This adventure is just something you will never forget! Taking you from the ancient streets of Amman to the mystical sands of Wadi Rum and the awe-inspiring facades of Petra (which in 2007, was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World).
While the itinerary of the Jordan 4 Days Road trip – may seem intense at first glance (and I won’t lie, it is on an intense side), every moment spent on this road trip promises to be incredibly rewarding. You’re not just traveling from point A to point B; you’re ticking off major bucket list experiences one after the other.
Imagine floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, exploring the majestic ruins of Petra under the stars, and camping in luxury bubble tents amidst the alien landscapes of Wadi Rum – and this all happens in just 4 days! This guide which I wrote based on my own trip, ensures you hit all the highlights, making each day an adventure of a lifetime. So pack your bags, and let’s dive into an unforgettable exploration of Jordan’s treasures, complete with maps, tips, and all you need to know to make this intense journey absolutely worth it.
Is 4 days enough to travel to Jordan?
Yes! But, but also after the whole expereince I would love to do the same trip, a bit slower with 5 days (max 6) – especially an extra magical night at the Wadi Rum desert and 2 days entering Petra would make our trip even better. But with all we had, just 4 days – we made the best out of it – and YES, 100% it was so worth it.
Free travel map for your 4 days trip to Jordan
🌊 Beach and swimming spots
🌟 Highlight you can’t miss
🏠 Accommodation we booked via booking
📍Places worth visiting while in Jordan
📸 Cool photo spots
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To save the map, click the star ⭐️ icon. This way it will be saved to your mymaps.google.com account.
Is it safe to travel to Jordan?
This is a question I’ve got a lot. Especially when telling people that I am going on a trip there I got only 2 reactions:
1) “OMG so jealous, it’s such a great place!”
2) “Really? Please be safe. It’s crazy. It’s for sure dangerous there”
…and the 2nd reaction was the one I’ve heard more often.
So in short, this is my 4th Muslim country (before I was in Morocco, Egypt and Turkey) and I felt so safe, welcomed and appreciated as a tourist – like nowhere before. Unfortunately, due to the situations of the neighbouring countries, Jordan is losing a lot of tourism currently, which leads to extreme poverty in some families, which lead life completely base of tourism.
Nothing bad or radical is happening in Jordan. The country itself its safe, there is so much police (also tourism police) who keep an eye on everything and even Jordanians who we talked with, were saying that they appreciate the work of the police and the order they have in a country – because this gives them a huge sense of security as well. Additionally, as a tourist here – you are treated a bit extra – extra nice, extra fast – the moment you get controlled, they just wish you a good day. Everyone is working towards maintaining good image of the country and making sure the tourists soon come back.
Is it cheap to visit Jordan?
Not really, but.. let me explain. I was quite surprised when I realised that Jordanian dinar is stronger than euro. At the time of our trip 1 JOD = 1.31 Euro. Jordan isn’t typically seen as a budget-friendly destination, you can still save money with a bit of insider knowledge (for example reading this blog article) and a few adjustments to your travel plans. On average, a budget traveler can expect to spend around €45 to €65 per day in Jordan, covering accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. Mid-range travelers (that is me!), meanwhile, might spend about €90 to €135 per day, enjoying greater comfort and some extra luxuries.
4 Days in Jordan Road Trip Guide
| Day 1 | – Arrival to Amman – Visiting Amman Citadel – Lunch in the city at the Rainbow street – Driving to Mount Nebo – Sleeping near the Dead Sea |
| Day 2 | – Enjoying the Dead Sea and mud baths till mid day – Visiting Jesus Baptism Site & boarder with Israel – Enjoying spectacular Sunset on the way to Petra – Night in Petra |
| Day 3 | – Early morning ride to Petra – Starting sightseeing from the Monastery – Walking down to Treasury – Driving towards Wadi Rum – Sunset at the Wadi Rum desert – Staying in the Bubble Tent at the Desert – Traditional Beduin Dinner – Star gazing at the desert |
| Day 4 | – 4h Jeep Tour of the Wadi Rum desert & many film locations – (optional) Train Ride Adventure (Journey Through 1916)* – Driving to Aqaba for lunch – Enjoying the Red Sea in Aqaba – Driving back to the Amman airport * this activity is only happening on selected days, about this I write more below ↓ |
4 days in Jordan: detailed guide
→ Before starting your trip make sure you have all required documents or VISA, here you can check which countries require those papers. Additionally, if you consider flying a drone in Jordan – you will need special permissions which take time to get – otherwise your drone will be confiscated at the airport.
