From Petra’s rose-red landscapes to the salt-glazed shores of the Dead Sea — here’s our one-week itinerary for those planning to explore Jordan for the first time!

It still blows my mind that you can visit one of the seven wonders of the world, float in the Dead Sea, and step into a beautiful desert that will teleport you to “Mars” — all in one country: the Kingdom of Jordan.
While I had my reservations about visiting Jordan due to political tension in neighbouring countries, after having been there, I’m glad to say it was actually a very safe and welcoming environment. From ancient ruins and epic adventures to stunning landscapes, this Middle Eastern gem has truly captured my heart.
This seven-day itinerary will take you through the bustling streets of Amman to the otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum, proving why this country deserves more than just a quick visit to Petra.
Essential Tips Before You Go

Purchase the Jordan Pass
We recommend getting a Jordan Pass (70JD, ~S$133) before heading here. It waives the tourist entry visa fees (40JD, ~S$76 for one month) and gives visitors access to over 40 attractions in the country. There are also multiple options for the pass, covering a range of days you can visit Petra (1 to 3 consecutive days).
Rent a car
Renting a car is the most convenient option for transport in Jordan as many of its must-visits are far from one another and public transport isn’t the most frequent. Car rental prices are also pretty affordable, starting from ~S$22 a day, and the roads are in good condition. Just make sure to pay attention to the speed limit at all times!
Know the dress code

It’s okay to wear anything which makes you comfortable, as long as you cover up properly when entering religious places such as mosques — no shoulders, abdomen, or knees showing. In the city, it’s best to wear long pants or long skirts out of respect for locals.
Overview Route of Jordan Itinerary

This itinerary will start from Wadi Rum, then to Petra, to the Dead Sea, to Jerash and finally end at the capital city Amman. But you can also opt to go in the opposite direction.
Day 1: Travelling to Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a desert valley in southern Jordan, known for its red sand dunes and towering sandstone cliffs. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was a filming location for movies like The Martian. With so much to look forward to — I’d put Wadi Rum as the first stop to kick off the trip on a high note!
Accommodation — Sun City Camp Experience

Sun City Camp is a 3.5-hour car ride away from Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA). I stayed there for just a day but would recommend anyone visiting to stay for at least two nights if possible to get the full Wadi Rum experience.
They have so many activities to offer like hot air ballooning and stargazing. The best part? You’d be supporting the local Bedouin community that organises them.

The camp typically prepares an amazing Jordanian spread for guests every evening. This included a special pre-dinner performance of them lifting out Zarb — a Bedouin barbecue where meat and vegetables are cooked in an underground pit with hot coals — from the ground.
It tasted heavenly with all the spices and smoky barbeque taste. I couldn’t help but go for seconds as it was just that good.

After dinner, travellers were encouraged to head to the campfire outside the dining hall and dance around it. Yes, even I was pulled over to join in! It’s inspired by traditional Bedouin gatherings and had a warm, communal vibe — the perfect introduction to Jordanian culture.
Sun City Camp
Cost: From ~S$189/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: Wadi Rum Protected Area, Wadi Rum Village, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 3.5hr drive from Queen Alia International Airport (Route)
Day 2: Wadi Rum
Morning Jeep Tour

I woke up bright and early at 8AM for the Sun City Camp jeep tour and it was so worth it. Seeing the rose-red landscapes of Wadi Rum bathed in the gentle morning glow was nothing short of surreal.

The tour stopped by some key viewpoints, which included a wall with rock inscriptions left by ancient civilisations such as the Nabataeans. There were drawings of animals, humans, and symbols depicting life thousands of years ago.

