Petra 10 days

Amman's international airport, the primary gateway for most international travelers to Jordan. From here, you'll arrange transport to Petra.

Arrange a private taxi or pre-booked shuttle for the approximately 3-hour scenic drive from Queen Alia International Airport to Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra.

• Pre-booking can secure better rates.
• Enjoy the desert scenery along the Desert Highway.

A comfortable mid-range hotel located just outside the Petra Visitor Center, offering convenient access to the ancient city and local amenities.

Enjoy your first taste of authentic Jordanian cuisine in Wadi Musa. This restaurant offers a variety of local dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

• Try the Mansaf, Jordan's national dish.

Begin your exploration by purchasing your entry tickets and gathering information at the Visitor Center. This is the starting point for all trails into Petra.

• Purchase the Jordan Pass online before your trip if visiting multiple sites in Jordan; it often includes your Petra entry fee and visa.
• Allow ample time for ticket purchase and any necessary orientation.

A narrow, winding gorge over a kilometer long, flanked by towering sandstone cliffs. Walking through the Siq is a dramatic prelude to the Treasury, with its changing colors and ancient water channels.

• The walk is relatively flat but can be crowded. Go early to avoid the largest crowds.
• Keep an eye out for the intricate Nabataean water channels carved into the rock.

Petra's most iconic facade, carved directly into the sandstone cliff face. Its intricate Hellenistic-inspired architecture is breathtaking, revealed dramatically at the end of the Siq.

• Early morning or late afternoon light offers the best photographic opportunities.
• Distant photography is often better than getting too close, respecting the site.

A row of monumental Nabataean tombs carved into the cliff face, showcasing a simpler yet still impressive architectural style compared to the Treasury.

A large Roman-style theatre carved into the side of a mountain by the Nabataeans, capable of seating thousands. It offers a unique blend of Nabataean and Roman influences.

A series of impressive tomb facades, including the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb, offering panoramic views over the Petra basin.

• Climb up to the Urn Tomb for excellent views.
• The interiors of some tombs are accessible and worth exploring.

Located within Petra, this restaurant offers a buffet lunch with views of the surrounding mountains. A good spot to rest and refuel during a long day of exploration.

• A convenient option for a midday break within the site.

A challenging but rewarding hike leading to an ancient Nabataean ritual site atop a mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views of Petra and the surrounding landscape.

• Start early to avoid the midday heat.
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes; the path can be steep and rocky.

Petra's largest monument, a magnificent facade carved into the rock, similar in style to the Treasury but significantly larger and less ornate. It requires a significant uphill climb.

• The climb involves over 800 steps, consider taking breaks.
• There are small cafes near the Monastery for refreshments.

A local eatery in Wadi Musa offering traditional Jordanian dishes. A good place to relax after a day of hiking and enjoy local flavors.

A smaller, less crowded version of Petra, featuring carved dwellings, temples, and a unique biclinium with preserved Nabataean frescoes. It served as a trading post and suburb of the main city.

• It's a great place to get a feel for Nabataean architecture without the crowds of Petra.
• Look for the rare surviving Nabataean frescoes inside the biclinium.

The modern village near Little Petra, offering a glimpse into contemporary Bedouin life. You can find local crafts and interact with residents.

Located near the Petra Visitor Center, this museum showcases artifacts unearthed from Petra, providing context and deeper understanding of Nabataean civilization and their trade networks.

• It's included with your Petra entry ticket.
• Best visited after exploring Petra to consolidate your learning.

A highly-rated local restaurant in Wadi Musa known for its authentic home-style Jordanian cooking and warm hospitality.

• Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

A less-traveled trail offering a different perspective of Petra, passing by the Garden Tomb, Roman Soldier's Tomb, and the Temple of the Winged Lions. It provides a sense of discovery away from the main routes.

• This trail connects to other routes, allowing for flexible exploration.
• Look for ancient inscriptions and carvings along the way.

The main thoroughfare of Roman Petra, once lined with shops and public buildings, now characterized by its rows of columns. It leads from the Great Temple towards the Qasr al-Bint.

