The best 4 day Jordan itinerary.
What a way to end our 4 day Jordan trip.
Floating on the Dead Sea and ticking another one off my bucket list!
By day 4 of this Jordan itinerary, you will have fallen in love with the beautiful country.
It’s natural beauty, historical significance, and of course, a desert from another world!
No other country can offer so many different wonders in such a short trip.
This itinerary ensures that you can fit all of Jordan’s wonders in, even if you are on a short visit.
Earth or Mars?
This trip is based on a faster style of travel which won’t be for everyone, however, it is worth considering for all types of travellers.
It is based on my personal experience, which was through a private tour, meaning we enjoyed comfort, efficiency and a beautiful night’s stay in a Bedouin camp, having fun with the locals.
Let’s start in the ancient capital - Amman!
Arriving into Jordan for the first time.
Day 1 - Explore Amman.
Amman is often overlooked in a Jordan itinerary because of the abundance of wonders throughout the mystical nation, however, it is an ancient treasure trove with a modern twist!
One full day in the Jordanian capital is enough time to enjoy the bygone gems, the popular rainbow street, and some artistic delights which are popping up throughout the city.
Then there is a falafel from the famous AL-Quds which has offered International visitors a taste of the Middle East for over 50 years!
If you want to enjoy the full experience of Amman, then you should be up bright and early to enjoy a local coffee and a spot of breakfast, ready for your day exploring.
I found grabbing a cappuccino in a rooftop coffee shop in Rainbow Street was a great introduction into Middle Eastern culture as it gave me a feel of the local vibe.
There are plenty of options for a coffee throughout the city, so you won’t have to venture far from your accommodation to find somewhere.
Next stop, a step back in time inside the historical landmarks!
The citadel offers the best views of the hilly city.
Check out the historical sites.
Amman is spread over seven hills with ancient monuments dotted throughout the downtown area, all offering unique stories from different points through its vast history.
The main historical sites in Amman are:
Citadel.
The Jordan Museum.
Roman Temple of Hercules.
Roman Theatre.
King Abdullah Mosque.
There is no place better to start than the Citadel!
You can catch the best shot of the Jordanian capital from the top of Jebel Al Qala'a (highest hill in Amman).
The Citadel site is home to the Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace, along with The Jordan Museum, all of which offer a glimpse back into ancient times.
The Temple of Hercules is a striking feature of the city, and although only parts of the podium and columns remain, it still stands tall above the, and can be spotted from vantage points throughout downtown.
The Temple was built back in AD 161-80 by Marcus Aurelius, so has stood the test of time remarkably.
The citadel from a distance doesn’t show its scale.
The Roman Theatre is another iconic symbol of the city which has survived until the modern day.
Unlike parts of the Citadel site, the city’s amphitheatre is still used for modern day events.
Located just at the bottom of the hills of downtown Amman, the Roman masterpiece is carved into the Jabal Al-Jofeh, and has been since its construction two thousand years ago.
It is around a fifteen minute walk between the Citadel and Roman Theatre, which is made easier by the continuous descent.
The structure has had restoration works back in 1957, when the Jordanian Government invested into the project. This helps the theatre to host the bi-annual ‘Al-Balad Music Festival’.
One of the best things to do is to stand on the stage and test the acoustics out.
The Roman Theatre is a must-visit during your day exploring Amman.
King Abdullah Mosque.
If you want to experience some peace and serenity amongst the hustle and bustle of downtown, then visiting the famous King Abdullah Mosque is a great way of immersing yourself in the local culture.
The beautiful building has spectacular architecture throughout its interior and exterior, with the highlight being its blue mosaic dome.
If you visit when prayer time isn’t occurring you are allowed to enter for a couple of dinars, and you will be provided with the abaya robe.
Wandering around the grand mosque is a nice way to finish your historical journey in the capital.
Admire the arty side of the city.
There is no doubt that Amman is full of historical gems, however, the city also has a modern twist.
Uniquely, The Jordanian capital is now full of colour and art following a recent phenomenon in the city!
Rainbow Street.