The real show-stopper would have to be the canyon view lookout point. Massive red cliffs surrounded us, making it the perfect opportunity to take out-of-this-world pictures.
Sun City Camp’s Jeep Tour
Cost: 45JD/pax for 2hrs (~S$86)
Tour timings: Check with Sun City Camp directly onsite or via Instagram as there is no official schedule
Meeting point: Pick-up from Sun City Camp
For those who have more time in Wadi Rum, here are other activities to check out:

– Hiking, 15JD/pax for 1hr (~S$29)
– Camel ride, 20JD/pax for 1hr (~S$38)
– Stargazing, 20JD/pax for 1hr (~S$38)
– Climbing, 110JD/pax for 1hr (~S$209)
*Note: As these activities are organised by the local Bedouin community based on demand, do check with Sun City Camp for bookings and activity timings.
Accommodation – Mövenpick Resort Petra

After a full day of activities in Wadi Rum, it’s best to make your way over to the next accommodation close to Petra to start the next day bright and early.
The closest would have to be Mövenpick Resort Petra, which is located directly at the entrance of Petra and only an 11-minute drive to The Treasury!
Not to mention, this five-star resort also has plenty of amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, game room and a rooftop garden terrace overlooking the ancient city’s hills.
Mövenpick Resort Petra
Cost: From ~S$218/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: Tourism St, Wadi Musa 71810, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 2hr drive from Sun City Camp (Route)
Day 3: Petra

It was finally time to visit the crown jewel of Jordan — Petra, one of the seven wonders of the world!
I started my day early to beat the crowds and caught the morning light as it illuminated the Treasury, or Al-Khazneh as it’s known. Its intricate details and monumental scale are far more impressive than any photograph can capture.
Siq Canyon and The Treasury

To get to the iconic Treasury, I first had to walk through the narrow Siq Canyon. The 1.2km-long canyon was said to be the endpoint for pilgrims during the Nabatean period who travelled from afar to reach the holy city of Petra!
The views of the 80m-high cliffs were stunning and along the way, I even passed by the Djinn Blocks Tombs. These unique tombs are square monuments carved out of rocks, with significant importance in Nabatean history.

After a 20 to 30-minute leisurely stroll, I finally reached the Treasury in Petra. Standing there for the first time, I couldn’t help but feel like I was stepping into a piece of history — a moment that truly lived up to its wonder.
Fun fact: The Treasury was originally thought to be a royal tomb, but its name actually comes from a local legend about hidden treasures.
Carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans, it’s a masterpiece that connects us to the locals who lived here centuries before.
Cost: 45JD/pax for a one-day visit ticket (~S$86) — Free with the Jordan Pass
Opening hours: 6AM – 6PM (Summer, 2 Mar – 1 Oct), 6:30AM – 5PM (Winter, 2 Oct – 1 Mar)
Address: Wadi Musa 00962, Jordan, مركز زوار البتراء, (Google Maps)
How to get there: 11min drive from Mövenpick Resort Petra (Route)
If you have more time

I was only in Petra for a short day but for those with more time, you can also consider other activities like hiking the Backdoor of Petra! One of my friends did it on his own personal trip and he said it was hands-down one of his favourite experiences there.
Starting from Little Petra, the trail is like a secret passage through time, with stunning views of the rugged desert along the way. The best part is that it’s quiet, with no crowds and the occasional friendly nod from a Bedouin or fellow tourist passing by.

Photo credit: Visit Petra
As for things to do in the evening, Petra By Night is a unique way to experience the Siq Canyon and the Treasury! Basically, you’ll walk through the canyon under a blanket of stars.
At the end of the trail, witness a magical sight of the Treasury glowing softly, surrounded by thousands of candles. Then, find a spot to sit and listen to a Bedouin musician playing soulful tunes!

And after a long day exploring Petra, check out The Cave Bar — where ancient history meets modern dining. The restaurant bar is nestled inside a 2,000-year-old Nabataean tomb and the menu has a mix of local and international flavours like a liver dish seasoned with mint! Plus, it’s also one of the few places in Petra that sell alcohol 🤫
Day 4: The Dead Sea
Accommodation — Hilton Dead Sea Resort

On Day Four, I took another 3.5-hour car ride from Petra and checked into the Hilton Dead Sea Resort. This was mainly to get access to a dedicated area of the Dead Sea with a lifeguard onsite and the iconic mud bath experience!
Besides accessibility to the Dead Sea, the resort also has other amenities like a kid’s club, fitness centre, spa and swimming pool. The room I stayed in was also really comfortable and spacious with a huge bed and bathroom.
Floating in the Dead Sea

