14 days Grand Tour Jordan: North, Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Eastern Desert

Trip map

Click each numbered marker to see the corresponding day.

Day by day

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival Amman

   Direct Paris-Amman flight (4h30, Royal Jordanian/Air France, €350-600 return). Jordan Pass scanned (free visa for stays >= 3 nights). Private taxi €20-30 to centre (35 km). Settle hotel in Jabal Amman (Rainbow Street walking distance) or 1st Circle. Evening Rainbow Street: Wild Jordan Cafe (Citadel view, local cuisine €20-30), Books@cafe, first shawarma at €3-5. Quiet walk to acclimatise.

   Tips

   • · Jordan Pass 80 JOD = €104 recommended for this 14d (Petra 3 days + 40+ sites + visa)
   • · Careem app (Jordanian Uber) or yellow metered taxi (~€3-5 in centre)
   • · Withdraw 150-200 JOD at airport ATM for first expenses
   • · Jabal Amman hotels: Toledo 3* €60-80, W Amman 5* €200-300
   Amman →
2. 2

   Day 2

   Amman: Citadel + theatre + museums

   Day dedicated to Amman. Morning Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a, Jordan Pass): Roman Hercules Temple, Umayyad palace, archaeological museum (Ain Ghazal statues 9,000 years). 360° view over 7 hills. Down to Roman theatre (2nd c., 6,000 seats). Coffee at institution Hashem (falafel since 1956, €2-3). Afternoon Al-Bukhariyya souk (spices, dried fruits, crafts), Rainbow Street for shopping (art galleries, local designers). Dinner mansaf at Sufra (Rainbow Street, €25-35/person) or Beit Sitti cooking class (€50, 3 hours).

   Tips

   • · Amman Citadel: 2h visit, best at sunset (golden light on columns)
   • · Hashem (Downtown): open 24/7, shared common room, worker/diplomat atmosphere
   • · Beit Sitti cooking class: 'at grandma's', book 48h ahead via beitsitti.com
   • · Buy local olive oil at souk: €8-15 per litre, excellent quality
   Amman →
3. 3

   Day 3

   Jerash + Ajloun + Umm Qais (North)

   Triple-stop North. Morning Jerash (1h from Amman): Roman ruins among world's best-preserved, Hadrian's Arch (129 AD), reconstructed hippodrome (chariot race 11am/2pm, €12 extra), cardo maximus, North/South theatres, Artemis/Zeus temples. 2-3h on site. Midday drive to Ajloun (45 min): 12th c. Ayyubid fortress (Saladin against Crusaders), 4 floors, panoramic view over forests and Jordan Valley. Afternoon Umm Qais (ancient Gadara, 1h from Ajloun): Greco-Roman ruins with exceptional view of Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, Jordan Valley. Back to Amman end of day, traditional lamb pastry dinner.

   Tips

   • · Triple Jerash+Ajloun+Umm Qais: busy day with driver (300 km, 7-8h total)
   • · Jerash chariot race: €12 extra on top of Jordan Pass, 45 min show
   • · Ajloun: combine with local lunch (Jordan River tilapia) in village
   • · Umm Qais: best at sunset (golden Galilee panorama)
   Jerash →
4. 4

   Day 4

   Amman → Eastern desert castles → Azraq

   Loop of eastern desert castles Umayyad (8th c.). Depart Amman 8am, Desert Highway east. Qasr Kharana (mysterious caravanserai, function still debated, 9am-3pm, Jordan Pass). Quseir Amra (UNESCO 1985, one of the most important Umayyad castles, figurative frescoes unique in Islam - nude women, hunting scenes, zodiac signs). Qasr al-Azraq (black basalt fortress, Lawrence of Arabia stayed here 1917-18). Visit Azraq Nature Reserve (oasis in the desert, migratory birds refuge, beware current water shortage). Back to Amman late afternoon. Quiet dinner at hotel or in the neighbourhood.

   Tips

   • · Castles loop: 250 km, 7-8h with driver - long but off-the-beaten-track experience
   • · Quseir Amra frescoes: UNIQUE in Islamic art (figurative), 30 min visit
   • · Bring water and picnic - no decent restaurant on the loop
   • · Photo: Qasr Kharana at sunset (golden light on red stones)
   Amman →
5. 5

   Day 5

   Amman → Madaba → Mount Nebo → Dead Sea

   Early morning departure south. Madaba (45 min): Saint George's Basilica and its Holy Land map mosaic (6th c., world's oldest Jerusalem map, 16 million tesserae). Old town mosaic workshops. Mount Nebo (10 km): Moses saw the Promised Land here per tradition, panorama over Dead Sea/Jordan/Jerusalem. Franciscan memorial and Byzantine fragments. Drive Dead Sea (1h, dizzying descent to -430 m). Settle 5* resort (Movenpick Resort & Spa, Kempinski Ishtar). Afternoon first swim: unique buoyancy at 33% salinity. Therapeutic mud baths included. Sunset over West Bank.

