Best Things to do in Jordan: Jordan 10 Day Itinerary

After spending 10 days exploring Jordan during a brief respite during Covid, I have to say the experience was nothing short of incredible. I honestly cannot pick a favourite memory from wandering through the ancient streets of Amman, getting lost in the magic of Petra, camping under the stars in Wadi Rum, and kicking back by the Dead Sea. Jordan is this crazy mix of history, adventure, and chill vibes that’s just perfect for us who love a bit of everything when we travel. I’m excited to share the below itinerary as a useful guide. I’ve sprinkled in all the cool spots and experiences I encountered that made this trip unforgettable. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be itching to book your next flight to Jordan!

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Amman and Vibrant Downtown

Morning: Amman Citadel and Roman Theater

• Amman Citadel: Begin your Amman exploration at the Amman Citadel, an ancient site located on a hill with panoramic views of the city. Key attractions include the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. The Citadel is a testament to the various civilizations that have inhabited the city.
• Roman Theater: Next, visit the Roman Theater, a striking 2nd-century amphitheater. This 6,000-seat structure is a marvel of ancient Roman architecture and is still used for performances today. The theater also houses two small museums worth exploring.

Afternoon: Downtown Amman and Jordan Museum

• Lunch and Downtown Exploration: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Downtown Amman, known for its delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through the bustling markets (souqs) and the colorful streets of downtown, experiencing the lively atmosphere.
• Jordan Museum: Visit the Jordan Museum, which houses some of Jordan’s most important historical artifacts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Ain Ghazal statues. This museum provides a comprehensive insight into the nation’s rich history and heritage.

Evening: Rainbow Street

• Dinner on Rainbow Street: Conclude your day on Rainbow Street, a popular spot in Amman for dining and leisure. Here, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s a great place to experience the modern, lively side of Amman and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Day 2: Culture, Art, and Modern Amman

Morning: Art Galleries and Museums

• Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts: Start your day at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, featuring an impressive collection of contemporary art from across the Islamic world and beyond. The gallery offers a unique insight into the region’s artistic evolution.

Mid Afternoon: King Abdullah Mosque and Modern Amman

• King Abdullah Mosque: Visit the King Abdullah Mosque, known for its striking blue dome. The mosque is a significant cultural landmark in Amman and offers an insight into Islamic architecture and art.
• Abdoun and Taj Mall: Head to the Abdoun neighborhood, a modern and upscale area of Amman. Visit Taj Mall for a mix of shopping, entertainment, and dining, highlighting the contemporary lifestyle in the city.

Evening: Abdali Boulevard

• Abdali Boulevard: End your Amman journey at Abdali Boulevard, a new and vibrant part of the city. This area is bustling with restaurants, cafes, and shops, perfect for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a meal here and soak in the modern vibes of Amman.

This itinerary provides a balanced view of Amman, showcasing its rich historical roots and its vibrant contemporary culture, ensuring a comprehensive experience of Jordan’s capital.

Day 3: Stepping into History

Morning: The Majestic Siq and First Gaze at The Treasury

Wow, what an introduction to Petra! I started my day walking through the Siq, this incredible narrow gorge with cliffs towering above. It felt like walking through a natural cathedral. The anticipation was palpable, and then, there it was – the Treasury (Al-Khazneh)! Emerging from the Siq to see this iconic structure for the first time was surreal. The intricate carvings and grandeur of the Treasury left me absolutely spellbound.

Evening: Petra by Night – A Dreamlike Experience

If you get a chance, don’t miss Petra by Night. Walking the candlelit path back to the Treasury was like stepping into another world. The thousands of candles lighting up the path created an ethereal ambiance that was both magical and incredibly peaceful.

Day 4: Delving Deeper into Petra

Morning: The Ascent to the Monastery
Today, I tackled the hike to the Monastery (Ad Deir). It’s a bit of a climb – over 800 steps – but absolutely worth every step. The Monastery, much larger than the Treasury, is magnificent and offers a tranquil respite from the more crowded areas of Petra.

Afternoon: Royal Tombs and Colonnaded Street
In the afternoon, I explored the Royal Tombs. Each tomb had its unique architectural style, telling a different story of Petra’s past. Strolling down the Colonnaded Street, I could almost hear the echoes of the bustling market that once stood here.

Evening: Tasting Local Flavors in Wadi Musa
Back in Wadi Musa, I indulged in some delicious local cuisine. There’s nothing like a hearty Jordanian meal to end a day of exploration.

