2 Weeks in Jordan Itinerary

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From the rose-red city of Petra to the serene expanses of the Wadi Rum desert, Jordan is an incredible destination when it comes to history, ancient ruins, and beautiful scenery.

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My first trip here was very short. I was travelling through Israel and Palestine, and I noticed that many tour operators were offering a multi-day trip to Petra, Jordan. I always wanted to see the old cities and learn about the Bedouin culture. So, I booked a 3-day tour.

I knew there was more to see there in that very short time. I decided to spend 2 weeks in Jordan and see what else it has to offer.

In this article, you will find the exact itinerary I did for my 14 days in Jordan. Plus, a list of things to do, activities to book, places to stay, and travel tips to help you plan and create your own travel plan.

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BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR JORDAN

4 images - on top left is the Amman Citadel with a standing columns surrounded by the ruins. Top right are the rocks in the middle of the desert of Wadi Rum. Bottom right is a guy floating on his belly in the Dead Sea. Bottom left is the Petra's column and statues - 2 Weeks in Jordan Itinerary

Let’s start with the basic travel information. In this section, we will talk about when to go to Jordan, the possible cost of the trip, the visa for Jordan, and how to get around. This will give you some ideas on putting together an itinerary.

When is the best time to travel to Jordan

The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring Petra or hiking in Wadi Rum.

Peak tourist season aligns with spring, especially April when the weather is ideal, but crowds are larger.

The summer months (June to August) are extremely hot, particularly in the desert areas, and are generally best avoided.

The shoulder seasons, which include early March, late May, and late November, offer a balance with fewer tourists and still enjoyable weather, making them great for a more relaxing experience and the prices of accommodation and tours are better compared to the peak months.

Are 2 weeks enough for Jordan

Yes, 14 days in Jordan is pretty much the perfect amount of time to visit. Of course, the more time, the better, but since Jordan is not too big of a country, with 2 weeks, you’ll be able to cover top attractions without feeling rushed.

It’s important that you plan the transportation well and arrange the cities or destinations in the correct order to maximise your time.

How to get around

In Jordan, renting a car is the most convenient way to explore, offering flexibility to visit sites like Petra and Wadi Rum at your own pace.

For budget travellers, buses are the cheapest option, connecting major cities and tourist destinations, though they can be less frequent.

For speed and comfort, taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are available, especially in cities like Amman and Aqaba. They’re ideal for navigating within cities and for shorter inter-city trips.

Remember, while public transportation is cost-effective, it may not always align with tourist schedules or reach remote locations efficiently. So, when creating your 2 weeks in Jordan itinerary, it’s important that you check how to get from point A to point B.

Language and currency

The official language of Jordan is Arabic. However, tourists can generally get around comfortably using English, especially in major cities and tourist areas like Amman, Petra, and Aqaba. Most signs at tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants are often in both Arabic and English.

Additionally, many Jordanians, particularly those in the tourism industry and young people in the big city, speak English to varying degrees, making communication for English-speaking travellers relatively easy.

The official currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). While major currencies like the US Dollar or Euro might be accepted in some tourist-centric businesses, it’s generally expected to pay with Dinars.

Cash is often preferred, especially in smaller shops, markets, and remote areas. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, large restaurants, and shopping malls in cities.

You should carry some cash in local currency to avoid having trouble with payment. You can use your bank card with hotels and travel agencies, but cash for restaurants, public transportation, and small shops.

What to pack

Jordan is a Muslim country and is quite conservative. Make sure that you pack clothing that covers your shoulder and past your knees (the same goes for all genders). In some places, you might also be required to cover your hair/head. A small scarf could do this job.

At the same, it gets quite hot in Jordan, especially during the day. So, when picking out clothes to bring, it should be breathable and lightweight.

Visa

It’s quite easy when it comes to visas for foreign tourists to get to Jordan. Pretty much everyone in the world can enter and travel to Jordan.

If your passport is from most countries in the Middle East, you can enjoy a free visa for one, three, or six months. This applies to Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, and UAE citizens.

Travellers carrying passports from North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania can receive a visa on arrival for a fee with a maximum stay of 2 months for JOD 40 ($56) per person.

