In this comprehensive Jordan travel guide, we’ll share our detailed 9-day itinerary, what you need to know before visiting Jordan, tips to arrange your trip to Jordan, recommendations, our honest opinions about the places we visited, and the total cost of our trip.
Our trip to Jordan was an unforgettable experience that exceeded our expectations. It was a country with unique and beautiful landscapes, delicious gastronomy, and the friendliest and most hospitable people you’ll ever find. Additionally, it’s home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – The Ancient City of Petra. We spent 9 days exploring Jordan on our own, and our only regret is not having spent more time there.
Visiting Jordan: Practical Information
- Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
- Currency: JOD (Jordanian Dinar)
- Language: Arabic, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas
- How to get there: Amman or Aqaba airport
- Visa: the best way is to get the Jordan pass
- How to get around: renting a car, bus, or organized tours. Hitchhiking is very common.
- How to pay for stuff: cash (local currency, JOD) is preferred, but card is also accepted in most tourist areas
- Plugs: types C, D, F, G, and J, so bring a power adapter
- Safety: very safe for tourists, no scams, no pickpockets
Jordan 9-Day Itinerary Suggestion with Map
Here’s a map with an itinerary for 9 days in Jordan. Click on the image to open the map in Google My Maps.
Check out the table below for our proposed plan for spending 9 days in Jordan. This is the itinerary that we put together to make the most out of our stay in Jordan. Of course, you can adjust it depending on how many days you’re staying and the airports you’re flying in and out of.
You can also watch the following video for a quick overview of what 9 days in Jordan look like.
If you want more information about the locations, costs, and recommendations, keep reading this article.
Jordan 9-day Itinerary and Tips (Table of Contents)
How to Get to Jordan?
Most international travelers to Jordan arrive by air. Jordan has two main international airports: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman in the north, and King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba in the south.
Many people choose to arrive at one airport and leave from the other. In our case, we flew in and out of Jordan from Amman Airport. So, we spent almost one day just driving from south to north. So, if you have the chance, it’s better to arrive at the Amman airport and leave from Aqaba.
If you’re traveling from Europe, check out flights from WizzAir. It usually offers the best prices to go to Jordan from many European cities.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Jordan?
The number of days you should spend in Jordan depends on your interests, the places you want to visit, and how in-depth you want to explore the country.
To fully appreciate the most popular highlights, such as the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum, while avoiding the need to rush and allowing ample time for exploring other places, I recommend reserving at least one week. If you have only five days available, you can still visit these highlights, but you won’t have enough time to delve deeper into their exploration.
For a comprehensive itinerary encompassing all the highlights, including Amman, Madaba, a visit to Aqaba, Mount Nebo, and the exploration of lesser-known sites like the Desert Castles, I would suggest allocating 12 days to two weeks as the ideal duration.
How to Get Around Jordan?
The best way to get around Jordan is definitely by renting a car. You’ll have the flexibility to explore at your own pace, and driving to most popular destinations is pretty straightforward. The roads are usually in good condition, and there isn’t much traffic outside urban areas. However, be careful if you’re driving in Amman or Madaba, where the traffic is just chaotic (we’re talking by experience).
The landscapes in Jordan are beautiful and the roads are generally good, whic makes it a good place for a road trip. Make sure you go along the King’s Highway and the Desert highway.
If you’re not comfortable with renting and driving a car, you can get around using public buses between major cities, taxis, or organized tours. There’s no Uber in Jordan, but there is Careem, which works similarly. We used Careem to get from our accommodation in Amman to the rental car site, and it worked seamlessly. We had already used this app in Dubai, and we had a great experience.
Hitchhiking in Jordan is very common. We gave a ride to several locals while driving in Jordan. More adventurous travelers have also used hitchhiking successfully to explore Jordan.
Best Time to Go to Jordan?
The best time to go to Jordan is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The weather is mild and pleasant during these months, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. There is less rainfall during these seasons, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring Wadi Rum, and visiting archaeological sites.
We visited Jordan in April, and although we encountered some rain on our first day in Amman, we enjoyed good and pleasant weather during our visits to Petra and Wadi Rum. If you’re interested in canyoning, the best time to go is in May and during the summer months. It’s advisable to avoid visiting during the summer if you intend to explore Petra thoroughly, as the scorching sun can make walking uncomfortable.
