Jordan in 7 Days: Exploring Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea

  • Day 1: Petra
    2.5 hours (140 km) from Queen Alia International Airport

    Visit the rose-red city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the Siq, Treasury, Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, and more.

  • Day 2: Wadi Rum
    1.5 hours (95 km) from Petra

    Explore the stunning desert landscape of Wadi Rum, known for its unique rock formations, natural arches, and sandy dunes. Take a camel ride, hike to amazing viewpoints, and enjoy watching the sunset over the desert.

  • Day 3-4: Dead Sea
    4 hours (260 km) from Wadi Rum

    Relax at the lowest point on earth at the Dead Sea, famous for its high salt and mineral content. Float effortlessly in the buoyant waters, get rejuvenated with mineral-rich mud and enjoy luxurious spa treatments at one of the resorts.

  • Day 5: Amman
    1.5 hours (86 km) from Dead Sea

    Discover the bustling capital city of Jordan, Amman. Visit the Citadel, Roman Theater, Rainbow Street, and the local markets for a glimpse into the modern life of Jordanians.

  • Day 6: Jerash and Ajloun
    1 hour (52 km) from Amman

    Visit the well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash, also called the Pompeii of the East. Next, explore the ancient castle of Ajloun, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

  • Day 7: Madaba and Mount Nebo
    1 hour (35 km) from Amman

    Visit the mosaics of St. George's Church in Madaba, including the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Then, head to Mount Nebo, where it's believed that Moses saw the Promised Land. Enjoy the stunning panoramic views and visit the Moses Memorial Church.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Petra admission fee (3 hours, JOD 50)
  • Wadi Rum jeep tour (4 hours, JOD 100-150)
  • Dead Sea resort spa treatment (2 hours, USD 100-200)
  • Jerash admission fee (2 hours, JOD 10)
  • St. George's Church admission fee (1 hour, JOD 2)
  • Total Estimated Costs: JOD 162-212 (USD 228-299)

Transportation:

Transportation in Jordan is mainly by car or taxi. Renting a car is recommended, as it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. A sedan car rental costs about JOD 25-35 per day. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Careem and Uber are available in major cities, but the rates can vary widely depending on the distance and time of day. Domestic flights are also available between Amman and Aqaba for about JOD 45-70 (one-way) and take about an hour.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you can add a day trip to Aqaba and snorkel in the Red Sea or explore the Dana Biosphere Reserve. You can also stay longer at the Dead Sea and visit the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ or the Ma'in hot springs. If you have limited time, consider skipping Jerash and Ajloun and spending more time in Aqaba or Wadi Rum.

Airports:

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is the main airport in Jordan, located about 30 km south of Amman. It's the hub for Royal Jordanian Airlines, with direct flights to major cities in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The other international airport is King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba, which serves mainly charter and low-cost airlines.

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