Jordan Road Trip: Itinerary, Hotels and Top Activities
Jordan Road Trip Itinerary: 1 Week Adventure
For those who follow us on Instagram, you know how much we love road trips, exploring every corner of the countries we visit and discovering hidden gems away from mass tourism. In this article, we’re sharing our complete itinerary, the hotels we stayed in and all the exciting activities we experienced.
This trip was done in collaboration with Visit Jordan, the official tourism board, so you can be sure we’ve put together the ultimate adventure-filled itinerary for travelers who love authentic experiences!
We flew with Royal Jordanian Airlines and landed at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. Stay tuned for our upcoming article, where we’ll cover visa information, the best time to visit, and essential travel tips for your trip to Jordan!
Our Ultimate Jordan Itinerary and Hotels We Stayed At :
Day 1: Arrival in Amman at night and stayed at The Rotana Abdali Boulevard Hotel. This hotel is an excellent choice: central location, modern design, impeccable cleanliness and outstanding service. For Dinner, we head to Jubran Restaurant, a rooftop offering a stunning panoramic view of Amman. After our meal, we took a stroll through Abdali Boulevard.
Day 2: We stayed at Azraq Lodge, in Azraq. Our day activity was a visit at Azraq Wetland Reserve an Oasis and the Qasr al Azraq. For Lunch we visited a Local family.
Day 3: We stayed at Burqu Lodge, in the middle of the desert close to the borders of Syria and Iraq. Activity of the day in Azraq : Shaumari Wildlife Reserve and on the way to Burqu Lodge we visited two Desert castels, Qasr Amra and Qasr al Kharanah.
Day 4: The Abdali Boulevard Hotel, back in Amman. We visited the city of Amman.
Day 5: Montréal Hotel, in Shobak. On the way to our next destination, we stopped at Wadi Zarqa Ma’in.
Day 6: Wild camping in the Wadi al Hasa canyon.
Day 7: Petramoon Luxury Hotel, in Petra.
Day 8: Crowne Plaza Jordan, at the Dead Sea.
10 Must-Do Activities in Jordan for an Unforgettable Adventure (+ Bonus Experience!)
Jordan is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history and incredible cultural experiences. From exploring hidden canyons to visiting ancient sites, here are 10 must-do activities to add to your Jordan itinerary!
1. Explore the Desert Oasis in Azraq Wetland Reserve :
Located in the heart of the desert, Azraq Wetland Reserve is a surprising oasis that plays a crucial role in Jordan’s ecosystem. It’s a major stopover for migratory birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. You’ll also learn about the importance of water conservation in this arid region.
2. Go on a 4x4 Safari in Shaumari Wildlife Reserve :
Hop into a 4×4 safari and explore Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, home to Jordan’s national animal, the Arabian Oryx. This reserve was created to protect endangered species and offers an incredible chance to see reintroduced wildlife up close. Enjoy a tea break in the desert, learn about the region’s native plants, and discover how conservation efforts are reviving Jordan’s wildlife.
3. Experience Authentic Local Life with a Druze or Chechen Family :
For a truly authentic cultural experience, visit a Druze or Chechen family in Azraq. Spend time in their home, enjoy a delicious homemade meal, and engage in deep conversations about tradition, daily life and the unique history of these communities in Jordan. We spent hours learning about their struggles and way of life. It was an unforgettable experience!
4. Discover Jordan’s Mysterious Desert Castles :
Jordan’s desert castles are a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history. We explored:
•Qasr Al-Kharanah – A striking fortress in the middle of the desert. (Click here for the full article!)
•Qasr Amra – A UNESCO-listed castle famous for its well preserved frescoes. (Full details here!)
Exploring these castles with a Bedouin family made the experience even more special!
5. Hike Through Wadi Al Hasa – Jordan’s Hidden Canyon :
Wadi Al Hasa is one of Jordan’s most breathtaking hidden gems. We embarked on a 28km hike over two days, sleeping in the middle of the canyon under the stars. The landscapes were simply breathtaking and our campsite felt like a dream!
💡 Good to know: This hike involves walking through water and passing by natural hot springs. If a two-day trek sounds too intense, there’s also an easier one day hike. (Read the full adventure here!)
6. Rappel Down a 45m Waterfall in Wadi Zarqa Ma’in :
If you love adventure, Wadi Zarqa Ma’in is a must! This stunning canyon offers an easy hike, but the real highlight is the rappelling experience, especially the final 45m waterfall descent!
I was terrified at first and by the last waterfall, I almost didn’t do it, but what an unforgettable experience! (See if I was brave enough to go through with it in the full article!)
7. Visit the Ancient City of Petra in One Day :
No trip to Jordan is complete without visiting Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Walk through the famous Siq, marvel at the Treasury and explore the monastery, royal tombs and hidden hiking trails. Petra is massive, so wear comfortable shoes and get ready for an adventure!
8. Take a Cooking Class and Learn Jordanian Cuisine :
Discover the secrets of Jordanian cuisine by taking a traditional cooking class. We learned to prepare local dishes in Petra, but we also heard that there’s an amazing class in Amman! If you love food, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
9. Experience Amman’s Vibrant Nightlife :
We spent an unforgettable Thursday night (the start of the weekend in Jordan) exploring Amman’s lively streets. Families were out enjoying the evening and the city was full of energy.
Must-try food:
• Knafeh – A traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with cheese, syrup, and crispy pastry. The best one is called “Habibah”
• Lemon mint juice – A local juice that you can find everywhere and that is super refreshing.
• “Kaek” bread – Visit the oldest bakery in town, over 60 years old, the name is: Bakery Salah El Deen. Make your own sandwich right in the bakery. Don’t miss their eggs, baked under the oven for 6 hours and open 24/7 with the freshest bread in town, it’s a local favourite.
Of course, we also stopped by the Amman Citadel, one of the best places to soak in the city’s history and skyline.
10. Float in the Dead Sea and Enjoy a Spa Experience :
After days of adventure, nothing beats floating in the Dead Sea! The water’s high salt content makes swimming effortless, and the mineral-rich mud is perfect for a natural spa treatment. Many Dead Sea resorts offer day passes, so you can relax and enjoy the views.
Bonus: Visit Qasr Al Azraq :
As a bonus, don’t miss Qasr Al Azraq, a fortress that once served as T.E. Lawrence’s headquarters during the Arab Revolt. Its black basalt stone structure stands out in the desert landscape, offering a unique contrast to Jordan’s other castles.