Day 1 in Jordan: Amman, Mount Nebo & the Dead Sea
When you land at the Amman airport there are a few things worth taking care of right on the spot:
- Car rental in Jordan: For 4 days we could have rented a car for 60 euro, but we went for 90 euro one with full insurance and 2 drivers. I would recommend the full insurance because the roads are good but the desert, small rocks are everywhere and it is easy to scratch a car by accident. Additionally the trip requires 2 drivers, since its an intense schedule.
- Jordan Pass (which includes the Jordan Visa if you stay above 3 nights in Jordan), you can get it here.
- Jordan SIM card with data, and yes you need one – internet works sometimes weird especially in the desert and you might lose connection while driving with google maps:
- You can get the Zain card with data right at the airport (this was the company recommended to me by many) or,
- you can easily buy an eSIM straight on your phone via the Airalo Mobile App
Sightseeing of the Amman city
Start your trip in the capital city and visit the Citadel to the panorama of Amman. With tickets at just 3 JOD (included in the Jordan Pass), the panoramic views and historical ruins, including the Temple of Hercules, are a must-see. From the citadel you can also see the Roman Theater – which is also included in the Jordan Pass. After soaking up the history, head over to Mount Nebo, around an hour’s drive.
Entry ticket is 3 JOD.
When in Amman make sure to visit the Rainbow Street – the vibrant side of the capital city. Here you can taste some local food, buy first souvenirs and relax with a shisha.
Driving in Jordan PRO TIP: Most of drivers in Jordan do not use turn signal lights so you have to pay extra attention to cars switching the lanes and they do honk a lot – almost as a way to communicate and not to warn someone.
Visit the Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo holds great significance in the Old Testament, as it is believed to be the place where Moses spent his final days and finally seeing on his on eyes the Promised Land, though he never set foot in it. Apparently God told him that he will never make it there, and he passed away on this mountain. Tradition suggests that Moses may have been buried here, although this claim remains unverified. On the mountain the view is heavenly, you can spot the Dead Sea, and the Israel ahead of you.
On the mountain there is a Memorial Church of Moses
What to wear at Mount Nebo? Make sure to wear sunscreen and comfortable footwear. It’s considered respectful to cover your shoulders before entering the Church, but apart from that no special outfit is required.
From Mount Nebo head towards the Dead Sea to catch a sunset.
Spend the evening by the Dead Sea
After an intense day, it was so nice to just check in our hotel and head straight to the beach to have my first experience with the Dead Sea. It is hard to swim in it, because you float, and do not make a mistake of diving underwater – you wont be able to open your eyes later due to all the salt in the water (yes, some people still try!). And one thing is also worth to remember – DO NOT SHAVE on the day/or day before – salty water will STING any open cuts you have.
I would definitely recommend staying in a hotel with an access to showers near the salty sea – trust me you will need it. Also the temparature near Dead sea can be crazy high – having some swimming pool to cool down might be necessary (a summer average temperature near the Dead Sea is between 32-39 °C (90 and 102 °F). We stayed in a beautiful East Hotel in Sowayma. On the other coast of the Dea Sea you can see the country of Israel.
FUN FACT: One of the most notable facts about the Dead Sea is its status as the Earth’s lowest point. But why is that? How can a body of water be situated below sea level? It’s because the Dead Sea is technically a lake, not a sea. Its surface lies approximately 396 meters below sea level. To provide perspective, this depth is similar to being deeper than the height of the Eiffel Tower (which stands at about 330 meters) or almost as deep as the Empire State Building is tall (approximately 443 meters).
