The Ultimate 9 Day Itinerary for Jordan
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If you’re dreaming of a one-of-a-kind, soul-nourishing journey through the Middle East—one that blends ancient wonders, desert adventures, and immersive cultural experiences—this 9-day itinerary for Jordan is exactly what you’re looking for.
As a travel and wellness content creator who has explored over 40 countries, I intentionally craft trips that go deeper than surface-level sightseeing. My travels are rooted in culture, adventure, wellness, and connection, and Jordan delivered on all four. From canyoning through otherworldly gorges to sharing Arabic coffee with Bedouins, this itinerary is designed for adventurous travelers who want their trip to mean something.
In this action-packed Jordan itinerary, you’ll find epic hikes, UNESCO World Heritage sites, spa-worthy moments, and local-led experiences that support community development.
Itinerary for Jordan: 9 Days Overview
➡️Day 1: Arrive in Amman
➡️Day 2: Amman City Tour
➡️Day 3: Jordan Trail Hike
➡️Day 4: Mount Nebo & Travel to Feynan
➡️Day 5: Bedouin Experience & Travel to Petra
➡️Day 6: Explore Petra & Travel to Wadi Rum
➡️Day 7: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride & Wadi Rum Jeep Tour
➡️Day 8: Snorkeling in the Red Sea
➡️Day 9: Wadi Mujib Canyoning
Day One: Arrive in Amman
Afternoon
We flew with Royal Jordanian Airlines, which offers convenient direct flights to Amman from several major U.S. cities, including Washington Dulles (IAD), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), New York JFK, and Detroit (DTW).
Most international flights arrive in the afternoon, making it the ideal time to ease into your adventures in Jordan. After your long 11+ hour journey, check into your hotel, unpack, and take the afternoon to unwind. Sip some Arabic tea, take a short walk nearby, or enjoy a power nap to recharge before the Jordan itinerary picks up.
Evening
I love how I didn’t have a bad meal in Jordan! Kick off your first night in Amman with dinner at Jasmine House, —a charming home-style restaurant that blends Italian flair with local seasonal ingredients. The intimate ambiance, warm hospitality, and garden setting create a lovely welcome to Jordan.
Don’t miss the art gallery tucked inside the restaurant for a dose of local creativity before or after your meal.
Resources for Day 1: Book a three-night stay in Amman for Days 1-3. For hotels, I recommend the St. Regis Amman for a premium luxury experience (rooms start around $350 per night; book on Expedia.com) or the House Boutique Suites for an elegant escape with gorgeous city views (rooms start around $160 per night; book on Expedia.com)
Day 2: Amman City Tour
Morning
Start your day with the Underground Amman Tour, where you will learn about the city’s vibrant street art and hip-hop scene. By booking this tour, you are supporting local artists and changemakers.
Afternoon
While in Downtown Amman, have lunch at Hashem, one of the oldest and most beloved falafel spots in the city. I definitely recommend following it with dessert at Habibah for some knafeh, a traditional Arab dessert you shouldn’t leave Amman without trying!
Downtown Amman is also a fantastic place to browse shops. From vibrant spices and richly scented perfume oils to handwoven scarves and artisanal soaps, the area is filled with authentic finds that reflect Jordanian culture and make for meaningful, high-quality souvenirs.
After shopping, head to the Amman Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features impressive Roman ruins, including the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and Byzantine-era churches. It is also one of the best places to get panoramic views of the city.
Evening:
Enjoy a refined dinner and wine pairing at Dara Dining by Sara Aqel, which was listed as one of the 50 best restaurants in the Middle East and North Africa.
Day 3: Jordan Trail Hike
Morning
Enjoy a scenic hike along the Jordan Trail in Zoubia Forest aka the Green Side of Jordan, led by Hike Jordan‘s local guide Eissa. The guided hike includes a mid-hike tea break. This was my first time drinking tea during a hot hike, but surprisingly, it cools you down.
Afternoon
Enjoy a delicious, traditional, homemade lunch at Eisa’s homestay in Rasoun Village.
Evening
Head back to Amman and indulge in an elegant Italian dinner at Roberto’s at The St. Regis. After dinner, embrace the city’s acclaimed rooftop scene with sunset views at Next Rooftop.
Day 4: Mount Nebo & Travel to Feynan
Morning
Visit the spiritual and historical site of Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land before his death.
