JORDAN
Sand, Sea, and Sacred Sites
Welcome to Jordan, a timeless land where ancient history, cultural crossroads, and breathtaking landscapes intertwine. From the otherworldly expanse of Wadi Rum to the rose-red city of Petra, the Kingdom’s landscapes unfold in captivating layers - towering sandstone cliffs, the shimmering salt flats of the Dead Sea, and the green hills of the north.
Join us as we journey through Jordan - From the Depths of the Dead Sea to the Heights of Amman
Where to stay: in Jordan at the moment there are no hotels that we would recommend, unfortunately. Hopefully new beautiful projects will come up soon. We’ll certainly keep you posted!
Day 1 - The City of Mosaics and the incredible Dead Sea
Depending on your flights, you can either decide to kick off your trip staying in Amman and visiting the city first, or start your journey right away and keep the capital as a last stop before departing.
If you go with the second option, after landing in Amman, rent a car and drive half an hour to Madaba. Known as the City of Mosaics, Madaba is home to exquisite Byzantine and Umayyad artworks that tell stories dating back thousands of years. At the heart of this heritage lies the Madaba Map in St. George’s Church - a 6th-century mosaic and the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land, with a detailed rendering of Jerusalem and its surrounding areas.
Beyond the beauty of its mosaics, Madaba offers a blend of modern Jordanian life and ancient traditions - from artisans and craftsmen, to markets and book stores, as Kawon, where a stop is mandatory not only for the beauty of the place itself, but also for the amazing home-made dishes that are just perfect for a light lunch before going back to your car.
Right after leaving Madaba you’ll immediately begin to have incredible views over the Dead Sea from above - the landscapes you’ll be driving through are like no other, from sand-baked hills to white salt formations.
Here, the vibrant shades of the sky reflect off the water’s surface, creating a peaceful, almost surreal atmosphere.
Visiting the Dead Sea is an experience like no other - nestled at the lowest point on Earth, this salt lake shimmers under the sun in different shades from deep blue to turquoise. Its dense, buoyant waters make you float effortlessly, leaving a unique and soothing sensation, whilst the minerals and salts provide restorative qualities sought after for centuries.
There’s plenty of hotels in the area - all of them offer a wide range of wellness treatments using the local natural products. Enjoy this peaceful and relaxing place that will leave you and your skin completely regenerated.
Beyond the hotels, you can experience the Dead Sea just by parking your car on the hill above it, walking down on your own and sitting on the salt banks - or from the mountains’ hot springs and thermal waterfalls (Ma’in) that have a public pool for soaking.
Day 2 - All the way to the Wadi Rum desert
Start your day early as you have a long drive ahead. Your destination? The incredible Wadi Rum desert.
Unmissable on the way is Wadi Mujib. Known as the world’s lowest nature reserve, this Grand Canyon is not only incredibly beautiful, but it also offers a canyoning experience like no other. Check the opening hours to be there on time and consider that the experience takes approximately 2 hours in total. Wear a swimsuit (they’ll provide you with one if you don’t have it) and your own t-shirt (which will get soaked, so take that into account before choosing which one to wear). Ideally wear rubber water beach shoes - alternatively, a pair of old sneakers will do the work.
It will be a long drive to reach the Wadi Rum - almost 4 hours - but the landscapes that will surround you during the whole trip will make them pass quickly.
If you want to break the journey, on the way you have two beautiful places worth a stop: the Kerak Castle - an ancient fortress perched high above the Jordan Valley that stands as a formidable relic of medieval power - and the Dana Biosphere Reserve - Jordan’s largest nature reserve and the only one where the four different biogeographical zones of the country coexist. Since the journey is long, you’re probably better off making just one stop on the way to Wadi Rum and keeping the other one for the trip back from Wadi Rum on the way to Petra.
You’ll be driving on a winding road that seems to stretch into the infinite, and the more you’ll approach the Wadi Rum, the more you’ll be surrounded by desert landscapes bordered by distant mountains, painted in all sorts of sand’s shades.
