2 Weeks in Jordan: History, Desert, and the Dead Sea

Destination: Jordan, Middle East
Trip Theme: Ancient history, desert landscapes, biblical sites, the Dead Sea
Recommended Duration: 2 weeks
Budget per Person: $500-$1,200 USD (≈ ¥3,600-¥8,700 CNY)

Overview

Jordan is a small country that packs an incredible punch into two weeks. From the ancient rose-red city of Petra to the otherworldly desert landscape of Wadi Rum, from the biblical baptism site at the Jordan River to floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea — this country has it all. I spent two weeks exploring Jordan and want to share my complete itinerary with you.

14-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Amman — pick up rental car, check into hotel
Day 2: Amman city tour — Citadel, Roman Theatre, downtown markets
Day 3: Amman → Jerash → Ajloun Castle → overnight in Irbid
Day 4: Irbid → Umm Qais → drive back to Amman
Day 5: Amman → Madaba (mosaic map) → Mount Nebo → overnight in Dead Sea
Day 6: Dead Sea — relax, float, enjoy the salty water
Day 7: Dead Sea → Petra via King's Highway — stop at Little Petra en route
Day 8-9: Explore Petra — two full days to see everything
Day 10: Petra → Wadi Rum — check into desert camp
Day 11: Wadi Rum jeep tour — explore sand dunes, rock formations, ancient petroglyphs
Day 12: Wadi Rum → Aqaba — relax on the Red Sea coast
Day 13: Aqaba → Madaba → Amman
Day 14: Final breakfast, drop off car, depart from Amman

Must-See Highlights

Petra

The ancient Nabatean capital carved into rose-colored sandstone cliffs. This UNESCO World Heritage site lives up to every bit of hype. Give yourself two full days to see the main Treasury, the Royal Tombs, the Monastery, and the distant canyon trails.

Pro tip: Go early to avoid crowds and the midday heat. The morning light on the Treasury is absolutely spectacular.

Wadi Rum

This vast desert wilderness of towering sandstone cliffs and vast red sand dunes feels like another planet. Stay overnight in a Bedouin camp for the full experience. A jeep tour takes you to the most spectacular spots including Lawrence Spring, Burdah Rock Bridge, and ancient Nabatean petroglyphs.

Dead Sea

Floating effortlessly in the saltiest body of water on Earth is an unforgettable experience. The high salt concentration means you literally can't sink — you just bob like a cork. Don't miss covering yourself in the mineral-rich black mud for a natural spa treatment.

Jerash

One of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. You can walk along the colonnaded streets, see the oval piazza, and imagine what life was like here 2,000 years ago.

Practical Travel Tips

Visa & Entry Information

• Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival for around $50-$70 USD
• Jordan is very safe for tourists — police and security are visible but welcoming
• Carry your passport with you — police checkpoints are common between governorates

Transportation

• Renting a car is the best way to explore Jordan — gives you complete flexibility
• Driving is on the right, roads are generally in good condition
• The King's Highway is a scenic slower route, the Desert Highway is faster for long distances

Best Time to Visit

• March-May & September-November: Perfect weather for sightseeing, comfortable temperatures
• June-August: Very hot, especially in the desert — only go if you can handle heat
• December-February: Cool evenings, warm days, perfect for hiking

Budget

Jordan isn't as cheap as some neighboring countries, but it's still very affordable for budget travelers:

• Accommodation: $20-$50 USD/night for a decent double room
• Meals: $5-$15 USD per person for good local food
• Car rental: $25-$40 USD per day
• Petra entrance fee: $50 USD (one-day pass), $55 USD (two-day pass)

Food Highlights

• Mansaf: The national dish — lamb cooked in yogurt sauce over rice, traditionally eaten with your hands
• Falafel: Crispy, fresh, and cheap — available everywhere
• Hummus: Creamy homemade hummus with pita bread is a staple
• Shawarma: Delicious grilled meat wrapped in pita, perfect for a quick lunch
• Mint lemonade: Refreshing sweet mint drink that goes with everything

Cultural Notes

• Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas and cities — shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women when visiting religious sites
• Friday is the holy day — many places are closed or have shorter hours
• Tipping: 10% is standard for restaurants, a few dinars for porters/drivers
• Bedouin culture is hospitable — if you're invited for tea, accept! It's a genuine gesture of welcome

Source: Original trip summary
Photo: https://source.unsplash.com/random/?jordan,desert,petra