Petra
Once you arrive in Jordan, it’s best to rent a car to explore the country, which costs about €200 a week. As soon as you’re ready, drive directly to your first stop – Petra.
Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – and for a good reason! It’s a top destination for many travelers, as it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Jordan's most famous historical places. Don’t miss the Treasure Chamber, the Monastery, and the Royal Tombs. This architecture dates back to when Petra was the capital of the Nabataeans.
Spend the day outdoors to explore everything Petra has to offer. Hike through the Siq, a breathtaking gorge, to reach The Treasury, carved into the sandstone mountains. You can also take a guided tour to visit these fascinating paths and historical sites.
Petra is also very lovely at night. Throughout the week you can meet local Bedouins, share stories, and play live music together. Last but not least, make sure to visit the Treasury at night as it is beautifully lit and the route along the Siq is lined with candles.
During your stay in Petra, stay at a hostel for €16 a night in a 6-person dorm.
Amman
Amman, the country’s capital, is located in the north-western part of Jordan and is about a three-hour drive from Petra. Spend a few days here to have enough time to explore.
In the heart of the city lies the old town, known as Al Balad, which is home to many shops and markets. If you want to visit a mosque, check out two of the city’s architectural gems: the King Abdullah Mosque and the Grand Husseini Mosque.
From the Amman Citadel to the Roman Theatre, there are many ancient ruins for you to explore in town. Learn more about the historical background on a guided tour, so you don’t miss out on any of the city’s secrets.
Feeling hungry after all that history? Try some shawarma and sugar cane juice from a local market and fuel up for your next stop: the Royal Automobile Museum. You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy this museum, which houses King Hussein's private collection of antique cars and motorbikes.
Stay at a local hostel in a 6-person dorm for just €16 a night.
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the perfect day trip from Amman or Madaba. The drive only takes about 1.5 hours, depending on which part of the Dead Sea you want to visit.
This renowned natural phenomenon is absolutely unique, so don’t miss your chance to check it out. It’s located on the northwestern coast of Jordan, with Israel right on the other side of the shore.
The Dead Sea is known for its extremely high salt content. Its water contains ten times as much salt as any ocean, meaning you will literally float on the water. The Dead Sea also has some great mud, which you can put on your skin as an excellent mineral hydration. Unfortunately, the Dead Sea shrinks more each year, so come visit soon!
There are several high-end resorts on the Dead Sea’s coast, but they are quite expensive, so a day trip might be better. You can find more affordable accommodation in a nearby city for about €25 a night for a single room.
Wadi Rum
Another must-see destination on your itinerary is Wadi Rum – about a four-hour drive from Amman. You’ll want to spend at least one day exploring this beautiful desert area, and it’s an experience you will never forget! Wadi’s breathtaking landscape is where pink sand meets sandstone mountains. Not only can you take a camel ride through the hilly dunes, but also learn about Bedouin culture. The ancient ruins scattered throughout the desert are perfect stops on your desert trip. Here, you can see Nabatean petroglyphs and inscriptions.
A guided tour is the best way to see as much as possible in a short time, just be sure not to miss landmarks like the Um Fruth Rock Bridge and the Khazali Canyon.
Sleep in the desert, where a single room costs €18 a night.
Aqaba
Head out of the desert and to the nearby city of Aqaba, just under an hour away, and relax by the sea before you fly home. Aqaba is located in the south of Jordan and is a port city on the Red Sea. If you want to spend some time on the beach during your holiday, it’s the right place to go. Well known for its excellent snorkeling and diving spots in the Aqaba Marine Park, this city is home to over 20 dive sites with living corals and amazing shipwrecks. If you prefer to stay on solid ground, visit historical sites like the Mamluk Fort, the ruins of Ayla, and the Archaeological Museum, which offer an exciting insight into Jordan's past.
The shore has a more touristy vibe with its many restaurants, seaside resorts, snorkeling, and diving tours. If you’re looking for something more authentic, the old town is the perfect place to visit. Visit one of the city’s souks and sample the delicious traditional food.
You can stay cheaply at a hostel for €15 a night in a dorm.
Unfortunately, it’s time to head home. Return your rented car and let the local shuttle service take you directly to the airport.
