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In this article, we’ll help you plan the best 7-day Jordan itinerary. We‘ll pack in all the highlights you can see in Jordan in 7 days. Plus, discover some tips on how to make the best of your Jordan trip.

If you’re here, it means you’re ready to start planning an epic 7-day Jordan trip. Get ready because this small country packs quite a punch!

Nestled at the crossroads of history, culture, and natural splendor, Jordan is sure to amaze you with its timeless beauty & iconic hospitality. From Petra to the Dead Sea and all the way to Aqaba, Jordan offers unique experiences throughout the country.

In this article, we invite you to explore the storied streets of Amman, marvel at the majestic facades of Petra, and venture into the otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum. Immerse yourself in the healing waters of the Dead Sea and bask in the vibrant underwater world of Aqaba. With our 7-day Jordan itinerary, each day will offer new discoveries and unforgettable experiences.

So pack your bags, embark on this journey of exploration and wonder, and let the magic of Jordan unfold before your eyes. Get ready for an amazing trip, regardless of which itinerary you choose.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

How to get to Jordan

There are a few ways to get into Jordan, whether you want to fly in, take a ferry or drive through the borders of neighboring countries. Here is some quick information about your different options.

Flying into Jordan for international travelers

This is probably the easiest and best way to get into Jordan to start your 7-day journey through the country.

Jordan has 2 different airports you can fly into:

• Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Located in Amman, about 45 minutes from the city center. The Queen Alia Airport is the main international airport in Jordan. Most visitors will come in through here as there are frequent flights from Europe and the Middle East.
• King Hussein International Airport (AQJ). This airport is located in Aqaba. Some international flights used to come in through this airport, mainly from Europe. However, since the war in Gaza, all flights to this airport have been redirected to AMM.

Ferry into Jordan from Egypt

Another option to get into Jordan is to take a ferry from Egypt. There are 2 different options to get to Aqaba.

• Ferry from Nuweiba to Aqaba. This ferry leaves from Nuweiba at noon every day. It arrives in Aqaba at around 5 pm. At the time of writing, a one-way ticket cost $41 USD.
• Ferry from Taba to Aqaba. This ferry leaves from Taba at 1:30 pm every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It arrives in Aqaba at around 2:30 pm. One-way tickets cost $65 USD.

Make sure you check the Arab Bridge Maritime Company timetables and website for all up-to-date information.

If you take a ferry from Egypt, make sure you check out our full Aqaba guide here.

Getting into Jordan by land

Finally, you can also cross the land border into Jordan from neighboring countries.

Crossing the land border from Isreal to Jordan

You can cross from Isreal into Jordan from three different border crossings. In talking to locals, it seems like Israel and Palestine are the countries most people visit when touring the Middle East.

• Yitzhak Rabin Terminal/Wadi Araba Crossing. Best for visiting Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Petra. Open from Sunday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Closed on Friday and Saturday, also on Yom Kippur and Muslim New Year (Id il Hajira). You will need to have your visa for Jordan beforehand. Since 2016, visas are no longer being given at this crossing.
• King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) Terminal. Closest to Amman, As-Salt and Madaba. Open on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 am to 11:45 pm. Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 am to 5:30 pm & Fridays and Saturdays from 8 am to 3:30 pm.
  • Just note that this may be the longest border crossing from what we’ve read online. You must get your visa for Jordan or your Jordan Pass beforehand. You can’t get your visa at this border crossing. Plus, if you take a private car or tour bus, you must change vehicles upon crossing or use the other two border crossings.
• Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein Crossing. Open from Sunday to Thursday, from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm, on Friday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. The terminal is closed on Yom Kippur and the Muslim New Year (Id El Hijara). Most nationalities can get their visa at the border here, however, to avoid issues, we recommend getting it beforehand, if you can.

Note that if you are leaving from Jordan to enter Israel, you will have to pay an exit fee which varies depending on which crossing you choose. The fee is of either 8 or 10 JOD. There is also an exit fee for leaving Israel. You may also have to pay for a visa to enter Israel.

Crossing the land border from Saudi Arabia to Jordan

There are 3 different land borders you can cross to get in from Saudi Arabia. All these borders are open 24/7, throughout the year.

• Umari Border Crossing. It’s the closest to Amman, at 155km.
• Mudawara Border Crossing. Located 320km away from Amman.
• Durra Border Crossing. This is the closest border crossing to Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Petra.

Crossing the land border from Syria

If you’re coming to Jordan by road from Syria, you can cross into Jaber or Ramtha. The latter is mainly used for cargo, so we wouldn’t recommend it.

The Jaber land crossing is the closest border to Amman. It’s from Saturday to Friday, from 8 am to 6 pm. Closed on Sundays.

Crossing the border from Iraq to Jordan

You can also cross the land border from Iraq into Jordan. You’ll need to go through the Al-Karamah Border Crossing. It’s about 330 kilometers away from Amman and is open Saturday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm.

How to get around Jordan

Jordan is a fairly small country so getting around is quite easy. You have a few options to choose from depending on what you’d like to do and see while you’re traveling for 7 days in Jordan.

Renting a car in Jordan

This is how we chose to explore Jordan for 18 days and we highly recommend this option to discover the beauty of the country. We rented our car with Rushmore and absolutely loved the service and the options of cars available.

If you plan on renting a car, we recommend reading our full guide to driving in Jordan.

They dropped the car off at our hotel in Amman and we gave it back to them at the airport, on our way out. So convenient! They also checked in halfway through our trip to make sure all was good. Honestly, it was great service from start to end!

If you want to explore the country at your own pace, stop often to enjoy the scenery (which is stunning), and get off the beaten path in Jordan, then renting a car is the best option for you. The freedom you have with being your ride is unparalleled.

Driving in Jordan is fairly easy, especially when you leave the chaotic big cities. Well-paved and connected highways are all over the country. It’s really a great way to explore the country.

Taking public transportation in Jordan

Jordan has an extensive public bus network. It connects major cities and towns. The only thing that is tricky about using public transportation is that schedules aren’t always reliable (they often wait for the bus to be full) and routes can be long as you may need to transfer to get to your destination.

However, if you plan on visiting the major tourist sites, you should be fine.

Another option is to take JETT buses. They’re a popular option for intercity travel. We met two Dutch girls who were traveling through the country using this service. The routes were convenient, connecting major tourist sites. The service was reliable and good.

Again, if you only want to visit the major highlights of the country, this is a great option. However, know that if you are 2 or 3 people traveling together, a rental car may be a more affordable option.

Taking private shuttles and guided tours in Jordan

Another option for getting around Jordan is to take private shuttles or to do guided tours. If you’re not comfortable driving in a foreign country, or if you’re a group of 3-4 people, this may be a more affordable and comfortable option for you.

