Petra 2 weeks

Amman's international airport, the primary gateway for international travelers to Jordan. It's a modern facility with good amenities.

The journey from Amman to Petra takes approximately 3-4 hours by private taxi or public bus. Consider booking a direct taxi for convenience or the JETT bus for a more budget-friendly option.

• Pre-book your taxi or check JETT bus schedules in advance.
• Public buses are less frequent and may require transfers.

The modern town adjacent to Petra, serving as the main hub for accommodation, restaurants, and services for visitors. It's a bustling area with a range of options.

Your starting point for exploring Petra. Here you can purchase tickets, hire guides, and get maps. It's essential to get your Jordan Pass or entry ticket here.

• Purchase your Petra ticket or ensure your Jordan Pass is validated.
• Pick up a free map of the site.

A narrow, winding gorge over a kilometer long, leading to the iconic Treasury. Walking through the Siq, with its towering sandstone walls, is an awe-inspiring experience.

• Go early to avoid crowds and enjoy the soft morning light.
• Keep an eye on the ancient water channels carved into the walls.

The most famous monument in Petra, carved directly into a sandstone cliff. Its intricate Hellenistic facade is a breathtaking sight that appears dramatically at the end of the Siq.

• Photography is best in the morning when the sun hits the facade.
• Respect the site; do not climb on the monument.

A row of monumental Nabataean tombs carved into the cliff face, stretching beyond the Treasury. These showcase various architectural styles and offer a glimpse into ancient burial practices.

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

Located near the Visitor Centre, this museum provides excellent context for Petra's history, the Nabataean civilization, and the archaeological discoveries. It features artifacts found on-site.

• Visit at the beginning or end of your Petra exploration for context.
• Air-conditioned interiors offer a pleasant break from the heat.

A magnificent set of monumental Nabataean tombs carved into the cliff face, including the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb. They offer impressive facades and interiors.

• Climb up to the Urn Tomb for panoramic views.
• The interiors are vast and can be explored.

The main thoroughfare of Roman Petra, once lined with shops and public buildings. It leads to the Great Temple and Qasr al-Bint.

A significant Nabataean structure, part of the city's civic center. Excavations have revealed its grandeur, with a large theatre-like structure and impressive columns.

One of the few free-standing Nabataean structures in Petra, believed to be a temple dedicated to Nabataean deities. It's a key part of the ancient city's religious center.

A strenuous but rewarding hike up approximately 800 steps to reach the Monastery, Petra's largest monument. The Monastery is similar in style to the Treasury but even grander.

• Start this hike in the early afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry plenty of water.
• Donkeys are available for hire, but consider the welfare of the animals.

A popular restaurant offering a unique experience where you learn to cook traditional Jordanian dishes before enjoying your meal. Reservations are highly recommended.

• Book at least a day in advance.
• Great way to learn about local cuisine.

A challenging hike leading to an ancient Nabataean sacrificial altar with stunning panoramic views over Petra. The trail offers a different perspective on the city's layout and its sacred sites.

• This trail starts near the Theatre and is well-marked.
• Bring water and wear good footwear.

A less-visited valley accessed from the High Place of Sacrifice trail, featuring several interesting tombs and structures, including the Garden Tomb and Roman Soldier's Tomb.

• It's a good place to experience Petra with fewer crowds.
• Look for the Nabataean water channels.

Two impressive tombs found within Wadi Farasa, showcasing distinct Nabataean architectural elements. The Lion Triclinium features a relief of a lion, while the Renaissance Tomb has a unique facade.

Descend back towards the main part of Petra, retracing steps through the Siq or taking alternative paths, to exit the park.

A mid-range restaurant in Wadi Musa offering a variety of local and international dishes in a comfortable setting. Good for a relaxing dinner after a day of hiking.

A smaller, more intimate site north of Petra, believed to have been a suburb or trading post. It features carved dwellings, a triclinium, and unique Nabataean frescoes.

• Less crowded than Petra, offering a more relaxed experience.
• Look for the well-preserved frescoes inside one of the biclinia.

The modern village adjacent to Little Petra, offering a glimpse into local life. You might find small shops or local artisans.

A magical experience where the path to the Treasury is lit by thousands of candles. It's a non-denominational event with traditional Bedouin music and tea.

• Check the schedule; it usually runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
• The ticket is separate from the day ticket; purchase in advance if possible.

A highly-rated, cozy restaurant in Wadi Musa known for its authentic home-cooked Jordanian meals. Offers a warm atmosphere and delicious, traditional flavors.

A less-traveled canyon trail that offers a more adventurous way to enter Petra, often involving wading through water in parts. It's a guided experience recommended for its unique perspective.

• This requires a local guide and is weather-dependent.
• Bring waterproof shoes or be prepared to get wet.
• A good option for those seeking a more rugged adventure.

Completing the Wadi Muthlim hike allows you to enter Petra from a different, less common direction, often closer to the Treasury or the start of the main trail.

After exiting Wadi Muthlim, spend time exploring areas missed on previous days, such as the Byzantine Church with its mosaic floors.

