Family Adventures in Jordan: Exploring Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea in 5 Days
Updated: Aug 27
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Before saying goodbye to Dubai and starting our new adventure in the Netherlands, there was one destination that beckoned us with its beauty like no other - Jordan 🇯🇴.
Like a moth to a flame, I too succumbed to the irresistible charm of Petra, with its breathtaking beauty, as showcased in countless Instagram-worthy snapshots. I really wanted to witness this marvel before bidding farewell to the Middle East. Little did I know that I would stumble upon a hidden gem even more captivating than Petra itself - Wadi Rum. And I had had enough of my Middle Eastern friends tell me all about Dead Sea Skin care products and how they worked like magic on them! I was ready to try it all! And once we put our mind to something, there is nothing that can change our determination. So we planned, just before we could head off to the cold climate of Netherlands, a holiday in September to Jordan. It was a time when Jordan sizzled under the scorching sun, my daughter, a mere seven months old and my son a toddler then, joined us on this thrilling escapade.
Agenda: Family Adventures in Jordan: Exploring Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea in 5 Days Day 1: Drive Down all the way.. Discover Jordan's cultural wonders hassle-free with the Jordan Pass! Day 2: Rocky Landscape of Petra Day 3: Red Desert Dunes of Wadi Rum Day 4: Blue Coastline of the Dead Sea Day 5: Cityscape Wonders of Amman Where to Stay What to Buy from Jordan Restaurants to Try Out Other Places to Explore Closing Thoughts |
Family Adventures in Jordan: Exploring Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea in 5 Days
Day 1: Drive Down all the way..
The best way to travel in Jordan is by road. We mapped out a road trip covering Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, and Amman.
Flights: You can conveniently book your flights via skyscanner.com or Booking.com. Car Rentals: Begin your adventure by renting a car in one of Jordan's major cities like Amman. For renting a car at Amman airport, you can easily rent a car via Booking.com. Local Transportation: The major bus operator is Jordan government's state-owned company bus service called Jordanian Transport Company (JETT). There are other private bus operators that also function. Safety first: Though road tripping in Jordan is usually safe, be cautious in remote or desert areas. Pack enough water, snacks, and emergency gear. Respect local customs and stay aware of your environment. Cultural Etiquette: As a tourist, its respectful to follow Jordanian customs and etiquette, such as dressing modestly, removing shoes before entering homes or mosques, and greeting locals with courtesy. |
The drive from Queen Alia International Airport on the Desert Highway in Amman to Petra is 2.5 hours. The only other way to get there is bus service.
A notoriety apparently quite frequent in Jordan is of the random policing on the highways. Policing is fine but pulling cars over for no fault of theirs but to raise fines to fill their pockets is not a cool thing to do. So beware of this.
Being the only car on the road felt a bit eerie at first, but the ensuing calm was remarkably relaxing. Much needed after the chaos caused by the policeman. With the kids fast asleep, Sidd and I had some valuable 'we' time, planning interesting activities and managing the kids' schedules.
Discover Jordan's cultural wonders hassle-free with the Jordan Pass!
The Jordan Pass provides tourists with an excellent option for exploring Jordan's rich cultural and historical sites, offering access to over 40 attractions while also potentially saving on visa fees under specific conditions.
The Jordan Pass isn't a visa but can waive fees with a 3-night stay in Jordan.
It allows single entry to attractions, except Petra with specific packages.
Children under 12 enter free. It doesn't cover transportation. ID is required at sites.
The pass can't be upgraded or downgraded.
Consecutive days are required for Petra visits. Petra by night isn't included.
It's only scannable at Petra's Visitor's Center.
Visa fees are waived for 2-night stays via Wadi Araba border, even without the pass.
Day 2: Rocky Landscape of Petra
How many days to stay in Petra? To fully explore Petra's vast archaeological site and surrounding areas, plan for at least two full days. |
Following breakfast, we began our journey to the captivating red rose city of Petra, Jordan's premier attraction. Established around the 6th century B.C. by the Nabataean Arabs, this ancient city flourished as a commercial hub, extending its influence into Syria.
Petra, the ancient city carved into the red rock cliffs. Petra archeological park is located in Wadi Musa, a town located in the Ma’an constituency in southern Jordan. Our hotel Petra Guesthouse just 2 minutes walking distance from the main entry point to the narrow Siq. We started walking towards the Siq and soon we were followed by pony riders requesting us to hire their service. The pony service is only until the Al Siq entrance after which the path gets really narrow and for preservation purposes, the ponies aren’t allowed further. From there, we traversed the canyon known as the Siq, leading to Petra's iconic Treasury monument. Our exploration continued along the Street of Facades. The Siq is so beautiful and mystical that it heightened our anticipation for what’s coming next.