Hands up if you screamed and got salt water in your eye because you were caught off-guard by the buoyancy.
Floating in the Dead Sea was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The incredibly high salt concentration — around 10 times saltier than regular seawater — made me effortlessly buoyant, carrying my entire body weight as I floated to the surface.
Word of caution though: Just be careful not to get any water into your eyes or it’ll sting, very painfully!
*Note: Access to the Dead Sea is not entirely free; most people visit private beaches or resorts that charge an entrance fee, which typically includes amenities like showers and changing rooms. Some public access points are available but lack facilities, which is why staying at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort made it so much more convenient with its easy access to the facilities after your swim.
Mud Bath Experience

After floating in the Dead Sea, I went for a relaxing mud bath experience. There was a vase of mud set aside by the Hilton Dead Sea Resort for this experience.
The mud is said to have healing properties, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated after washing it off into the dead sea. For me, personally, the act of slathering mud onto my body itself was fun and therapeutic.
Dinner at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort

Dinner was a real treat as I not only got to demolish yet another authentic and delectable Jordanian spread, but I could also taste the premium ingredients and added attention to each dish. The classic Jordanian kebab, for example, integrated wagyu beef as part of the meat mix on the plate 😋
Hilton Dead Sea Resort
Cost: From ~S$191/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: Dead Sea Rd., Sweimeh 11953, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 3.5hr drive from the Treasury in Petra (Route)
Day 5: Mount Nebo and Madaba
Once I ticked the Dead Sea off my bucket list, I went on to visit other interesting spots like Mount Nebo and Madaba!
The Memorial Church of Moses on Mount Nebo

Believed to be the place where Moses first saw the Promised Land, The Memorial Church of Moses is a historic church situated on Mount Nebo.
On a clear day, it offers panoramic views of the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, and even Jerusalem!

The Dead Sea, Jordan Valley, and even Jerusalem were visible from this lookout point at The Memorial Church of Moses.
While I was there, I learned about the church’s fascinating history and its stunning Byzantine mosaics, which depicted scenes of wildlife, hunting, and farming.
It was humbling to see the remnants of early Christianity in this unassuming church, which carried so much biblical history. After days of adventurous activities, slowing down to absorb these stories felt like a much-needed change of pace.
Entrance fee: 3JD/pax (~S$6)
Opening hours: 7AM – 4:30PM
Address: QP9G+67P, Al-Quds St., Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 30min drive from Hilton Dead Sea Resort (Route)
St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Madaba

Then, we drove 15 minutes down from Mount Nebo to Madaba to see the latter’s ancient mosaic map.
Located in St George’s Greek Orthodox Church, this 6th-century mosaic map is the oldest surviving depiction of the Holy Land. It’s intricate and detailed, offering insight into how the region was viewed in ancient times.

Parts of the Map are believed to have been destroyed by natural disasters over the years.
However, do note that the church is currently under construction, so some areas may be cordoned off.
That said, it didn’t take away anything from the experience for me — I came with one main objective: to see the oldest Byzantine mosaic floor map in person. Despite the construction, visitors still have full access to this remarkable piece of history, making the trip well worth it.
Entrance fee: 3JD/pax (~S$6)
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 5:30PM (Mon – Thur, Sat), 9:30AM – 5PM (Fri), 10:30AM – 5:30PM (Sun)
Address: K. Talal St. 30, Madaba, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 16min drive from Memorial Church of Moses (Route)
Lunch at Haret Jdoudna

Feeling hungry, I had lunch at the nearby Haret Jdoudna. The meat platter consisted of roasted chicken, meat kebab, lamb shanks, and an assortment of vegetables. The ambience and staff were all welcoming, making for a great place to eat my fill!
Opening hours: 10AM – 1AM
Address: K. Talal St., Madaba, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 3min walk from St George’s Greek Orthodox Church (Route)
Accommodation — Mountain Breeze Lodge and Resort

To settle in for the day, I headed to Mountain Breeze Lodge and Resort. Not only was it conveniently located near my next destination, the Jerash ruins, but its relaxing charm made it a worthwhile stop in its own right.
Tucked away in the Gilead Mountains, this nature resort had all sorts of activities and amenities like an outdoor pool, archery range and bonfire pits.

I mostly enjoyed the quaint log cabins to rest in and the service from the approachable and friendly staff. They helped transport all my baggage to the cabin and showed me around the area.
One staff also allowed me to pet the ponies in their stable when he saw me peering over the fence!