Day 2 in Jordan: Dead Sea to Petra
Enjoy the morning at the Dead Sea with mud treatment
Since we had a bit of time in evening to enjoy the sea, we did the same in the morning, in the end this place is so special you just need to use all the good and float while relaxing in water. Many hotels will have their own “mud baths” where you can rub yourself all over and wait in the sun for drying (around 10 min). I did it a few times and seriously my skin was so nice and soft. The mud consists of big pieces of salt too, so it works like a scrub.
The Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ & Jordan River
This place is so special, and honestly I didn’t know what to expect from it, but I am glad I visited it.
Al-Maghtas, also known to many as the Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” stands as an archaeological marvel in Jordan, situated on the eastern bank of the Jordan River.
It is known as the traditional site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, a belief which lasts since the Byzantine era. Also this location has been listed as a World Heritage Site for its historical and religious significance. Even though the exact place of baptism is now dry – because the river changed its path, you can easily imagine “how it was” back in the days.
Apart from religious importance, this is a military zone between Jordan and Israel – when visiting the Orthodox Church right by the Jordan river you will see on the other side army and Israeli flag. Jordanians are very loud when speaking about the fact that there should be Palestinian flag instead, because this is their area. You can feel slight tension in the air when you are there and your guides will warn you not to wander away from the group due to security reasons.
Details about the Baptism site:
Entry Ticket: 12 JOD (when you buy it together with Jordan Pass online it was for 8 JOD)
It is not included in the standard Jordan Pass.
PRO TIP: Make sure to arrive at the place way before the closing time, because the parking is not the place where you start the tour. There is a bus which will take you with a guide to the military zone (that is where all this is placed) and only then you will start sightseeing. I would count at least 1,5h for this experience. Additionally, this area gets quite hot – we were here first days of April and it was 36°C, make sure to take something to cover yourself from the heat and take enough water with you.
Sunset at a scenic Sunset café
On the way from the Dead Sea area to Wadi Musa (where Petra is) you will see so many scenic places, that it is better to count some additional time for pit stops and photo stops. This is how we ended up in this sunset cafe – just by accident, and stayed there for 2h just to enjoy an amazing silence (we were the only guests at this time) and beautiful landscape. Here is the google map pin to the same place – I also have it marked on the main Jordan road trip map.
Overnight in Wadi Musa (Petra)
We arrived quite late to Wadi Musa, city where all the Petra related activities happen, and just enjoyed a nice dinner and shisha (5 JOD) with the hostel owner. But I’ve heard the sunset here are spectacular, so if you have time and arrive before the sun sets – consider finding a good viewing spot or go for a walking tour like this one with a local.
Make sure to keep the night short, and head to bed early – for Petra ahead, you will have to wake up super early and have strengths for a lot of heat and walking.
Day 3 in Jordan: Petra Exploration and Wadi Rum Adventure
Sightseeing in Petra
So, what is Petra? Petra is an incredible archaeological site in Jordan’s southwestern desert, often referred to as the “Rose City” because of its pink sandstone cliffs. Imagine walking through a narrow gorge called Al Siq that opens up to reveal the Treasury (which you might remember from the Indiana Jones movie!) —a massive temple with intricate carvings.
Once upon a time it was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom around 300 B.C., Petra has temples, tombs, and an amphitheater all carved directly into the rock. It’s not just historically significant; Petra is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, making it a must-see for its stunning blend of natural beauty and architecture. Definitely a place to check off your travel bucket list!
You can enter the Petra area from as early as 6:30 am, and I would recommend to be there as early as possible. You are not only avoiding the biggest crowds (to some extent at least) but you will be able to enjoy the place with less heat at the beginning.
Additionally it is important to remember that the place “closes” at 17:30 – so you do not have much time if you start late.
Our sightseeing started at 8 am. The Main Trail in Petra, is 8km round trip from the Visitor Centre and back, is an easy, largely flat walk. Count at least 4-6 hours for a return trip to all the sights along the route, rest and take some pictures.