You must have seen a dozen videos of the view of the Petra temple as soon as the narrow Siq ends. It was spectacular! the sight of the Treasury left us breathless. The intricate details and sheer size of the structure left us in awe. Words cannot describe what we felt when we entered the arena. Hours were spent exploring ancient Royal Tombs, the Pharaoh's Castle, the monastery, the Lion Triclinium, Nabatean Theatre and Obelisks, immersing ourselves in the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is way to the top of the site from where you get a bird’s eye view of the whole site. But mind you, the queue is long as influencers take their time in their pretty outfits and wait for the right lighting and angle to get their perfect shot. It’s quite annoying but it’s worth the wait to get your picture with the beautiful temple as a backdrop.
Helpful Tip:
We regretted taking the Petra night tour, a huge mistake. During the day, you can ride ponies partway, but at night, it's all walking. We had an infant and a toddler, and the paths were too rough for strollers, so we had to carry them, which was exhausting. The sound and light show was disappointing, with just a light display without any explanation. The host couldn't hold the event together, making it a letdown.
Considering that you'll be walking several kilometers in Petra, it's important to remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a backpack for essentials like beverages, a camera, and other items.
Day 3: Red Desert Dunes of Wadi Rum
How many days to stay in Wadi Rum? One day and one night is more than enough to experience the unique landscapes and activities offered in Wadi Rum, such as jeep tours, camel rides, and camping under the stars. |
In the morning, we started on our 1.5-hour journey southwards to the protected area of Wadi Rum, renowned for its awe-inspiring desert landscapes. Here, traditional Bedouin communities still thrive.
While I haven't taken a rocket to Mars just yet, let me tell you, Wadi Rum gave me a taste of what it might feel like to wander the Martian landscape. The vast desert landscape, with towering sandstone mountains and endless stretches of sand, resembled a dream. From the parking point, a jeep safari took us through the dunes and that itself provided an adrenaline rush to last through the day. As we neared our Bedouin camp, the desert colors changed from a brown to a marvelous sandy red. The Bedouin camp was unreal! There were circular dome shaped desert tents set up, the roofs of which allowed us to gaze at the clear blue sky. These were our homes for the night. After checking in, we were greeted at the Bedouin restaurant for sherbet and snacks.
Later that evening, we could take a tour of the wadi on a 4x4 jeep and that was truly exceptional I say! I was most excited about exploring canyons, sand dunes, and Nabatean rock inscriptions (The ancient Arab inhabitants of northern Arabia and southern Levant) on a 4x4 Jeep tour. We rolled on the sandy dunes and admired the natural structures of the wadi. We visited Julian’s cave, Nughara canyon, Wadi Sabet viewpoint, Burdah rock bridge, Mushroom rock, and Lawrence’s house, a historical site associated with T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia.
Kindly Note:
The 4x4s available in Wadi Rum are older models without air conditioning or seat belts and are owned by the local Bedouin association.
We suggest bringing a towel and flashlight for camping in Wadi Rum.
With the setting sun, and the sky being painted in hues of orange and pink, we were dropped back to our camp where a bonfire dinner was already getting ready. The highlight of our dinner was Zarb, a Bedouin specialty. Slow-cooked underground, it had a unique smoky flavor from the hardwood embers. It's basically seasoned whole lamb or chicken, cooked with vegetables and rice. Delicious! Sidd delighted in puffing on flavored tobacco through a water pipe, a cherished tradition in Jordanian culture. Whereas I chose to learn the art of Arabic calligraphy and kids danced to the rhythmic beats of the traditional music. What a magical night!
Day 4: Blue Coastline of the Dead Sea
How many days to spend in Dead Sea? Definitely plan for one day to relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the Dead Sea's mineral-rich waters. However if you plan to visit nearby attractions like Bethany Beyond the Jordan, another additional day will be nice. |
Next day we were already on our way to explore the miracles of The Dead Sea. It is the Earth's lowest point, to enjoy a swim in its warm, salty waters. We were booked into the Movenpick Resort. I mean we didn’t have much choice since we wanted to stay by the coast. And almost all the properties by the coast are four of five star resorts catering to tourists with an all-board, pool and Dead Sea experience inclusive service.
Once we checked in, my first go-to place was the Dead Sea. Since the resort is located on the shores of the sea, it was just so easy to change into bathing suits and head to the sea. Legend has it that Herod the Great once bathed in its therapeutic waters, and where visitors have sought thermal treatments for centuries. Once there we were given ample amounts of dead sea mud to apply on our skin. The Dead Sea is well-known for its water full of minerals, minimal pollen, less sun, and high air pressure because it's below sea level. Its mud has a unique blend of minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium. It’s meant to have properties that are great for skin care. People visit to find relief from different health issues, like psoriasis or back pain. We also dip the famous floating on the Dead Sea, again leaving us no option because one cannot swim with high saline content of the sea and also because of which one cannot drown. After bathing off the mud on our skins, we bottled the black mud to take back home.