This is a great way to take the hassle out of driving, and you can still have the freedom to go where you want and stop when you see beautiful scenery… just be warned, you may be stopping a lot!

There are some great options for tours, transfers and guided tours available on Viator and on GetYourGuide.com. You can rank them by rating or price to find the best option for you.

Taking taxis in Jordan

Taxis are widely available in big cities in Jordan. They are a convenient way to get around when you’re tired of walking up and down hills – yes, we’re looking at you Amman!

Once you leave the big cities, taxis are not that available. However, we saw many people hitchhiking in Jordan, so you can easily catch a ride this way too. Jordanians are super kind and generous people, so this comes as no surprise.

If you choose to take taxis, negotiate your fare before starting your journey. Most of the time, it felt like the cost was about 5 JOD when traveling within the city unless it’s a very short distance (or a very long one).

The best time to visit Jordan

Now! Now is the best time to visit Jordan. With the war in Gaza, many people are scared or worried about traveling to Jordan. However, we can attest to how safe and peaceful Jordan is. We went in March 2024 and there were very few tourists around. We even had Petra’s Treasury all to ourselves 2 days in a row! Incredible!

If you’re looking for mild weather, the spring and autumn are the best times to visit Jordan. From March to May, and then from September to November, the weather is pleasant which makes getting out and about very enjoyable.

If you’re there in early March like us, you can expect a few rainy days, as well as strong winds throughout the country. Nights tend to get quite cool in March, so bringing warm clothing and dressing in layers is a must, regardless of the time of day. It may be warm in the sun, and chilly in the shade.

What was also nice about traveling to Jordan in March was that the flowers were starting to bloom in certain parts of the country. In the deserts of Wadi Rum, we had a beautiful little carpet of flowers and grass adding pops of color to the sand and rocks around. It was beautiful!

If you plan on visiting Jordan in the summers, from June to August, expect very hot temperatures, especially in the desert. In the winter, from December to February, temperatures can drop quite low, especially when you reach higher elevations like Petra or the Dana Biosphere Reserve.

It’s important to note that nights are cold in the deserts of Wadi Rum all year round. Make sure to bring a warm jacket if you plan on spending time outside at night. Our best advice is to dress in layers in the desert. And don’t underestimate how strong the sun is!

A little bit about Jordan & its history

Before jumping into the different itineraries, we wanted to share a few interesting things about Jordan with you. It’s always nice to know a bit about the country you’re about to visit – it helps better connect you with the people, the culture and to better understand their history and reality.

The Ancient History of Jordan

Jordan is located in the Middle East. It shares borders with Iraq, Syria, Israel, Palestine and Saudi Arabia. The country has a population of about 11 million people, and between 50-80% of the people are of Palestinian descent (or are Palestinian).

Jordan is an ancient country. As you’ll discover while visiting the country, it was once home to the Nabateans, who established their capital at Petra around the 6th century BCE. It was also home to the Romans who left traces all over the country, including in Amman, Umm Qays and Jerash.

After the Romans, it came under Byzantine rule, during which Christianity spread widely across the region. Many of the Byzantine churches and monasteries were built in places like Madaba and Mount Nebo, which you can still visit today. In the 7th century CE, Islam spread to Jordan. You can see the historical significance of Islam at sites like the Desert Castles and the Umayyad Desert Palaces.

During the Crusades, Jordan witnessed numerous conflicts between European Crusaders and Muslim armies. Castle strongholds such as Kerak and Ajloun Castle were constructed during this time. And from the early 16th century until the end of World War I, Jordan was under Ottoman rule.

Jordan’s Modern History

After World War I, Jordan came under British control as part of the League of Nations mandate. Transjordan only gained independence in 1946, and that’s when the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was established – which is how it’s still known today.

After WWII, once Israel was created, Jordan played a significant role in the Arab-Israeli conflict that ensued. This includes the Arab-Israeli War of 1948 and the Six-Day War of 1967. During the last conflict, Jordan lost control of the West Bank. This also explains why so many people in Jordan are Palestinian.

In 1994, Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel, becoming the second Arab country to do so after Egypt. To this day, it has normalized relations with Israel. And since the Queen is Palestinian, Jordan provides a lot of humanitarian aid to those living in Palestine, especially during the current conflict.

Some fun facts about Jordan

Even with its tumultuous history, Jordan is a peaceful and safe country today. There are so many interesting things to know about the different places you can visit:

1. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth’s land surface. It also has a salt concentration so high that allows people to float effortlessly in its waters. Find out more about the Dead Sea in our full guide here.
2. Often referred to as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum’s otherworldly landscape has served as a backdrop for many films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Dune 2, The Martian, Star Wars and many others. Check out everything you need to know about Wadi Rum and the bedouin camps here.
3. The ancient city of Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. It’s home to magnificent temples, theaters, and colonnaded streets.
4. Petra is one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. The site was an ancient Nabatean capital. There’s so much more to it than just the Treasury. Check out our full guide here. You can also read about the best attractions, hidden gems & hiking trails in Petra here.
5. Jordanian cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Don’t miss trying Mansaf, the national dish made with lamb, rice, and yogurt sauce. Vegan meals to try are Za’atar bread, Ful, Falafel, Hummus & Baba Ghanoush.

4 different 7-day Jordan itineraries

If you’re planning on spending 7 days in Jordan, there are a few ways you can do it. This will depend on what your interests are and what you’re most looking forward to doing.

Also, as we say with all our itineraries, these are the basis of how we would recommend exploring the country. You don’t need to follow our exact steps but feel free to make it your own. However, with 7 days in Jordan, you don’t have much wiggle room. If you can, we highly recommend extending your stay to 10 days or even to 14 days. It will allow you more time to explore and see more of the country.

Don’t worry though! 7 days in Jordan is enough time to get a good feel for the country, to explore it and to see the highlights. With our 4 different itineraries, we have something for everyone.

One 7-day itinerary in Jordan takes you to all the highlights, with a night in each place. A second one will show you the highlights and some of the best Roman ruins. The third 7-day Jordan itinerary is made specifically for hikers, while the last one is for scuba divers.

All of the itineraries are planned out for having a rental car. This is how we explored the country and we highly recommend you do the same. We rented our car from Rushmore and it made discovering the country very convenient and enjoyable. You can still do some of these itineraries by using shuttles or public transportation if you prefer.

So let’s get into it!

Jordan 7-day itinerary #1: Exploring the highlights

If you want to see the best highlights, this is how you should spend your 7 days in Jordan. This itinerary will give you enough time to check out the best the country has to offer, taking you from the capital all the way down to Aqaba.