Another factor to consider is the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan. In Jordan, as a foreigner, you are not required to fast during Ramadan. However, it’s important to note that many businesses and restaurants, especially in less touristy areas like Amman, may be closed during the daytime.
We visited during Ramadan and we didn’t have any problems. During our stay in Amman, we relied on snacks from the supermarket for lunch. MacDonald’s was also open during the day (but just for take-away). On the other hand, places like Wadi Rum and Wadi Musa operated as usual. This period generally experiences fewer visitors, making it an excellent time to explore popular destinations like Petra and Wadi Rum with fewer tourists. We specifically chose that time of the year to experience those popular places with no crowds.
What is the Jordan Pass?
The Jordan Pass is a tourism product launched by the Jordan Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. It is a single-fee package that allows visitors to the country to enjoy hassle-free entry to over 40 of Jordan’s most popular tourist attractions, including Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, Castles, and many other sites (you can check all the included attractions here).
The pass also includes the cost of a tourist visa. The cost of the Jordan Pass will vary depending on how many days you want to spend in Petra. All the information about the Jordan Pass here.
Acquiring the Jordan Pass does not serve as a substitute for obtaining a visa or gaining entry into the country; rather, it is a supplementary package that, upon purchase, covers the cost of your Jordanian visa, ensuring a hassle-free exploration of over 40 of Jordan’s most renowned tourist destinations.
Day 0 in Jordan – Arrive and Check-in at Your Accommodation in Amman
We arrived at the Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman around 9 PM. We got a very cheap flight with WizzAir from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). It took us around 30 minutes to go through passport control.
Jordan SIM Card
We bought an eSIM card at the arrivals hall from Orange. They had a great package for tourists with 20GB of internet data for 15 JOD. The airport is the best place to get a SIM/eSIM card from the local companies. Alternatively, you can also use apps like airalo, but the local companies offered a better deal. Nonetheless, if you want to use the airalo app, you can use my referral code. You’ll get a 3$ credit on your first purchase:
SARA0837
We also withdrew some cash from the ATM machines. We recommend withdrawing a significant amount of money here because ATM machines are scarce throughout the country.
Exploring Amman
Because it was already late, around 10:30 PM when we had everything settled, we decided to get an airport taxi to our accommodation in the center of Amman. To get a taxi, simply follow the airport taxi signs when you exit. The official taxi will cost 22.50 JOD. The driver was very nice and welcoming and even called our accommodation to inform them of our arrival.
When we arrived, our hosts prepared a welcoming tea for us. The place we stayed was a family hotel/guesthouse, and even though it needed some maintenance, the hosts were super nice. The bed and room were very clean, and the breakfast was good.
Because we visited during Ramadan, everything was open until late. We were starving, so we went out to have something to eat, even though it was almost midnight. We went to the famous Hashem restaurant, whose specialty is falafel with hummus and flatbread.
Where to Stay in Amman?
We recommend staying near the old town historic center so that you can visit all the attractions on foot or with a short taxi ride. Our accommodation was right next to the Roman Theatre.
In Jordan, you’ll find the most hospitable, humble, and nice people, so we recommend staying in guesthouses or family hotels so that you can have a more authentic experience.
We stayed at the Almidan Hotel.
Day 1 in Jordan – Amman
Many people choose to skip Amman during their trip to Jordan. If you have the time, spend at least one day in Amman to experience a less touristy place and get more in touch with the culture. Locals are very nice, and you’ll feel super welcomed in their country.
We got pretty bad weather during our days in Amman, so we couldn’t explore and see everything that we wanted, but we still had a great time. Everywhere you’ll go you’ll be greeted with “Welcome to Jordan”.
Day 1 in Jordan: Visited Places and Activities
- Explore Aman Local Markets with a Local Guide
- Amman Theatre
- Amman Citadel
- Rainbow Street
We stayed at the Almidan Hotel.
Explore Amman Local Markets with a Local Guide
We recommend going on a walking tour with a local guide. We learned so much about the country with our guide and we visited some places that we wouldn’t have been to if it wasn’t our guide.