One of the few freestanding Nabataean structures remaining in Petra, believed to be a temple dedicated to a principal Nabataean deity. Its robust architecture stands as a testament to their engineering skills.

Enjoy a meal with stunning views over Petra. This restaurant offers a mix of local and international dishes, often with live music.

• Book a table with a view in advance.
• Check if they have live music scheduled.

Revisit your favorite spots in Petra or explore areas you missed. The morning light offers a different perspective, and you can focus on specific details.

• Focus on areas you found particularly interesting.
• Consider hiring a local guide for a deeper understanding of a specific site.

Browse local crafts, souvenirs, and Bedouin goods. It's a good opportunity to find unique items and support local artisans.

• Bargaining is common, but do so respectfully.
• Look for handmade items like sand bottles or traditional embroidery.

Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish bath experience in Wadi Musa. Many hotels offer this service or can recommend local facilities.

Experience the magic of Petra illuminated by thousands of candles. This special event takes place on select nights and offers a unique, atmospheric journey through the Siq to the Treasury.

• Held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Check the schedule in advance.
• Photography is allowed, but flash is prohibited.

Take a taxi or arrange a driver for the scenic 1.5-hour journey to the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan's largest nature reserve.

• The drive itself offers stunning views of the Great Rift Valley.

Explore the ancient Dana village, perched dramatically on a mountainside, and the area around Feynan Ecolodge, known for its conservation efforts and Bedouin culture.

• Visit the artisan shops in Dana village for locally made crafts.

Embark on a guided hike through the diverse landscapes of Dana, ranging from rugged mountains to desert wadis. Options include the Wadi Dana Trail or shorter nature walks.

• Book a guided hike in advance, especially for longer trails.
• Wear appropriate hiking gear and bring plenty of water.

Enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner at Feynan Ecolodge, renowned for its sustainable practices and authentic culinary experiences. Advance booking is essential.

• The lodge is off-grid, offering a unique, eco-friendly experience.
• Consider staying overnight if time and budget permit.

Return to your accommodation in Wadi Musa after a day of nature and culture.

Travel from Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum, a spectacular desert landscape famous for its dramatic sandstone mountains and vast sandy plains. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Arrange transport in advance, ideally through your Wadi Rum camp.

Explore the iconic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum in a 4x4 Jeep. Visit famous sites like Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon, and the rock bridges.

• Opt for a longer tour to see more remote areas.
• Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a headscarf for dust.

Experience the traditional Bedouin mode of transport with a serene camel ride through the desert. Enjoy the silence and the vastness of the landscape.

• A sunset camel ride is particularly memorable.

Enjoy a traditional Zarb (underground barbecue) dinner at your desert camp, followed by incredible stargazing in the clear desert night sky, far from light pollution.

• Many camps offer traditional music performances.
• Ask your hosts about constellations visible in the night sky.

Spend the night in a comfortable Bedouin-style tent under the stars, experiencing the tranquility of the desert.

Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the desert landscape, a truly magical experience.

Depart from Wadi Rum and travel back to Amman. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

• Arrange transport through your Wadi Rum camp or a private driver.

An ancient site atop a hill in central Amman, offering panoramic views of the city. It features Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins, including the Temple of Hercules.

• Visit in the late afternoon for beautiful light over the city.

A remarkably well-preserved 6,000-seat Roman theatre located in downtown Amman. It's still used for cultural events.

A legendary and bustling eatery in downtown Amman, famous for its traditional Jordanian meze, falafel, and hummus. It's a quintessential local experience.

• Expect queues, but they move quickly.
• Order a variety of small plates to sample different flavors.

A vibrant street in Amman known for its trendy cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. It's a great place for souvenir shopping and soaking in the city's atmosphere.

• Explore the side streets for hidden gems.
• Try a local coffee shop for a break.

Explore Jordan's rich history and culture, from prehistoric times to the present day. Highlights include the Dead Sea Scrolls and artifacts from Petra.

• A good way to round off your understanding of Jordan's heritage.

Depart from Amman's international airport, concluding your journey through Jordan.

• Allow ample time for check-in and security procedures.