Afternoon
Have a healthy, delectable farm-to-table lunch at Carob House, then begin your journey to Feynan Ecolodge.
Evening
Arrive in time for a short sunset hike at Faynan. Enjoy a candlelit dinner at the lodge, followed by stargazing and tea on the rooftop—a perfect digital detox moment.
Resources for Day 4: Book a one-night stay in Wadi Feynan. For accommodations, I highly recommend the Feynan Ecolodge, where we stayed and had a truly unforgettable experience. It was recognized as one of the world’s top 25 ecolodges by National Geographic Traveler magazine. Rooms start at $214 per night, and your stay includes locally inspired meals, solar-powered accommodations, and access to guided hikes, stargazing, and Bedouin cultural experiences.
Day 5: Bedouin Experience & Travel to Petra
Morning
Start your day with a meaningful encounter hosted by a local Bedouin guide. Learn about Bedouin traditions, hospitality, and desert survival skills through an intimate Arabic coffee ceremony. This age-old ritual is not just about brewing coffee—it’s about storytelling, respect, and the Bedouin way of welcoming guests. You’ll sit cross-legged on floor cushions, sip rich, cardamom-spiced coffee, and listen as your host shares insight into Bedouin daily life, customs, and their deep connection to the land.
Afternoon
Take a cooking class with the lodge’s chefs and enjoy a home-cooked meal before traveling to Petra.
Evening
Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner there. Afterwards, head out for the magical experience of Petra by Night, where the Siq and Treasury are illuminated by thousands of candles and accompanied by immersive narration.
Resources for Day 5: Book a one-night stay in Petra. I recommend the Old Village Resort, where I stayed, which was a short drive away from the entrance of Petra. Rooms start at $123 per night; Book on Expedia.com. Another option is the Petra Moon Hotel, located just a short walk from the entrance (rooms start at around $67 per night; book on Expedia.com).
Day 6: Explore Petra & Travel to Wadi Rum
Morning
Your Jordan itinerary wouldn’t be complete without rising early and heading to Petra. With fewer tourists in the morning, you’ll have a more peaceful experience as you explore significant sites like the Treasury, Monastery, Royal Tombs, Street of Facades, and the High Place of Sacrifice. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water; the site is vast and offers numerous opportunities for hiking and climbing.
Afternoon
Continue exploring Petra into the afternoon if time allows—perhaps stopping at one of the onsite cafés for a refreshment—before embarking on the two-hour drive south to Wadi Rum. Try to arrive before sunset to settle into your desert camp and take in the surreal landscape of sandstone mountains and vast red dunes.
Evening
Enjoy a traditional Bedouin-style dinner at your camp, often cooked underground in a zarb (an earthen oven) and served alongside fresh salads, rice, and sweet mint tea. After dinner, lounge under the stars in the stillness of the desert—the clear skies and lack of light pollution make Wadi Rum one of the best places in the world for stargazing.
Resources for Day 6: Book two nights in Wadi Rum. If you’re looking for a luxury dome stay experience, I recommend Palmera Camp (prices start at $334 per night; book on Expedia.com) or Alladin Camp (prices start at $140 per night; book on Expedia.com).
Day 7: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride & Wadi Rum Jeep Tour
Morning
Begin your day with an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon ride with Balloons Over Rum. As you ascend over the Martian-like terrain, you’ll be treated to sweeping, gorgeous views of ancient valleys, jagged rock formations, and golden sands. This locally run company supports over 60 Jordanian families, making it an impactful and scenic adventure all in one.
Afternoon
After your early morning adventure, take some time to rest and recharge at your camp. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, sip tea, or simply unwind with a book while soaking up the desert silence.
In the late afternoon, hop into a 4×4 for a thrilling Jeep tour through Wadi Rum. Your guide will take you to explore natural rock bridges, ancient petroglyphs carved into canyon walls, and soft red sand dunes.
Evening
As the sun dips behind the mountains, stop to sip tea by a fire and watch the colors of the desert shift—one of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll experience. Enjoy dinner at your camp.
Day 8: Snorkeling in the Red Sea
Morning
Make your way to Aqaba, Jordan’s coastal gem on the Red Sea, for a day of snorkeling and relaxation. Join a lunch cruise with Yazan Seaguard, a fantastic local company known for its warm hospitality and attentive staff. A special shoutout to Saif, who helped me overcome my fear of snorkeling—thanks to his patient guidance, I was able to see stunning coral reefs and colorful marine life.