We booked our tour using GuruWalk and our guide was Mohammad Ezzat. The tour started at the rooftop of the Amman Pasha Hotel, which has amazing views of Amman downtown.
The tour was divided into two parts. In the first part, he explained about the history of the Amman city. In the second part, we explored the most popular local markets. Exploring the local markets with a local guide was a great experience and we visited some places and stores that we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see if we were by ourselves. The walking tour took us all morning.
Amman Citadel
In the afternoon, we visited Amman Citadel which sits on the highest hill in Amman about 850 meters above sea level. Even though it is at the top of a hill, you don’t need a taxi to get there. There are some (a lot) stairs you can use to reach the top (simply ignore Google Maps) and climb the stairs that start right in front of the Roman Theatre. The entrance to the Amman Citadel is included in the Jordan Pass.
The Amman Citadel is an archaeological site with a great history. It has been occupied by many different great civilizations since the Middle Bronze Age. In the Amman Citadel, you can see the Temple of Hercules (the most famous site in the Citadel), the Umayyad Palace, and a Byzantine church.
Additionally, it is also home to the Jordan Archaeological Museum which has a collection of artifacts found in the Citadel and other places in Jordan.
One of the great things about the Amman Citadel is the great views of Downtown Amman and the Amman Roman Theatre.
Roman Theatre
Before or after visiting the Amman Citadel, make sure to check out the Roman Theatre built in the 2nd century. Admission is free with the Jordan Pass, and you can also explore the Jordan Folklore Museum and the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to visit the Roman Theatre from the inside. If you have more time in Amman, definitely visit this place and the museums to get to know better about their traditions and culture.
Day 2 in Jordan – Jerash and Dead Sea
After visiting Amman, we went to get our rental car. We didn’t rent the car on our first day because it’s chaotic to drive in Amman, and it should be avoided. Nonetheless, we rented our car in Amman downtown. In theory, it should have been simple to get out of Amman, but it was raining so much that the streets were transformed into rivers and the traffic was even more chaotic with little visibility. After getting our car, we simply pulled over at a gas station and waited for the weather to get better.
Day 2 in Jordan: Visited Places and Activities
- Jerash Archaeological Site
- Dead Sea Experience
We stayed at the Dead Sea Spa Resort Hotel.
Jerash Archaeological Site
Our idea was to get our car and visit Jerash in the morning. But, due to the bad weather and dangerous road conditions, we had to skip it. However, you should definitely visit Jerash Archaeological Site if you have the chance. It is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, outside Italy.
Dead Sea Experience
The best way to have a Dead Sea experience, which includes floating in the Dead Sea and dead sea mud is to stay in a Resort with access to the Dead Sea. This is because you’ll need to shower right after getting into the water due to the high salinity of the water.
Check our Dead Sea Travel Guide: Guide to the Dead Sea, Jordan: Where to Float, Stay, and Things to Do.
Another option is to visit a public beach along the Dead Sea. Some of these beaches may have vendors selling large containers of fresh water for an immediate post-float shower or improvised shower facilities. Alternatively, you can bring your own water bottles to rinse off the salt from your skin. Please be aware that swimming in the Dead Sea is not allowed after sunset.
The beaches adjacent to the resorts are situated in the northern region of the Dead Sea, featuring sandy shores. In the southern part, you’ll discover public beaches with the famous salt formations.
Finally, another alternative is to buy a daily pass for one of the Dead Sea resorts. Just contact one of the resorts and inquire about prices.
We spent the night at a Dead Sea Resort. The place was pretty good with access to the beach and several pools. The resort was a bit expensive but it also included a great buffet dinner and buffet breakfast. I think we paid a little too much because we didn’t take advantage of all its facilities as we spent all day exploring, but I don’t have anything bad to say about the place. I just felt a little bit out of place comparing the resort with other places in Jordan.
If you don’t want to spend money on a resort, consider staying in Madaba, the closest big town, and make a day trip to the Dead Sea. Don’t forget to bring water or use the “showers” at the beaches.
We stayed at the Dead Sea Spa Resort Hotel.