Even though it’s not as refined as we would have loved it to be, we suggest you stay at the UFO Luxotel - it’s located right in the middle of the desert and it offers an amazing view over the mountains. Each room is a balloon-style tent with a private terrace and the hotel will organize all the experiences for you - from jeep tour, to camel rides, rock climbing and stargazing.
Day 3 - The surreal Wadi Rum
Wake up before the sun rises and start your desert exploration with the beginning of the day.
They will prepare your breakfast tea in the middle of the desert - that’s the real bedouin style! While waiting for the water to warm up and for your tea to be ready, you’ll get to know this incredible landscape as the sun brightens its shapes and colors.
Wadi Rum, often called the Valley of the Moon, is one of Jordan’s most breathtaking places - towering sandstone mountains, dramatic cliffs, and rolling dunes painted in shades of red, orange, and gold. It’s no coincidence that its beauty has inspired explorers and filmmakers (Any Star Wars fans?) - its sweeping panoramas transport visitors into an environment that feels both ancient and alien.
A day in the Wadi Rum is a whole experience - you’ll pass from driving/riding on vast sand dunes, to hike on surreal towering rock formations - as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom or the Lawrence’s Spring - to cross hidden canyons - as is Khazali Canyon, let alone climbing on the Burdah Rock Bridge - the highest natural rock arch in Wadi Rum.
The tour in the desert might take from half a day to a full day. Either way, we suggest you enjoy the sunset from there - Wadi Rum’s sunsets are just legendary, with colors that transform the desert in all shades of oranges, reds, and purples. You don’t have to worry about finding the best location - local guides know the best spots to catch this unforgettable view, providing you with everything you need to end your day in a magical way.
Day 4 - Heading North to Petra
After a nice breakfast at the hotel, take the road to Petra - it takes from 1 hour and a half to 2 hours. The journey is always beautiful and the landscapes you cross are breathtaking - if you’re not in a rush, we suggest you take some secondary roads passing through the villages instead of the highway.
In Petra - just like in the rest of the Country - the hotels are not great. Unfortunately, you will have to settle with what you think it’s best for you, not looking for anything sophisticated.
Once you get there, you can kick off the discovery of this mind blowing place by visiting Little Petra (The Cold Canyon) - a hidden gem just a few kilometers from Petra. Little Petra is both an extension of and a tranquil escape from Petra - With its narrow gorge entrance, intricately carved rock facades, and ancient frescoes, Little Petra provides a fascinating look at the daily lives of the Nabateans, who used it as a trading suburb for merchants traveling the Silk Road.
Don’t expect to end your day with a fancy dinner, but Petra Guest House’s restaurant, located on its nice terrace, will do the job.
Day 5 - Petra: the fifth wonder of the world
Finally it’s time for Jordan’s highlight - the Rose City! Wake up early in order to be at the entrance gate as soon as it opens - you don’t want to miss the opportunity to be one of the first visitors to enter and to enjoy, at least the first few moments, in a peaceful and silent atmosphere. As the hours pass, the place becomes more and more crowded. If you’re not ready for a long day of walking, you can choose to visit the site riding on a horse or donkey - you’ll find guides at the entrance and at the main attraction’s points.
Visiting Petra is an expedition into the heart of the Nabataean civilization and legacy - these Arab people settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago and carved the city into its mountains - we still can admire their refined culture, great architectural skills and ingenuity.
Petra unfolds as a labyrinth of wonders dating over two millennia - carved directly into the rock faces, its breathtaking structures blend seamlessly into the landscape. Begin your journey along the Siq - a narrow, winding gorge with walls that rise dramatically on either side - the play of light and shadow is just unbelievable. Emerging from the Siq, you’ll immediately meet the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) - a masterpiece whose façade is framed by the canyon walls and adorned with Corinthian columns.