For breakfast the next day, I could even bring freshly laid eggs from the chickens and coops onsite to the restaurant for them to cook! This made the entire experience feel extra cosy.
Mountain Breeze Lodge and Resort
Cost: From ~S$270/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 1, Mountain Breeze Road, Balqa, Zay, Jalaad, As-Salt, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 1.5hr drive from Haret Jdoudna (Route)
Day 6: Jerash
Often referred to as Pompeii of the Middle East, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world!
Roman Ruins

Making my way down to Jerash the following day was pretty convenient due to the proximity of Mountain Breeze, which was only an hour’s car ride away.
Upon stepping into the Oval Plaza, I instantly felt transported to ancient Rome. It was an extremely well-preserved archaeological site.
My neck was cramping from looking up to marvel at the grandeur of the ancient theatres and temples. Unfortunately, I had to rush to the next location soon after taking this picture, but be sure to take in the historical significance of the (very large) area while you’re there.
Cost: 10JD/pax (~S$19) — Free with the Jordan Pass
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 5PM
Address: 7VGR+9HJ, Jerash, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 50min drive from Mountain Breeze Lodge and Resort (Route)
Lunch at Um Khalil Restaurant

The Lebanese speciality restaurant near Jerash, Um Khalil Restaurant, was one that I was told not to miss out on.
Not only were the dishes authentic, but the staff served customers with utmost hospitality and attentiveness. From de-boning the fish to mixing the salad for us, the attention to customers was unlike anything I’d ever experienced in any other restaurant.

I enjoyed the kebabs, Diwali (grape leaves stuffed with rice, minced meat, herbs, and spices), Sambousek (curry puff-shaped pastry filled with succulent meat), and their signature Light Fattoush (vegetables with crackers and special Lebanese spices/sauces).
My personal favourite would have to be the Diwali as it was unlike anything I’d tasted before — the grapevine leaves paired so well with the countless Jordanian spices and stuffings inside!
Opening hours: 12PM – 11:30PM
Address: Debbin Street, Jerash, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 4min drive from Jerash Visitor Centre (Route)
Ajloun Castle

Panoramic view at the top of the Ajlourn castle which made the climb well worth it.
Next, it’s a 30-minute drive out of the city to the famed Ajlourn castle! It’s a 12th-century fortress built to defend against Crusader attacks and remains an excellent example of Islamic military architecture.
There were quite a number of steps I had to climb to get to the top but once there, I knew it was worth it. I mean, just look at this panoramic view!
Cost: 3JD/pax (~S$6) — Free with the Jordan Pass
Opening hours: 8AM – 6:30PM
Address: Ajloun, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 30min drive from Um Khalil Restaurant (Route)
Accommodation — Intercontinental Amman

After a full day exploring some of Jordan’s best-kept secrets, it was time to find respite in a well-established hotel back in the capital city of Amman.
Intercontinental Amman was near the locations I would be visiting on the last day, and it also offered a very premium experience at a reasonable price. For reference, the cost of a night’s stay in Intercontinental Amman is on average half the cost of Intercontinental Singapore 🤯
They had amazing door gifts to boot, as can be seen from the artisanal chocolates they’d left in the room.
Cost: From ~S$214/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: Islamic College Street, Amman 11180, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 1.5hr drive from Ajlourn Castle (Route)
Day 7: Amman
Amman Citadel

The Amman Citadel features ruins from various historical periods, including the Roman Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. It felt like I was stepping into a time capsule of Jordan’s layered history.
I wouldn’t have imagined that there could be so many historic grounds within the same area in Jordan. Even while I was there, several more sites were in the process of being excavated, so that was exciting to witness.
Entrance fee: 3JD/pax (~S$6) — access to ruins within the Amman Citadel
Opening hours: 8AM – 7PM (Mon – Sat), 8AM – 5:30PM (Sun)
Address: K. Ali Ben Al-Hussein St. 146, Amman, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 6min drive from Intercontinental Amman (Route)
Temple of Hercules

A highlight within the Amman Citadel complex, the Temple of Hercules is known for its towering columns and the fragmented remains of a massive hand — believed to belong to a statue of Hercules that once stood there.
Many tourists were getting up close and personal to these ruins when I was there, but my tour guide advised against it out of respect for the historical site.
Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM
Address: Museum St 132, Amman, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 4min walk from Amman Citadel (Route)
Umayyad Palace