Although street art murals and art galleries are popping up throughout the city, you will find the most colourful vibes in Rainbow Street - the most popular street for international tourists!
Rainbow Street stretches through Jabal Amman and includes many rooftop cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and souvenir shops.
A great evening entertainment hub with a mixture of local and international options.
You should end your day in Amman trying some local delicacies in an authentic restaurant.
Rainbow Street is popular with international tourists.
A famous street art mural on a tall building in Amman.
An awesome accommodation choice in Amman.
Nomads Hotel.
The welcoming lounge area in Nomads Hotel.
Practical tips for Day 1:
It is recommended that you purchase a Jordan Pass in advance of arrival into Jordan.
The passes cover most of the tourist sites throughout the Kingdom and will make your trip hassle free and cheaper.
You will qualify for ‘The Wanderer’ pass if you are visiting for 4 days
Citadel.
Opening times: 8am - 7pm Daily.
Entrance Fee: included in Jordan Pass
Roman Theatre.
Opening times: 8am - 8pm Sun - Thurs, 8am - 10pm Fri & Sat.
Entrance Fee: included in Jordan Pass
King Abdullah Mosque.
Opening times: 3.20am - 10pm Daily.
Entrance Fee: 2 dinars.
Best spot for a falafel = AL-Quds in Rainbow Street.
An authentic coffee shop = Samra Cafe in Rainbow Street.
Best Building Street Art Mural = ‘The Column’ located between Citadel and Theatre.
Insider tips:
Agree on a fixed price with taxi drivers before you enter taxis.
Staying in a hotel close to Rainbow Street is the best option for nightlife.
Day 2 - Madaba City, Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib and Little Petra.
Day 2 of your 4 day Jordan itinerary is action packed and offers a mixture of history and natural beauty, with a touch of adventure added!
The beauty of booking a private tour is the organised time table which ensures you can spend enough time at each site, and not have to worry about the travel logistics between each site.
These four landmarks all follow the main highway towards Petra, so break up the day travelling brilliantly.
First stop is Madaba City.
Madaba City.
The main highlights in Madaba City are the famous churches, which are all within close proximity to each other.
We visited:
St. George's Church.
Mosaics depicting the Middle East are found here, offering a very good insight into the history of Jordan.
Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist.
The name details why this building is famous, The church is deceivingly large in size. We kept being led through secret doors and corridors.
Church of St. John the Baptist.
This Roman Catholic church is located in the heart of Madaba and is popular on official tours.
The church of Madaba is full of beautiful mosaics.
Mount Nebo.
Mount Nebo is another religious stop on Day 2.
You will stand where Moses stood at the end of his life, looking over the promise land (now Israel).
This was just a quick pit stop for us, but we had sufficient time to explore the whole site, including the incredible views of the Jordan River Valley and Israel.
Even though Mount Nebo is not included in the Jordan Pass, it only costs 3 JOD (£3.50) to enter.
After you have enjoyed the famous Mount Nebo viewpoint, you can enter inside the Memorial church of Moses which was rediscovered in the 19th century. It commemorates the place of Moses’ death, and still has some of the original mosaics from when it was first built in the 4th century.
The religious Mount Nebo site.
Wadi Mujib Canyon Trail.
The Wadi Mujib Canyon Trail is an experience which took us massively by surprise - in a pleasant way!
We hadn’t looked in detail as to what to expect with this adventure canyon trail, which made it even better.
Each corner of the trail we turned, another surprise appeared.
There are 4 different trails which you can take, starting from the Wadi Mujib Adventure Centre.
I recommend the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail.
Depending on which time of year you visit, it involves hiking, swimming, floating and sliding!
Due to being located very close to the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib is 400 metres below sea level, making it the lowest nature reserve on Earth.
It is another Jordanian treasure which must not be missed!
You will get wet walking the trails at Wadi Mujib!
Little Petra.
The last archaeological treasure on your day 2 itinerary is Little Petra, also known as Sik Al-Barid.
As a smaller version of Petra, this wonder is the ideal way to build up the excitement for Day 3 in the main site. Similar to Petra, this wonder is home to a Siq, intricate rock carvings and ancient artefacts from a once thriving Nabataean city.