You’ll be moving along quite a bit, but we tried to break it out so you don’t have to go from one end of the country to the other.

Here are the main things you need to know for this itinerary:

• Arrival & departure airport: Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA). If the airport in Aqaba opens, you may leave from there to save time.
• Driving time: About 10.5 hours
• Driving distance: 735 km
• Highlights you’ll see: Amman, Dead Sea, Petra, Red Sea, Wadi Rum
• Jordan Pass: Jordan Explorer (75 JOD) for 2 consecutive days in Petra
• Best for: Those who want to see the highlights and don’t mind moving around

Here is an overview of what your time in Jordan will look like:

1. Day 1: Arrive in Amman. Explore the city if you can.
2. Day 2: Drive to the Dead Sea and relax on its shores
3. Day 3: Drive to Petra in the morning. Explore the site in the afternoon
4. Day 4: A full day in Petra
5. Day 5: Drive to Aqaba in the morning. Scuba dive or snorkel in the afternoon.
6. Day 6: Drive to Wadi Rum in the morning. Explore in the afternoon. Spend a night in the desert.
7. Day 7: Drive back to Amman (or Aqaba). If you have time, you can either explore Amman or Madaba.

A breakdown of your 7 days in Jordan

With this 7-day itinerary in Jordan, we tried to cram in as many of the highlights as possible. You’ll be moving a bit, but you’ll still have some downtime to relax and enjoy your surroundings. It’s all about balance here!

Here’s how to spend each of your days on this 7-day trip to Jordan. We tried to balance it all out so you don’t have full days spent on the road. As always, use this as a blueprint, but make it your own.

Day 1: Arrive and explore Amman

Welcome to Amman! The most convenient way to get from the airport to the city is by taking a hired driver into town. We used this service on GetYourGuide and we loved our driver. He was so nice and gave us tons of recommendations (mainly on where to eat in the city. We had our priorities straight)!

Most people surprisingly skip Amman, but we loved it. The city is vibrant and there are tons of Roman ruins to explore. If your arrival time allows it, we recommend spending a night in Amman to explore the capital of Jordan.

Here are some of the things you can do. We do have an Amman Guide ready for you to read here with all the details.

• Visit the Amman Citadel, an ancient Roman ruin with stunning views of the city
• Discover the King Abdullah I Mosque with its Islamic Museum and Baazar.
• Soak in the arts at Funar al Dalat Art Gallery. More viewpoints of the beautiful capital.
• Check out the Roman amphitheater & Odeon at Hashemite Square. Visit the small folklore museum inside.
• Walk in the Nymphaeum, another Roman Ruin
• Grab a typical Jordanian tea at Duke’s Diwan, one of the oldest and best-preserved buildings in Amman.
• Explore the Souk markets of the city. Stock up on spices and treats.
• Check out Rainbow Street for the city’s best bars, shops & restaurants.
• Visit the Jordan Museum to learn more about the country.
• Soak in the street art as you walk around the city.
• Restaurants to check out: Bayt Sara, Hashem, Rakoon, Habiba, Wild Jordan

Day 2: Relax at the Dead Sea

The drive from Amman to the Dead Sea is about 1 hour long. Considering most hotels only allow check-ins in the afternoon, you have a few choices on how to spend your morning. Make sure you have the details of your rental car figured out with Rushmore. They can drop off the car when and where you’d like.

Your first option is to explore Amman. Above, we mentioned a few of the things you can do here. If you didn’t have time to do some of the highlights on your first day, take the time to do them now.

If you don’t want to visit the city, you can head out early and check out some of the other attractions on route (or slightly off route) while making your way to the Dead Sea. Here are some of the things you can do:

• Drive a little further north to explore the ruins of Jerash. This is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Roman Ruins in the world.
• Spend a morning exploring the mosaics in Madaba.
• Walk around the historic town of As-Salt.
• Stop at Mount Nebo to see the Promised Land like Moses.
• Visit Jesus Christ’s Baptism Site.
• Get a day pass to one of the Hot Springs in Ma’in.
• Head to the shores of the Dead Sea where you can actually see the salt formations.

In the afternoon, when you can check in to your hotel, spend your time soaking in the beauty and floatiness of the Dead Sea.

You can read everything you need to know about the Dead Sea here.

We really treated ourselves while on the Dead Sea and stayed at the Movenpick. We know it’s an expensive stay, but it was well worth it. There were so many pools to choose from – some heated and some not. The rooms were spacious, the staff was kind and the food was delicious.

On the beach, you have loungers where you can chill by the sea. They also provide the famous Dead Sea mud that you can lather on and rinse off in the Dead Sea. If you can, we highly recommend you stay here.

If your budget doesn’t allow staying at the Movenpick, you can opt for a day pass to the hotel, or you can check out the other great options available on the shores. Prices vary, as does the quality of the service, but you’re only here for 1 night. And if all those options are out of budget, you can choose to stay in a town by the Dead Sea, and explore it with a Day pass to a hotel, or stop by one of the free beaches. Either way, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the Dead Sea.

Day 3: Head to Petra

After enjoying some downtime at the Dead Sea, it’s time to get ready to explore one of the new 7 wonders of the world: Petra!

The drive from the Dead Sea to Petra will take about 3-3.5 hours. It may be a bit longer if you’re like us, and have to stop to take pictures of the beautiful scenery along the way. This is why having your own rental is the best way to explore Jordan!

To get a full lay-of-the-land for Petra, check out our guide here. You can also read more about the top attractions, hidden gems and hiking trails in Petra here.

Once you get to Wadi Musa, drop your bags off at your hotel. We stayed at the Petra Corner Hotel and enjoyed it. They have breakfast included, and they are conveniently located near the visitor center. They’re also right by Falafel Time, one of the best restaurants we ate at in Jordan!

Next, head to the Visitor Center, validate your ticket with your Jordan Pass and get your entry ticket for Petra. Since you’ll be spending 2 days exploring Petra, we recommend getting the Jordan Explorer option which costs 75 JOD and gives you 2 days access to the site.

For your first half day in Petra, we recommend checking out the main attractions located in the first part of the site. We’ll be exploring the deeper parts of Petra tomorrow.

