Friends, picture dawn breaking over rose‑tinted canyons as silent breezes stir the sand.
Jordan unfolds like a living tapestry—Byzantine mosaics glint in sunlit courtyards, narrow gorges whisper ancient secrets, and salt‑flat shores cradle sunken dreams.
This eight‑day loop weaves culture, adrenaline and serene retreats into one seamless adventure, starting in Amman and ending in the Dead Sea's buoyant embrace. This guide will help highlight the best of Jordan, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.
Get Around
Rent a compact car for $45/day (refundable $300 deposit) to roam 300 km per fuel tank (~$12). Upgrade to a 4×4 for $75/day to tackle desert tracks. JETT buses connect Amman–Petra ($12, 3 hr) and Amman–Aqaba ($16, 4 hr), leaving at 8 am and 1 pm. Pre‑book online to lock in seats and avoid midday heat.
Madaba Marvel
At Madaba, wander into the adjacent Archaeological Park ($5) displays intricate tile fragments under shaded pavilions. Stay at Mosaic City Hotel from $70/night or Madaba Heritage Inn at $80/night, both within easy walking distance of the main sights.
Nebo Views
A swift 20 minute drive brings you to Mt Nebo ($3 entry, 8 am–5 pm), where Moses is said to have gazed upon Canaan's plains. Sunrise visits (around 6:00 am) reward with pastel‑hued panoramas of the Jordan Rift Valley. Nearby Nebo Lodge offers rooms from $60/night with terraces overlooking sun‑lit hills.
Mujib Rush
For thrill‑seekers, Wadi Mujib's Siq Trail opens mid‑March to mid‑November. Permits cost $21 pp, capped at 100 daily walkers; reserve 24 hours ahead. Guided canyoning tours start at 8 am and 11 am, include neoprene suits and helmets, and last 3 hours ($75). Showers and refreshments follow at Mujib Chalets for $5.
Castle Tour
Descend the Dead Sea Highway to Karak Castle's Crusader keeps ($5 entry, 8 am–6 pm). Fuel up on mint tea ($1) and flatbread wraps ($3) at stall‑side kiosks. A further 30 minute drive leads to Shobak Castle ($4), its battlements framed by rugged desert. Private guides are available from $30/group for rich historical context.
Dana Trails
Dana Nature Reserve spans 308 km² of cliffs and valleys. The 7.5 km Wadi Dana Trail drops 500 m over 4 hours; no official fee, though a $5 eco‑donation supports local conservation. Daily guided hikes depart at 9 am ($20 pp) and reveal rare flora and bearded wild goats. Dana Tower Hotel offers stone‑walled rooms from $120/night with half‑board at $30/day.
Petra Wonder
At Petra, the Siq's narrow gorge opens onto the Treasury at first light—one‑day tickets are $70, two‑day $75 (6 am–sunset). Audio guides ($25) bring Nabataean carvings to life. Allocate 6–8 hours to explore Royal Tombs, Roman Theatre and the Monastery (additional $5). Rocky Mountain Hotel in Wadi Musa starts at $95/night, complete with local dinners for $15.
Aqaba Coast
Switch gears in Aqaba: half‑day snorkeling tours unveil vibrant coral for $45, while introductory PADI dives start at $280. Day‑passes to private beach clubs begin at $35, covering loungers and lunch buffet. For upscale stays, the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba offers sea‑view rooms from $140/night and spa treatments from $50.
Dead Sea
Return toward Amman for the Dead Sea finale—resort day‑passes start at $55, including mud masks and saltwater pools. Float effortlessly at 430 m below sea level, then indulge in a therapeutic spa session for $80. Sunset terraces frame golden horizons, making this the ultimate send‑off before heading home.
Conclusion
This Jordan itinerary blends mosaic masterpieces, canyon thrills and seaside serenity into an eight‑day tapestry of wonder. Book key permits and lodging two weeks ahead, pack layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons, and fuel up for long drives. Which sunrise vista or hidden canyon will spark your next story? Lace up boots, hit the road, and let Jordan’s secret wonders unfold before you.