This site is free for all visitors, however, the locals will try and offer you their tour guide services for a small fee.
We actually did hire a local named ‘Mo’, who showed us around and explained the different areas to us.
This isn’t essential though, but he definitely offered us some entertainment with his extroverted personality!
We enjoyed a tea with the locals inside the little gift shop located up in the mountains at the back of the site, and one of the Jordanians showed us some ancient coins which he had found over the years at Little Petra.
This was an authentic travel experience for us!
Little Petra was a great ‘free’ activity.
Some recommendations for an evening meal in Wadi Musa.
Following your busy day, you will be spending the night in Wadi Musa - a town which Petra is located in.
Most of the restaurants are authentic Jordanian restaurants.
Here are three of the best rated options for you to choose from:
Serves a combination of local and international dishes. The mansaf dishes are highly rated.
Some local fast food options including falafel and shawarma.
An option offering local and Mediterranean dishes inside and outside.
Most of the local restaurants in Wadi Musa are decorated in Middle Eastern style.
Practical tips for Day 2:
Wadi Mujib.
Opening times: 8am - 3pm Daily.
Entrance Fee: 21 dinars.
Mount Nebo.
Opening times: 5am - 7pm Daily.
Entrance Fee: 3 dinars.
Little Petra.
Opening times: 12pm - 11pm Thurs - Sun. 12pm - 12pm - 8pm Tues. 12pm - 9pm. Wed.
Entrance Fee: Free.
Wadi Mujib entrance fee includes entrance fee and a life vest (mandatory).
Wear swimming shorts for Wadi Mujib (there are changing rooms on site).
You will need a dri-bag in Wadi Mujib, but they are available to hire in the centre.
Day 3 - Petra + Stay in Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp.
Day 3 is the best day of your Jordan itinerary, as you visit the iconic wonder Petra, as well as the vast Wadi Rum desert.
It is as surreal as a day of travelling will ever get!
This is a long day with a lot of walking so make sure you sleep well the evening before and enjoy a large breakfast.
First stop of Day 3 is Petra!
Petra.
Ideally, you want to be arriving at Petra around opening time at 6am.
This will help you to beat the crowds and afternoon heat, which makes the walking between the highlights considerably harder (we visited in June).
You will also have the famous photography spots to yourself to catch the perfect snaps.
There was something magical about walking down the Siq into the Treasury with the place to ourselves.
The most famous shot at Petra.
In the 4 day tour option, you get to explore Petra for as long as you desire. We stayed all day and then headed back to the pick up point at around 3pm.
This allows you to slowly wander around and fully appreciate the different areas of the wonder.
You have over 800 steps to climb to reach the Monastery also, so planning accordingly makes it more manageable.
There are various restaurants to grab some food throughout the day to try and keep your energy levels high.
If you are pressed for time and have to choose one famous landmark in Jordan to visit, then Petra should be your choice.
You can visit the wonder on a day trip from Amman.
Side shot of the Treasury on our way up to the viewing platform.
Wadi Rum.
After your full day at Petra you are going to be very tired by the time you arrive at Wadi Rum.
The 4 day tour option plans for this by booking the 4 hour jeep tour for the morning of your final day, when you are fresher.
We enjoyed the chilled aspect of the Bedouin camp and watched the sunset while relaxing on the chair swing with the perfect vibe and incredible views.
We had a couple of hours spare before dinner time to check in, have a shower and explore the local area.
Then after our Bedouin dinner experience, we chilled around the campfire and stargazed.
Wadi Rum added another unforgettable dimension to our trip.
The true scale of the Mountains in the desert can’t be shown in photographs.
A fun Bedouin experience =
Wadi Rum Magic Camp.
Our two person budget tents in the Bedouin Camp.
Zarb - a Bedouin style dinner.
One of the highlights of Wadi Rum is the authentic Bedouin evening dinner in the camp.
‘Zarb’ is an ancient method of barbecue which is prepared underground in a food pit.
We were treated to a live show as the locals prepared the cooked food after pulling the metal racks from within the pit in the sand.
