Jordan Road Trip Guide: Best places, detailed itinerary & more.

Have you ever dreamt of embarking on a road trip that takes you on a mesmerizing journey through history and nature? Look no further, because our Jordan Road Trip is about to take you on an exhilarating ride through the ancient wonders and natural splendors of this enchanting country.

From the vibrant city of Amman to the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum and the timeless allure of Petra, this Jordan road trip promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Amman: A Modern Capital with a Rich Past

Begin your journey from the heart of Jordan, Amman. As you hit the road, you’ll immediately feel the vibrant energy that flows through its bustling streets.

Amman is a unique blend of modernity and ancient history, with its vibrant souks, historic sites like the Roman Theatre, and the Amman Citadel perched atop Jebel Al-Qala’a, offering stunning panoramic views of the city.

Apart from its scenic beauty, one reason Amman should be the first destination on your Jordan road trip is its access to one of Jordan’s main highways starts from Amman and culminates in Aqaba giving you the perfect stretch of road to explore the best of Jordan.

Tourist attractions of Amman you can’t afford to skip on the Jordan Road Trip

– Roman Theater: A well-preserved ancient amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century, offering stunning views of Amman.

– Citadel (Jabal al-Qal’a): An archaeological site on a hilltop with ancient ruins, including the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace.

– King Abdullah I Mosque: A grand and significant mosque known for its blue dome and impressive architecture.

– Rainbow Street: A vibrant and lively street with cafes, shops, and art galleries, perfect for strolling and experiencing the local culture.

– Jordan Museum: Showcasing Jordan’s history, culture, and artifacts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls.

– Darat al-Funun: An art gallery and cultural center housed in traditional Jordanian buildings, promoting contemporary Arab art.

– Souk Jara: A weekly open-air market held during the summer, selling handicrafts, clothes, and local products.

Jerash: Unveiling the Ancient Roman City

Next on your Jordan Road Trip, make your way to Jerash, an ancient Roman city that will transport you back in time. The drive from Amman to Jerash takes approximately 45 minutes via Route 35, and one hour if you drive on Route 29. However, the routes are congested so it’s more of a tentative timing than a fixed one.

Jerash is a city that offers a glimpse into the Roman era with its impressive architecture, temples, and theaters.

The ruins here are incredibly well-preserved, and as you stroll along the cobblestone streets, you’ll feel the echoes of history reverberate through the towering columns and grand arches. Make sure to have your camera ready for those epic Instagram-worthy shots!

Best Places to Visit in Jerash on the Jordan Road Trip

– Jerash Archaeological Site: The well-preserved ruins of the ancient Roman city, showcasing impressive structures like the Oval Plaza, Temple of Artemis, Hadrian’s Arch, and the stunning South Theater.

– Hippodrome: Witness ancient chariot races, reenactments, and other events that showcase the city’s Roman past.

-Jerash Archaeological Museum: Learn more about the history of the region and the artifacts excavated from the site at this museum.

– Jerash Folklore Museum: Discover the traditional culture and heritage of Jerash and its people through a collection of local artifacts.

– Ajloun Castle: Just a short drive from Jerash, visit this 12th-century Islamic fortress with panoramic views of the surrounding area.

– Umm Qais (Gadara): Explore the ancient Greco-Roman city with well-preserved ruins, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights.

– Souk Jerash: Immerse yourself in the bustling local market, where you can find souvenirs, and handicrafts, and taste delicious Jordanian cuisine.

Wadi Rum: Unraveling the Martian Landscape

Next up on the Jordan road trip leads you to Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon.

From ancient history to otherworldly landscapes, Wadi rum offers a plethora of experiences. Its surreal beauty lies in the vast expanse of rust-colored sand dunes, towering sandstone mountains, and ancient valleys that have been sculpted by time and nature. As the sun sets, the last rays make the dunes shimmer with a tangerine glow, which is a breathtaking sight to witness.

The stunning desert has many interesting rock formations like the Budrah Rock Bridge and the Khazali Canyon that you can explore as well. But since it’s renowned for its adrenaline-pumping adventure activities, you can tick many activities off your bucket list here.

Things to do in Wadi Rum on this Jordan Road Trip:

-Jeep Tours: Consider taking a thrilling jeep tour during the golden hour to visit the key attractions and viewpoints.

-Camel Trekking: Experience the traditional way of desert travel by embarking on camel treks guided by local Bedouins.

– Rock Climbing: The sandstone mountains provide excellent opportunities for rock climbing, catering to both beginners and experienced climbers.

-Hot Air Balloon Rides: Get a unique aerial perspective of Wadi Rum’s landscapes by taking a hot air balloon ride.