For your first day (or half-day), here are some of the things you can check out:

• The Djinn blocks & Obeslisk Tomb. Located outside the Siq. One of the first structures you’ll see as you walk to the main site.
• The Dam. Built by the Nabateans to ensure the site didn’t get flooded
• The Siq. This is the long valley gorge you’ll walk down to get to the Treasury.
• The Treasury. This is what everyone comes to see. It’s massive and impressive and beautiful. Soak it in!
• The street of facades. A row of Nabatean tombs carved into the mountains.
• The Theater. A large amphitheater carved into the mountain.
• The Royal Tombs. Impressive structures carved into the mountains. They are intricately designed and beautiful.
• The Museum. There is a museum located outside the visitor Center that you can explore. It’s nothing big so if the weather isn’t great, or if you want to see some ancient artifacts, check it out.
• If you have more time: Check out the High Place of Sacrifice (you’ll need to climb a ton of stairs and walk about 1.5-2 miles), The Nymphaeum, the Church and the Colonnated Street. If not, save these for tomorrow.

Know that you’ll be walking around a lot in the next 2 days, so pace yourself. There’s so much to see in Petra, and 2 (or even 3 days) is not enough to take it all in. You’d need a lifetime to explore this massive site properly. So for today, focus on the highlights.

Note: Petra at night takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. It’s not included in the Jordan Pass, and costs 17 JOD pp. If you’d like to experience it, book your tickets in advance as it’s a popular activity.

Day 4: Explore Petra

Today, we have a full day in Petra. You’ll be able to explore even more of the site. So get your comfy walking shoes on, slather on that sunscreen, grab a lunch box or some snacks, and head back to Petra’s Visitor Center.

Instead of heading into the site, go behind the museum. There, you’ll see a bunch of shuttles and drivers huddled around. Ask for the free shuttle that goes to Little Petra. We’re exploring the site from the other way today. This is a quick way to get to the Monastery and explore Petra from the back to the front entrance.

The shuttle runs every day from 7:30 am to 2 pm. The ride to Little Petra is about 15 minutes long. Sit on the driver’s side – that’s where the views are most impressive. You can also take a taxi to Little Petra. The cost will be between 10-15 JOD.

The shuttle takes you to the doors of Little Petra. This site has some more tombs to explore as well as the painted ceiling. There are also some beautiful viewpoints of the mountains and rock formations here. You’ll need about 1 hour to explore Little Petra.

After, head back to the ticket office at the entrance of Little Petra. Here, you have 2 choices: You can either take the Jeep to the steps (5 JOD/person) or hike through the desert and Bedouin camps to get to the steps. The Jeep ride will shave off about 45-60 minutes of hiking. However, you should know that the terrain before getting to the steps is quite flat.

Now starts the hike to the Monastery. We recommend hiking from Little Petra to the Monastery back to the front entrance, as you won’t have to walk back the same way if you start from the front entrance. Also, the Monastery is located at an altitude compared to the rest of the site, so you won’t have to climb all those stairs up and down!

The hike at the stairs is about 1 hour long. You’ll be going up and down the steps, with views of the mountains and valleys around. In the distance, you’ll also see Wadi Arabia. There are a few stalls on the route here, but they mainly sell water, coffee and tea. Come prepared with snacks and drinks.

You’ll also pass by a few Bedouins offering to take you on a donkey. We don’t recommend this unless you’re unable to finish the hike.

Once you get to the Monastery, enjoy the view. There’s a small restaurant there as well as a few viewpoints where you can soak in the site. Then, make your way to the main part of the site. You’ll be walking down many steps here, passing through dozens of Bedouin stalls selling trinkets and souvenirs.

As you make your way back to the front entrance, you can explore all the sites you missed out on yesterday! You can read more about the top attractions, hidden gems and hiking trails in Petra here.

When you’re done, head back to the hotel and chill out! It’s been a long day!

Day 5: Head to Aqaba for some diving

Today, you have a short 2-hour drive from Petra to Aqaba. You can either head out early to have a good day at the beach (or scuba diving) or you can take your time in Wadi Musa, explore the nearby Shobak castle, then head to Aqaba. Up to you!

Make sure you check out our full Aqaba guide to plan your stay.

Once you get to the city, we recommend heading to your nearest dive shop. We dove with Aqaba Adventure Divers and had a great time exploring the Red Sea in Jordan. There are so many sites to explore, and plenty of wrecks as well. The underwater world here is so amazing!

If you don’t scuba dive, you can also snorkel with Aqaba Adventure Divers, or go on a boat tour with them. For the latter, make sure you coordinate with them and arrive in time for the departure, around 10 am.

And if you’re uninterested in the underwater world, there are plenty of beach clubs to choose from in Aqaba. Some are located on the beach while others have more of a pool club going on. If you’re staying at one of the hotels on the beach, just sit back and enjoy the amenities there!

You can also explore the Aqaba Fort, walk around the city, visit the main mosque or shop at Ayla Island.

Day 6: Explore and relax in Wadi Rum

For your last full day in Jordan, we’ll be exploring one of the highlights, Wadi Rum. The drive from Aqaba to Wadi Rum is about 1-hour long. Make sure you book your accommodations with a Bedouin camp before heading out. They will tell you where to meet and what your itinerary will look like.

Make sure you check out our full guide to Wadi Rum to read more about the Bedouin Camps, Jeep tours and nights in the desert.

You can book a 2, 4 or 6-hour Jeep tour that will take you to the main sites in the desert. But know that the tour isn’t really the highlight here. Sure, it’s nice to see all these arches and dunes, but the highlight here is being in an unreal setting and what’s to come at night!

The tours are actually quite basic in Wadi Rum, regardless of who you visit with. We spoke to quite a few travelers and they all had the same experience. You get trucked around to a site. The guide gives you a bit of info about the location then heads into a tent to have tea with their friend while you’re left to explore the attraction on your own. We didn’t mind it as we took plenty of videos and photos.

After your tour, you’ll be taken to your camp where you can settle in. Make sure you catch the sunset and enjoy the view. At night, the real show starts, where you have thousands of stars shining bright just for you! So impressive to see and a great way to end your 7 days in Jordan!

Day 7: Head back home

Depending on when your flight back home is, you will make your way back to Amman. The drive will take you about 3.5 hours so keep that in mind for your arrival at the airport. Again, we loved that we could drop our car off at the airport with Rushmore. The drop-off was easy and pain-free!

If you have a late flight like us, you can do some of the following activities to kill time:

• Explore one of the many castles on the drive back: Kerak castle, Umm-al-Rasas, Shobak or any of the other ones.
• Head to Madaba for an afternoon of exploring the city’s mosaics
• Walk around As-Salt and take in the Heritage trail. You can do this on a guided tour.

And that’s it! The end of your 7 days in Jordan! We hope you enjoyed your trip!

7 days in Jordan #2: Highlights + Hidden Gems

With this 7-day itinerary, you’ll explore Jordan’s highlights, as well as some hidden gems. For the details on what to do at each stop, make sure you check out the individual guide we have for each destination or read the first 7-day Jordan itinerary we have above.

