If you are looking for a destination that mixes ancient history, dramatic desert landscapes, mouth-watering food, and incredibly warm hospitality, Jordan should be at the very top of your travel bucket list. Often called the “jewel of the Middle East,” this peaceful and safe country is packed with world-famous sights like Petra and the Dead Sea, alongside hidden mountain trails and bustling city markets.
Is 10 days in Jordan enough to see everything?
Yes, 10 days is the absolute perfect amount of time to explore Jordan. Because the country is relatively compact (you can drive from the far north to the far south in about 4 to 5 hours), you won’t have to spend days stuck in a car. A 10-day itinerary gives you enough breathing room to wander through ancient Roman ruins, hike the legendary trails of Petra, sleep under the stars in a Bedouin camp, and still have a couple of days left over to float in the Dead Sea and relax by the Red Sea. You get the perfect mix of high-energy adventure and slow-paced relaxation.What is the best 10-day Jordan itinerary?
To help you plan, here is a tried-and-tested, day-by-day route that hits all the major highlights while keeping your travel times manageable.Days 1 & 2: Get a taste of Amman and the ancient ruins of Jerash
Your journey begins in Amman, the capital city. Amman is a fascinating mix of the old and the new. Spend your first day climbing up to the Citadel, which sits on the highest hill in the city and offers panoramic views of the classic white stone houses below. Afterward, walk down to the 2nd-century Roman Theater and grab a plate of fresh, warm kunafa (a sweet cheese pastry) from the famous Habibah sweets shop in the downtown area. On day two, take a short drive north to Jerash. This is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the entire world. You can easily spend three hours walking along the paved, colonnaded streets, standing in the middle of the massive Oval Forum, and imagining the chariot races that used to take place in the hippodrome.Day 3: Cruise down the scenic King’s Highway
Instead of taking the fast highway, take the historic King’s Highway south toward Petra. This route is much more scenic and offers excellent stops along the way:- Madaba: Famous for the ancient Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land on the floor of St. George’s Church.
- Mount Nebo: The spot where Moses is said to have looked out over the Promised Land. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Jerusalem.
- Karak Castle: A massive Crusader fortress with dark, winding underground passages to explore.
Days 4 & 5: Uncover the mysteries of Petra and Little Petra
Petra is the highlight of any trip to Jordan, and you definitely need two days here to do it justice. On your first full day, wake up early to beat the crowds and walk through the Siq—a narrow, towering gorge that winds for over a kilometer before suddenly opening up to reveal the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh). But don’t stop there! Walk further into the valley to see the Royal Tombs, the Roman theater, and climb the $800$ steps up to the breathtaking Monastery (Ad-Deir). On day five, visit “Little Petra” (Bab al-Siq) in the morning. It is a smaller, much quieter version of the main site and gives you a great look at how ancient Nabataean trade caravans used to stop and rest. In the afternoon, make your way south toward the desert.Days 6 & 7: Experience the red sands of Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum looks so much like outer space that movies like The Martian and Dune were filmed here. It is a vast, red desert filled with giant sandstone mountains and narrow canyons. Spend your days riding in the back of an open-air 4×4 Jeep, climbing up giant sand dunes, and looking at ancient rock carvings left by nomadic tribes thousands of years ago. At night, stay in a Bedouin-style desert camp. You will eat a traditional dinner cooked in an underground oven (Zarb) and fall asleep under a sky completely filled with stars.Day 8: Relax by the Red Sea in Aqaba
After days of walking and exploring the desert, you will want some downtime. Drive south to Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city on the Red Sea. The water here is incredibly clear, and the coral reefs are home to colorful fish, turtles, and even sunken shipwrecks. It is the perfect place to go snorkeling, take a boat cruise, or simply sit at a waterfront cafe and enjoy fresh seafood.Days 9 & 10: Float in the Dead Sea & canyon in Wadi Mujib
From Aqaba, head north along the Jordan Rift Valley to the Dead Sea. This body of water sits at $-430\text{ meters}$ (about $-1410\text{ feet}$) below sea level, making it the lowest point on Earth. Because the water is ten times saltier than the ocean, you cannot sink. You simply bob on the surface like a cork! Slather yourself in the mineral-rich black mud along the shore, let it dry, and rinse it off in the water for incredibly soft skin. If you are visiting between April and October and love adventure, make a stop at Wadi Mujib. You can do a wet hike through a massive canyon, climbing over rocks and sliding down waterfalls with a life jacket. On Day 10, make the short 1-hour drive back to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman for your flight home.Do I need a visa to visit Jordan?
Yes, most international travelers require a visa to enter Jordan. While some nationalities can get a visa on arrival, waiting in long lines at the airport after a tiring flight is the last thing you want to do. The smartest and most convenient way to prepare for your trip is to secure your Jordan tourist eVisa online before you leave home. By applying in advance, you can walk straight to the passport control desks when you land, saving you precious time. You can easily check your eligibility and submit your online Jordan visa application in just a few clicks.Why choose us for your Jordan eVisa application?
Planning an international trip involves a lot of moving parts. We believe that securing your travel documents should be the easiest step of all. Here is why thousands of travelers trust us to handle their Jordan eVisa applications:- Reliable Travel Visa Services: Our global approach has assisted numerous travelers in obtaining their Visa safely, securely, and without any hidden headaches.
- Experienced Visa Consultants: We don’t just process forms; we review them. You will receive expert guidance from our team to ensure the accuracy and acceptance of your application.
- Efficient Visa Application Process: No complicated government jargon or confusing interfaces. You can apply for your Visa in minutes with our highly simplified, user-friendly online form.
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What are the most important travel tips for Jordan?
To make sure your 10-day trip goes as smoothly as possible, keep these practical tips in mind:- What currency do they use? Jordan uses the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants in Amman and Aqaba, but you will need cash for local markets, small cafes, taxi rides, and inside Petra or Wadi Rum.
- Is Jordan safe to visit? Yes, Jordan is incredibly safe. It is often referred to as “the quiet house in a noisy neighborhood.” The local people are famous for their hospitality and will frequently greet you with a warm smile and a friendly “Welcome to Jordan!”
- What should I wear? Jordan is a conservative country. While you do not need to cover your head, it is respectful to dress modestly. Both men and women should keep their shoulders and knees covered when walking around public areas like cities and historical sites. Light, breathable fabrics are best for the heat.
- Protect your feet at the Dead Sea: The shoreline of the Dead Sea is made of hard, crystallized salt rocks which can be very sharp. Always wear water shoes or sandals when walking into the water to avoid cutting your feet.