We definitely suggest you ask one of the local guides to accompany you on top of the rocks in front of the Treasury to witness its breathtaking view from above - you can also sit for a chai or coffee while enjoying this marvel.
You’ll quickly notice that Petra’s treasures extend far beyond the Treasury - the Street of Facades, with its line of tombs carved into the cliffs; the Theater, cut from solid rock and able to held thousands of spectators; and the Royal Tombs, whose vast chambers reveal the splendor of Nabatean burial rites.
Lastly, ascend to the Monastery (Al-Deir) - a grandiose structure perched high in the hills, where the journey up the rock-cut steps rewards you with amazing views of the valley below.
This incredible tour will take almost the whole day - we suggest you try to rest a few hours before dinner, as you will definitely want to enjoy the magic of Petra by night.
For a quick dinner, you can try Al Wadi Restaurant - the place is really big so you don’t have to worry about booking in advance. The kitchen specializes in tasty local dishes!
Petra by night is a mesmerizing experience and sensory journey that unveils the city in an entirely new light - as you enter the narrow gorge, the path is illuminated by thousands of candles, guiding your way through the rock walls. The journey culminates at the Treasury, where flickering candles cast a warm and surreal glow on its facade accompanied by traditional Bedouin music.
Day 6 - The vibrant Amman
Amman is a city worth visiting for half a day/one full day but not more in our opinion - enjoy the beautiful Roman Theatre, a nice typical lunch and multiple creative craft shops.
Start your exploration in Downtown Amman, the historical heart of the city. Here, the chaotic streets are filled with souks, cafés, and street vendors. Particularly worth it is the Amman Citadel, a magnificent hilltop site rich with ruins, offering a beautiful panoramic view over the city. Nearby, you’ll find the Roman Theater, a beautifully preserved amphitheater that once held 6,000 spectators and remains a testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture.
One of the most charming neighborhoods is Jabal, with its winding streets, traditional architecture, and lively cultural scene. In particular, Rainbow Street is filled with artisanal shops, picturesque cafés, and art galleries, making it an ideal spot for wandering. Stop for lunch at Sufra Restaurant - a beautiful and authentic place with an amazing courtyard, serving a wide variety of Jordanian homemade dishes.
After lunch, stop at Al Burgan Handicrafts.
Right next to Jabal, there’s Al Weibdeh (Jabal Al Lweibdeh) neighborhood - a vibrant artistic hub, popular among creatives and expats alike. Lined with galleries, cozy cafés, and boutique stores, Weibdeh’s streets exude a bohemian spirit. Don’t miss Darat al Funun - a charming art center in an old villa, offering rotating exhibitions, talks, and cultural events with a beautiful garden overlooking the city - and the Rumi Café for a sweet bite and a coffee.
For a more contemporary perspective, visit Abdoun - known for its upscale restaurants, chic cafes, and bustling nightlife, Abdoun offers a sophisticated contrast to the historical sights of the city and is famous for its various high-end local shops, such as the Jordan River Design.
You’re now ready to head back to the airport. If you need assistance in planning your own trip to Jordan, feel free to reach out!
Our practical suggestions for you
How long: 4-7 days depending on what you’re planning to visit.
Season: Avoid the incredibly hot summer months.
How to travel through the country: Car rental.
Practical advice:
Be sure to check when Petra by night takes place before organizing the rest of the trip - it’s simply unmissable. Book the tickets in advance.
Buy your tickets for Petra the day before and be at the gate as early as possible - it will be crowded and the temperatures will rise the more the day goes on. Also remember that the gate is 15 minutes from the parking lot.
Dress in layers - the mornings, especially in the desert, are quite cold, whilst during the day it can get really hot.
Wear comfortable and closed shoes both in the Wadi Rum and in Petra.
If you’re willing to do the canyoning - and we really suggest you do it - bring some closed rubber shoes and a swimsuit plus some shorts and t-shirts that you don’t mind getting wet.
