Wadi Rum Desert, 2 Weeks in Jordan
Destinations,  Jordan,  Middle East

2 Weeks In Jordan: The Ideal Travel Itinerary

Get ready for an unforgettable trip to the heart of the enchanting kingdom of Jordan. Embark on a self-drive adventure that will take you through mind-blowing landscapes and historical sights. From the ancient wonders of Petra, to the ethereal beauty of the Wadi Rum desert and the salty waters of the Dead Sea. This is the ultimate itinerary for 2 weeks in Jordan.

Day 1 – 2: Amman

Temple of Hercules in Amman

Start your journey in the capital Amman, a city that effortlessly blends the past with the present. Channel your inner history buff and explore the interesting historical sights, such as the Citadel and the Roman Theatre. Enough history for one day? Make your way to the bustling Rainbow Street for a refreshing drink and good food.

I found Amman in particular a bit more conservative than the rest of the country, so it’s important to dress modestly (especially as a woman) and respect local customs and traditions. Even while I was completely covered up, men were still staring and shouting at me. Blonde hair maybe doesn’t help.

How long to stay in Amman

Two days should be plenty to visit the main sights, including your day of arrival. It’s a nice place to settle down after a long flight, but it’s not a particularly beautiful city. Definitely not necessary to stay longer.

Day 3 – 4: King’s Highway, Dana and the Wadi Ghuweir Trail

The King’s Highway

Embark on a scenic drive along the King’s Highway, passing through picturesque landscapes of valleys and ancient towns. Your next stop is Dana, a charming village perched atop a cliff. Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the stunning Wadi Ghuweir Canyon in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. An incredible 15-kilometer hike takes you through a winding gorge with unique rock formations.

How long to stay in Dana

Driving from Amman to Dana via the King’s Highway should take a couple of hours, so this is your first day. Make a stop at the striking Karak Castle along the way. You can opt to hike the Wadi Ghuweir Trail the next day and then continue your journey south the day after. If you need some time for relaxation or want to do another hike in the area, add another day in Dana. The surroundings are simply stunning, you can’t go wrong here. Tip: Stay in an Eco Camp with mesmerizing views of the Dana valley. They also organize hiking trips for you. I stayed at Al-Nawatef Eco camp and loved it!

Day 5 – 7: Shobak Castle, Aqaba and the Red Sea

Drive to the coastal city of Aqaba, where the Red Sea beckons with its crystal-clear waters and colorful marine life. On your way south, pay a visit to Shobak Castle, a well-preserved fortress with panoramic views that echoes the tales of crusaders and conquerors. In Aqaba you can snorkel or dive in the world class coral reefs, or simply relax on the soft, sandy beaches.

How long to stay in Aqaba

A couple of hours driving takes you from Dana to Aqaba, including a stop at Shobak Castle. Then it’s up to you. Do you want to go snorkeling and diving? Relax at the beach? Go shopping? I stayed for two nights in Aqaba, including one full day of diving in the Red Sea. You’re already halfway your 2 weeks in Jordan, so it’s not a bad idea to take it easy for a day here.

Day 8 – 9: Wadi Rum desert

4WD car in the Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan
Exploring the desert by 4WD car

Prepare for an otherworldly experience as you venture into the mystical desert of Wadi Rum, often referred to as the Valley of the Moon. This place is one of the most majestic places on earth I’ve ever been to. Take a jeep tour through its desolate landscapes, towering sandstone cliffs and ancient petroglyphs. Spend an unforgettable night under a blanket of stars in a traditional Bedouin camp. I can recommend Arabian Nights Bedouin Camp, in particular the luxury tents. If you want to splurge, book a hot air balloon flight with Rum Balloon! You should book the hot air balloon well in advance, as it’s often fully booked.

How long to stay in Wadi Rum

We drove to Wadi Rum in the morning from Aqaba. You can also get a bus. Upon arrival, we started with a half day jeep tour. At the end of the day, the jeep took us to the camp where we stayed the night. The next day we did a second half day jeep tour and we were brought back to Wadi Rum village during the day. I really recommend to do either a full day tour or two half day tours, as it allows you to also explore the remote areas of Wadi Rum. The half day jeep tour on the first day felt a bit overcrowded, because it was the most popular tour with sights closest to the village. In short, a one-night stay should allow you to explore the best parts of the desert. For me, Wadi Rum was the absolute highlight of my 2 weeks in Jordan. Don’t skip it!

Day 10 – 11: Petra

The Monastery

Travel to Petra, the crown jewel of Jordan. Walk through the narrow Siq, a winding sandstone gorge, until you arrive at a breathtaking façade carved into the rock. The famous Treasury. Explore the extensive, ancient Nabatean city and hike all the way to the Monastery for the complete experience.

How long to stay in Petra

It’s only a two-hour drive to Petra from Wadi Rum. Want to go by bus? Check out and book buses directly from Wadi Rum to Petra via Bookaway. I arrived late afternoon, and since we had a two-day entrance pass for Petra, we immediately made our way to the ancient city. All the tourists were just leaving, allowing us to see Petra with only a couple of other visitors. The next day we hiked to the Monastery via the so-called back door route and walked all the way to the main entrance. This should take you a full day. In total, two days in Petra is sufficient.

Day 12 – 13: Dead Sea & Wadi Mujib

View of the Dead Sea

Time to relax and refresh in the waters of the Dead Sea, known for its healing powers. Float effortlessly and bathe with mineral-rich mud for a unique spa experience. In for an adventure? Hike the Wadi Mujib trail through a river in a narrow gorge, carved by millennia of rushing waters. You WILL get wet, guaranteed!

How long to stay at the Dead Sea

One day of absolute relaxation and a trip to Wadi Mujib requires two days by minimum, but it’s not a bad place to stay longer and soak up some sun (and salt, probably). There are numerous five-star hotels that await your arrival.

Day 14: Jerash

Jerash, Jordan
Sun setting over the ruins of Jerash

On your last day, visit the Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash, a city frozen in time with its grand temples, theaters, and colonnaded streets.

How long to stay in Jerash

Jerash is a day trip from either Amman or the Dead Sea. A couple of hours is plenty to explore the ruins.

And that’s it, your 2 weeks in Jordan have come to an end. From Jerash, you can easily drive to the airport in Amman and fly out of the country.

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Are you heading to Jordan and do you still have any questions about this itinerary? Let me know in the comments or share your thoughts on the best itinerary for 2 weeks in Jordan!

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