Jordan had been on our travel list for quite some time. We were drawn in by the idea of walking through the ancient city of Petra, spending a night beneath the stars in Wadi Rum and driving through landscapes that seemed to change around every bend. What we didn't expect was just how warm and welcoming the country would feel.
Although Jordan is relatively compact, it offers an incredible variety of experiences. One day you're wandering through remarkably preserved Roman ruins, the next you're hiking through beautiful canyons, floating in the Dead Sea or watching the sunset paint the sandstone cliffs of the desert deep shades of orange.
In March 2026, we spent twelve days exploring Jordan by rental car. Starting in Amman, we travelled north to Jerash before making our way south along the spectacular King's Highway to Dana, Petra and Wadi Rum. We finished our journey with a relaxing stay at the Dead Sea before returning to the capital.
This itinerary combines Jordan's iconic highlights with a few places that often receive less attention. In this guide, we'll share our complete route, where we stayed, what we'd do differently and all the practical tips we wish we'd known before setting off.
Amman → Jerash → Madaba → Dana → Petra → Wadi Rum → Dead Sea → Amman
Trip at a glance
- 📅 Duration: 12 days
- 🚗 Transport: Rental car
- 💰 Budget: Approximately €900 per person
This itinerary covers many of Jordan's most iconic destinations while leaving enough time to slow down and truly experience each place. From remarkably preserved Roman cities and scenic mountain roads to desert landscapes and the lowest point on Earth, this route offers a wonderful introduction to everything that makes Jordan such a fascinating destination.
Day 1 – Arrival in Amman
After landing at Queen Alia International Airport, we picked up our rental car and headed to our accommodation just outside Amman. We decided to save Amman for the end of our journey. With an early start planned for the following morning, it felt like the perfect way to ease into our Jordan adventure.
If you're arriving on an evening flight, we'd recommend doing the same. Spend your first night relaxing, recover from your journey and start your road trip refreshed the next morning.
Day 2 – Jerash & Madaba
Our first stop was Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy. Walking through its colonnaded streets, grand plazas and ancient theatres, it was easy to imagine what life must have looked like here nearly two thousand years ago.
We spent the entire morning exploring the ancient city, and we'd consider it an essential stop on any Jordan itinerary. If you're planning a visit, be sure to set aside at least two to three hours. For everything you need to know before visiting, read our complete guide to Jerash.
In the afternoon, we drove around an hour and a half south to Madaba, a charming town famous for its sixth-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Beyond its main attraction, Madaba has a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of cafés, local restaurants and artisan shops to explore. One afternoon and one night is enough before continuing your journey along the spectacular King's Highway the following day.