Here are the main details about this Jordan 7-day itinerary:

• Arrival & departure airport: Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA)
• Driving time: About 11 hours
• Driving distance: 745 km
• Highlights you’ll see: Amman, Dead Sea, Petra, Red Sea, Wadi Rum
• Jordan Pass: Jordan Explorer (75 JOD)
• Best for: Those who want a mix of highlights and hidden gems and don’t mind moving around

Here is how you’ll be spending your 7 days in Jordan:

1. Day 1: Arrive in Amman, and explore if you have the time.
2. Day 2: Head to Jerash in the morning. Sleep in As-Salt at night.
3. Day 3: Head to the Dead Sea and relax on its shores.
4. Day 4: Head to Petra and explore the site
5. Day 5: A full day in Petra
6. Day 6: Discover the beauty of Wadi Rum
7. Day 7: Explore Madaba then head home

Here are the details you need to know on the options you have for spending each day. Again, we invite you to read the first itinerary in this article as it will have the details on the places we’ve covered there.

Day 1: Arrive in Amman

Depending on when you arrive in Jordan, you may have some free time to explore the capital. We highly recommend you do as there are some amazing things to see and do here!

From Roman ruins to bustling souks, to a vibrant nightlife, this city has it all! Just be warned, that it is located on 7 hills – you’ll be going up and down stairs and steep inclines quite a bit here! There’s enough to explore that you want to spend 1 night in Amman.

Day 2: Discover Jerash and As-Salt

On your second day, you’re hitting the open road to discover some of Jordan’s gems – Jerash and As-Salt. These are two nearby towns that pack a big punch!

If you’re getting your rental car from Rushmore, which we highly recommend, we suggest you ask for an early delivery as you’ll have some ground to cover today, both on the roads and on the sites you’ll be discovering.

Jerash is only a 50 to 60-minute drive away from Amman, and As-Salt is also the same. So you’ll be spending 2 hours driving today. However, you’ll be walking quite a lot!

Jerash is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Eastern Mediterranean region and is often referred to as the “Pompeii of the East”. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Jordan’s most popular tourist attractions, which is why we recommend you head there early.

Jerash dates back to the Neolithic period, but it flourished after it was conquered by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE. Its growth and prosperity continued under Roman rule, as it underwent extensive urban development. The city became a major center of trade and commerce in the region.

What’s crazy is that the ancient city of Jerash was rediscovered in the 19th century and has since been extensively excavated and restored. While we were visiting the site in March 2024, the site was still being excavated and we were told that new discoveries were recently made – they have quite some work ahead to fully uncover the city… and you have quite some walking to do! Know that you can easily spend 3-4 hours exploring the site.

If you want to stick to the highlights, here are the structures we recommend you visit:

• North Gate: The monumental entrance to Jerash, adorned with impressive towers and arches.
• Oval Plaza: A vast paved plaza surrounded by colonnades. It’s believed to have been the city’s main gathering place for public events and ceremonies.
• Cardo Maximus: The main thoroughfare of Jerash, lined with columns and flanked by shops and temples. It’s so impressive and beautiful.
• Hadrian’s Arch: A monumental triumphal arch built to honor the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE.
• Theater: A well-preserved Roman theater with a seating capacity of approximately 3,000 spectators. It’s still used today for cultural events and performances.
• Temple of Artemis: Dedicated to the goddess Artemis, this temple is one of the most significant religious structures in Jerash.

After you’re done exploring Jerash, we recommend you have lunch in town. After that, head toward As-Salt, a small town near Amman. It was in the running to be the next capital of Jordan but lost that bid to Amman.

As-Salt, or just Salt, is a historic city renowned for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, charming streets, and rich cultural heritage. You only need half a day here since there’s not a ton of things to do. It’s one of those towns that has still kept its true Jordanian charm! When we spoke to locals, many said that Salt was their favorite place in Jordan, so it’s well worth discovering!

The best thing to do here is to walk around the historic downtown area. You’ll find a ton of beautifully preserved Ottoman-era buildings with their intricate stonework and ornate facades – traditional houses, mosques, and churches, offer a glimpse into the city’s multicultural past.

The best way to discover As-Salt is by walking the Heritage Trail – it will take you through some of the city’s most famous buildings. You can choose to do this on a guided tour. You’ll discover:

• Abu Jaber Mansion: A restored 19th-century Ottoman residence that is now a museum about the history and lifestyle of As-Salt’s affluent families.
• Al-Khader Church: A landmark in As-Salt that dates back to the 19th century, with its distinctive architecture and interior decorations.
• The Great Mosque: Originally built in the 14th century and renovated during the Ottoman era. The mosque features a beautiful courtyard and intricate geometric patterns.
• The Souk: Shop for local handicrafts, textiles, spices, and souvenirs.
• Eat: There are tons of little bakeries and restaurants where you can enjoy some of Jordan’s most famous dishes like Mansaf – a savory lamb and rice dish, falafel – for our vegan and vegetarian friends, and kunafa – a sweet pastry dessert made with cheese and deliciousness!

Spend the night in As-Salt and get ready for the rest of your Jordan adventure.

Day 3: The Dead Sea

Today is a short driving day, you only need an hour to get from As-Salt to the Dead Sea. You can use this time in the morning to explore more of As-Salt, or to head to some of the attractions along the way before checking into your hotel at the Dead Sea.

You can read everything you need to know about the Dead Sea here.

While waiting for your check-in time, here are some of the things you can do:

• Stop at Mount Nebo to see the Promised Land like Moses.
• Visit Jesus Christ’s Baptism Site.
• Get a day pass to one of the Hot Springs in Ma’in.
• Head to the shores of the Dead Sea where you can actually see the salt formations.

You can also try and get an early check-in to enjoy more time at the Dead Sea! You’ll have the afternoon and morning tomorrow to soak in all the benefits of the Dead Sea and its mud!

Enjoy!

Day 4: Head to Petra

Just like in the first itinerary, after chilling at the Dead Sea, you’ll be heading to Petra next. Your route today is about 3 hours long. You can leave after enjoying breakfast at your hotel and soaking in the last bits of goodness from the sea.

When you get to Petra, drop your bags off at your hotel and head to explore the highlights of the site. You don’t need to see everything as you’ll have a full day tomorrow!

Another option here is to spend only 1 afternoon in Petra and head to Aqaba on day 5 of your 7 days in Jordan. We don’t recommend scuba diving there as you’ll be heading to altitude on Day 6 and can be at risk of decompression sickness.
However, if you only want to snorkel, or sit by the beach, and you only want to see the highlights of Petra, this is a great option. You’re trip would then be:
– Amman, Jerash & As-Salt, Dead Sea, Petra, Aqaba, Wadi Rum & Madaba.

