Two days in Jordan will give you a glimpse of this beautiful country, although it won’t be enough to see everything. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a two-day visit:
Day 1: Amman
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Amman Citadel, where you can explore ancient ruins, including the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. It offers panoramic views of the city.
- Late Morning: Head to the Roman Theater, a well-preserved amphitheater located nearby. It’s a great place to learn about Jordan’s history.
- Lunch: Enjoy traditional Jordanian cuisine at a local restaurant. Try dishes like mansaf or falafel.
- Afternoon: Visit the Royal Automobile Museum if you’re interested in classic cars and Jordan’s modern history. Alternatively, explore the bustling markets of Downtown Amman (Al-Balad) for shopping and a taste of local life.
- Evening: For dinner, consider dining at one of the many restaurants with a view overlooking Amman. The Rainbow Street area is a popular choice.
Day 2: Petra
- Morning: Start early and make your way to Petra, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. The drive from Amman takes around 3 hours. Arrive at the Visitor Center and purchase your tickets.
- Late Morning: Begin your journey through Petra by walking through the Siq, a narrow canyon with towering cliffs, until you reach the famous Treasury (Al-Khazneh). It’s a stunning sight and a perfect photo opportunity.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes inside Petra. The Basin Restaurant near the Petra Visitor Center is a good option.
- Afternoon: Continue exploring Petra. You can visit the Monastery (Ad-Deir), the Royal Tombs, and hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice for a panoramic view of Petra.
- Evening: Head back to Amman in the late afternoon or evening. Depending on your timing, you may have some time for shopping or a final meal in Amman.
A four-day visit to Jordan allows you to explore more of this fascinating country. Here are three suggested itineraries, each with a different focus:
1. Classic Jordan Highlights:
Day 1: Amman
- Explore the Amman Citadel and Roman Theater.
- Stroll through Downtown Amman for shopping and dining.
Day 2: Petra
- Travel to Petra early in the morning (3-4 hour drive from Amman).
- Spend the day exploring the ancient city of Petra.
- Visit the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Monastery (Ad-Deir), and other key sites.
Day 3: Wadi Rum
- Drive to Wadi Rum (about 1.5-2 hours from Petra).
- Take a jeep tour to explore the stunning desert landscapes.
- Experience a night of stargazing and traditional Bedouin hospitality at a desert camp.
Day 4: Dead Sea
- Head to the Dead Sea (around a 4-hour drive from Wadi Rum).
- Float in the salty waters, relax on the shore, and enjoy the rejuvenating mud.
- Depart from Jordan in the evening.
2. Cultural and Historical Jordan:
Day 1: Amman
- Visit the Amman Citadel and Roman Theater.
- Explore the Jordan Museum to learn about the country’s history and culture.
Day 2: Jerash
- Drive to Jerash (about 1-hour from Amman).
- Explore the well-preserved ancient Roman ruins of Jerash.
- Return to Amman in the evening.
Day 3: Madaba and Mount Nebo
- Visit the city of Madaba, known for its mosaic art, including the famous Madaba Map.
- Continue to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land.
- Overnight in Petra.
Day 4: Petra
- Explore Petra, including the Treasury, Monastery, and more.
- Depart from Petra in the evening.
3. Adventure and Nature in Jordan:
Day 1: Amman
- Begin your trip in Amman, exploring the Citadel and Roman Theater.
- Experience the local food scene in Downtown Amman.
Day 2: Dana Biosphere Reserve
- Drive to Dana Biosphere Reserve (about 3-4 hours from Amman).
- Enjoy hiking and wildlife spotting in this nature reserve.
- Overnight in Dana.
Day 3: Wadi Mujib
- Visit Wadi Mujib (about 1.5 hours from Dana).
- Embark on a canyoning adventure or enjoy a less strenuous hike.
- Head to the Dead Sea for relaxation and a mud bath.
Day 4: Dead Sea and Departure
- Spend the morning at the Dead Sea, floating and enjoying the therapeutic mud.
- Depart from Jordan in the afternoon or evening.
These itineraries cover a variety of experiences, from cultural exploration to adventure and relaxation. Be sure to adjust them based on your interests and the time of year you plan to visit, as weather conditions can vary. Jordan is a diverse country with much to offer, so choose the itinerary that best aligns with your preferences.