While visitors from countries in Africa, Colombia, Cuba, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, and some parts of the Middle East can also enjoy a conditional visa on arrival.

Cost of 2 weeks in Jordan

Personally, I was surprised by how expensive Jordan was. The prices are quite similar to Europe. Well, Israel and Palestine alone are already expensive, so I guess I should have expected that. But don’t feel discouraged. There are still ways to holiday in Jordan on a budget. To give you some ideas:

For a budget-conscious traveller, an affordable trip might cost around 600-900 JOD ($850-$1,270 USD), including modest accommodations, public transport, and mainly local dining.

A mid-range experience, with comfortable hotels, some private transportation, and a mix of dining options, could range from 900-1,500 JOD ($1,270-$2,120 USD).

Luxury travellers can expect to spend upwards of 1,500-2,500 JOD ($2,120-$3,530 USD) or more, enjoying top-tier hotels, private tours, fine dining, and exclusive experiences.

These estimates exclude international airfare but include daily expenses and entry fees for attractions. It’s also recommended that you get travel insurance before departure.

Travel arrangement tips

Speaking of spending, you can save some money if you arrange your travel bookings in advance a little bit. This is especially true if you’re travelling during peak season. I use these websites to find the best offers and enjoy a range of selections:

HOTELS
VISA
CAR RENT
TOURS
FLIGHTS
BUS (EU/US/CA)
TRAINS (EUROPE)
TRAIN/BUS (ASIA)
BOOKED TOURS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
TOURS (ASIA)
HOSTELS
AIRPORT PICK UP
ESIM
BIKE RENTAL

MAP OF TOP SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN JORDAN

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN JORDAN ITINERARY

There are so many places to see in Jordan. If this is your first time, I can only imagine how overwhelming it must be to plan a trip, not knowing where to go first, how to get from one place to another, and how many days to spend in each.

The itinerary below is perfect for first-time visitors to Jordan. It highlights all the top attractions, allowing you to explore the capital city of Amman, go hiking in Wadi Rum, learn the history of Petra, float on the Dead Sea, and, to finish it off, go diving or snorkelling in Aqaba.

2 images - on the left is the rocks in the middle of the deserts and canyon in Wadi Rum. On the right is a the statue of The Brazen Serpent in Mount Nebo

Amman and the Dead Sea for 7 days

Amman is the capital of Jordan, but it’s actually quite a young city. Jordan was part of various empires, such as the Ottoman until World War I and then the British until 1946.

Today, Amman is a strategic location and has seen a rapid development. Hence, it’s a great place to start your trip.

I know that seven days seems like a lot of time in Amman. But don’t worry, you won’t be spending a week there. It’s just best to use Amman as your base for this time being while you do day trips near it.

Doing it this way saves you time because you don’t need to pack, travel, and then unpack. That routine can eat up your time, especially when you arrive too early and have to wait to check in your luggage.

After you explore Amman’s top attractions, you will then proceed to explore the surrounding areas. This includes a day trip to the Dead Sea, AlMa’wa for Nature and Wildlife Reserve, Ajloun Castle, Jerash, and The Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ to name a few.

Things to do in Amman, Dead Sea, and the surrounding areas

Where to stay in Amman

2 images - on the left is a guy on his belly floating in the Dead Sea. On the right is the iconic columns of Petra

Petra and Wadi Rum for 4 days

The moment I stepped into Petra, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Petra is a super cool place to visit because it’s like a giant, ancient city carved into red cliffs and is quite well-preserved today. It’s such huge, beautiful buildings made right out of the rock, it’s almost like a 3D painting.

It was an important spot for trading long ago and was the main city for the Nabatean Kingdom. The most famous spot, the Treasury, looks like a palace. Walking through Petra is like stepping into a different world where you can see how people lived thousands of years ago.

It’s not just the size of the buildings that’s amazing, but how they were made in such a location. This makes Petra fascinating and should be on your list of things to see in Jordan.

Wadi Rum is a must-visit place because it’s like being on another planet. It’s a huge desert with massive red and orange sand dunes, towering cliffs, and really cool rock formations. You might recognize it from movies like “The Martian” because it looks so out-of-this-world.

