Jordan 8-Day Itinerary Overview | Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Amman – All in One!

Here’s a comprehensive summary of my 8-day, 7-night trip to Jordan. Honestly, I just wanted to share more photos from this journey because there were so many great ones left unposted, haha. Jordan – A Great Choice for Middle East First-Timers! This 8-day, 7-night trip to Jordan is truly the perfect entry-level experience for exploring the Middle East. From Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, to the starry skies and sand dunes of Wadi Rum Desert, floating in the Dead Sea, and finally shopping for souvenirs in Amman, the itinerary was well-paced—not rushed or exhausting—and covered all the must-see spots. ⸻ 🧳 Curious about the costs? Here’s a breakdown (in NTD): The prices weren’t as cheap as I imagined, but they weren’t overly expensive either. Dining at tourist spots was comparable to Europe, but accommodations were cheaper than most European countries like Spain or Italy. We mostly stayed in budget hotels, except for one night at the Hilton, a more luxurious five-star hotel. Here’s the cost breakdown in NTD: • ✈️ Flights (Germany → Milan → Amman / Amman → Rome): 11,000 • 🏨 Accommodation for 7 nights (mostly 2 people per room): ~8,000/person • 🚗 Transportation (private car + Uber): ~4,500/person • 🍽 Meals + entertainment + souvenirs: ~15,000/person • 🛂 Visa + attraction tickets (Jordan Pass for 3 days): 3,500/person • 💵 Recommended cash to bring: ~USD 500, as most places accept credit cards. Tips: • Credit cards are widely accepted in Jordan, but it’s still good to carry some cash for tips or street food. • Exchange rates: Amman Airport ~63, city center ~70.8, Petra ~69. It’s best to exchange money in Amman city center for the best rates. ⸻ 🚘 Transportation & Driving Tips • If you’re only staying in Amman, driving isn’t recommended. Traffic is congested, and local drivers rarely use turn signals. They seem to have their own driving rhythm, which can be confusing for outsiders. • Driving outside Amman, like to Wadi Rum or the Dead Sea, is manageable, but be mindful of local driving customs. • Compared to Egypt or India, Jordan’s driving environment is much better, though it’s still not as smooth as Europe. • We opted for a private car for the entire trip, which saved time and effort. It wasn’t more expensive than renting a car—highly recommended! ⸻ 🍢 Food & Dining Tips • Jordanian cuisine is relatively simple, focusing on grilled meats, yogurt, hummus, and flatbreads. You might crave instant noodles occasionally, so bring a few packs. • Dining in big cities like Amman is super affordable; meals often cost NTD 100–200. However, in tourist areas, meals can go up to NTD 500–600 per person. • Alcohol lovers, take note: Jordan is a Muslim country, so bars are rare, and most restaurants don’t serve alcohol. Consider bringing your own! ⸻ 🕌 Cultural Observations • As a Muslim country, Jordan has five daily prayer times announced via mosque broadcasts. These often start as early as 5 AM, so earplugs are essential to avoid being woken up. • Locals are generally friendly and welcoming, often initiating greetings or conversations. • Tourist prices for goods are usually higher, so compare prices to avoid overpaying. Initially, I didn’t plan to buy souvenirs, but I couldn’t resist picking up some crystal and stone jewelry. • Avoid buying souvenirs directly at tourist spots or stores recommended by drivers. Explore local markets or city shops for better deals. ⸻ 🏜 Itinerary Highlights Our 8-day, 7-night trip (Saturday to the following Saturday) covered these key attractions: 1. Petra: One of the Seven Wonders of the World, worth visiting again and again. We spent three days here—an afternoon and evening on the first day, a full day on the second, and just two hours on the third morning. There were still many routes we didn’t explore, but remember to pace yourself, as some areas are quite challenging to hike. 2. Wadi Rum: Desert camping, stargazing, and a jeep adventure. Unfortunately, strong winds limited our jeep ride to just two hours, so we couldn’t venture far. 3. Dead Sea: Floating and mud baths—pure relaxation. This was the perfect way to unwind at the end of the trip. 4. Amman: City sightseeing, Roman Theater, Rainbow Street shopping, juice bars, and buying spices. Overall: • For first-time Middle East travelers, Jordan is incredibly welcoming and a great starting point. • Desert roads are much smoother than in Morocco or Egypt—no motion sickness at all. • Tent camps are well-equipped, often with air conditioning and private bathrooms. ⸻ ❤️ Final Thoughts Travel isn’t just about the destinations; it’s about the memories you create along the way. Jordan’s charm lies in its blend of unfamiliarity and comfort, offering cultural surprises alongside travel ease. This trip had its share of heat, sun, and expenses, but it also brought laughter, delicious food, stunning photos, and unforgettable moments. Here’s to the next adventure—with great companions and even more courage to embark on spontaneous journeys!