How to Do Jordan in Nine Days

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Editor’s Note: Exodus Travels hosted the author on its Desert to Dead Sea Jordan trip.

The small Middle Eastern country of Jordan is a dream trip to many travelers. Home to bucket-list sights like Petra and the Dead Sea, this destination is worth the journey. Limited on vacation time? You can still see the highlights of the country in just nine days. Exodus Travels’ Desert to Dead Sea Jordan trip is designed for travelers with limited time who still want to get a comprehensive overview of the country. 

This tour seamlessly takes adventurers across almost the entire country, from the north to the south, stopping at all the must-see spots along the way. 

Day One: Amman

Day Two: Jerash & Ajloun Forest

Parts of the ancient Roman city of Jerash date back as far as AD 129. In this sprawling, well-preserved historical site, you can see imposing ruins that give a sense of how grand Jerash was during its heyday. 

Located just an hour’s drive from Amman, Jerash is a great introduction to Jordan’s varied history.

After Jerash, head a bit further north to the Ajloun Forest, a tranquil nature reserve that is a popular vacation spot for locals looking for some greenery. 

Day Three: Mount Nebo & Petra

The drive from Aljoun to Petra takes over four hours, but there are plenty of places to stop along the way. No matter your religion, Mount Nebo makes for a worthwhile break during the road trip. 

This holy site is believed to be the place where Moses saw the Promised Land—and today offers expansive views of the Dead Sea, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Inside the site, there are impressively intricate historic mosaics on display. Stop at the nearby Arts River Center for Mosaic & Handicrafts to purchase your own handcrafted mosaics, made by artists with special needs.

Day Four: Petra

To make the most of your time in Petra, plan to arrive by 6am, when the gates open. This will also give you a chance for an unforgettable experience—watching the sunrise over Petra, as well as the added bonus of having a few cooler hours for hiking before the heat of the day sets in (especially if you’re visiting in warmer months.)

All visits to Petra begin with a walk down the Main Trail, a lengthy stroll through sandstone cliffs that eventually opens up into a stunning view of the Treasury, one of the most famous sites in Petra. 

Depending on your fitness and motivation levels, a full day in Petra is enough time to see the three most popular sites—the Treasury, Monastery, and High Place of Sacrifice. However, this will be a long day, and much of Petra is exposed to the sun, so be sure to drink lots of water and wear sun protective clothing.

Day Five: Wadi Rum

Day Six: Red Sea

Day Seven: Dana Biosphere Reserve

The views at the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest nature reserve, are worth the detour on your way back north. Stunning views of the Wadi Dana and towering canyon go on for miles from many vantages here.

You’ll also have the opportunity to dine at a local family’s house in Dana, enjoying traditional homemade dishes like maklouba, a decadently spiced platter of meat and rice.

Day Eight: Dead Sea

No need to pack your floaties—a dip in the Dead Sea will be unlike anywhere you’ve ever swum before. The lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea is almost nine times saltier than the ocean, which creates a buoyancy effect for humans. You’ll find it a struggle to swim, but you’ll be able to float effortlessly here. 

After floating for a bit, take some mud from the Dead Sea and slather it all over your body. Allow it to dry before wading back into the water, and then finishing with a freshwater rinse. Your skin will feel incredibly soft and smooth, thanks to the rich minerals found in the mud.

Day Nine: Wadi Mujib

The Best Group Tour Company for Jordan Trips

Crisscrossing Jordan and seeing the most of this beautiful country requires a fair amount of driving to fit it all in nine days. Leaving the driving to someone else is definitely the most relaxing option, especially given that the country’s roads aren’t the most well-signed, and they’re also riddled with speed bumps that are hard to see. 

On Exodus Travels’ Jordan trip, you’ll have a comfortable, air conditioned minibus and a personal driver to take care of the navigation. 

Taking Exodus Travels’ trip also opens up opportunities to connect with locals that you wouldn’t get as a solo traveler. A local guide will helm your trip, and teach you about what it’s like to grow up and live in the country. He’ll be able to give historic facts as well as offer insight into what modern day life is like in Jordan, as well as to advise travelers on local traditions and cultural norms. 

Exodus Travels’ trip also focuses on connecting with locals, opting for activities run by locals, shopping opportunities at Jordanian-owned businesses, and incorporating meals with local families in their homes. 

Exodus Travels’ nine-day Desert to Dead Sea Jordan trip starts at $2,699 and includes accommodation, airport transfers, activities, and most meals.

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