Jordan Itinerary 5 Days: Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea

Only have 5 days in Jordan? That is enough to see its most famous wonders: Petra, the Wadi Rum desert and the Dead Sea, with a stop in Amman and along the historic King's Highway. Here is a 5-day itinerary from our team in Amman, who organise these trips every week.

Day 1 – Amman, the capital

Your driver meets you at Queen Alia Airport and takes you to your hotel. If your flight allows, start with the city: the Citadel with the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace, the Roman Theatre in the old town and a walk through the downtown souks. In the evening, try a traditional Jordanian dinner.

Day 2 – Madaba, Mount Nebo and the King's Highway to Petra

Drive south to Madaba to see the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, then up to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. Continue along the scenic King's Highway, with an optional stop at Kerak or Shobak castle, and arrive in Petra in the evening.

Day 3 – Petra, a full day

Enter Petra early, walk through the Siq to the Treasury, then follow the Street of Facades, the Roman Theatre and the Royal Tombs. With good energy you can climb the 800 steps to the Monastery. A licensed local guide makes the visit far richer. Stay a second night in Petra, or see how to see Petra in one day.

Day 4 – Little Petra and Wadi Rum

Visit Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), then drive about 1 h 45 to Wadi Rum. A 4x4 jeep tour takes you to the red dunes, canyons and rock bridges, followed by sunset and a night in a desert camp with a Bedouin dinner. Read our Wadi Rum guide to choose your camp.

Day 5 – Dead Sea and departure

After breakfast in the desert, drive to the Dead Sea (about 3.5–4 hours) to float in its mineral waters, then continue to the airport, about 1 hour away. With an evening flight, you can enjoy several hours at the Dead Sea.

Tips for 5 days in Jordan

• A private driver saves a lot of time: public transport between Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea is limited.
• Visa: free with a tour of 3 nights or more; read our guide to the Jordan visa and Jordan Pass.
• Best time: March to May and September to November; winter is quieter and mild in the south, see Jordan in winter.
• Want more time? See our 7-day Jordan itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

Is 5 days enough for Jordan?

Yes, 5 days is enough for the highlights: Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. With 7 days you add Jerash, Ajloun and more time to relax.

Can I add Jerash to a 5-day trip?

Yes, on day 1 if you arrive early, or by replacing the Dead Sea afternoon with a morning in Jerash.