Petra, Jordan-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Morning

  • Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
  • Take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel in Wadi Musa, the town closest to Petra
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
  • Visit the Petra Visitor Centre to get an overview of the site and plan your trip

Afternoon

  • Explore Wadi Musa’s local market for souvenirs and snacks
  • Try some traditional Jordanian cuisine like shawarma or falafel at a local eatery

Evening

  • Stay overnight at a hotel in Wadi Musa, such as the Mövenpick Resort Petra or the Petra Marriott Hotel
  • Get a good night’s rest before your adventure begins!

Day 2: Exploring Petra

Morning

  • Start your day early to avoid the crowds and heat
  • Take a horse-drawn carriage ride from the visitor centre to the Siq, the narrow canyon that serves as the main entrance to Petra (optional)
  • Walk through the Siq and marvel at the Treasury Building (Al-Khazneh)

Afternoon

  • Explore the Monastery (Al-Deir) and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains
  • Visit the Royal Tombs and the Amphitheatre

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Jordanian dinner at a local restaurant like Beit Sittie or Al-Wadi Restaurant
  • Return to your hotel for some well-deserved rest

Day 3: More of Petra

Morning

  • Visit the High Place of Sacrifice (Al-Madbah) and take in the panoramic views of Petra
  • Explore the Street of Facades, lined with ancient Nabataean ruins

Afternoon

  • Take a guided tour or venture on your own to explore the lesser-known sites like the Lion Fountain and the Byzantine Church

Evening

  • Enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel or take a stroll around Wadi Musa

Day 4: Little Petra and Ayl

Morning

  • Visit Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), a smaller but equally impressive site to Petra
  • Explore the ruins and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape

Afternoon

  • Head to the nearby town of Ayl, known for its ancient copper mines and traditional Bedouin culture
  • Take a guided tour or explore on your own

Evening

  • Return to Wadi Musa and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 5: Dead Sea and Amman

Morning

  • Drive to the Dead Sea ( approx. 4 hours) and spend some time relaxing and floating in the salty waters
  • Take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys

Afternoon

  • Head to Amman, the capital city of Jordan (approx. 1 hour)
  • Explore the vibrant markets and souks of downtown Amman

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like Hashem Restaurant or Al-Mudawar Cafe
  • Stay overnight in Amman at a hotel like the Grand Hyatt Amman or the Sheraton Amman Hotel

Day 6: Exploring Amman

Morning

  • Visit the ancient Citadel (Jebel al-Qal’a) and take in the stunning views of Amman
  • Explore the Jordan Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits on Jordan’s history and culture

Afternoon

  • Visit the King Abdullah Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Amman
  • Take a stroll around the trendy Rainbow Street, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or try some international cuisine
  • Return to your hotel for some rest

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring Amman’s markets
  • Head back to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for your departure flight

Things to Know

  • Petra is a vast site, so be prepared for a lot of walking and hiking. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring sunscreen, water, and a hat.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or interacting with Bedouin communities.
  • Jordan is generally a safe country, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Transportation

  • Taxis are widely available in Wadi Musa and Amman. You can also hire private cars or drivers for the day.
  • There are regular buses between Wadi Musa and Amman, as well as other major cities in Jordan.

Tips

  • Try to avoid visiting Petra during peak season (June to August) if you can, as it can get very crowded and hot.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated.
  • Learn some basic Arabic phrases like “shukraan” (thank you) and “as-salamu alaykum” (hello) to show respect for the local culture.

Other Things of Interest

  • Take a camel ride or horseback tour around Petra for a unique perspective on the site.
  • Visit the nearby town of Dana, known for its ancient ruins and stunning natural beauty.
  • Explore the vibrant arts scene in Amman, with numerous galleries and exhibitions showcasing local and international artists.