Day 5: Spend a full day in Petra

Today, you have a full day in Petra. Wear your comfiest shoes, slather on the sunscreen and wear sun protection, grab some snacks and head out.

As we recommended in the first itinerary, take the shuttle to Little Petra, and hike all the way back to the front entrance. For us, this was the best way to explore the site and get some hiking in. It’s also best for not having to double back or to walk up (and down) tons of stairs to get to the Monastery.

You can read more about the top attractions, hidden gems and hiking trails in Petra here.

If you don’t want to hike for 2+ hours, you can get a jeep ride from Little Petra to the start of the steps. It will cut out about 1 hour of hiking.

Day 6: Discover the beauty of Wadi Rum

This is your last full day in Jordan. After seeing one of the modern wonders of the world, it’s time to explore one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Jordan – Wadi Rum. The drive from Petra to Wadi Rum is about 2 hours long.

Make sure you check out our full guide to Wadi Rum to read more about our experience here.

We recommend booking your 1-night, 1-day tour. You cannot enter the Wadi Rum reserve without booking a camp and tour ahead of time. If you arrive in the late morning or early afternoon, you’ll be able to do your Jeep tour that will take you to the most famous sites in the desert.

Again, don’t forget to enjoy the sunset here and stay up late to see the stars sparkle at night!

Day 7: Head home, and explore on the way

Depending on when your flight back home is, you might have some time to explore castles, ruins and some towns along the way. The drive from Wadi Rum to the Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) is about 3.5 hours long. Plan accordingly!

Here are some of the things you can see along the way, if you have the time:

• Shobak Castle: A medieval fortress built by the Crusaders in the 12th century. It served as a strategic stronghold along the trade routes between Damascus and Egypt.
• Kerak Castle: Kerak A massive Crusader fortress that dates back to the 12th century. A strategic hilltop location overlooking the surrounding valleys, it’s renowned for its imposing architecture, intricate underground passageways, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Madaba: A beautiful town known for its mosaics. You can explore 2 of the famous archeological sites here, its two famous churches, as well as enjoy your last bits of Jordanian hospitality before you head home.

With Rushmore, you can drop your car off at the airport and head home after spending what’s sure to be an amazing 7 days in Jordan!

Jordan 7-day itinerary #3: Hiker’s paradise

It’s no surprise, this itinerary is for those who want to spend more time outdoors, hiking the beautiful trails of Jordan. With this 7-day itinerary, you’ll be discovering a hiker’s paradise and a hidden gem in Jordan – the Dana Biosphere Reserve.

As with the last itinerary, please refer to the first route in this article for all the details about the places that are detailed there. You can check our detailed guides about Amman, the Dead Sea, Petra and Wadi Rum.

• Arrival & departure airport: Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA)
• Driving time: About 10 hours
• Driving distance: 675 km
• Highlights you’ll see: Dead Sea, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Petra, Wadi Rum
• Jordan Pass: Jordan Explorer (75 JOD)
• Best for: Those who want to go hiking and explore more of the great outdoors in Jordan

Here is how you’ll be spending your 7 days in Jordan:

1. Day 1: Head to the Dead Sea
2. Day 2: Dead Sea in the morning, Dana Biosphere Reserve in the afternoon
3. Day 3: Hiking in the Dana Biosphere Reserve
4. Day 4: Head to Petra & explore in the afternoon
5. Day 5: Full day in Petra
6. Day 6: Discover Wadi Rum
7. Day 7: Head home

Let’s get into the details of each day!

Day 1 of 7 days in Jordan: Head to the Dead Sea on arrival

This itinerary is a little different than the others! You won’t be spending any time in Amman (maybe before leaving) but you’ll have a ton of time outdoors!

As soon as you arrive to Jordan, head to the Dead Sea. You can ask Rushmore to deliver your car at your arrival so you can get your adventure started right away!

The route from the airport to the Dead Sea is about 1 hour. Depending on when your flight lands, you may have the afternoon to enjoy the lowest point on Earth. If not, you’ll have the morning to do so tomorrow.

We stayed at the Movenpick Dead Sea and absolutely loved our experience. If your budget allows it, we recommend you do the same. If not, there are plenty of other great hotels and accommodations around where you can stay for the night. We recommend getting a place with breakfast included so you can have that taken care of the next morning!

You can read everything you need to know about the Dead Sea here.

Day 2: Head to the Dana Biosphere Reserve

This morning, try to wake up early so you can enjoy the most out of the Dead Sea. The route from the Dead Sea to the Dana Biosphere Reserve is about 2.5 hours long – but if you’re like us, and want to admire the beauty of the scenery here, it will take you much longer! The drive between these 2 places was probably the most scenic in all of Jordan!

We recommend driving down the Dead Sea highway. If you want to see the salt formations and float some more in the Dead Sea, there are many public beaches (with free parking) where you can do this! You can stop at this location (which is where we stopped) or this one (we saw along the route but didn’t stop at). If you plan on swimming here, bring fresh water with you to rinse off, as well as a towel and water shoes. Note that at the first location, they did offer hose showers to rinse off.

Once you leave the coasts of the Dead Sea, you’ll hit Highway 60. Our favorite highway in Jordan. The views (and altitude) will take your breath away! Stop often and enjoy it. There are even a few restaurants and cafés along the way where you can enjoy a meal.

Once you arrive in Dana, you can check in to your camp and go on a short hike. We chose Al Nawatef Eco Camp and loved our time there. The tent had amazing views of the mountains and valley, and there were plenty of hikes to do there.

If you’re looking for free hikes, you can do the self-guided ones in Dana. If not, there are a few short trails around Al Nawatef. But the highlight is tomorrow! No matter what, make sure you catch the sunset at the viewpoint at the camp.

Day 3: Hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve

Today will be a long (or short) hiking day, depending on what you feel like. There are plenty of hikes to choose from in the area.

It’s important to know that most accommodations in the area have their own guided hikes that leave from their property. This is what we chose to do – since the war on Gaza, not many people have visited Jordan, so local guides are not very busy. We wanted to support them, so we opted for a hike with a guide. Plus, it was. a way to see some of the more remote parts of the Reserve. Also, most of these hikes would not be possible to navigate without a guide.

Here are some of the hikes you can go on, depending on when you visit Jordan. Note that you may need to arrange your own transportation back to your car for some of these hikes.

• Al-Barrah Trail: Leading you to the bottom of the Reserve from Al Nawatef Camp all the way through the canyon. You’ll see carvings in the mountains where Nabateans used to live.
• Al-Nawatef Trail: A loop trail that begins at the camp and leads you through ancient ruins of the Nabatean people. You’ll cross the canyon and climb back up to get amazing panoramic views.
• Shaq Al-Reesh: Another loop trail that goes through the western part of the Reserve. You’ll see colorful sand dunes and admire the beauty of the canyon.