Helpful Tip:
If you want to stay in affordable accommodations, there are plentiful but off the coast, closer to the interior of the town.
There are plethora of shops selling Dead Sea products and even the resorts have stores selling them but 3x the price so I’d recommend researching about Dead Sea products and buying genuine quality products from recommended stores only.
Experience the Dead Sea's rejuvenating waters on our Amman return tour. Book your tour now by clicking on this image!
Day 5: Cityscape Wonders of Amman
How many days to spend in Amman? Spend around two days in Amman to visit its historical sites, museums, markets, and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere. |
Amman was wondrous as a historical city can get. Our first pit stop was at the Roman amphitheater. In the 2nd century AD, between 138 and 161, the Roman Amphitheatre was built which could fit 6000 people! At each end of the theater, there are museums about Jordanian culture. Like some other sights of Jordan, the Roman Theatre was carved right into the thickness of the rock, which was located near the huge ancient cemetery. The design is clever - the seats face north so you can see the stage without the sun blinding you. Rich nobles back then could go from the theater to a fortress called the Citadel through an underground tunnel. This way, they could stay safe and see shows whenever they wanted. Remarkably, the Roman Theatre is now used for its intended purpose: high-profile sports, cultural and musical events from the life of Jordan are held here.
Helpful Tip: Be careful if you visit - some of the steps are high and uneven. If you're not afraid of heights, climb to the top for an amazing view!
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday - 8 AM to 8 PM; Monday and Tuesday - 8 AM to 10 PM
A 20 minute walk from there led us to the Citadel hill (Rabbath Ammon) showcases remnants of various civilisations dating from the Roman to the early Islamic era. From this vantage point, you get spectacular panoramic views of the city and the Roman Theatre. They have many sites inside like the majestic ruins of the Roman Temple of Hercules, offering a glimpse into ancient Roman civilisation; the opulent Umayyad Palace, showcasing the lavish lifestyle of early Islamic rulers; the sacred Umayyad Mosque, symbolising with centuries of Islamic devotion; the rich displays of the Jordan Archaeological Museum, preserving artefacts of Jordan's history; The Duke's Diwan, celebrating literature, arts, and local heritage; and the serene ambiance of the Byzantine Church. Unfortunately you see people clambering all over the historic remains for photos and that’s a pity to watch.
Operating Hours:
Citadel Hill -Monday to Saturday - 8 AM to 7 PM; Sunday - 8 AM to 5:30 PM
Roman Theatre - Everyday - 8 AM to 6 PM
Umayyad Palace - Everyday - 8 AM to 7 PM
Afterwards, we leisurely walked through the Al-Balad Souq, which gave us much insight into daily life of locals here, and we also visited Jabal Amman, renowned for its unique early 20th-century architecture, characterised by charming stone houses and winding streets. Shortly thereafter we also visited the famous Amman mosque. With its Byzantine and Ottoman influences, the mosque has beautiful ornate tiling on all of its interior walls. This place is a significant place of worship of the locals in Amman.
Amman has many of these sloping roads which can be challenging to walk up after descending them. One such road is the Rainbow street in Downtown Amman. But it's worth a stroll, because of its innumerable hip cafes and trendy restaurants.
Helpful Tip: It’s important to keep local currency in change as tipping is significant in their culture. Especially for the housekeeping in hotels, or at restaurants.
For a private sightseeing city tour of Amman, book your tour on this LINK here.
Where to Stay
I exclusively use Booking.com for all my hotel and apartment reservations—it's my ultimate destination for accommodations worldwide. Below, I've highlighted the top choices among 5-star, 4-star, and 3-star options. Feel free to book through the provided link HERE or explore other options available.
Recommended 5-star Hotels:
Amman: The House Boutique Suites
Petra: Mövenpick Resort
Dead Sea: Crowne Plaza Resort
Wadi Rum: Sun City Camp, Wild Oryx Camp Bubble (the camp where we stayed), Aicha Luxury Camp
Recommended 4-star Hotels:
Amman: Al Qasr Metropole Hotel
Petra: Petra Guest House
Dead Sea: Holiday Inn
Wadi Rum: The Villas - Bedouin Boutique Resort, Nael Bedouin Camp, Jordan Memories Luxury Camp
Recommended 3-star Hotels:
Amman: Toledo Hotel
Petra: Petra Moon Hotel
Dead Sea: Najem farm (House)
Wadi Rum: Rahayeb Desert Camp
The official check-in time for hotels is at 15:00, and check-out time is at 12:00.