Day 3 in Jordan – Dead Sea and its Wadis
On the third day, we recommend a visit to the Dead Sea Museum, where you’ll find the best panoramic views of the Dead Sea. In the afternoon, go explore one of the many wadis that flow into the Dead Sea. At the end of the afternoon, get back to your resort and go for another dip in the Dead Sea.
Day 3 in Jordan: Visited Places and Activities
- Dead Sea Museum and Panoramic View
- Dead Sea Salt Formations
- Wadi Numeira or other Wadi
- Another dip in the Dead Sea
We stayed at the Dead Sea Spa Hotel.
Dead Sea Museum and Panoramic View
The Dead Sea Museum was not included in the Jordan pass and it cost 2 JOD per person. The Dead Sea Museum is a great place to learn more about the history, fauna, flora, geology, and the importance of its minerals. Reserve 30 minutes to one hour to visit the museum if you like to read all the information like me.
The museum is located in a complex with great panoramic views to the Dead Sea, where you can also spot Israel on the other side.
Check our Dead Sea Travel Guide: Guide to the Dead Sea, Jordan: Where to Float, Stay, and Things to Do.
Dead Sea Salt Formations
Drive along the Dead Sea Road and stop at several viewpoints to check the dead sea salt formations. We went to a place marked on Google Maps as “Dead Sea free swimming” right next to the Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve entrance.
Even though the salt formations are a unique geological phenomenon that I’ve never seen before, I was very disappointed to see how dirty the place was, with numerous plastic bottles, plastic bags, and all sorts of rubbish scattered on the salt formations. It’s still beautiful, but not quite as I had imagined. So, go there with some realistic expectations.
Wadi Numeira
Our plan was to explore Wadi Mujib, a stunning natural gorge and river valley located near the Dead Sea, where you can for hiking and canyoning. To access this area, you need to pay an entry fee, and hiring a guide is optional. However, it was still closed during our visit in mid-April. If you wish to explore Wadi Mujib, the best time to go is in May.
After an extensive search on Google, we stumbled upon Wadi Numeira. There was limited information available about this place, but it turned out to be a free and safe destination to visit on our own (some wadis might be dangerous to visit if it had rained in the previous days).
Wadi Numeira is a deep gorge cut through sandstone, with flowing water. The wadi is located close to the Dead Sea. The hike to the end of the wadi is about 3 kilometers long, but because of the rain on the previous day, we could only walk 2km. The trail is mostly easy, with a few steep sections.
I’m truly delighted that we chose to visit this hidden gem because of its beauty and the fact that it remains relatively unknown to tourists; consequently, there were very few people there during our visit.
To visit Wadi Numeira, there is a wide terrain where you can park your car. Then, just enter the wadi and walk until you feel it’s comfortable and safe for you. We walked about two km inside the wadi and then returned back on the same way.
When visiting Wadi Numeira, expect to get your feet wet, so be sure to bring along an extra pair of shoes for changing afterward (unfortunately, we didn’t have this foresight).
We absolutely recommend visiting this place. We felt like we were on another planet; it was absolutely breathtaking and a great experience. We have a quick video about this place that you can watch below.
Another Dip in the Dead Sea
We arrived at our resort still in time for another dip in the Dead Sea. The beach closed around 7 PM right before sunset. No one is allowed on the water after sunset.
We stayed at the Dead Sea Spa Hotel.
Day 4 in Jordan- Kerak, Shobak, and Little Petra
On this fourth day in Jordan, we drove in the direction of Wadi Musa (Petra) and visited some places along the way while driving through the King’s Highway.
Day 4 in Jordan: Visited Places and Activities
- Kerak Castle
- Shobak Castle
- Little Petra
We stayed at the Petra Visitors Apartments.
Kerak Castle
Our first stop was Kerak Castle. It is a historic fortress dating back to the Crusader period. The Castle is very well preserved and it’s one of the biggest crusader castles in the Middle East.
The entrance is included in the Jordan Pass. At the entrance, you can request the help of a guide if you want a guided visit. It sits on a rocky hill, offering great views from the top.
