Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a wild ride through the unique landscapes of Jordan with Jordan Nomads and Travelbase! From ancient wonders to jaw-dropping viewpoints, Jordan is an incredible country full of surprises waiting to be discovered. This roadtrip will take you along all the most beautiful sights in the country. For seven days you will drive along the most beautiful route in the Middle East and get to know the Jordanian people, culture and way of life So, grab your camera, roll down the windows, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip through the captivating wonders of Jordan!
Jordan is a beautiful country with the most unique landscapes and many interesting sights such as ancient Roman cities, the desert, Petra… you name it. The best way to get the most out of your trip and see all Jordan’s beauty is during a road trip. Not only will you see the most beautiful sights, but you can also enjoy the most breathtaking views and driving through some incredible landscapes all along the way.
Planning a road trip is not always easy, which is why Jordan Nomads is the ideal solution. You can sleep on both ears, that after this trip you have seen the most beautiful places of Jordan. And on top of that, your rental car and all overnight stays are provided for you. The route will take you along many different sights and you can completely decide yourself which ones you like to see and which one you prefer to skip. To make your trip complete, Jordan Nomads can arrange some fun activities like snorkeling, a wadi rum jeep safari and a spa night for you along the route. Discovering a country has never been easier!
The traffic rules in Jordan are largely the same as those in most parts of Europe, but here they are read more as a suggestion, than they are actually followed. Almost all roads are paved and generally in good condition.
You will also notice that locals often park their car in the most random places, but this is also considered normal.
The speed limits are generally well respected, so try to adapt your speed too for your own safety. Traffic can be chaotic at times, but just try to go with the flow and don’t be impatient. Be aware that drivers do not always stay on their track section and make sure they’ve seen you before you pass by.
Important!
Watch out for speed bumps. Some are higher than you think and often they are the same color as the road. Sometimes they are indicated, other times not at all. It is mainly in the built-up area that you encounter them, but sometimes you do not expect them at all. So always pay close attention to the road.
The Jordan Pass is an all-in-one ticket that grants access to some of the country’s most iconic attractions, simplifying your travel experience and saving you time and money. With the Jordan Pass, you can explore the mesmerizing ancient city of Petra, the majestic Roman ruins of Jerash, and the captivating desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, among other incredible destinations. Not only does the pass grant you entry to these must-see sites, but it also includes a visa for entry into Jordan, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice for travelers. So make sure to add this pass to your booking with Jordan Nomads.
- 38 km - 45 minutes
On the first day you arrive at the airport of Amman, where you can pick up your rental car, which goes super smoothly. You don’t have to worry about anything because everything is arranged for you!
This is the start of an amazing adventure. You drive from the airport to the city center of Amman where your hotel is located. En route from the airport to Amman, you are immediately flooded with impressions of this amazing country: Lights, sounds, colors and smells, even this ‘short’ ride will captivate you.
As soon as you have checked in, you can dive into the city and look for a nice place to eat. There is plenty of choice!
Tip!
Be sure to check out Rainbow Street. This is a colorful street full of restaurants and bars where many tourists come.
- 195 km - 3h15
Today the adventure really starts! First you can discover various sights, such as the citadel and the Roman Theater, in the vibrant city center of Amman with its interesting culture and fascinating history.
After Amman you continue your way into the direction of the Dead Sea. On your way there, you can also make a stop and take a dip in the Ma’In Hot springs.
Once you reach the Dead Sea, it’s time for one of the most unique experiences on this trip: Floating effortlessly in the super salty water. Definitely an experience not to be missed!
After all these new impressions, it’s time to drive on to the hotel in Dana. The hotel is located at the top of a valley. Here you can enjoy a good meal in the evening with a beautiful view and enjoy a good night’s sleep after your first day in Jordan.
To our opinion the Amman citadel is a sight not to be missed during this road trip. It is perched high on a hill in the heart of Amman, standing as a timeless testament to the city’s rich history. Besides the history, it also offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the modern city. It is the ideal chance get a good impression of the size and the style of the capital of Jordan.
Prices
Free entrance with Jordan Pass
3 JOD without Jordan Pass
Opening Hours
Saturday to Thursday: 8am - 7pm
Friday: 10am - 4pm
The Roman Theater is a remarkable architectural masterpiece. This well-preserved amphitheatre, located in the heart of downtown, captivates visitors with its impressive size. With its capacity of 6000 spectators, it is the largest Roman theater in Jordan and it is still used today. If you are not afraid of heights, you should definitely go all the way to the top to get a good impression of the size of the theatre. Be careful, because the stairs are steep!