This is an authentic way of living for the locals, so it was awesome to take part in their traditions - and the food was delicious!
Bedouin style ‘Zarbing’ in our camp in Wadi Rum.
Practical tips for Day 3:
Petra.
Opening times: 6am - 6pm Daily (summer). 6am - 4pm Daily (winter).
Entrance Fee: Included in Jordan Pass.
Day 4 - Morning Jeep tour of Wadi Rum + Dead Sea.
After your surreal evening in the desert stargazing around the campfire with local tea, exceptional cuisine, and some great conversations, you are going to want to explore the natural beauty of the Wadi Rum desert.
Although you will have had the chance to explore the desert in a quick way on the evening before at dusk, the Wadi Rum Jeep Tour takes you on a journey into another world!
I remember being mesmerised by the scale of the mountains, as they dwarfed us in the jeep!
We also went to a sand dune which we climbed for some epic photos, and great exercise in the sun.
It is also awesome driving past camels in their natural habitat - it felt different to seeing them in Petra, where they are used more for tourists.
It feels like you are exploring Mars - you have to experience it to get the full grasp of how surreal it is.
Enjoying the Jeep tour in Wadi Rum Desert.
The Dead Sea.
On your way back to Amman on the final part of the 4 day itinerary you will get a chance to float on the famous Dead Sea.
Located on the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea offers a breathtaking experience which is truly unique.
Due to the salinity of the sea which separates Jordan and Israel, there is no marine or plant life present in it. This also means that you can only float on the sea. If you try to swim, the sea brings your body to the sea surface.
This is an awesome experience that is a must on any Jordan trip.
A trip to the resorts at the Dead Sea include a buffet lunch, private swimming pools and cordoned off beaches with mud bath experiences and sun loungers.
You do have to pay extra for the resorts, however, you get your money’s worth on the lunch alone.
Floating on the Dead Sea in Jordan.
Practical tips for Day 4:
Make sure you make the most of the beautiful breakfast in the camp, as it is a very long day.
Bring swimwear for the Dead Sea Resort.
Be prepared to pay extra for the Dead Sea Resort. We paid around 30/35 dinars for a buffet dinner and access to the swimming pools and private beach.
Try and enjoy the moment as it goes fast and the Wadi Rum Desert will soon just be a surreal memory!
Frequently asked questions about a short trip to Jordan.
When is the best time to visit Jordan?
Visiting between the months of March - May or September - November offer the best weather conditions as the temperatures are manageable.
We did visit in June though, and it was still an amazing experience!
Is 4 days enough to enjoy Jordan?
A short 4 day trip to Jordan is more than enough to experience the main attractions, and absorb some of the culture. If planning your trip independently, you may need to add a day or two due to the timings of public transport etc.
What is the visa situation for Jordan?
Citizens of most countries can get a visa on arrival at the airport or border crossing for around 40 Jordanian Dinars (£45).
Purchasing a Jordan Pass in advance covers the visa fee plus all the main attractions, so this is very important if you want to save money and time during our short trip.
Is Jordan safe?
Jordan is deemed a safe country for International visitors with most tourists having no issues.
The region is unstable though, so it is best to check in advance of your trip for up-to-date-information.
Want to explore the magic of Jordan yourself?
If you have been considering visiting Jordan for a while then this is your sign to go ahead and book your flights, you won’t regret it!
There are many ways to experience the beauty of the country, but an organised tour is the best way, for sure!
Due to how small the country is, it just makes sense to be chauffeured around in a comfortable vehicle. You can spend your time between the sites admiring the mighty kings highway, or the Dead Sea, instead of organising the minor logistics on your journey.
This private tour will transform your experience in Jordan, and I couldn’t recommend this option enough.
It will give you all the magic hassle free, to make your Jordan trip one to remember forever!
This Jordan 4 day itinerary ticked every box for us and was very comfortable, however, everyone is different when it comes to duration availability, spare cash, and travel desires.
Have any questions about this four-day Jordan itinerary?
Let me know in the comments and I will give you my best answer!
Enjoy Jordan - it is an amazing country!
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