• Dana to Feynan Eco-Lodge Trail: A moderate hike from the village of Dana down into the Wadi Feynan Valley, ending at the Feynan Ecolodge. You’ll see rugged mountains, colorful rock formations, and desert landscapes.
• Wadi Dana Trail: A scenic trail through the picturesque Wadi Dana Valley, with spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs, gorges, and rock formations.
• Dana to Rummana Campsite Trail: A challenging hike begins in the village of Dana and ascends to the Rummana Campsite, atop a high plateau overlooking the reserve. Trek through rugged terrain, rocky slopes, and narrow gorges.
• Dana Village to Dana Guesthouse Trail: A leisurely hike to explore the historic village of Dana and its surrounding agricultural terraces, orchards, and ancient ruins. This trail ends at the Dana Guesthouse.
• Dana to Petra Trek (Long Distance): For those who really want to trek, this is a multi-day hike for experienced hikers. You can hike from Dana to Petra, trekking through mountains, canyons, and desert valleys, as well as through several Bedouin villages. You’ll be sleeping under the stars, exploring remote archaeological sites, and experiencing the rugged beauty of the Jordanian wilderness.

Whether you’re planning on going on your own self-guided hike or on a guided one, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Always carry plenty of water with you. There are no fountains along the way!
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during the hot summer months, but also in the winter, spring and fall. Derek thought the sun wouldn’t be that strong in March, and he ended up being sunburnt!
• If your budget allows it, hire a local guide or join a guided tour. You’ll learn more about the region’s cultural and natural heritage, and you’ll be supporting someone who needs it.
• Always respect the environment. Stay on the trails and if you can, pick up some trash along the way.
• Check weather conditions and trail conditions before heading on your hikes. If a trail is closed, don’t venture off – Weather conditions change quickly in the area and you don’t want to be stuck!

For your last night in the Dana Reserve, make sure you catch the sunset and stay out late to admire the stars!

Day 4: Head to Petra

The drive from the Dana Biosphere Reserve is only 1 hour long. If you have the time and energy in the morning, you can head out on a last hike in the Dana Reserve, if not, make your way to Petra – you’ll have plenty of walking to do there.

Along the route, you can stop by Shobak Castle. It’s a beautiful crusader castle that stands tall on a mountaintop.

When you get to Petra, drop your bags off at your hotel and go explore the site. If you get to Wadi Musa early enough, you can check out the museum too!

Today, we recommend you visit the highlights. Check out the first itinerary in this article or our full guide to see the best things to do in Petra.

Day 5: A full day in Petra

As with our two first itineraries, today is your full day in Petra, and there will be a lot of hiking to do!

Again, we recommend taking the free shuttle to Little Petra and hiking all the way back to the front entrance. This is the best way to take in all the sites, see some amazing scenery and meet Bedouins along the route.

You can also read more about the top attractions, hidden gems and hiking trails in Petra here.

Day 6: Discover Wadi Rum

You’ll need about 2 hours to drive from Wadi Musa (Petra) to Wadi Rum Village. Make sure you have your jeep tour and accommodations sorted out before going as you won’t be able to enter the Wadi Rum desert without them.

Make sure you check out our full guide to Wadi Rum to read more about our experience here.

On your day here, you’ll enjoy a Jeep tour to the most famous sites in the desert and enjoy quiet time at your camp. Make sure you catch a sunset here and admire the stars at night!

Day 7: Head home

The drive from Wadi Rum to Amman’s airport is about 3.5 hours long. You’ll be driving down the famous King’s Highway to get to your final destination. Depending on when your flight leaves, you may be able to enjoy some of the attractions along the way:

• Kerak Castle
• Umm al Rasas Castle
• Madaba
• Amman

With this 7-day Jordan itinerary, we hope you got to hike a ton and see parts of Jordan not many do!

7 days in Jordan option #4: Scuba diver’s dream

This is our final 7-day itinerary for Jordan. And it might be our favorite one yet, but only because we love to scuba dive! During these 7 days in Jordan, not only will you see the highlights, but you’ll spend quite some time scuba diving in the Red Sea.

Here are the main things you need to know about this Jordan itinerary:

• Arrival & departure airport: Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA). If the Aqaba airport opens, we recommend you arrive and depart from there.
• Driving time: About 10.5 hours
• Driving distance: 800 km
• Highlights you’ll see: Dead Sea, Petra, Red Sea, Wadi Rum
• Jordan Pass: Jordan Wanderer (70 JOD) or Jordan Explorer (75 JOD)
• Best for: Those who want to go scuba diving and see the highlights of Jordan

Here is a quick overview of your 7 days in Jordan:

1. Day 1: Drive to Petra + explore
2. Day 2: A full day in Petra
3. Day 3: Drive to Aqaba & dive in the afternoon
4. Day 4: Scuba dive in Aqaba
5. Day 5: Scuba dive in Aqaba in the morning
6. Day 6: Explore Wadi Rum
7. Day 7: Stop by the Dead Sea, then head home

And now for the breakdown and details about this journey through Jordan. As always, for the most details about each location, we recommend you take a look at the first itinerary in this article or check out our individual guides about Petra, Aqaba, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea.

Day 1: Arrive in Jordan and head to Petra

Once again, depending on when you arrive, you have a few choices here. Just make sure you arrange for Rushmore to drop off your car at the airport since you’ll hit the ground running with this 7-day Jordan itinerary.

The drive from the airport to Wadi Musa, the town where Petra is located, is about 2.5 hours. If you arrive in Jordan early enough, you can either drive directly to Petra and spend the afternoon exploring the site (in which case, we recommend getting the Jordan Explorer 2-day pass), or you can head there and chill out (if you have a later flight).

Alternatively, if you arrive early, you can also stop by the Dead Sea, before making your way to Petra. Doing this, you’ll avoid visiting the site on your last day and boarding a flight with leftover salt! If you have enough time, you can either choose to get a day pass at one of the hotels or stop by the public beaches where you can see the salt patches. If you choose to go to the public beaches, have your towel, fresh water bottles and water shoes handy.

Also, it’s important to know that stopping by the Dead Sea before going to Wadi Musa will make your journey longer. The drive from the airport to the Dead Sea is one hour long. The route from the Dead Sea to Wadi Musa is 3 hours long.

Either way, depending on when you arrive, how tired you are, and how long you want to drive, you have some options available.

You can read everything you need to know about the Dead Sea here.