Prices
Free entrance with Jordan Pass
2 JOD without Jordan Pass
Opening Hours
Sunday to Thursday: 8am - 8pm
Friday and Saturday: 8am - 10pm
The King Abdullah I Mosque is an iconic symbol of Jordan’s religious and architectural heritage. This majestic mosque has a striking blue dome and two elegant minarets. We were very surprised to see how simple yet impressive this place is. It is the only mosque in Amman where everyone is welcome. To enter, you must wear long trousers as a man and cover your head and arms as a woman. At the entrance they will give you a robe if you are not wearing the right clothes.
Prices
2 JOD per person
The road to Ma’In hot spring is an experience on itself with beautiful views through an impressive landscape. It was probably one of the most beautiful roads we drove on this roadtrip. At the hot spring you can take a (not so refreshing) dip in the hot water, that fluctuates between 45 and 60 degrees Celsius. You will also see some beautiful waterfalls under which you can bathe. The water flows from the highlands and is warmed up by hot lava rocks.
Prices
15 JOD per person
Opening Hours
Every day: 9am - 9pm
The Dead Sea is a really interesting place to visit during your road trip. It is actually a lake and not a sea. It is located 420 meters below sea level, making it the lowest point on earth. Due to evaporation, the water drops another meter every year and becomes even saltier. For your reference: the Dead Sea has a salinity of 34%, the ocean’s have an average of 3,5%.
Because of this saltiness, it is not possible to swim in the Dead Sea, but you can float in it. We thought it was an experience that you should definitely have once in your life.
If you type in ‘Dead Sea Free Swimming’ in Google Maps, you’ll find an area where you can get in the water for free. Or you can enter the water for a fee at one of the luxury resorts, where you can also use the changing rooms, showers and swimming pools. Usually at these resorts, you can also smear yourself with mud, which turns out to be very good for your skin.
Tip!
It is important to rinse the salt off your body with clean water immediately after floating. At the free places you can often use a shower for about 2,5 JOD. You can also just take a few bottles of water with you and rinse yourself of with it. At the luxury resorts you can simply use the showers.
Do not stay in the water for more than 15 minutes, as the high salt concentration can cause dehydration and skin irritation.
Prices
Free
- 80 km - 1h45
Today there is little driving, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy a beautiful hike in the Dana Biosphere or in the Wadi Ghuweir canyon. Before you drive from the hotel to one of these hikes, you can make a short stop in the village of Dana.
After exploring the beautiful Wadi Ghuweir canyon or the Dana Biosphere, you drive further to your hotel. This is located near the entrance to Petra, which is scheduled for the next day.
Jordan Nomads activity!
After a full day of hiking, you can enjoy a well deserved spa night, which you can add to your trip activities when booking your trip with Jordan Nomads!
We have chosen to hike the Dana Canyon or Wadi Ghuweir trail. And what a beautiful hike this was.
Wadi Ghuweir is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Jordan’s breathtaking landscapes. This stunning canyon is a nature lover’s paradise, with its towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and hanging gardens with palmtrees. As you hike through the Wadi, following the water, you’ll be accompanied by small cascading waterfalls, natural rock formations, and a serene sense of tranquility. It is a true haven for hikers, photographers, and adventure enthusiasts. So we definitely recommend you to do this hike. This was really one of the highlights of our trip for us.
The total length of the canyon is 14 km, but the first 7 km from the start of the hike are the most beautiful. You can then just return and walk back to your car. And even if you walk back along the same route, it looks very different on the way back.
The start of the hiking trail
Park your car at the parking lot along the way
(Google Maps coordinates: 30.596938, 35.566431).
From here you have to walk to the river to start the hike.
To get to the canyon you have to follow the water downstream!
Extra info
Wear good walking shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. Expect your feet to get wet! This hike require a certain level of fitness because you will have to climb over and down rocks with hands and feet.
- 111 km - 1h50
Today is the big day! You will finally visit Petra, the most famous landmark in Jordan.
Depending on what time you get up, you’ll have a full day to explore the gigantic site of Petra. We definitely recommend you to go as early as possible. Not only to avoid the crowds, but also because you will need a lot of time to see the entire site. We walked about 20 km that day!