We drove our car to the main entrence. Left it on a free parking there and from there you want to take a free shuttle (we didn’t know about it and took a taxi for a lot of money, do not make the same mistake!) towards Little Petra and the “end” of the Petra area. It was recommended to us to start our sightseeing from… the end of Petra. This way you just walk back to the main entrence and instead of climbing many stairs at some point – you just walk down. I would recommend to everyone who has just 1 day there to do the same. I saw many people suffering walking up 850 stairs in heat later, and it wasn’t fun to look at.
When you see the Little Petra you walk back to the same spot where the Shuttle Bus left you and here you have a choices to walk towards the Monastery where you will start (it will take minimum of 1,5-2h of walking). Or for 5 JOD you can hop on a jeep which will drive you most of the way. If you have just 1 day – hop on the jeep, it’s worth it. From there you will have to climb a bit, around 30 min before you will make it to your first spot (or the last on the map), the Monastery in Petra.
The Monastery (Ed-Deir) in Petra
The Monastery, or Ed-Deir, is one of Petra’s most popular architectural wonders. Much like the famous Treasury, it is carved directly out of rock, but stands out due to its larger size and way more secluded location. This impressive structure features a broad, 50-meter-wide facade crowned with a monumental urn. Historically, it’s believed to have been a Nabatean temple, possibly dedicated to religious gatherings, and no, you cannot enter inside.
After spending some time at the Monastery, you can go back down the steps to the main trail. From there, follow the signs leading you through Petra’s stunning landscapes towards the Treasury. This route lets you experience the less-visited parts of Petra before arriving at the bustling heart by the Treasury. Remember to take plenty of water and enjoy the journey—the shifting views of the sandstone cliffs are spectacular.
The Treasury (Al Khazna) in Petra
The Treasury, or Al Khazneh, is the most iconic sight in Petra. It was carved directly into the sandstone cliff face, this elaborate facade is a masterpiece of ancient Nabatean architecture, with detailed carvings and classical columns.
Legend has it that pirates hid their treasure in the giant urn atop the facade, which is how it got its name, “The Treasury.” It originally served as a royal tomb or a temple, and its preservation and stunning details make it a highlight of any visit to Petra. When you stand there it feels like stepping right into history!
But on the contrary to the Monastery this place is narrow in space and it is easy to get lost in crowds waiting to get their picture. Even though this it THE spot of Petra, I much more enjoyed our time at the Monastery. From there you walk the narrow passage of Al Siq gorge and slowly make your way back to the parking, while passing by many smaller but well preserved parts of Petra.
From here we drove towards our next spot, the Wadi Rum desert, but before I share about this… here are some interesting details about Petra.
Petra by Night
We did not stay overnight to enjoy the “Petra by Night” but if you have time it might be worth considering. The area lights up the ancient city with over 1,500 candles leading you through the Siq to the Treasury, making for a stunning experience under the stars. It happens every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening. The ticket is not included in your entry to ticket to Petra nor in Jordan Pass. Tickets cost 17 JD (about 22,50 euro), and this is separate from the daytime entry fee. Apparently it’s a breathtaking way to see Petra in a different light!
PRO TIPS FOR SIGHTSEEING PETRA:
- There is a free shuttle included in your ticket which will take you from the main entrence to the “end” of Petra. Or from the end to the beginning. This way you do not have to worry about getting back to your car after. Many people might try to convince you that taxi is the only way, but that is simply not true.
- From Little Petra you can take a (5 JOD) a jeep ride to make your walk way shorter to the Treasury. I think it was a fun attraction and it is worth it when you have just 1 day there.
- Wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking included, many stairs ahead of you, and it is necessary to have the comfort during long hours of walking.
- Do not ride the donkeys. I know it looks fun, and they even call it a TAXI. But I saw how those donkeys are being treated, pushed, falling from the steep stairs, and in this heat they are forced to carry tourists.
- Check the dates for the Petra Light Festival. You could be lucky and during your trip this special show is happening. See on youtube how it looks and make sure to book an additional ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions about Petra Sightseeing
2 days would be perfect, to see everything if you are in good physical condition. 3 day is definitely recommended if you are a bigger group or travel with elder people or/and kids.
