Jordan folds millennia of history into a landscape of ochre deserts and cool, stone-built cities. From Bronze Age hilltops to Roman theaters and Crusader castles, this small kingdom has welcomed travelers since the time of caravans. Today, its highlights—Amman, Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum—fit beautifully into a one-week route.

Food is part of the adventure: za’atar-dusted breakfasts, mezze spreads, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and syrupy knafeh. Coffee is a ritual; cardamom perfumes the air, and Bedouin tea sweetens desert sunsets. Expect warm hospitality and generous portions everywhere you go.

Practical notes: The Jordan Pass (purchased before arrival) can save money on visas and major sites like Petra. Dress modestly, bring sun protection, and layer for cool desert nights. Driving is straightforward on main highways; otherwise, rely on reliable buses, private drivers, or vetted tours.

Amman

Amman is a city of hills and layers—Ottoman facades and modern boulevards wrapped around the Citadel’s Bronze and Roman remains. Downtown hums with spice shops and falafel counters; in Jabal Al-Weibdeh and Abdali, you’ll find contemporary cafes and galleries.

• Top sights: Amman Citadel (Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace), Roman Theater, the Jordan Museum, and Rainbow Street.
• Food & drink: Hashem (falafel), Sufra (classic Jordanian), Habibah (legendary knafeh), Rumi Cafe (specialty coffee), Fakhreldin (elegant Levantine).
• Fun fact: Downtown’s King Faisal Street has been a trading artery since the early 20th century—perfect for a slow, people-watching stroll.

Where to stay: Browse stays on VRBO Amman and Hotels.com Amman. Standout picks: The St. Regis Amman (polished, excellent service), Amman Marriott Hotel (pool and hearty breakfasts), and Nomads Hotel (budget-friendly, social vibe).

Getting there: Fly into Queen Alia International (AMM). Compare routes and fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical one-stop itineraries from North America/Europe run 9–16 hours, often via Istanbul, Doha, or Abu Dhabi.

Petra (Wadi Musa)

Carved by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, Petra earns its “rose-red city” nickname at dawn and dusk. Walk the Siq’s chasm to the Treasury, then climb among tombs, temples, and the vast Roman-style theater. Stay in Wadi Musa to wake early and beat the crowds.

• Top sights: The Siq, Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Royal Tombs, High Place of Sacrifice, and the Monastery (Ad-Deir).
• Dining: My Mom’s Recipe (homey Jordanian cooking), Al-Wadi (grills and mezze), Basin Restaurant inside Petra (convenient midday buffet).
• Tip: “Petra by Night” (Mon/Wed/Thu) lines the Siq with candles—arrive early for a front spot.

Where to stay: See options on VRBO Petra and Hotels.com Petra. Favorites: Mövenpick Resort Petra (steps from the gate), Petra Moon Hotel (rooftop pool), Petra Guest House Hotel (cave bar ambiance).

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum’s sandstone mountains and red dunes are a Martian dreamscape. Bedouin guides lead 4x4 trips to rock arches and hidden canyons, then roast “zarb” (underground barbecue) as the Milky Way brightens the sky. It’s the Jordan desert you’ve seen on film.

• Top experiences: 4x4 desert safari, sunset camel ride, stargazing, and Bedouin tea in a goat-hair tent.
• Photo stops: Lawrence Spring, Khazali Canyon, Um Fruth rock bridge, red and white deserts.

Where to stay: Choose a camp that balances comfort with starry skies: Sun City Camp (famous “Martian” domes), Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp (authentic hospitality), or Captain's Desert Camp (cozy traditional tents).

Day 1: Arrive in Amman, Downtown Flavors and Golden-Hour Views

Afternoon: Land at AMM and breeze into the city with a pre-booked Amman Airport private transfer. Check in, then revive with espresso at Rumi Cafe (Jabal Al-Weibdeh) or iced cardamom coffee at Dimitri’s (Abdoun).

Evening: Head up to the Amman Citadel for sunset over limestone hills, then descend to the Roman Theater’s floodlit steps. Dinner on Rainbow Street: book Sufra for mansaf and freekeh, or keep it casual at Hashem for falafel, hummus, and mint tea. End with warm knafeh at Habibah—watch the cheese stretch as syrup glistens.

Night: Join the local promenade on Rainbow Street or take in skyline views at Cantaloupe Gastro Pub. Turn in early to sync with local time.

Day 2: Citadel to Souq—Classic Amman

Morning: Breakfast at Shams El Balad (seasonal flatbreads, labneh, herbs). Explore the Amman Citadel’s Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace, then browse the Jordan Archaeological Museum’s Dead Sea Scroll fragments and Nabataean artifacts.

Afternoon: Walk to the Roman Theater and the Odeon. For lunch, try Al-Quds Restaurant (old-school grills) or Reem on 2nd Circle for beloved shawarma cones. Coffee break at Turtle Green Tea Bar—try lemon-mint over ice.

Evening: Abdali Boulevard’s lit promenades are perfect for a modern contrast. Book Fakhreldin for refined Levantine classics (kibbeh nayyeh, lamb chops) or head to Jubran for mezze and a lively setting. Optional: a short spa session at a local hammam.

Alternative mini-excursion: Short on time later in the week? Float this afternoon on a guided Half Day Tour to Dead Sea From Amman (great if you want an easy transfer and day-pass access).