This was the only place where people were a bit scammy (we didn’t find this anywhere else in Jordan). Basically, you park the car in the available spots next to the restaurants. The owners of the restaurants say you can park there for free if you consume something at their establishment afterward. Until here no problem.
The problem was when we returned to the restaurant, they gave us a menu without prices. They only gave us a menu with prices after our complaint. However, the food and drinks were very overpriced for the quality and quantity. We didn’t experience this anywhere else during our journey.
Shobak Castle
After around two hours drive, we arrived at Shobak Castle (entrance included in the Jordan Pass). This castle sits at the top of a hill with great views of the surroundings.
You park the car in a parking opposite the entrance of the castle. From there, you can walk to the castle or get on a golf cart. We don’t think it’s worth spending money on the golf cart unless you have mobility issues. In less than ten minutes you reach the castle.
The Castle was under maintenance and everything was a bit “destroyed”. If you don’t have time, I don’t think this is worth the detour.
Little Petra
We arrived at Little Petra at the end of the afternoon but we still had time for a quick visit. Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid is an archaeological site near the Ancient City of Petra, and it’s a great place to visit before going to Petra. It is a smaller and less-visited version of Petra, featuring narrow canyons, rock-cut facades, and tombs carved into the sandstone cliffs.
We only recommend visiting Little Petra before going to Petra. Otherwise, you won’t find it much special because it will be much of the same. We liked visiting this place because there were very few people when we arrived and we were able to take great pictures. Additionally, the entrance is free.
There’s also the option to hike from Little Petra to the Monastery in Petra. We didn’t do this because you need to arrange a guide and transportation to the starting point and we didn’t arrange any of that on time.
Day 5 in Jordan – Petra
Visiting Petra was on my bucket list for so long but I wasn’t prepared that it would exceed so much my expectations. Petra is not just the Treasury, it’s so much more. It’s a big ancient city and there’s so much to see and many beautiful walking trails. We recommend two days in Petra if you would like to see everything and walk all the walking trails.
Day 5 in Jordan: Visited Places and Activities
If you have two days in Petra here’s what we recommend seeing on your first day:
- The Treasury
- The Amphitheater
- The Royal Thombs
- The View – Al-Khubtha Trail
- High Place of Sacrifice
We stayed at the Petra Visitors Apartments.
If you only have one day in Petra, simply follow the main path from the Siq to the Treasury and end at the Monastery. Then, you need to go all the way back.
The entrance to Petra is done through the Petra Visitors Center. We woke up early and arrived at the entrance before 7 PM.
Visiting Petra properly requires a lot of walking. On our first day, we did almost 30km, but it was well worth it. We started at the Treasury, passing through the Amphiteather and the Royal Thombs. Then, starting at the Royal Thombs we did the Al-Khubtha Trail for the best panoramic views of the Monastery. In the afternoon, we did the trail to the High Place of Sacrifice.
We left Petra around 6 PM and we went to have a kebab sandwich next to our accommodation. Later, we went to another restaurant to have a proper dinner. There are many restaurants in Wadi Musa. All that we went to served great food.
Day 6 in Jordan – Petra
As we’ve mentioned previously, we recommend spending two days in Petra so that you can take the most out of your time there.
Day 6 in Jordan: Visited Places and Activities
Here’s what we recommend doing/seeing on your second day in Petra:
- Walk straight to the Monastery
- Explore Petra Great Temple
- Tomb of’Unayshu and the view to the street of facades
- The Petra Museum
We stayed at the Petra Visitors Apartments.
On our second day in Petra, we woke up early once again and did the trail straight to the Monastery. After walking four km, you’ll have to climb approximately 850 steps to reach there. Many people don’t do this trail, and you’ll find that the Monastery has way fewer people than the Treasury.
We arrived at the Monastery before 9 PM and we had the place just for ourselves.
In the afternoon, we visited other highlights that we didn’t have the time to visit the day before like the Petra Great Temple, the Tomb of’Unayshu, and the great view of the street of facades. We left Petra around 3 PM and went to see the Petra Museum.
We were a bit tired to visit a Museum, but it was very interesting and we learned many interesting facts about Petra and the Nabateans. We recommend visiting the Museum on the day before going to Petra.