– Camp under the Stars: Spend the night in a traditional Bedouin-style camp, under a star-studded desert sky. You can spend the night enjoying local food and immersing yourself in the serene ambiance.

– Quad Biking: You can rent quad bikes and explore the desert’s open spaces for a thrilling escapade.

Aqaba: A Contrasting Coastal Haven

As you hit the road again, the landscapes will begin to change with every turn. Aqaba, your next destination on this road trip is Jordan’s only coastal city on the Red Sea.

The sweeping beaches adorn the city in a perfect juxtaposition to the otherwise dry deserts that you must have become accustomed to.

In Aqaba, you’ve got the bluest waters you’ve ever seen, just begging you to dive in and explore the underwater wonderland of coral reefs. And if you’re into history, Aqaba’s got you covered with ancient ruins that practically whisper stories from the past. You can also experience the buzz of local markets and the taste of mouthwatering cuisine.

Experiences not to miss in Aqaba on this Jordan Road Trip

Aqaba Aquarium: Explore marine life and ecosystems of the Red Sea through various exhibits.

Mamluk Castle: An ancient castle with archaeological ruins that can provide you with a glimpse into Aqaba’s history.

Scuba Diving: Explore the colorful coral reefs, underwater landscapes, and diverse marine species.

Snorkeling: Discover the beauty of the Red Sea’s marine life in shallower waters.

Water Sports: Engage in activities like jet skiing, parasailing, kite surfing, and banana boat rides.

Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: Experience the underwater world without diving into the waters with a glass-bottom boat.

Cruises: Enjoy floating on the waters of the Red Sea by indulging in sunset cruises and dinner cruises.

Petra: Unveiling the Rose-Red City

Picture this: On the next leg of this Jordan road trip, the road stretches ahead, winding through the wild desert terrain. You’re surrounded by incredible mountains, painted in rich, earthy tones – deep reds, warm browns – it’s like driving through a living canvas.

And then, like a scene from a movie, you start to see it: Petra. This ancient city emerges from the rock, hidden within massive canyons. The colors are unreal – the rocks, the sand, everything has a reddish hue and you can’t help but be in awe of it.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site will leave you spellbound as you walk through the narrow Siq, leading to the iconic Treasury, carved into the rose-red cliffs. Take your time to explore the intricately carved facades, tombs, and temples that make Petra one of the most captivating ancient cities in the world.

Best places to visit in Petra on this Jordan Road Trip

The Siq: A narrow, dramatic gorge that serves as the main entrance to Petra, showcasing stunning rock formations.

Al-Khazneh (The Treasury): Iconic carved facade, often seen in photographs, which served as a tomb for a Nabatean king.

Ad-Deir (The Monastery): Another impressive rock-cut structure, larger than the Treasury, located high in the mountains.

Royal Tombs: Elaborate burial sites carved into the cliffs, including the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb.

Roman Theater: A well-preserved ancient theater with seating for around 3,000 people, often used for cultural events.

Colonnaded Street: A partially restored ancient street lined with columns, showcasing the city’s bustling commercial life.

Petra Archaeological Museum: Offers insights into Petra’s history, showcasing artifacts and explaining its significance.

The Dead Sea: Floating on Serenity

Traversing a desert canvas that’s like something straight out of a sci-fi epic, you’ll steer your way northward. As you reach the Jordan Rift Valley, you’ll witness nature in all its jaw-dropping glory with cliffs that reach for the sky and a sea that gleams like a liquid sapphire.

The iconic Dead Sea which is the lowest point on Earth ironically will give you the best kind of high. It’s the perfect place for you to conclude the Jordan Road Trip.

You can indulge in a unique experience of floating effortlessly on the salty waters. The mineral-rich mud is known for its therapeutic properties and the rejuvenation it provides is exactly what you’ll need after all the days on the road.

Dead Sea experiences not to miss out on this Jordan Road Trip

Dead Sea Shoreline: Experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly in hypersaline waters due to its high salt content.

Mud Baths: Enjoy therapeutic mud baths known for their skin-nourishing minerals and rejuvenating properties.

Spa Treatments: Indulge in luxury spa treatments using Dead Sea minerals and mud.

Nature Reserves: Explore nearby reserves like Ein Gedi and Ein Bokek for hiking, wildlife spotting, and beautiful waterfalls.

Masada: Visit the ancient fortress of Masada, offering historical significance and panoramic views of the region.

Conclusion: Now that you’ve got your hands on the best Jordan Road trip itinerary, rev up your engine and get rolling. If you have any further questions, leave them in the comments below and the team of Adventures Overland will be happy to answer.