Day 3: Northern Jordan—Jerash and Ajloun

Morning: Fuel up at Dimitri’s Coffee, then head 50 minutes north to Jerash (JETT bus or private driver). Walk Hadrian’s Arch, the hippodrome, the colonnaded Cardo, and the acoustically perfect South Theater—one of the best-preserved Roman cities anywhere.

Afternoon: Continue 30 minutes to Ajloun Castle for Crusader-era views across oak-forested hills. Lunch near Jerash at Lebanese House (mezzes, mixed grill) before returning to Amman.

Evening: Back in Amman, keep dinner casual with shawarma at Reem or go celebratory at Levant Restaurant (sumac-spiced lamb, charcoal-grilled prawns). Sweet finish: pistachio-stuffed baklava from a downtown patisserie.

Prefer a guided day? Book the Jerash, Ajloun, Umm Qais Day Trip for expert context and seamless transport.

Day 4: Amman to Petra via the King’s Highway—Madaba, Mount Nebo, and a Dead Sea Float

Morning: Depart Amman around 8:00 a.m. for Madaba (40 min) to see the 6th-century mosaic map at St. George. Continue to Mount Nebo (15 min) for hazy views toward the Jordan Valley and the Holy Land.

Afternoon: Stop at the Dead Sea (45–60 min) to float in otherworldly buoyancy; most resorts offer day passes with beach access and mud applications. Continue to Petra via the King’s Highway (scenic; 5.5–6.5 hours total with stops) or the faster Desert Highway (about 3 hours nonstop). JETT bus Amman–Petra is ~3 hours, ~11 JOD; private driver ~120–160 JOD.

Evening: Check into your Petra hotel and dine at My Mom’s Recipe (mouttabal, slow-cooked lamb) or Al-Wadi (mixed grills). If your visit falls on Mon/Wed/Thu, consider “Petra by Night” (arrive 30–45 minutes early to secure a good spot on the carpets).

Where to relax by the Dead Sea (day-pass or overnight): Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Dead Sea Spa Hotel, or Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea.

Day 5: The Rose-Red City—Petra, From the Siq to the Monastery

Morning: Enter at opening to find the Siq glowing softly and the Treasury newly lit. Continue to the Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, and the theater. Coffee and cardamom at a simple kiosk along the way.

Afternoon: Lunch at The Basin Restaurant inside Petra (buffet; shaded). Then tackle the Monastery. For a photogenic, less-crowded approach and fewer stairs, consider the guided Petra Back Door Easy Access Tour – See More, Walk Less (via Little Petra/Wadi Ghurab route).

Evening: After exiting, transfer 1.5–2 hours to Wadi Rum village for your desert camp check-in. Settle into your tent or dome, sip sweet Bedouin tea, and watch the cliffs blush at sunset. Dinner is “zarb,” slow-cooked underground—ask to see the reveal.

Day 6: Wadi Rum Safari, Camel at Sunset, Return to Amman

Morning: A 3–4 hour 4x4 tour hits Lawrence Spring, Khazali Canyon’s inscriptions, dunes you can scramble up, and Um Fruth rock bridge. Guides keep a relaxed pace for photos and tea breaks.

Afternoon: Optional short camel ride or sandboard before an early lunch at camp. Depart for Amman (about 4 hours via Desert Highway). If you’d rather reduce driving, another option is flying AMM–AQJ (Aqaba) and back on select days—compare on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com (55-minute flight; ~$80–$150 one-way when booked early).

Evening: Back in Amman, toast the week at Fakhreldin or savor a casual mezze spread at Shams El Balad. For a last sweet bite, return to Habibah for classic knafeh or try pistachio mafroukeh.

Day 7: Amman Easy Morning and Departure

Morning: Brunch with a view at Wild Jordan Center’s cafe (light, fresh plates), then pick up Dead Sea salts, dates, and spices at Al-Balad souqs. Coffee to go from Rumi or Crumz.

Afternoon: Depart AMM—book a reliable airport transfer to arrive 3 hours before international flights. If time allows, stop by the Duke’s Diwan, a century-old townhouse time capsule downtown.

Evening: Fly home with red sand still in your shoes and sumac in your suitcase.

Getting Around & Practical Transport Notes

• City-to-city times: Amman–Petra (Desert Highway) ~3 hours; Petra–Wadi Rum ~1.5–2 hours; Wadi Rum–Amman ~4 hours.
• Costs: JETT bus Amman–Petra ~11 JOD; private drivers for day routes commonly 120–180 JOD depending on stops and season.
• Flights (alternative): AMM–AQJ (Aqaba) ~55 minutes; search on Trip.com or Kiwi.com and combine with a short drive to Wadi Rum or Petra.

Optional Tours You Can Plug In

• North Jordan guided day: Jerash, Ajloun, Umm Qais Day Trip.
• Petra hiking shortcut: Petra Back Door Easy Access Tour – See More, Walk Less.
• Dead Sea float from Amman: Half Day Tour to Dead Sea From Amman.
• Seamless arrivals/departures: Amman Airport private Transfers.

In one week, you’ll trace the arc of Jordan—from Roman colonnades and sizzling street food in Amman to Petra’s sculpted canyons and Wadi Rum’s infinite sky. With smart transport, great meals, and a well-paced route, these seven days deliver a Middle East adventure you’ll talk about for years.