   Tips

   • · Dead Sea: NEVER water in eyes, 15 min max per swim, 2 L water to drink
   • · Plastic sandals recommended (crystallised salt cuts)
   • · 5* Dead Sea resort €250-450/night high season
   • · Mount Nebo: best panorama 10-11am or 5pm (light)
   Madaba →
6. 6

   Day 6

   Dead Sea: spa + Wadi Mujib canyon

   Day of relax + soft adventure. Morning resort spa (hammam, Dead Sea salt scrub, massage €60-90). Black mud baths rich in minerals (anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory). Afternoon Wadi Mujib canyon (Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature Reserve, 30 min from Dead Sea): descent of Siq Trail in freshwater river between cliffs, to a waterfall (21 JOD, life-jacket equipment provided). April-October only. 3h round trip, sporty (closed water shoes, quick-dry clothes). Back to resort, 2nd Dead Sea swim at sunset. Traditional Jordanian dinner at resort.

   Tips

   • · Wadi Mujib: sporty (closed water shoes, quick-dry clothes), 21 JOD entry
   • · Wadi Mujib season April-October ONLY (river dry rest of year)
   • · Dead Sea spa: book before 5pm (1h massage €60-90, mineral salt jacuzzi included)
   • · Dead Sea black mud: 15 min on skin, rinse abundantly with fresh water
   Madaba →
7. 7

   Day 7

   Dead Sea → Petra (3h) via King's Road

   Morning Dead Sea swim at sunrise (incredible colours) + panoramic breakfast. Drive to Petra via King's Highway - 3h, 230 km, one of the Middle East's most scenic roads. Stop at Kerak (1h30 from Dead Sea): 12th c. Crusader fortress (Jordan Pass), keep, underground maze, 360° valley view. Continue to Wadi Musa (additional 1h30). Settle hotel near Petra entrance (Movenpick Resort Petra 4* at 50m, Petra Marriott). Early dinner. Evening Petra by Night (Wed/Thu/Mon 8:30pm, 17 JOD NOT included in Jordan Pass): 1,500 candles light the Siq up to the Khazneh.

   Tips

   • · Petra by Night Wed/Thu/Mon only - book at visitpetra.jo
   • · King's Highway more scenic than Desert Highway but 1h longer
   • · Kerak: flashlight useful for underground keep
   • · Hotel Petra Guest House literally at site entrance (3*, €80-130/night)
   Petra →
8. 8

   Day 8

   Petra Day 1: Siq + Khazneh + Monastery

   Wake 6am, quick breakfast. Petra entry 6:30am sharp (Jordan Pass scanned, otherwise 50 JOD/day): 30 min before tourist rush. Descend the Siq (1.2 km, 80m-high pink-ochre sandstone canyon) - almost total silence. First glimpse of the Khazneh through the final gap: 30m-high facade, 1st c. BC, one of the Middle East's most iconic images. Crowd-free photos until 8am. Colonnaded street, Nabataean theatre (4,000 seats), Royal Tombs (Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb). Lunch Basin Restaurant (buffet €25). Afternoon Monastery (Ad-Deir): 800 steps (2h round trip), 47m facade, crowds x10 less. Sunset at viewpoint.

   Tips

   • · 6:30am ENTRY IMPERATIVE: by 8am cruise groups arrive, Khazneh packed
   • · Water (2L), hat, SPF50, closed shoes - site as big as Manhattan
   • · Iconic Khazneh photo: Al-Khubtha trail (45 min from Royal Tombs)
   • · Don't pay donkey to Monastery (10-20 JOD) if you can walk
   Petra →
9. 9

   Day 9

   Petra Day 2: High Place + Petra Church + Royal Tombs

   Morning Petra Day 2 - less frequented trails. High Place of Sacrifice: 800 steps cut in cliff (1h climb), 360° panoramic view over the whole Nabataean site. Descent via Wadi Farasa (Lion fountain, gardens, Roman Soldier tomb). Afternoon Royal Tombs in detail: Corinthian Tomb (facade inspired by Rome's Pantheon), Palace Tomb, Renaissance Tomb. Petra Church: superb restored Byzantine mosaics (15 min visit, little-known but HUGE historical interest). Lion Triclinium and Garden Tomb. Exit Petra late afternoon. Traditional dinner at My Mom's Recipe Restaurant or Three Steps (terrace Petra view) €15-25/person.

   Tips

   • · High Place of Sacrifice: less frequented trail than classic, unique plunging view
   • · Petra Church mosaics: spectacular restoration, few people, 15 min
   • · Three Steps Restaurant: panoramic terrace, evening booking advised
   • · Royal Tombs best in late morning (warm light on pink stone)
   Petra →
10. 10

    Day 10

    Petra Day 3: Little Petra + Wadi Rum (2h)

    Morning Little Petra (Siq al-Barid): 10 km north of Petra, free Nabataean satellite with carved facades and painted frescoes 11th c. BC. Fewer people, shorter trail (1-2h). Definitive Petra exit at midday. Drive Wadi Rum (2h, 100 km via Desert Highway). Arrive Visitor Centre (5 JOD or Jordan Pass), meet your camp's Bedouin guide. Afternoon first light 4x4 tour (3h): Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon. Sunset from a dune. Arrive camp, Bedouin tea, zarb dinner. First night under the stars.