After a full day exploring Petra, we went to have some hummus and kebab sandwiches at the same place the day before. It was delicious. After resting for a while in our accommodation, we went out for dinner and explored a bit of Wadi Musa at night.
Day 7 in Jordan – Wadi Rum
On this day, we went on a tour to visit and explore Wadi Rum. This was one of the most memorable things we ever did. It was just an unforgettable experience.
Day 7 in Jordan: Visited Places and Activities
- Wadi Rum Full-Day Jeep Tour
We spent the night in the Wadi Rum Stillness camp in the middle of the desert.
Early in the morning, we drove to the Wadi Rum Visitor’s center. It’s approximately a two-hour drive from Wadi Musa. We met our tour guide in the Wadi Rum village and parked the car at its home.
Our adventure exploring Wadi Rum on Jeep with our guide started right away. Exploring the Wadi Rum desert should definitely be included on your Jordan itinerary, it’s an unforgettable experience.
The landscapes are truly impressive and we experienced one of the most beautiful and memorable sunsets we’ve ever seen.
You cannot miss Wadi Rum on your trip to Jordan, and you must spend a night in the desert to make the most out of your trip. We recommend at least one full day and one night.
Spending the night in the desert was a great experience. Choosing the accommodation is very important because the excursion will be organized by your host. We searched a lot of Wadi Rum tour companies and in the end, we chose Wadi Rum Stillness. I recommend this company 100%. It’s a bit more expensive than the ones that I’ve seen, but everything was included including drinks and food. Additionally, our camp was right in the middle of the desert. There are camps that are next to the road, which is not as cool as being literally in the middle of the desert.
Our tent was very clean and there was a shared bathroom with toilets and hot showers. Additionally, there is the community tent where you’ll have a delicious traditional dinner and great breakfast in the morning. Our guide was great and we had the time of our lives.
Almost all tours offer the same experience. You’ll visit mainly the same places. But, in some, you won’t have the drinks included and the food is not so good. Our jeep was also very comfortable with shade, while others didn’t have shade.
Day 8 in Jordan – Wadi Rum, Historical Train, and getting back to Wadi Musa
On this day, we spent a little more time in Wadi Rum, went on a ride on the Wadi Rum Historical Train, and started driving back up north.
Day 8 in Jordan: Visited Places and Activities
- Short hike in Wadi Rum (Jabal Al Hash)
- Wadi Rum Historical Train – Journey Through 1916
- Start Driving North
We stayed at the Petra Sky Hotel.
Rainbow Peak Hike (Jabal Al Hash)
In our Wadi Rum tour package, we decided to include a hike. We opted for the Rainbow Peak hike – hiking to Jabal Al Hash, where you can spot Saudi Arabia. I was a bit disappointed with this option because, for us, being very active people, the hike was too short. Nonetheless, there were great views along the way.
In the end, our guide also took us to other “secret” places where other tours didn’t stop. If it were today, we would have chosen a more challenging hike. But, that will depend on your preferences. We arrived at our hosts’ house to pick up the car around 2:30 PM.
I have no words to describe how much I liked our Wadi Rum experience. It was one of the best travel experiences we had so far and I can’t recommend it enough. We had already gone on a desert tour in Dubai. But, it doesn’t compare to this awesome experience.
Wadi Rum Train – Journey Through 1916
After that, we went on the Wadi Rum Historical Train – Journey Through 1916. During the process of buying our Jordan Pass, there was an option to include a ticket to the historical train for free. So, this activity was free of charge for us. If it’s not included in your Jordan Pass, you have to pay 20 USD. More information on this website.
The Historical Train (Journey through 1916) is a reproduction of the Arab Revolt against the oppression of the Ottoman Empire. It was pretty short, but it was a lot of fun with guns and shots that seemed real (but weren’t of course). I only recommend doing this activity if you have time and if it’s included in the Jordan pass. I don’t think it’s worth paying 20 JOD for this activity, but that’s definitely something different.
The train starts at one place and then you’ll get a transfer to the starting point. The transfers are paid by the government and you don’t need to pay the drivers, but if you want to give a tip, it’s appreciated.
Wadi Musa
Around 4 PM, we started driving up north because our flight was on the next day in Amman.