After a full day of exploring this unique world wonder, it is time to leave the hustle and bustle and drive towards the calm and quiet Wadi Rum desert. You’ll leave your rental car on a parking lot, where someone will pick you up and bring you to the desert camp to spend two nights in the middle of the desert. Can it get even more unique?
It’s time to explore probably the most famous sight of Jordan: Petra. This ancient “Rose City,” is one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. Carved into sandstone cliffs, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fascinating blend of natural beauty and human craftsmanship. At the end of the Siq, the canyon pathway that leads to the city, the impressive Treasury suddenly looms between the cliffs. We literally got goosebumps when we saw the first glimpse of the treasury. Beyond the Treasury, a world of wonders unfolds, revealing breathtaking tombs, temples, and amphitheaters carved into the vibrant rock formations.
Upon entering, we immediately walked to the monastery after the treasury. In this way, we had it all to ourselves. After the monastery we went to the treasury viewpoint along the Al-Khubtha trail. We had the idea that we could avoid the largest crowds during our visit.
Tip!
Go as early as possible. It is best to be at the entrance when it opens to avoid the crowd!
The Treasury
The Treasury is the most famous monument of Petra. It is entirely carved out of the rose-colored standstone cliffs. It is the first building you see when you enter Petra through the gorge. This impressive sight, with its rich history, embodies the essence of Petra and will blow you away from the first glimpse. A true goosebumps moment that you'll never forget!
The Monastery
The Monastery is one of the largest monuments in Petra. It is 47 meters wide and 48.3 meters high. It is very similar to the Treasury, with the difference that the upper part comes out of the rocks. We thought it was at least as beautiful as the Treasury.
Al-Siq
Al-Siq or just the Siq is a mesmerizing pathway that takes you into the heart of the ancient world of Petra. This narrow gorge, has a length of 1200 meters, a width between 3 and 12 meters and a maximum height of 80 meters. It is flanked by towering sandstone cliffs, creating a dramatic entrance to the hidden city of Petra. At the end of the gorge you're greeted with a breathtaking view of the iconic Treasury. With every step we took through this gorge, we felt the tension rise to the climax of the Treasury emerging. The biggest part of the gorge was created naturally, the rest was carved by the Nabataeans. Al-Siq used to be the main entrance to Petra.
The Royal Tombs
The royal tombs lie in the heart of the old city. Their monumental size and richly decorated facades suggest that they were once built for wealthy and important people, including the kings and queens of the city. You pass by the Royal Thombs on your way to Treasury viewpoint along the Al-Khubtha trail. We liked that we could enter these tombs, unlike the Monastry and the Treasury, to see the inside.
Treasury viewpoint
There is a beautiful viewpoint on top of the cliff right in front of the Treasury. To get there you'll have to follow the Al-Khubtha trail all the way to the end. Know that you will have to climb a lot of stairs to get here, but it is really worth it.
The viewpoint is located in the 'house' of a local resident. He asks to buy a drink in exchange for entering his house, which we think is a fair deal. The drink was certainly welcome after the tough walk.
Note
There are men walking around at the Treasury, dressed up like Captain Jack Sparrow, asking if you want to go up. Don't follow these men, as they will take you up an illegal trail to another viewpoint that is overcrowded and they'll probably ask for money afterwards. There are signs warning for non-official guide.
Prices
Free with the Jordan Pass
50 JOD without Jordan Pass
Opening Hours
6am - 6pm
Opening hours depend on the season or month of your visit.
Find all current opening hours on their website.
Extra info
Wear good hiking shoes and bring sun cream, a hat and plenty of water and snacks, because you'll have to walk quite a distance and climb a lot of stairs.
- No Driving today
After your first night under the stars in the desert, it is time to explore more of the Wadi Rum. You can either do this with a jeep safari, that you can book in advance with Jordan Nomads (recommended!) or you can venture into the desert on foot (just make sure you always follow a clear path and always know the way back).
Back at the camp you can have a rest and wait for the sun to set. Then it’s time to get into the desert again (but not too far so that you can still find your way back), find yourself a good rock and enjoy a magical sunset in this breathtaking landscape.
Be sure to set your alarm clock at night to look at the stars and the milky way and also let an alarm go off early in the morning to witness an incredible sunrise. It is one of the most unique places we have ever witnessed sunset.