You can go on exciting jeep tours, ride camels, or even camp under the stars, which are super bright and clear here. It’s not just about the cool landscape; Wadi Rum also has a rich history and culture, with ancient carvings on rocks. It’s a fun and adventurous place that’s totally different from anywhere else.

Many accommodations are near Petra, so I recommend you book one there and use it as your base. Then, plan a day trip to Wadi Rum or even spend a night since it’s only about 2 hours away.

Things to do in Petra and Wadi Rum

Where to stay in Petra (Wadi Musa)

2 images - on the left is the columns and the ruins of Citadel in Amman. On the right is an aerial view of a Bedouin camp in the desert

Aqaba for 3 days

The perfect place to finish off your 2 weeks in Jordan is along the relaxing coastline of Aqaba. It is an awesome place to visit, especially if you love the beach and water activities.

Jordan’s only coastal city is right by the beautiful Red Sea. The water is super clear, making it perfect for snorkelling and diving, where you can see colourful coral reefs and lots of different fish.

Aqaba also has great beaches for relaxing and enjoying the sun. Besides the cool water excursions, there’s also a lot of history in Aqaba, like old forts, making exploring the city interesting. It’s a fun mix of beach vibes and history.

Things to do in Aqaba

Where to stay in Aqaba

LOCAL JORDANIAN DISHES AND DRINKS TO TRY

3 images of Jordanian dishes - on the left is Mansaf, in the middle is Knafeh, on the right is a glass of Jallab

While the Middle East have some shared cuisine among its neighbours, each country has its own versions, making the dishes unique and must-try during your visit.

Falafel and hummus are easily my favourite dishes from Jordan, but I also loved their version of baklava. I recommend you order a few of the food listed here and see which ones you like the most:

Savoury dishes

  • Mansaf: Jordan’s national dish, made with lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented, dried yoghurt and served with rice or bulgur.
  • Maqluba: A traditional dish of rice, vegetables, and meat flipped upside down when served, hence the name ‘maqluba’, which means ‘upside down’.
  • Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, often served in a pita or with salads.
  • Hummus: A creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
  • Musakhan: A popular dish consisting of roasted chicken with onions, sumac, allspice, saffron, and fried pine nuts atop flatbread.
  • Kofta: Grilled or baked meatballs or patties seasoned with various spices.
  • Shawarma: Thinly sliced cuts of meat, like chicken, beef, or lamb, rolled into a large piece of flatbread or pita.
  • Fattoush: A bread salad made from toasted or fried pieces of pita combined with mixed greens and other vegetables.
  • Tabbouleh: A salad made with parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, and bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Zarb: A Bedouin barbecue dish where meat and vegetables are cooked in an underground pit.

Desserts

  • Knafeh: A sweet cheese pastry soaked in a sugar-based syrup, often layered with dough or semolina.
  • Baklava: A sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
  • Halva: A dense, sweet confection typically made from tahini (sesame paste) and sugar.
  • Ma’amoul: Small shortbread pastries filled with dates, pistachios, or nuts.

Drinks

  • Mint Tea: A popular hot beverage, often sweetened and flavoured with fresh mint leaves.
  • Arabic Coffee: A strong and flavorful coffee, often spiced with cardamom and served in small cups.
  • Limonana: A refreshing type of lemonade blended with mint.
  • Jallab: A traditional drink made from dates, grape molasses, and rose water, often served with crushed ice and pine nuts.

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN JORDAN ITINERARY

Jordan is this magical place in the middle of a desert, like an oasis. It carries such history, offers beauty, and embodies amazing culture. It’s one of the few places in the world I’d love to visit again in the future.

Getting around is also very easy, making it convenient for first-time visitors. If you’ve never been to the Middle East before and are looking for a place to kickstart your adventure in this region, Jordan is the perfect place for that.

I hope that you found this 2 weeks in Jordan itinerary and that my travel tips and experience has been helping in planning your own trip.

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Jordan is ideal for solo travelers, offering the ancient city of Petra, the stunning Wadi Rum desert, and the serene Dead Sea. Explore rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality in a safe and welcoming environment. via @twoweektraveller