Day 5: Discovering Petra’s Hidden Gems

Morning: Little Petra and Al-Beidha

Little Petra was today’s first stop, and it was like stepping into a hidden world. It’s smaller than Petra but incredibly charming and much quieter. I was fascinated by the frescoes in the tricliniums – such intricate details! A short trip took me to Al-Beidha, an ancient site that gave me a glimpse into one of the earliest human settlements.

Afternoon: A Day with the Bedouins
In the early afternoon, we made our way to the Theatre, carved into the side of a mountain, this ancient amphitheater could seat thousands of spectators. It’s a remarkable example of Nabatean adaptation of Roman architectural designs. Following this we made our way to the Great Temple, one of the largest freestanding structures in Petra, believed to be a major ceremonial center of the Nabateans. Its ruins are a testament to the city’s architectural sophistication.

Day 6: Final Exploration Day in Petra

Morning: High Place of Sacrifice and Great Temple

My last day in Petra started with a hike to the High Place of Sacrifice. The view from the top was breathtaking – Petra’s landscape is truly otherworldly. I then wandered through the Great Temple, marveling at the architectural prowess of the Nabateans.

Afternoon: Bidding Adieu to Petra
I used my last few hours to visit some of boutique shops spotted on the earlier days. Leaving Petra was bittersweet. This ancient city is not just a place; it’s a living story, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it, even if just for a few days.

Day 7: Mystical Desert and Starlit Skies

Morning: Arrival and Exploration
Arriving in Wadi Rum, the vastness of the desert immediately captivated me. The landscapes here are otherworldly, with towering sandstone mountains and endless red sands. Wadi Rum is a protected Uniseco World Heritage site, and large parts of it are only accessible with a guide. We decided to book a popular local tour run by the local ‘Bedouin’ people ‘Wadi Rum Bedouin Guide‘ took us on an unforgettable journey through this incredible landscape, revealing hidden canyons and ancient rock inscriptions. Each site was a marvel, telling tales of times long gone.

Afternoon: Culture and Traditions

The afternoon was a deep dive into Bedouin culture. Our guide, a local Bedouin, shared stories of desert life, customs, and traditions. We learned about the Bedouins’ connection to the land and their age-old ways of living. The warmth and hospitality of the people here were truly heartwarming.

Evening and Night: Bedouin Camp and Stargazing

As night fell, we settled into our camp – a traditional Bedouin setup. The experience was authentic and comfortable, with delicious local food cooked over an open fire. But the real show started once the skies darkened – stargazing in Wadi Rum is an experience beyond words. The clarity of the night sky, the shooting stars, and the milky way were all visible to the naked eye. It was a night I will never forget.

Day 8: Serenity and Departure

Morning: Sunrise and Camel Trek

Waking up to witness a desert sunrise was magical. The way the light played on the sand and rocks, creating a spectrum of colors, was breathtaking. We then embarked on a camel trek, a serene experience that connected us to the timeless traditions of the desert.

Late Morning: Farewell to the Desert

After the camel ride, it was time to bid farewell to the stunning landscapes of Wadi Rum. The memories made in these vast, open spaces will stay with me forever.

Afternoon: Journey to the Dead Sea

The afternoon saw us making our way towards the Dead Sea, transitioning from the rustic beauty of the desert to the unique tranquility of the world’s lowest point.

Day 9: Unwinding by the Dead Sea

Morning: Resort Check-in and Exploration

Upon arriving at the Dead Sea, we checked into a luxurious resort right by the beach. The contrast between the desert and this place was striking, the dead sea lanscape with its salt deposits and colours is absolutely unique and otherwordly, we spent the morning exploring the resort and driving along the coast and its surroundings, marveling at the serene beauty of the Dead Sea.

Afternoon: Mud and Saltwater Soak

The highlight of the day was the mud and saltwater soak. Most hotels along the dead sea coast have a private part of the Dead Sea beach where they offer guests similar amenities includign a mud cover and soak. Covering myself in the Dead Sea’s mineral-rich mud and then floating effortlessly in the salty waters was not only fun but incredibly therapeutic. We went back a did multiple rounds of this, and loved the sesation of just floating the shallow water. It’s a natural spa experience unlike any other.

Evening: Resort Leisure

We spent the evening enjoying the resort’s amenities – from their pools to their fine dining options. Watching the sunset over the Dead Sea was a serene end to a perfect day.

Day 10: Leisure and Reflection

Morning: Relaxation and Leisure

Our last day at the Dead Sea was all about relaxation. I took a leisurely swim in the resort’s pool, basked in the sun, and just soaked in the tranquil atmosphere.

Afternoon: Departure

Leaving the Dead Sea was tough. The past two days of pure relaxation and unique natural experiences were the perfect way to end my trip to Jordan. I left feeling rejuvenated and filled with unforgettable memories of a land rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.