Yes 100%. But you will have limited time at every location. Still it is doable, just you will need good time management and condition to walk the distance and many stairs. This place is massive.
Yes, in the basic package of Jordan Pass (JP) you have 1 day in Petra included, and then you buy the JP for +5 JOD you have 2 days in Petra. With +10 JOD you will have 3 days entry ticket to Petra in your Jordan Pass.
Yes, on the way you will find many small cafes, stands or lone salesman with cold drinks and food. You can also pay by card at many of those locations, but to be safe bring some cash with you.
Stay in Bubble tents at Wadi Rum desert
Sleeping at the Wadi Rum desert in a Bubble Tent was my weirdly specific bucket list item for a long time. So it had to happen on this trip! We stayed in an amazing Bubble Tent Camp called Bubble RumCamp and our host Mohammed was so lovely and welcoming. I can recommend this place 100%! Would love to come back there one day. Right after our arrival Mohammed showed us where to go for the best sunset view. We were not disappointed. Next day we found out this was the area where they filmed “Rouge”Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”.
Traditional Zarb Dinner
After sunset we were invited to join the traditionally cooked Bedouin dinner called Zarb (10 JOD per person). In this method, you marinate meats and fresh vegetables are place them in an oven hidden underground and cover with earth.
This special technique allows the ingredients to simmer slowly underground in their own juices, ensuring every bite is tender and richly seasoned. Then the cooks grab the shovels and remove the earth from the top, to then pull the metal construction with food, outside of the hole. It’s a delightful way to enjoy perfectly cooked, succulent dishes that capture the essence of Bedouin hospitality (on the pictures below you can see the result). After the long day and checking of 2 major bucket list items (Petra and Wadi Rum in ONE DAY!), we enjoyed some shisha (5 JOD) and Jordanian tea.
When you are staying at the Wadi Rum you cannot miss the sunset and sunrise at the desert – that is a must! But also you should consider staying outside long enough to enjoy the silence of the area and catch some stars! We tried to capture a few pictures of the night and stayed on our taras with the camp cat, who we called Kothammed (Kot = Cat in Polish, and partially Mohammed).
Day 4 in Jordan: Jeep Tour at the Wadi Rum Desert and visit in Aqaba
Sunrise at the Wadi Rum desert
Since you are already at the desert, I would also recommend to wake up for the sunrise – it just hits different in this place. The colours, sun rays reflecting on the orange sun and of course waking up to the quiet desert view – it is something you want to experience before the whole camp wakes up.
4h Jeep tour through the Wadi Rum desert
Early morning we booked a Jeep Tour from our camp. We paid 65 JOD for 4h (2 people). I must mention, that thanks to Ramadan at this time, we were lucky to be alone, and basically had a private VIP tour with our guide.
JEEP TOUR PRO TIPS:
- Take at least 1 big bottle of water, it gets hot very fast
- At some stops there will be tea and cookies provided, with an opportunity to buy goods from the locals. Take some cash with you.
- Head scarf is a must. It will protect you from the sun, wind and sand in your face. If you don’t know how to wrap it around your head, ask your guide or a local – they are the PROs here.
- SPF 50 is a minimum. We had our trip on the first days of April and we were burning. I can only imagine how it gets later in the season.
Was 4h enough for the jeep tour? I know I wouldn’t be happy with just 2h trip and would recommend to book between 4-6 hours ones. We were lucky to be just the two of us in one jeep. With more tourists on your trip everything will take longer and if you want to see many highlights – it is better to have more time to enjoy them. Here are some popular ones which you could consider – but many times also the camps offer the trips. I would recommend to compare the prices and pick the one which works best for you. Places you can see during the trip: movie sets of Martian, Star Wars, DUNE, Lawrence of Arabia and many stunning rock formations. Additionally some tours offer dinner, sunset watching and star gazing.