A restaurant located within Petra itself (check operating hours and if open for evening), offering a unique dining experience amidst the ancient ruins. Often requires pre-booking and special arrangements.

• Verify its current operational status and hours.
• This is a special occasion dining spot.

A revisit to Little Petra, perhaps focusing on details missed before or exploring further into the surrounding area which has other smaller sites.

Arrange a visit to a local Bedouin camp in the Petra region for tea, conversation, and insight into their traditional lifestyle. This offers a cultural immersion beyond the archaeological sites.

• Book through your hotel or a reputable local tour operator.
• Be open to learning and respectful of their customs.

Hike to one of the viewpoints offering a stunning aerial perspective of the Treasury. There are multiple routes, some starting from within Petra, others from outside.

• The trail starting from near the Royal Tombs is recommended.
• Be aware of local guides offering to lead you; agree on a price beforehand.

Located at the entrance of Petra, this unique bar is set in a Nabataean tomb. It's a great place to relax with a drink after a day of exploration.

Travel from Petra to Wadi Rum, typically a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. Arrange a taxi or join a tour that includes transport.

The entry point to the protected area. Here you'll meet your Bedouin guide and arrange for your jeep tour or camel ride.

Explore the vast desert landscape in a 4x4 jeep, visiting iconic sites like Lawrence's Spring, sand dunes, rock bridges (like Um Fruth or Burdah), and ancient inscriptions.

• Choose a tour duration that suits you (e.g., 3-4 hours is common).
• Ask your guide to take you to less crowded spots.

Spend the night in a traditional Bedouin camp, enjoying dinner (often Zarb - food cooked underground), stargazing, and the unique desert silence.

• Many camps offer traditional music and storytelling.
• Stargazing is exceptional here due to minimal light pollution.

Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the desert landscape from your camp or a nearby vantage point. The changing colors of the sand and rocks are unforgettable.

Enjoy a traditional Bedouin breakfast, typically including bread, cheese, jams, and tea, before departing the desert.

Travel from Wadi Rum to Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city on the Red Sea. The journey takes about 1 hour.

Settle into your hotel and take a stroll through Aqaba's souk, visit the Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque, and explore the Aqaba Fort (Mamluk Castle).

A popular choice in Aqaba for fresh seafood and traditional Jordanian cuisine. Offers a pleasant ambiance for dinner by the Red Sea.

A protected area known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. It's ideal for snorkeling and diving.

• Bring your own snorkel gear or rent it at the park.
• Respect the marine environment; do not touch the coral.

Join a guided dive or snorkel tour to explore the famous dive sites of the Red Sea, such as the Cedar Pride shipwreck or the Japanese Garden.

• Numerous dive centers operate in Aqaba; compare prices and reviews.
• Even beginners can try a discover scuba diving session.

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, taking in the sea breeze and the views of the Red Sea and across to neighboring countries.

A well-regarded restaurant in Aqaba offering delicious seafood and local dishes. Known for its friendly service and authentic flavors.

Travel from Aqaba back north towards Jerash. This is a long day trip, so an early start is essential. Consider a private driver or a tour.

One of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world. Explore the Oval Plaza, Cardo Maximus, temples, theaters, and churches.

• Allow ample time to explore the vast site.
• Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights.

A 12th-century Muslim castle built by Izz al-Din Usama ibn Munqidh. It offers strategic views over the Jordan Valley and surrounding hills.

• Climb to the top for panoramic views.
• The castle is a great example of Islamic military architecture.

After a long day of sightseeing, have dinner in Amman before returning to your hotel. Many options are available, from local eateries to international cuisine.

A historical site atop Jabal al-Joufah, offering panoramic views of Amman. It contains Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins, including the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace.

• Visit early to avoid heat and crowds.
• The views over the city are spectacular.

A magnificent 6,000-seat Roman theatre dating back to the 2nd century AD. It's remarkably well-preserved and still used for cultural events.

Showcases the history and culture of Jordan, from prehistoric times to the present day. It features artifacts from Petra, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and more.

• A great place to consolidate your understanding of Jordanian history.
• Check for special exhibitions.

A vibrant and trendy street in Amman known for its cafes, restaurants, shops, and art galleries. It's a great place for people-watching and experiencing modern Amman.

Offers organic food and a stunning rooftop view over the Citadel and the old city. It's part of a conservation initiative.

Travel from Amman to the Dead Sea, approximately a 1-hour drive. Many resorts offer day passes.

Enjoy access to resort facilities, including private beaches, pools, and the unique experience of floating in the hypersaline waters of the Dead Sea.

• Bring swimwear and a towel; resorts often provide lockers.
• Don't shave for a day or two before to avoid stinging.
• Apply the Dead Sea mud for a natural spa treatment.

Experience the surreal sensation of effortlessly floating in the extremely buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, surrounded by the unique landscape.

Cover yourself in the mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea, known for its therapeutic properties for the skin.

Enjoy dinner at your chosen resort or a nearby restaurant, reflecting on the unique experience of the Dead Sea.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping in Amman or revisit a favorite spot.

Head to the airport for your departure. Allow ample time for check-in and security procedures.

Depart from Queen Alia International Airport, concluding your Jordanian adventure.