Day 2: Explore Petra

This is your full day in Petra. Check out our full guide to Petra to plan your route there.

As with the other itineraries, we recommend taking the free shuttle to Little Petra and exploring from the back to the front. You can read more about the top attractions, hidden gems and hiking trails in Petra here.

However, if you don’t want to hike too long and only want to see the highlights, we recommend taking the usual route from the main entrance. This way, you can save your energy for your next 3 days of scuba diving.

Day 3: Drive to Aqaba to scuba dive

We were so excited to scuba dive in the Red Sea. And if you’re like us, you’ll want to make the most of your time in Aqaba.

Make sure you check out our full Aqaba guide to plan your stay.

The drive from Wadi Musa to Aqaba is about 2 hours long. If you leave early enough in the morning, you can squeeze in 2 dives in the afternoon.

We chose to stay and dive with Aqaba Adventure Divers. They are located between Tala Bay and Aqaba City, but very close to the dive sites. It’s important to know that most of the dives in Aqaba are shore dives. You suit up at the shop, drive with your gear to the beach, gear up on the beach and walk into the water. The whole thing takes about 10-15 minutes. Not too bad!

You can also do some boat dives, which are quite a treat! You’ll be taken to the impressive C-31 wreck and enjoy a day on a beautiful boat.

With your 3 days of scuba diving in Aqaba, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the city and the underwater world.

Day 4: Scuba dive in Aqaba

Another day of diving awaits! How exciting! Hopefully, your day yesterday was a good introduction to scuba diving in the Red Sea. You have 2 or if you really want to dive a lot, 3 more dives today.

While we were in Aqaba with Aqaba Adventure Divers, we had the pleasure of diving 8 times, each time, at a different site. Here are some of the options available to you when diving in the Red Sea in Jordan:

• New Canyon. Here, you’ll see a small plane wreck and tons of coral. The Hercules C130 military aircraft was intentionally sunk to create a new artificial reef for divers. During a storm in 2019, the plane was broken into pieces, which makes it look like a real wreck.
• Cedar Pride shipwreck. This is the most famous dive site in Jordan. This 70m ship was intentionally sunk in the 80’s. After 35+ years underwater, there are beautiful corals all over this ship.
•  Japanese gardens. A shallow dive with plenty of corals and marine life to see. We got lucky here and saw a huge octopus, followed by the tiniest frogfish we’ve ever seen!
• Cable station. A deep dive right at the old electric cable station. You can still see the underwater cables that provided power between Jordan & Egypt. We saw a massive turtle here, as well as 2 seahorses swimming around.

• Seven sisters. Located near New Canyon, this dive site is known for its sunken M42 Duster tank. It gets its name from the 7 pillars that form this shallow dive site. Expect to see plenty of sealife and colorful corals.
• Power Station. This is a boat dive. Located right off the shore near the current power station of Aqaba. A relatively deep dive where you have a chance to see beautiful coral and a variety of fish since the dive site is mainly a wall that can go down to over 100+ meters. We saw the tiniest harlequin shrimps and a huge Napoleon fish here.
• Tristar plane wreck. This was maybe one of our favorite dive sites in Aqaba… and maybe in the world. It’s not every day you see a massive plane sitting at the bottom of the sea! The Lockheed TriStar L-1011 airplane is a wide-body passenger aircraft that was abandoned at King Hussein Airport. Today, it’s full of sealife and coral. A deep dive.
• Military museum. Another deep dive with 21 unique battle equipment sitting at the bottom of the sea. Placed along the coral reefs, these tanks, jeeps and helicopters imitate a tactical battle formation. Another one of the most memorable dives we’ve done.

With all these sites, and more, you’ll have a blast diving in Aqaba!

Day 5: Last day in Aqaba

It’s your last day to dive in Aqaba. A few things to note are that the water in the Red Sea is much saltier than in other parts of the world. You may need extra weights to go down.

Also, know that anywhere outside of Aqaba is at an altitude, which means that you should not dive the day you’re leaving Aqaba.

Finally, if you go diving in March, like we did, know that the water is cold. We dove in temperatures that varied between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius. And that friends, is very cold water! We both had 2 wetsuits on (3-5mm each) and Carine had a hood too… and we were still cold. This coming from Derek who often dives with just his swim trunks and his BCD…

Once you’re done with your dives, you can relax by the pool at Aqaba Adventure Divers. If not, you can explore the Aqaba Fort, the museum, the mosque, or head to Ayla for some shopping, dining and Souk shopping.

Day 6: Enjoy Wadi Rum

It’s your last full day in Jordan. After a memorable stay in Aqaba, it’s time to head out to Wadi Rum, the iconic desert of Jordan.

The drive will only take you 1 hour. There’s not much to see along the route, but the scenery is beautiful. Colorful mountains will surround you until you get to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center.

Make sure you check out our full guide to Wadi Rum to read more about our experience here.

Make sure you’ve made your arrangements beforehand – you’ll need to have your accommodations sorted as your guide will come pick you up and take you to your camp. Know that you cannot drive into the desert without a guide.

Also, make sure you’ve arranged your Jeep tour. Most tour companies and accommodations offer the same type of experience.

And as we’ve mentioned before, be sure to catch your last sunset in Jordan, and gaze at the stars. They are unreal in Wadi Rum!

Day 7: Enjoy a few stops before heading home

It’s time to head home. Depending on when your flight leaves, you have a few options available to you. The drive back from the desert of Wadi Rum to the airport will take you about 3.5 hours.

Here are some of the options you have:

• Dead Sea: If you haven’t been to the Dead Sea yet, this might be your chance to do it. Stop at one of the free public beaches. Just know that this does increase the drive time. You can read everything you need to know about the Dead Sea here.
• Madaba: A beautiful Mosaic town located about 30-45 minutes away from the airport. Perfect for strolling around for a few hours.
• As-Salt: A traditional and authentic Jordanian town. Again, perfect for strolling around, it’s about 1 hour away from the airport.
• Check out the castles on the way: Shobak, Kerak and al Rasas castles are all along the route from Wadi Rum to the airport.
• Amman: If you have some time, you can do a quick tour of the capital city and catch the last few sites.

And there you have it! Another great 7-day Jordan itinerary option. Hopefully, you were able to enjoy all the scuba diving and see all the highlights that make Jordan so special!

4 different 7-day Jordan itineraries

There you have it! Four different ways you can spend 7 days in Jordan. Know that each of these itineraries will show you the highlights of Jordan, but it will also focus on a different part of the country’s offering, whether that’s hiking, scuba diving, or getting off the beaten path.

Let us know in the comments which itinerary is more your style. What are you most excited to visit in Jordan? Do you have any other questions for us?

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