Traveling through Jordan was one of those trips that stayed with me long after I returned home. Among all the Middle Eastern Countries I’ve explored, Jordan stood out for its perfect mix of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and genuine hospitality. From ancient wonders to surreal desert scenery, the country surprised me in ways I hadn’t expected. This article isn’t a perfect itinerary; it’s my real experience, including what worked beautifully and what I’d definitely change if I visited again.
Day 1–2: Amman – A Slow but Necessary Start
I began my Jordan journey in Amman, the capital city. At first, Amman felt chaotic traffic, hills, and busy streets, but once I slowed down, I started to enjoy its character.
I visited the Amman Citadel, the Roman Theatre, and spent evenings hopping between cafés in Rainbow Street. What worked well here was keeping things light. Amman isn’t about ticking off attractions; it’s about understanding Jordanian life.
What worked
- Staying centrally saved time and money
- Using the first day to recover from travel fatigue
- Local food like falafel and mansaf gave me a cultural introduction
What I’d change
- I stayed two full days, which felt slightly long
- Next time, I’d reduce Amman to 1.5 days and move on quicker
Day 3: Jerash – A Day Trip Worth Every Minute
From Amman, I did a day trip to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities I’ve ever seen. Walking through colonnaded streets and ancient theatres felt unreal.
What worked
- Easy day trip from Amman
- Not overcrowded compared to Petra
- Great for history lovers
What I’d change
- I arrived late morning; next time I’d go earlier to avoid heat
Day 4–5: Petra – The Highlight of My Jordan Itinerary
Petra was the main reason I came to Jordan, and it didn’t disappoint. Walking through the Siq and seeing the Treasury for the first time was an emotional moment.
I spent two days in Petra, which I highly recommend. The first day covered the main trail, while the second day allowed me to explore the Monastery and quieter paths.
What worked
- Two days gave me time without rushing
- Staying close to the entrance saved energy
- Petra by Night was touristy but still special
What I’d change
- I underestimated walking distances
- I’d start earlier in the morning and carry more water
Day 6: Wadi Rum – A Night I’ll Never Forget
Wadi Rum felt like another planet. I joined a desert tour and stayed overnight in a Bedouin camp. Watching the sunset over red sand dunes and sleeping under a sky full of stars was unforgettable.
What worked
- Overnight stay instead of a day trip
- Jeep tour covered a lot in limited time
- Bedouin hospitality was genuine and warm
What I’d change
- I’d choose a camp with fewer people
- I’d bring warmer clothes, it gets cold at night
Day 7: Dead Sea – Relaxation After Adventure
Floating in the Dead Sea was a fun and strange experience. After days of walking and traveling, this was the perfect way to slow down.
What worked
- A resort day pass made it comfortable
- Great way to relax tired muscles
What I’d change
- I stayed too long; half a day is enough
- The area is expensive compared to the rest of Jordan
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
Looking back, I’d slightly tweak my itinerary:
- Spend less time in Amman, more in nature
- Add Aqaba for the Red Sea
- Travel slower instead of packing too much
- Rent a car for flexibility (Jordan is road-trip friendly)
Final Thoughts: Was My Jordan Itinerary Worth It?
Absolutely. Jordan exceeded my expectations with its history, landscapes, and people. Even with small mistakes, the journey felt smooth and rewarding. If you’re planning your first trip, don’t aim for perfection. Jordan is best experienced with curiosity and flexibility.
If I return, I’ll travel slower, stay longer in fewer places, and focus more on local experiences. But for a first visit, this itinerary gave me a deep and memorable introduction to one of my favorite Middle Eastern countries.