Train station of the Train Ride Adventure (Journey Through 1916)
On the way back from Wadi Rum you will notice a train station with just one train (old one) standing there. We drove to check the place, and it was the station for the Train Ride Adventure where they recreate with actors the Journey Through 1916. What does it mean? Actors participate in 1916 historical reenactment of the historical 1916 train attack, during the Great Arab Revolt. And you sit as a passanger on a train and even help with “protecting” of the train.
This one I really regret not participating in.. but we were not lucky with timing. The event happens every 2 days, and it needs to be booked in advance. You can add it to your Jordan Pass for free!
Here you can see a short video I found about this attraction:
– it comes up a lot in Jordan
A short stay in Aqaba city
After a great jeep tour we still decided to drive all the way down to Aqaba for a short visit before heading to Amman airport. Here the heat was unbearable 36°C (in April!), and the Ramadan was still happening so the streets were almost empty. And I probably shouldn’t go in my bikini to the sea in here, so we had little to choose from. We visited the Aqaba Fortress (max. 25 min) and walked around one of the beach areas. I am sure this is a great resort city, and probably not in Ramadan it’s very alive, but we quickly decided to just drive back to Amman and enjoy there some last minute shopping of the souvenirs. Here are a few pictures from Aqaba – maybe next time I will have more exciting experience there – it’s all about timing in the end.
Which souvenirs should you bring from Jordan?
Jordanian Scarf – The Keffiyeh
Red-white patterned scarf is a typical one here in Jordan. You can buy them everywhere and they definitely come in handy when going on a Jeep Tour or in general trying to cover your head.
Dead Sea Skincare Products
Here I double recommend it and PRO TIP, just go to a big super market and you will get the goods for 1/3rd of the tourist price. I got myself three Bloom Mud Masks, and four soap bards with salt pieces in it – which works wonderfully as body scrub. I saw later the same brand x3/4 the price at the airport so I know it’s the usual/popular one.
Jordanian Tea
Tea is the king of drinks in here. Especially in hot areas – hot black tea or sometimes mint tea is the go-to beverage. You will choose right by buying this as a gift or souvenir for yourself.
Jordanian Spices
- Sumac: for fish, chicken and salads
- Za’atar: it is a blend of sumac, thyme, roasted sesame seeds, marjoram, and oregano
- Cardamon: in Jordan they usually add it to their coffee
Don’t miss those places when travelling to Jordan
Traveling through Jordan in 4 days is an intense experience, but so worth it! If I could have additional 1-2 days more I would for sure add those places to my travel list:
- Ma’in Hot Springs: it’s located near the Dead Sea in Jordan, is known for its thermal mineral waters. This natural spa attracts those looking for relaxation and therapeutic benefits. You can enjoy a unique experience of bathing in hot springs surrounded by a dramatic landscape and waterfalls.
- Wadi Mujib Canyon: near the Dead Sea in Jordan, is renowned for its rocky beauty and adventure opportunities. This deep canyon features a river that cuts through the landscape, creating perfect conditions for canyoneering. If you’re up for an adventure, you can walk through water trails, climb rocks, and enjoy the stunning views of the sandstone cliffs.
- Dana Biosphere Reserve: It’s Jordan’s largest protected area, spans over 320 square kilometers of diverse landscapes, from sandstone cliffs to limestone mountains. The reserve is home to a wide range of ecosystems, making it a hotspot for biodiversity. You can spot rare wildlife like the Nubian ibex and enjoy hiking trails adjusted for various fitness levels.
- Attending the real Train Ride Adventure (Journey Through 1916): The Real Train Ride Adventure offers a unique, historic train ride experience where actors recreate scenes from the year 1916. This immersive journey transports you back in time, combining education with entertainment in scenic surroundings. The adventure is perfect for history enthusiasts or anyone looking for a fun day out. The train operates every 2 days, with rides starting at 10 AM and 2 PM. But to be sure – when booking your Jordan Pass add it for FREE to your ticket and book the time slot. Also to participate, you can sign up on their official website or purchase tickets at the train station. Make sure to book in advance as this popular attraction often sells out quickly!
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