Just a 4-minute walk away from the Temple of Hercules lies The Umayyad Palace. It’s a beautiful example of 8th-century Islamic architecture!
Its dome and stone designs tell the story of the Umayyad era, with amazing views of the city. It also makes for another photography hotspot for tourists and travel influencers alike visiting.
Opening hours: 8AM – 7PM
Address: XW4M+5MC, Amman, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 4min walk from Temple of Hercules (Route)
Bonus: Roman Theatre

Located at the heart of downtown Amman, the 6,000-seat Roman Theatre is a testament to the city’s ancient past. You can climb to the top of the steep seating area for incredible views or visit the small museums housed inside.
Since it was an 11-minute drive away, I chose to stay at the vantage point from the Amman Citadel complex to admire its grandeur from afar.
Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM (Sun – Thu), 8AM – 10PM (Fri – Sat)
Address: Taha Al-Hashemi St., Amman, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 11min drive from Amman Citadel (Route)
Rainbow Street

My Jordan adventure finally came to an end at Rainbow Street, Amman’s trendy hub for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
There were plenty of boutique shops for me to wander through and rooftop cafes to grab a bite at, but most of all the vibrant atmosphere was simply nice to soak in. My dinner place would also be in the area.
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM, varies for different shops
Address: WWXG+MXH, Rainbow St., Amman, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 13min drive from Amman Citadel (Route)
Dinner at Sufra Restaurant

For my last meal in Jordan, I enjoyed authentic Jordanian cuisine in a traditional villa setting at Sufra Restaurant. There was even a tandoor, which is a type of clay oven used for making their naans fresh here.
I loved the Galayet Bandora — a sauteed tomato dish mixed with onion, olive oil, chopped beef, and potatoes! It may have looked unassuming, but its taste is definitely not.
Opening hours: 1PM – 11PM (Mon – Thu), 9PM – 11PM (Fri – Sat), 12:30PM – 11PM (Sun)
Address: Sufra Restaurant Al, Rainbow St. 26, Amman, Jordan (Google Maps)
How to get there: 2min walk from Rainbow Street (Route)
FAQs for your Jordan itinerary planning

1) Best time to visit Jordan
The best months to visit Jordan are spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November), as the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring the outdoors. Summers can get extremely hot, especially in the desert regions, while winters bring cooler temperatures and occasional rain.
2) Alternative transport options around Jordan
If you can’t drive, hiring a private driver is a hassle-free way to travel. Many tour operators and hotels can arrange this for you.
And for those on a tight budget, consider the minibuses or JETT buses. While JETT Buses have daily timetabled services and can be booked in advance, the minibuses don’t follow a set schedule. They leave when they’re full and service can be limited on Fridays and holidays.
There is no website to book tickets — your best bet is to head to the nearest town and ask locals where to catch your bus. One important heads-up: bus service typically ends in the early evening, so plan your day accordingly to avoid getting stranded!
3) Extended stay suggestions (Al aqaba — fresh seafood!)

If you have extra days, consider heading to Aqaba, Jordan’s coastal city by the Red Sea. It’s perfect for snorkelling, diving, or indulging in fresh seafood!
The crazy platter that I’d gotten from Captain’s Restaurant, Aqaba should be reason enough to visit. Just look at the amount of prawns, calamari and fish I had 😍
4) Safety in Jordan
Jordan was generally a safe place to travel around in, I walked around the streets of Amman just fine alone at night. However, I had a tour guide with me mostly during the day and would recommend travelling in groups/having another male friend with you during the trip if you are a female traveller.
With the complicated political situation of countries near Jordan, it is also understandable why some tourists might be hesitant. But from my experience, the only notable thing was a military presence in tourist attractions. Even then, I felt safer with these checks.
My conversations with the tour guide also allowed me to understand Jordan as a country that prioritises neutrality to ensure greater stability. Therefore as someone who travelled here alone, I can confidently say that it’s a safe and hospitable destination to visit!
Any other questions about planning your itinerary in Jordan? Let us know in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by the Jordan Tourism Board as part of a media familiarisation trip.