How Long to Spend in Jordan: Itineraries from 5 Days

Jordan is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and significant places in biblical accounts.

For first-timers who want to visit the main highlights in Jordan, such as Amman, the Dead Sea, and Petra, we sincerely recommend that you spend at least 5–8 days in Jordan.

Retired couples and history fans often prefer an itinerary of 10–14 days in Jordan, allowing for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration.

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1. Jordan Itineraries of 5–8 Days

The Wadi Rum desert in Jordan

A 1-week itinerary can include the three most popular cities/areas in Jordan's Golden Triangle — Amman, the Dead Sea, and Petra.

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is usually the first stop on a Jordan trip (as it has Jordan's only international airport). To acclimate to the country and overcome jet lag, we recommend taking a tour of the Citadel or wandering through the streets and alleys of Amman.

The Dead Sea offers a wonderful spa resort and watery fun, making it an excellent base for exploring nearby areas, such as Jerash and Madaba (only a 2-hour drive away).

Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved out of rose-colored rock, is a must-see for every first-time traveler. Additionally, it takes just about 2 hours to travel from Petra to Wadi Rum (a stunning desert with a moon-like landscape). A jeep adventure and hot-air balloon experience there are especially popular with teenagers.

Additional reading: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Jordan>>>

Roman ruins in Jerash Jordan

With our "Jordan Golden Triangle" route, we want to show you more of Jordan with more of the most authentic experiences by exploring some surrounding cities/areas.

Jerash, a city featuring Roman ruins dating back to the 1st century AD, is known as "Pompeii of the East".

Madaba is called "City of Mosaics", as it has the largest variety of mosaic art products in the world.

Mount Nebo is mentioned in the Bible when Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land. You can even see the city of Jerusalem from the summit of Mount Nebo on a clear day.

A Classic 7-Day Jordan Golden Triangle Itinerary

• Day 1: Amman arrival, then transfer to the Dead Sea
• Days 2–4: The Dead Sea (day trips to Jerash, Madaba, and Mount Nebo)
• Days 5–6: Petra (day trip to Wadi Rum)
• Day 7: Back to Amman for departure

If you have limited time and wish to visit the must-see destinations in Jordan, a 5-day visit to its Golden Triangle without exploring the surrounding areas would be sufficient.

For road-trip lovers, check out this itinerary for further inspiration: 7-Day Jordan Highlights Tour

2. Jordan Itineraries of 10–12 Days

The Red Sea Beach in Aqaba Jordan

With 10 days in Jordan, you can extend the classic Golden Triangle route to one more city/area for a more comprehensive experience.

Our clients usually extend their trips to Aqaba (3–5 days), which is a wonderful seaside resort city offering various watery activities, such as scuba diving and snorkeling. It is a popular choice for families with teenagers and couples looking for relaxation.

Alternatively, some visit Ajloun and Umm Qais (1–2 days), which are famous for their historical sites, such as Ajloun Castle and the Decapolis city ruins. Hiking routes with beautiful natural scenery are also popular with nature enthusiasts.

A 10-Day Golden Triangle with Aqaba Itinerary

• Day 1: Amman arrival, then transfer to the Dead Sea
• Days 2–4: The Dead Sea (day trips to Jerash, Madaba, and Mount Nebo)
• Days 5–6: Petra (day trip to Wadi Rum)
• Days 7–9: Aqaba
• Day 10: Back to Amman for departure

During festive periods like Christmas and New Year, Aqaba hosts special events, such as festive markets and cultural ceremonies, creating an exotic atmosphere to immerse yourself in.

A 10-Day Golden Triangle with Ajloun and Umm Qais Itinerary

• Day 1: Amman arrival, then transfer to the Dead Sea
• Days 2–4: The Dead Sea (day trips to Jerash, Madaba, and Mount Nebo)
• Days 5–7: Petra
• Days 8–10: Amman (day trip to Jerash, Ajloun, and Umm Qais)

As the wildflowers die after the summer season, the best time to visit Ajloun and Umm Qais is from February to May during the spring season.

You can also choose a day tour from Amman for sightseeing if you have limited time.

With a vacation of 10 to 12 days, we could extend your trip to another neighboring country, such as Egypt or Israel, for a comprehensive Middle Eastern travel experience.

Check out this itinerary for further inspiration: 12-Day Journey Through Egypt and Jordan's Ancient Lands.

3. Jordan Itineraries of 2 Weeks

Aqaba beach in Jordan

Typically, a 2-week itinerary allows for a more leisurely exploration of Jordan, without rushing from one site to another.

For family vacations, stay longer at the Dead Sea or Aqaba to have some quality time while enjoying seaside relaxation and watery fun.

For second-time travelers or those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, explore niche hiking trails in Petra (2–5 days), such as Little Petra, Al-Khubtha, and Sabra, for a more in-depth exploration.

Here is a 2-week Jordan itinerary, which we can customize to your preferences:

• Days 1–3: Amman (day trip to Jerash and Ajloun)
• Days 4–5: The Dead Sea (day trip to Madaba and Mount Nebo)
• Days 6–9: Petra
• Days 10–13: Aqaba
• Day 14: Back to Amman for departure

If you are looking for more experiences focused on Middle Eastern culture and history, 2 weeks is enough for a Jordan trip combined with one or two nearby countries, such as Egypt and Israel, which are the most popular choices. Find out more 2-week itinerary options in 2-Week Jordan and Israel Itineraries for First-Timers >>>

Check out the itinerary below or simply reach out to us at Global Highlights. Our professional travel consultants will design a hassle-free private tour that meets all of your needs.

4. Jordan Itineraries of 3 Weeks or More

The Monastery in Petra, Jordan

If you have 3 weeks or more to plan a journey, Jordan may not be your only choice to spend all of your time, since you can thoroughly explore Jordan within 2 weeks.

So why not extend your trip to other Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt and Israel?

As the most popular choices, Egypt and Israel allow you to explore a diverse range of historical, cultural, and natural attractions in a relatively small geographic area.

Check this itinerary for more inspiration: 18-Day Egypt, Jordan, and Israel's Treasures Discovery Tour.