What to Buy from Jordan
In Amman, we went on an adventure up Rainbow Street and stumbled upon a lovely store Trinitae in an old house. The family runs it, and they sell organic soaps, oils, and cosmetics. Everything feels top-notch, and the prices are reasonable, starting at just 3JOD. It quickly became our favorite spot for affordable luxury. We even arranged secret soap missions through friends and family to keep our supply going! Address: Soap House - Trinitae, Rainbow St. 8b, Amman, Jordan. Opening hours: Everyday 9 AM to 7:30 PM.
I went exploring in Downtown (Al-Balad) in Amman and had a blast! I found loads of cool stuff, like spices for cooking, beautiful crafts like pottery and rugs. And let's not forget about the snacks – I munched on roasted nuts, dried fruits, and yummy pastries like baklava and Turkish delight. A good place to buy local products to take back home.
In Wadi Musa, you'll find lots of stores selling local goods like pottery in the style of the Nabataeans, silver items, and beautiful bead jewelry. At the Petra Museum shop, you can find intricately decorated ceramic pottery made by the Taiba Ladies Association for Pottery.
Rivage offers excellent Dead Sea Mineral Skin Care products. You can find their shops in key cities such as Amman, Aqaba, the Dead Sea, and Petra. Check out their website at https://rivagecare.com.
Restaurants to Try Out
We had done our homework well before our trip and we knew which restaurants to dine in when in Amman. One such gem was Sufra, a middle eastern restaurant dishing out traditional Jordanian food. Recommended dishes here are Mansaf, the pride for all Jordanians, Makloubeh, a spicy rice dish, Mixed Grill, Hummus & Falafel and end it with Kunafeh and coffee.
We saved the best for last, and boy, did it deliver! Ranked #8 on the "50 best" list, the Fakhreldin Restaurant restaurant is a gem in Jordan. Housed in one of Amman's oldest neighborhoods, it was once owned by a former Prime Minister. The place has hosted notable figures, including the late King Hussein, making it a historic dining spot. Don't miss the Lamb Tartar (Kebbeh Niyeh) and the Ice Cream with Honey (Qishta with Honey) dessert—it's truly special. We made a big mistake by not checking reviews before going to this prestigious restaurant. Despite being underdressed, we managed to get a table and dined amidst curious stares, ending our Jordan trip on an eventful note.
Helpful tip: Make a reservation and dress to impress!
As the name suggests, Souq Al-Sukar is all Sukar (sugar) so if you have a sweet tooth, then you'll find yourself in a sweet space! All sorts of delicious treats like kunafa, baklava, and mamoul are on display here. These are traditional sweets that are worth trying so go ahead and try a bit of everything! Then, cool off with some ice cream, crepes, and other sweet goodies drizzled with honey or syrup.
Head to Rainbow street to explore Trendy cafes that offer a variety of snacks and light bites. Must try the Jam coffee studio, Moe’s coffee house, and Vu’s cafe.
The Cave Bar is an excellent place to drink and dine just close to the Petra visitor centre. The Cave Bar, named so because it's built into a cave, is now part of the Crowne Plaza Resort and Petra Guest House Hotel. But it's been around for thousands of years! The cave was first made as a tomb by the Nabataean people, who lived there around 37 to 100 A.D. You should try the Jordanian wine there—it's really good!
Other Places to Explore
Madaba is famous for its ancient mosaics and historical churches, including St. George's Church with its iconic Madaba Map. It's around 30 kilometers southwest of Amman. In Madaba, you can explore ancient mosaics at sites like St. George's Church and the Madaba Mosaic Workshops, and soak in the historical atmosphere of the city.
Dana Nature Reserve offers stunning natural landscapes and hiking trails, perfect for outdoor adventures. It's approximately 180 kilometers south of Amman and around 160 kilometers from Petra. Dana Nature Reserve offers hiking trails with stunning views, opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, and the chance to experience the peaceful green of nature.
Aqaba is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and water activities like snorkeling and diving. It's about 170 kilometers from Petra.Aqaba is perfect for beach activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the Red Sea's crystal-clear waters, as well as exploring historical sites like Ayla and enjoying fresh seafood by the coast.
Closing Thoughts
As we bid farewell to Jordan, we carried memories that would last a lifetime. The beauty of Petra, the enchantment of Wadi Rum, the mystic beauty of the Dead Sea and the crazy memories of Amman will forever be etched in our hearts. And as we continue our journey to the Netherlands, we know that the spirit of adventure will always guide us, no matter where we go.
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