Jordan: Amman, Petra & the Red Sea in 7 Days
Jordan
Overview
A compact but complete loop south from Amman: the Citadel and Roman Theatre in the capital, the full day (or two) it takes to properly see Petra's rock-cut façades, a desert camp night under the stars in Wadi Rum, and a final couple of days diving or relaxing on the Red Sea in Aqaba. A rental car or private driver makes the whole route straightforward.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Rental car
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €1,050–€1,400
Route
Highlights
- Walking the Siq into Petra and reaching the Treasury at sunrise
- A night in a Bedouin desert camp in Wadi Rum
- Snorkelling or diving the coral reefs of the Red Sea in Aqaba
- Amman's Roman Theatre and Citadel
Worth knowing
- Petra alone deserves a full day minimum — rushing it wastes the ticket
- Summer daytime heat in Wadi Rum and Aqaba is intense
- A rental car simplifies things significantly — public transport between these stops is limited
Day by day
Day 1
AmmanMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Amman Citadel and Roman Theatre
Day 2
Amman → PetraMain activities
- Drive south (~3h)
- Settle in near the site
Optional additions
- Petra by Night candlelit walk
Day 3
PetraMain activities
- Full day exploring Petra — the Siq, the Treasury, the Monastery
Reaching the Monastery adds roughly 800 steps beyond the Treasury — worth the climb if time allows.
Day 4
Petra → Wadi RumMain activities
- Drive (~1.5h)
- Jeep tour of the desert
- Bedouin camp overnight
Optional additions
- Stargazing
Day 5
Wadi Rum → AqabaMain activities
- Drive (~1.5h)
- Red Sea beach afternoon
Day 6
AqabaMain activities
- Snorkelling or diving the coral reefs
Optional additions
- Day trip to Wadi Rum's Um Sayhoun viewpoint
Day 7
Aqaba → AmmanMain activities
- Drive or flight back to Amman (~4h)
- Departure
Alternatives
Drop Wadi Rum's overnight camp and do it as a day trip between Petra and Aqaba instead.
Add the Dead Sea for 2 days of floating and spa time near Amman.