking can be challenging.
Drive north to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world.
Explore its colonnaded streets, temples, theatres, and the Oval Plaza.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Consider hiring a local guide at the entrance for deeper insights into its history.
Drive approximately 1 hour north from Amman. Free parking available.
Enjoy a traditional Jordanian lunch at a local restaurant near the Jerash archaeological site.
Try 'Mansaf', Jordan's national dish, if available.
Short walk or drive from the ruins.
Visit Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ar-Rabad), a 12th-century Muslim castle built by Saladin's general.
Explore its towers and enjoy panoramic views of the Jordan Valley.
The drive to Ajloun offers scenic views. The castle is a great example of Islamic military architecture.
Drive approximately 30-40 minutes west from Jerash. Parking available.
Return to Amman for a relaxing dinner, perhaps trying a restaurant in the Abdoun area or another local favorite.
Amman offers a wide range of dining options from casual to fine dining.
Drive back to Amman (approx. 1 hour).
Drive to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.
Enjoy a unique floating experience in its mineral-rich waters and cover yourself in therapeutic mud. Spend time relaxing by the shore.
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. Avoid getting water in your eyes. Many resorts offer day passes.
Drive approximately 1 hour from Amman. Use the facilities of a resort for access to the beach.
Have lunch at one of the restaurants within the Dead Sea resort, offering stunning views over the water.
Resort restaurants typically offer international and local cuisine.
Embark on a scenic drive south along the historic King's Highway or the faster Desert Highway towards Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra. Enjoy the changing landscapes.
The King's Highway is more scenic but slower, passing through villages. The Desert Highway is faster.
Private rental car.
Check into your accommodation in Wadi Musa, preparing for an early start to explore Petra tomorrow.
Many hotels in Wadi Musa offer convenient access to the Petra visitor center.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Wadi Musa, sampling traditional Bedouin cuisine or other local delights.
Many restaurants cater to tourists and offer a relaxing atmosphere after a day of travel.
Start your exploration of the ancient Nabataean city of Petra early to beat the crowds and enjoy the cooler morning temperatures.
Walk through the Siq, the narrow gorge, leading to the Treasury.
Petra is vast; wear sturdy walking shoes, bring plenty of water, and wear layers. An early start is highly recommended.
Walk from your hotel to the Petra Visitor Center, or a short drive with parking.
Spend the morning exploring the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Street of Facades, the Roman Theatre, and the Royal Tombs. Take your time to marvel at the intricate carvings and scale of these structures.
Consider hiring a local guide (Bedouin guide) for deeper insights into the history and lesser-known spots.
Embark on the rewarding hike to Ad Deir (The Monastery), Petra's second most famous monument.
The climb involves about 800 steps but offers incredible views and a quieter experience.
This hike is strenuous; carry extra water. There are small cafes at the top for refreshments.
Enjoy the atmospheric walk back through the Siq as the sun begins to set, casting beautiful colors on the sandstone cliffs.
Consider if Petra by Night is running (usually Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) for an unforgettable candlelit experience, requiring a separate ticket.
Relish a well-deserved dinner in Wadi Musa, reflecting on the day's incredible sights.
Many restaurants offer traditional Bedouin hospitality and cuisine.
Visit Al-Beidha, commonly known as Little Petra.
This smaller site offers a glimpse into Nabataean life and architecture, with impressive rock-cut buildings and frescoes, often less crowded than Petra.
Located just a short drive from Wadi Musa, it's a great warm-up for or cool-down from Petra. Free entrance.
Drive approximately 15 minutes north from Wadi Musa. Free parking.
Drive south to the dramatic desert landscape of Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the 'Valley of the Moon'.
Park your car at the Visitor Center.
The drive offers breathtaking views as you approach the desert. Your desert camp will usually arrange pickup from the visitor center.
Drive approximately 1.5 - 2 hours from Wadi Musa. Free parking at Wadi Rum Visitor Center.
Enjoy a simple local lunch in Wadi Rum village or at the visitor center before heading into the desert.
A chance to try authentic Bedouin bread and other local dishes.
Embark on an exhilarating 4x4 jeep safari through the stunning desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Visit iconic sites like Lawrence's Spring, sand dunes, and ancient inscriptions. Enjoy a magical desert sunset.
Your camp will usually arrange the jeep tour. Negotiate the length and sites directly with your guide. Bring a scarf for dust and sun protection.
Experience a traditional Bedouin dinner at your desert camp, often cooked using the 'zarb' method (underground oven).
Afterwards, enjoy stargazing in the clear desert night.
The clear desert skies offer unparalleled opportunities for stargazing.
Start your day with an early scenic drive from Petra to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center.
The landscape will gradually transform into the stunning desert vistas of Wadi Rum.
Self-drive with your rental car. The drive is approximately 1.5-2 hours.
Embark on an unforgettable 4-hour jeep tour into the heart of Wadi Rum, led by a local Bedouin guide.
Explore iconic sites like Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon with its ancient inscriptions, towering sand dunes, and natural rock bridges. Take time for photos and short walks.
Book a private jeep tour in advance for flexibility. Guides often speak English. Remember to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Enjoy a delicious, authentic Bedouin lunch prepared in the desert, often featuring local dishes like Mansaf or Zarb (cooked underground).
Often included in longer jeep tours or can be arranged separately with your guide.
After lunch, take more time to soak in the serene beauty of Wadi Rum.
You might opt for a short camel ride or simply find a quiet spot to admire the vast, dramatic landscapes and rock formations.
Camel rides can be arranged through your guide or at the visitor center.
Begin the long drive from Wadi Rum back towards Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman.
This is a significant drive, so ensure you have snacks and water.
Self-drive with your rental car. Plan for a long drive and potential traffic closer to Amman. Make sure to refuel before leaving Wadi Rum or early on the highway.
Stop for a quick dinner at a restaurant on the outskirts of Amman or closer to the airport before heading to the terminal.
Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).
Return your rental car, allowing ample time for the process. Proceed to check-in for your early morning flight.
Ensure you know the car rental return procedure and location at the airport.
This 6-day itinerary for Jordan can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.