Four Days in Jordan By Car
When considering locations to visit in the Middle East, don't miss Jordan. The country offers stunningly beautiful sights and culturally rich experiences.
While a road trip through Jordan might sound daunting, it is easier than you think, with a bit of planning and plenty of help from a local guide.
While we often advocate for self-driving on these types of road trip itineraries (for the flexibility and privacy it offers), hiring a private driver-cum-guide is the way to go in Jordan.
We chose to work with Sherezade Travel & Tourism to build a custom itinerary based on our needs, timeframe, and interests.
Here is our 4-day Jordan itinerary as a template for your trip. You can customize any aspect if you have more or less time, different interests, or desire a slower pace.
Day 1 -
Arrive in Amman - Your guide will pick you up at the Queen Alia Airport, and your adventure begins! Note that the day 1 stops are all time-permitting. You may need to make cuts to your itinerary to fit your top priorities.
Travel to Madaba and Mount Nebo to see stunning mosaics and Jordan’s Christian/Biblical history.
Drive to Wadi Mujib and walk the Siq Trail.
If you choose this option, it is crucial to plan ahead. Make sure you have modest swimwear/clothing that can get wet, water shoes, and a dry bag packed in an easily accessible part of your luggage.
Stop to see the Kerak Castle or Shobak Castle.
End the day at Petra.
This is the trip's main attraction, so you may want to allow for more time here if your itinerary allows.
We stayed 1 night at the Petra Moon Luxury Hotel and would recommend it for its proximity to Petra.
Be sure to arrive in time enough to join Petra by Night. The front desk staff at Petra Moon Luxury Hotel can purchase your tickets for you.
Day 2 -
Following breakfast at the hotel, take a cab to Little Petra to begin your visit through the back entrance.
The back entrance ticket office opens ~7:00 am - 8:00 am. Ask your guide and the hotel staff for updated/accurate timings. Pack your patience, as the operation runs quite casually. Arriving early allows some time to explore Little Petra, purchase tickets as soon as the office opens, and offers access to the first truck heading out for the day.
The truck will take you on a short off-road drive to the start of the back entrance trail, where you will then hike an additional ~1 hour to the Monastery. If you are on the first truck departing and walk quickly, you will be among the first (if not the first) to arrive. Viewing this architectural wonder without crowds is well worth the early alarm and brisk hike.
Pack plenty of water, cash, your passport, sunscreen, and a hat. The trail is not covered, and despite being early in the morning, it heats up quickly in the sun.
After viewing the Monastery and cooling down with a refreshing drink at the cafe, you can begin the next portion of your hike through Petra, working your way “backward” towards the Treasury and main entrance. This route has many advantages, including avoiding huge crowds at the start of the day, preventing you from an unnecessary and grueling roundtrip hike, and allowing you to climb the many stairs in only one direction (down vs. up).
Remember that Petra is a vast archaeological city. It is impossible to see everything. To maximize your time and energy, carefully choose your stops between the Monastery and the Treasury.
We suggest politely but firmly declining any offers to ride animals within Petra (donkeys, horses, camels).
After your day at Petra, head to your next stop—a desert camp! We chose Sun City Camp in Wadi Rum.
If you plan well, you will arrive in plenty of time to take a late afternoon/early evening jeep tour around the desert. The roughly 2 hour tour ends with sunset in a scenic desert location.
Day 3 -
You can book sunrise activities (e.g., camel ride, another desert drive) at the desert camp if you want to squeeze in more fun before you leave.
After check-out, you will hit the road again and head towards the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba.
Enjoy a scenic ride in a glass-bottom boat. You can choose to snorkel or view the coral from the comfort of the boat. Eat a fresh fish lunch delivered directly to the boat!
If the drive to Aqaba is too far, you can choose to slowly head back to Amman from the desert camp and stop at any Day 1 attractions you might have missed.
After the boat ride, make your way back to Amman.
We stayed at the Four Seasons Amman.
The St. Regis Amman is another good option.
Day 4 -
Spend the morning exploring Amman’s key sights.
Visit the Citadel, Umayyad Palace, Roman Theatre, and King Abdullah I Mosque.
Next up is a float in the Dead Sea!
You can access the Dead Sea via a public beach or by purchasing a day pass to a seaside hotel. Day passes generally include access to changing room facilities, the pool, and a buffet lunch. We suggest a day pass at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa.
Once you are back in Amman, check out the local food scene with dinner reservations.
We highly recommend Alee for exceptional service, a modern take on local food, and views of the Citadel lit up at night.
Consider Fakhreldin Restaurant for more traditional local cuisine.
Notes -
Be sure to purchase your Jordan Pass ahead of time. We suggest the Jordan Explorer level.
