Jordan 7-Day Itinerary: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea
A practical 7-day Jordan itinerary covering Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba — with private transportation, timing notes, and booking links for each leg.
Is 7 Days Enough to See Jordan?
Seven days is a practical and well-paced length for a first visit to Jordan. It allows you to cover the country's four essential experiences — Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Amman's city highlights — without feeling rushed, while leaving flexibility for rest, meals, and unexpected stops.
The itinerary below is designed around private transportation from Amman, with day trips and one overnight outside the capital.
Day 1: Arrive in Amman
Most international flights arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), 30 to 40 minutes south of the city centre. Arrange a private airport transfer to your hotel in central Amman or the Abdoun neighbourhood.
Spend the afternoon walking Rainbow Street, visiting the Citadel, and exploring the Roman Theatre. Dinner in Downtown Amman — the area around the old market streets is the most authentic introduction to the city.
Day 2: Amman to Jerash and Back
Distance: 45 minutes north of Amman. Recommended duration: half day to full day.
Jerash is among the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. The site includes colonnaded streets, temples, theatres, baths, and a nymphaea — manageable in 3 to 4 hours.
Return to Amman by afternoon. Book Jerash private transportation.
Day 3: Dead Sea Day Trip
Distance: 1 hour west of Amman. Recommended duration: half day or full day.
The Dead Sea sits at 430 metres below sea level — the lowest point on Earth. Floating in the ultra-saline water is a unique physical experience. Most resort hotels allow day visitors for a fee.
Book Dead Sea private transportation.
Day 4: Amman to Petra (Full Day)
Distance: 3 hours south of Amman. Recommended departure: 7:00–7:30 AM.
Petra deserves a full and early day. Aim to enter the site by 8:30 AM to walk the Siq before the main crowds arrive. The main trail takes 4 to 5 hours at a comfortable pace.
Stay overnight in Wadi Musa (the town outside Petra) to continue to Wadi Rum the following morning without an early Amman departure.
Book Petra Day Tour with private driver.
Day 5: Petra to Wadi Rum
Distance from Petra to Wadi Rum: approximately 1.5 hours.
Wadi Rum is a vast desert of red sandstone mountains and ancient inscriptions. The protected area is best explored by jeep tour (arranged locally at the Visitor Centre), which takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the route.
An overnight stay in a Bedouin camp inside Wadi Rum is strongly recommended — the night sky away from city light is exceptional.
Book Wadi Rum private transportation.
Day 6: Wadi Rum to Aqaba or Amman
From Wadi Rum, head to Aqaba (30 minutes) for a final day on the Red Sea, or return directly to Amman (3.5 hours) for a last evening in the city.
Aqaba offers snorkelling, diving, and a relaxed pace after the intensity of Petra and the desert.
Book Aqaba private transportation.
Day 7: Return to Amman and Depart
If flying from QAIA, allow 45 minutes from central Amman plus a 2-hour check-in buffer for international flights. A private airport transfer ensures you arrive on time without the uncertainty of finding transport with luggage.
Practical Notes
- The Dead Sea and Jerash days can be swapped depending on arrival day
- Petra and Wadi Rum work well as a two-day southern loop, staying overnight in Wadi Musa or a Wadi Rum camp
- All transportation in this itinerary can be arranged through ORYXJOURNEY with fixed pricing and no group schedule
- View all Jordan packages or customise your full itinerary