JORDAN TRAVEL GUIDE
Jordan
Amman, Jerash, Petra and the Red Sea.
This guide describes Jordan’s cultural and natural highlights for a later or safely viable journey. The classic route connects Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba.
March–May and October–November
9–12 days
Jordanian dinar
911
A route through four main stops
Days 1–3: Amman
The Citadel, Roman Theatre, Downtown and Rainbow Street. Reserve a day for Jerash; add Ajloun if time allows.
Day 4: Jerash
The Oval Plaza, Cardo Maximus, South Theatre and temples. Start in the morning because the site is extensive and has little shade.
Days 5–7: Petra
Allow at least two full days for the Siq, Treasury, Royal Tombs and Monastery. Wadi Musa is the practical base.
Days 8–10: Aqaba
A future Red Sea stop for snorkelling and rest. Always check whether the current official warning covers Aqaba before planning or travelling.
AMMAN
A city spread across hills
Downtown is walkable, but slopes and traffic take time. For mansaf, falafel, hummus and kunafa, choose busy straightforward restaurants. In taxis, use the meter or an established ride app.
Cozmo, Safeway and Sameh Mall are practical supermarkets; neighbourhood bakeries, fruit shops and markets are often cheaper.
JERASH
A complete Roman cityscape
Jerash deserves more than a photo stop. Two to three hours is the minimum; four is more relaxed. Carry water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Reach it from Amman by driver, rental car or organised tour.
Planning Petra well
Petra comfortably fills two days. Use the first for the main trail and Royal Tombs, then tackle the Monastery or a longer approved route on day two. Avoid animal rides when welfare looks doubtful, carry water and rest through the hottest hours.
The Jordan Pass can offer useful entry and visa value, but conditions change. Buy only through the official website and check entry rules separately.
DEAD SEA
Floating in mineral-rich water
The Dead Sea fits naturally between Amman and the south. Twenty to thirty minutes in the water is usually enough: do not dive, keep water away from eyes and mouth, and take care with cuts or freshly shaved skin. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water afterwards.
Enter only at maintained beach areas because banks, salt crusts and access points can be uneven. Bring water shoes, drinking water and sun protection. Respect the fragile environment and never break off salt formations.
RED SEA · AQABA
Coral, beaches and clear water
Aqaba gives access to coral reefs, snorkelling and diving. Quieter beach and dive areas lie south of the centre. Choose an established operator with strong safety practices, never touch or stand on coral, and follow reef-responsible guidance.
Check before travel: Official advice currently restricts travel to parts of Jordan. Confirm whether warnings cover Aqaba immediately before booking or departure; this section is not a reason to disregard official advice.
Food, budget, transport & safety
Food
Try mansaf, maqluba, musakhan, falafel, mezze and kunafa. Check prices before ordering and ask whether tourist restaurants add a service charge.
Budget
Excluding international flights: roughly €70–110 budget, €140–230 comfortable and €280+ upscale per person/day.
Getting around
A rental car or driver gives the most flexible country route. JETT coaches link major visitor stops but not every intermediate site.
Avoid border regions, demonstrations and military facilities; obey photography restrictions. Buy sealed water, dress respectfully and check flash-flood and weather warnings before desert or hiking trips.
Official inspiration: Jordan Tourism Board.