    Tips

    • · Little Petra: FREE, fewer people, 1-2h trail, ideal Wadi Rum preparation
    • · Warm clothes MANDATORY Wadi Rum night (10-15 °C summer, -5 °C winter)
    • · Recommended camp: Memories Aicha Luxury (transparent bubbles €150-250/night)
    • · Bring wine/beer from Wadi Musa (Bedouin camps without alcohol)
    Petra →Wadi Rum →
11. 11

    Day 11

    Wadi Rum Day 1: jeep + sunset

    Drive Wadi Rum (2h from Petra, 100 km Desert Highway). Visitor Centre (5 JOD or Jordan Pass), meet Bedouin guide. Half-day 4x4 tour (4-5h, included in camp night €60-100): Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon (2,000-year-old Thamudic petroglyphs), Big Red Dune (40m climb, 360° view), Um Frouth natural bridge. Sunset over orange dunes - golden light, blue shadows. Arrive camp 6pm, Bedouin tea, dinner zarb (sand-cooked 3-4h: lamb, vegetables, rice). Starry night: zero light pollution, naked-eye Milky Way.

    Tips

    • · Recommended camps: Memories Aicha (bubbles €150-250/night), traditional Bedouin €30-60/person
    • · Warm clothes MANDATORY: 10-15 °C summer night, -5 °C winter
    • · Book 4x4 tour via camp (otherwise €80-150 scam at Visitor Centre)
    • · No alcohol in camps - bring if needed
    Wadi Rum →
12. 12

    Day 12

    Wadi Rum Day 2: Burdah Bridge hike + camel

    Sunrise 5:45am - unforgettable pink-orange dunes. Camp breakfast (Bedouin bread, goat cheese, honey). Morning Burdah Rock Bridge hike (3h, world's highest natural arch bridge 35m) or alternative Jebel Khazali (1h, petroglyphs). Bedouin picnic in open desert. Afternoon camel ride (1-2h, €20-40/person) - zen pace to observe Martian landscapes (Lawrence of Arabia, Dune, Star Wars). Bedouin family visit for tea and chats. Back to camp 5pm, 2nd sunset over dunes. Zarb dinner and 2nd starry night.

    Tips

    • · Burdah Rock Bridge: demanding (2L water, walking shoes) but unique panorama
    • · 2 Wadi Rum nights = real immersion (1 night stays superficial)
    • · Camel ride more zen than jeep but slower: choose by mood
    • · Bedouin shops at Visitor Centre: silver €10-50, scarves €5-15
    Wadi Rum →
13. 13

    Day 13

    Wadi Rum → Aqaba (1h) + diving

    Drive Wadi Rum -> Aqaba (60 km, 1h via Desert Highway). Settle sea hotel (Movenpick Aqaba 4-5* with private beach, Intercontinental, Tala Bay resorts). Scuba diving with PADI/SSI centre (Aqaba International Dive Center reference): Cedar Pride (Lebanese cargo deliberately sunk 1985, artificial reef at 25m), Tank Wreck (American tank submerged at 6m, snorkeling), Japanese Garden (lush coral reef, 10-18m). 2 dives + gear + boat: €80-120. Otherwise snorkeling from Berenice Beach Club (€15/day). Sunset over Red Sea with view of Eilat (Israel), Aqaba (Egypt) and Saudi Arabia. Fish dinner at port (Ali Baba, €25-40).

    Tips

    • · Aqaba diving: less crowded than Sharm el-Sheikh (5x fewer divers), same corals
    • · Try-dives €50-80 (English-speaking instructors available)
    • · Berenice Beach Club / Tala Bay: best clean public beaches (€10-20 entry)
    • · Free snorkeling at Marine Science Station (south Aqaba)
    Aqaba →
14. 14

    Day 14

    Aqaba → Amman flight → Paris return

    Morning beach relax or 2nd Aqaba dive (Big Bay, less frequented reef). Brunch hotel or marina. Royal Jordanian internal flight Aqaba-Amman (45 min, €50-80) - saves 4h drive. Arrive Queen Alia International 2-3pm. Souvenir shopping duty-free (olive oil €10, zaatar €5, mini mosaic €15-50). Evening flight Amman-Paris (5h direct, Royal Jordanian or Air France). 3h margin recommended for airport. End of trip.

    Tips

    • · Internal Aqaba-Amman flight: always prefer to 4h drive (€50-80)
    • · Souvenirs: Madaba mosaics, olive oil, zaatar, Dead Sea salt
    • · 3h Amman airport margin MANDATORY
    • · Driver tip: 5-10 JOD/day cash at end of trip
    Aqaba →

Other durations

Frequently asked questions