We spent the night in Wadi Musa and we took the chance to explore a bit more of Wadi Musa at night and eat some arabic sweets.
Day 9 in Jordan – Madaba and Getting Back Home
On our last day, we continued driving north and if you still have time until your flight, make a stop in Madaba.
Day 9 in Jordan: Visited Places and Activities
- Madaba Archaeological Park
- Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George
- Flying back home
Madaba is known as the city of mosaics. It’s also where the famous Map of Jerusalem is located on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George. It depicts an intricate representation of the ancient city of Jerusalem and other regions of the Holy Land during Byzantine times. Entrance to the church is not included in the Jordan Pass.
There are many interesting places to see in Madaba like the Madaba Archaeological Park. We did a guided tour and learned a lot about mosaics and the civilizations that occupied this part of the world.
Other interesting places to visit in Madaba include the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration, the Burnt Palace, the Madaba Museum, the Church of the Apostles, and numerous other sites. We recommend that you begin your time in Madaba at the Visitors Center to become familiar with all there is to do and see in Madaba.
Madaba is also a great base to explore other popular religious sites like Mount Nebo, and the Baptism Site. Due to our schedule, we didn’t have time to visit those religious sites, but those are interesting additions if you have more time on your schedule.
After a brief stop in Madaba, we returned our rental car to the company, and they droves us to the airport for our flight.
More days in Jordan?
If you have more days in Jordan, consider adding the following places to your itinerary:
- Mount Nebo and Baptism Site: important religious sites
- Desert Castles: castles in the middle of the desert
- Dana Biosphere Reserve: great for hiking
- Aqaba: great for snorkeling and diving
- Umm Qais: great archaeological site
Fewer Days in Jordan?
If you have fewer days in Jordan, make at least time for the following:
- Dead Sea experience
- Dead Sea salt formations
- Wadi Numeira, Wadi Mujib, or another Dead Sea Wadi
- Petra
- Wadi Rum
9 Days in Jordan – Total Cost Breakdown
Jordan is not a budget destination but it is cheaper than most European cities. Additionally, getting the Jordan pass will save you money on attractions. Renting a car is not as expensive as in other countries and there are many budget options for accommodation (even though some of them need some serious maintenance).
The Wadi Rum tour was a bit expensive but it was so worth it and so special that I would have paid even more for such a wonderful experience.
The Dead Sea resort was one of our biggest expenses, but it also included dinner. The resort was nice, but we didn’t take advantage of all of its facilities as we spent the whole day exploring and only returned to the resort in the afternoon. Nonetheless, we had a great time and it’s one of the most comfortable ways to have a Dead Sea experience.
In the table below you can find a summary of our expenses during our trip to Jordan.
Cost of 9 days in Jordan
| Return flights from FCO Rome (WizzAir) (only personal item) | 127€ per person |
| Accommodation (2 pp) | 612€ |
| Rental car (8 days) | 353€ |
| Food and drinks (2 pp) | 236€ |
| Jordan Pass (2 days in Petra) | 97.50€ per person |
| Activities (not included in the Jordan Pass) | 17.75€ per person |
| Wadi Rum Tour (all inclusive) | 147€ per person |
| Internet | 19€ per person |
| Other expenses | 147.25€ |
| Total | 1074€ per person |
Watch our Videos About Jordan
We created a playlist on Youtube with all our videos about Jordan. Check them out below.
Wrapping Up
In this article, we have shared practical information for those planning a visit to Jordan, along with our recommended 9-day itinerary. Be sure not to miss out on the incredible experiences at the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and Petra. If you have some extra time, consider dedicating at least one day to exploring Amman to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Is Jordan worth visiting? Absolutely! It exceeded my expectations in every way. The cuisine is delectable, the landscapes are breathtaking, and Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is simply amazing with so much to do and see. Moreover, Jordan boasts some of the warmest and most welcoming people you’ll ever encounter as a tourist. We’ve never felt so welcomed in any other country.
Finally, you can use our links to book your accommodation, and activities and find cheap flights. You won’t pay more for it and you’ll be supporting our work.
We hope you found this travel guide useful.
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