The Treasury of Petra carved into a sandstone cliff, seen from above

Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea · Jordan

Jordan: Petra and Wadi Rum

Roman ruins in Amman, mosaics and crusader castles along the King’s Highway, two days inside the rose-red city of Petra and a night in the desert of Wadi Rum. Five days that end with a float in the Dead Sea.

5 days
$$ Mid-range
Moderate
Good with kids
Solo
Couples
Friends
Culture
Nature

Copy this trip into Andamos See the plan

Day by day

The plan

Times are suggestions. Opening hours and seasons change, so check before you go. Once it’s in your trip, move anything you like.

Day 1
Amman
1. 09:00
  Amman Citadel
  Activity
  The Temple of Hercules and an Umayyad palace on the highest hill, with views across the city.
2. 11:00
  Roman Theatre
  Activity
  A steep 2nd-century theater cut into the hillside downtown.
3. 12:30
  Lunch: falafel and hummus in Al-Balad
  Food & drink
  Simple, fast and very good in the old downtown.
4. 14:00
  Downtown souks
  Activity
  Spice stalls, gold shops and sweets; try knafeh, warm cheese pastry in syrup.
5. 18:00
  Rainbow Street
  Activity
  An evening stroll among cafés and rooftop views in Jabal Amman.
Day 2
The King’s Highway
1. 08:00
  Madaba mosaic map
  Activity
  A 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land on the floor of St George’s Church.
2. 09:30
  Mount Nebo
  Activity
  Where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land; on clear days you see across the Jordan Valley.
3. 12:30
  Kerak Castle
  Activity
  A large crusader fortress with dark vaulted halls to explore.
4. 13:30
  Lunch in Kerak
  Food & drink
  Try mansaf, lamb cooked in fermented yogurt and served over rice.
5. 18:00
  Stay in Wadi Musa
  Stay
  The town at the gate of Petra, base for the next two nights.
Day 3
Petra: the Siq to the Monastery
1. 06:30
  The Siq and the Treasury
  Activity
  Walk the narrow canyon at opening time and reach the Treasury before the crowds.
2. 09:00
  Street of Facades and Royal Tombs
  Activity
  Rows of carved tombs and the colored rock of the Urn Tomb.
3. 12:00
  Picnic lunch inside Petra
  Food & drink
  Bring food and water; options inside the site are limited.
4. 13:30
  Climb to the Monastery
  Activity
  About 800 rock-cut steps lead to Ad Deir, Petra’s largest facade.
5. 19:00
  Dinner in Wadi Musa
  Food & drink
  A well-earned meal after a long day on foot.
Day 4
High Place and into Wadi Rum
1. 07:00
  High Place of Sacrifice
  Activity
  A steep morning climb to an ancient altar with views over the whole valley.
2. 11:30
  Drive to Wadi Rum
  Getting around
  About two hours south through the desert to the visitor center.
3. 13:30
  Lunch in Rum Village
  Food & drink
  Your camp usually arranges lunch before the jeep tour.
4. 14:30
  Jeep tour of Wadi Rum
  Activity
  Red dunes, Nabataean inscriptions in Khazali Canyon and the Um Fruth rock bridge.
5. 19:00
  Night in a Bedouin camp
  Stay
  Dinner of zarb, meat and vegetables cooked underground, then a sky full of stars.
Day 5
The Dead Sea
1. 06:00
  Sunrise in the desert
  Activity
  Climb a rock near camp to watch the sandstone turn red.
2. 08:30
  Drive to the Dead Sea
  Getting around
  About four hours north, dropping to the lowest point on land.
3. 13:00
  Lunch by the Dead Sea
  Food & drink
  Resorts and public beaches offer day passes with lunch.
4. 14:30
  Float in the Dead Sea
  Activity
  The water is so salty you float without effort; cover yourself in the mineral mud.
5. 18:00
  To Queen Alia International Airport
  Getting around
  About an hour from the Dead Sea shore.

Good to know

Tips

Get the Jordan Pass

Buy it online before you arrive. It covers the tourist visa fee if you meet the minimum stay, plus entry to Petra and many other sites. Choose the version with two days in Petra.

Start early in Petra

Shade is rare and the walking adds up fast. Go at opening, wear sturdy shoes and a hat, and carry more water than you think you need.

Hire a car or driver

Public transport between sites is limited. Renting a car is straightforward, or hire a driver for the King’s Highway and the transfers.

Dress modestly

Cover shoulders and knees in towns and religious sites. Swimwear is fine at Dead Sea resorts and beaches.

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