Afternoon
After your aquatic adventure, begin the four-hour drive north to the Dead Sea. Once you arrive, check into your hotel.
Evening
Treat yourself to dinner at The Obelisk Restaurant at the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, where Mediterranean flavors meet panoramic views. Rest well—you’ve earned it!
Day 8 Resources: Book two nights in the Dead Sea. For a luxurious end to your trip, book a stay at Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea (rooms starting at $353 per night; book at Expedia.com or the Hilton Dead Sea Resort (rooms start at $176 per night; book at Expedia.com).
Day 9: Wadi Mujib Canyoning
Morning
Gear up for an adrenaline-filled morning with a canyoning adventure at Wadi Mujib, Jordan’s answer to The Narrows in Zion National Park. Take the Siq Trail, which includes hiking, climbing, and swimming through narrow gorges and cascading waterfalls. It’s both challenging and incredibly rewarding, and best enjoyed from April to October when water levels are optimal.
This ended up being one of my absolute favorite adventures in Jordan! It felt like we were in nature’s amusement park.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at Akkad Pool and Grill and spend the afternoon floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea—the lowest point on earth and an iconic Jordanian experience. Cover yourself in mineral-rich mud and let the salty waters do the rest.
Afterward, visit the Ishtar Spa, one of the largest spas in the Middle East, for some much-needed relaxation. Choose from a variety of treatments that incorporate Dead Sea minerals, or unwind in the steam rooms and pools.
Evening
Conclude your Jordan adventure with a celebratory dinner at Blu Mediterranean, where fresh ingredients and stunning views provide the perfect send-off to an unforgettable trip.
FAQs
Planning your itinerary for Jordan? Here are a few things to know:
How many days in Jordan is enough?
You can experience Jordan’s top highlights—like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea—in as little as 5 days, though your schedule will be quite packed. A 7-day Jordan itinerary gives you time to see major landmarks while also exploring cultural gems such as Amman, Mount Nebo, and Madaba. For those craving a slower pace with deeper cultural immersion and adventure, 9–10 days allows you to truly savor Jordan’s rich history, natural beauty, and meaningful travel experiences without feeling rushed.
Should you visit Jordan self-guided or guided?
Jordan is safe and relatively easy to explore on your own, but guided tours (even day tours) can deepen your cultural experience and remove the stress of planning logistics. I highly recommend exploring with our official Jordan tour guide Majdi Kohof. You can reach out to him directly on WhatsApp at +962 7 9560 1190.
Is Jordan safe to visit?
Yes—Jordan is widely regarded as one of the safest and most stable countries in the Middle East. While it borders countries with ongoing conflicts, Jordan itself maintains strong internal security and a well-established defense system. The country is committed to ensuring the safety of both its citizens and visitors, with a strong record of protecting its airspace and borders.
Personally, I found the people in Jordan to be incredibly warm, hospitable, and welcoming.
What to pack for Jordan?
Packing smartly for Jordan can make a big difference in your travel experience. Here are the essentials:
Comfortable hiking shoes – You’ll be walking and climbing a lot, especially in Petra and Wadi Mujib.
Breathable layers – Desert temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night. Pack lightweight clothing for hot days and a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
Modest outfits – Especially for visiting religious and cultural sites. Think long sleeves, loose-fitting clothing, and a scarf for women to cover shoulders or hair if needed.
Swimwear – For floating in the Dead Sea or snorkeling in Aqaba.
Water shoes or sandals with grip – Great for Wadi Mujib and Dead Sea activities.
Sun protection – High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, and lip balm with SPF are non-negotiable.
Daypack – Perfect for day hikes, holding snacks, water, and layers.
Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.
Portable charger – You’ll be taking lots of photos, and long travel days may limit charging time.
When is the best time to visit Jordan?
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are best for moderate weather and outdoor activities.
Summary: 9-Day Itinerary for Jordan
This 9-day itinerary for Jordan is more than just a travel plan—it’s an invitation to connect. To adventure through rose-red canyons, share meals with locals, float in healing waters, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this extraordinary country.
Whether you’re seeking spiritual sites, adrenaline-packed excursions, or simply time to unwind under desert stars, Jordan is a destination that delivers depth, beauty, and meaning at every turn.
Disclaimer: I was hosted by Visit Jordan and the Black Travel Alliance, but all opinions are my own.
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