If someone asks us what you should definitely do in Jordan, we would say without a doubt a Wadi Rum jeep safari. Jump in the back of a safari jeep and let the wind blow through your hair as you tear over the beautiful sand dunes and between the impressive rock formations of the Wadi Rum. Along the way you get the chance to try sandboarding where you slide down a sand dune with a snowboard. Your driver will also stop a few times to show you certain viewpoints and interesting places, and to drink tea in several huts in the desert. In the afternoon you get a delicious lunch before returning to the camp, where you can spend some time with the other people who are doing the same trip.
Jordan Nomads activity!
You can book the Wadi Rum Jeep Safari with Jordan Nomads when booking your trip!
Note
In the desert you will have no service or internet. So it's the ideal opportunity to enjoy the peace and sociability with other people to the fullest.
- 71 km - 1h
On day 6 you leave the peace of the desert and drive all the way to the big city Aqaba, where you can take some rest and relax at the Red Sea. For us it was the perfect place for a day at the beach and a cocktail on a sunny terrace.
the Red Sea is definitely our favorite sea so far! It is one of the most tropical seas in the world and contains over 200 different species of coral and thousands of fish and invertebrates. This is all due to its high temperature (between 25 and 28 degrees Celcius). This makes it the ideal place for snorkeling and diving. That’s why we love this sea so much! You can choose to book a 2 hours snorkel tour with a guide, who will show you the underwater world of the Red Sea. If you’re not into snorkeling, you can also just relax on the beach and go for a swim in the clear waters.
Jordan Nomads activity!
You can book your snorkeling trip with Jordan Nomads when booking your trip!
The rest of your day you can spend strolling through the city center of Aqaba. You will find many lovely places to have a drink and you’ll have plenty of choice of restaurants for lunch and diner. The perfect moment and place for cocktail o’clock, if you ask us.
- 406 km - 6h10
Today you cover the longest distance of the entire road trip. You drive from Aqaba all the way to Jerash. There are a few interesting places along the way where you can stop for a while, to break the long trip. There is a shorter way to get from Aqaba to Jerash, but we loved the mapped out detour that Jordan Nomads suggested, because this way you drive along a different road than you did on the way there. This way you will see things along the way that you have not seen yet in this breathtaking Jordan.
In the evening you will sleep close to the archeological site of Jerash, which we found very convenient to be able to visit it early the next morning.
One of the beautiful stops on this route is the Grand Canyon View. It is a panoramic view of one of the many canyons in the region. It is definitely worth stopping there and enjoying the view. There is a small cafe, where you can also go to the toilet and have a drink.
Madaba is a city located on a mountain top with a view of the Dead Sea. This city has one of the largest Christian communities in Jordan, so you will find many nice churches, including the St John church. In this church you will not only find the largest and most famous mosaic of Madaba, but you also have a beautiful view of the area from the tower, which makes it definitely worth a visit.
In addition to the churches, you will find a cozy neighborhood full of restaurants and souvenir shops in the center. We found it the perfect place to stop for lunch, and break the trip of today.
A must for lunch!
Kawon's kitchen. It is a bookstore with a nice cafe, a big garden and a delicious vegetarian kitchen.
- 75 km - 1h10
Today is your last day, but you still have plenty of time to explore the archeological site of Jerash and any sights in Amman you missed on your first day of this adventure. In the late afternoon it is time to return your car at the airport and say goodbye to this incredible country.
The archaeological site of Jerash is a captivating window into the grandeur of the Roman Empire in the heart of Jordan. This remarkably preserved ancient city offers a glimpse into the past. Jerash is considered one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world and we could definitely see why. You can clearly see the remains of cobbled streets, surrounded by columns, temples, large theaters, squares, baths, fountains and city walls. These are all characteristics of the urban architectural style, which you can find everywhere in the Middle East. With its Greco-Roman appearance, Jerash is a subtle blend of Eastern and Western characteristics. We were very surprised by how well everything is preserved here and it is definitely an impressive ending to your trip.
Prices
Free with the Jordan Pass
10 JOD without Jordan Pass
Opening Hours
Opening hours depend on the season or month of your visit. Find all current opening hours on their website.
Extra info
Wear good hiking shoes and bring sun cream, a hat and plenty of water and snacks, because you'll have to walk quite a distance and climb a lot of stairs.
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