Jordan in 7 days: my trip on the road

Immerse yourself in a mix of ancient history and breathtaking scenery. A 7-day on-the-road tour to discover Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, the Dead Sea and the Aqaba reef, starting from the capital Amman.

Jordan, a country often associated with the magnificent Petra and the Dead Sea, offers much more than one can imagine. During my 7-day tour, I traversed incredible landscapes and touched upon an ancient and fascinating culture, all while traveling the Jordanian roads completely independently, thanks to my rental car. Here is a detailed account of my experience and highlights.

Amman, the Jordanian capital between ancient and modern

My trip began in Amman, a vibrant city that has blended modernity and tradition. I spent the afternoon exploring the historic center, starting with the Roman Theater, a spectacular structure excavated in the 2nd century AD during the Roman era. The theater, which could hold up to 6,000 spectators, is still used today for cultural events.

After admiring the theater I continued on to the Amman Citadel perched on one of the hills surrounding the city. From here one can enjoy a panoramic view that encompasses all of Amman. The citadel also houses the Temple of Hercules, dating back to Roman times, and the remains of the Umayyad Palace, a testament to Islamic rule.

My first evening in Amman was a chance to sample local specialties: I cannot fail to mention the delicious mezze – a series of appetizers including hummus, tabbouleh and baba ganoush, served with warm pita bread. Amman offers a perfect balance of history and modern life, with its trendy restaurants and traditional souks.

The Dead Sea, an endangered miracle of nature

The next day I set out for the Dead Sea, a unique experience that I recommend to all travelers. With the rental car, I was able to make a free stop along the coast. I chose to stay overnight in one of the hotels along the coast to take advantage of the dedicated bathing facilities and experience the saline waters.

The Dead Sea is known for its incredible salinity, nearly 10 times that of the oceans, which allows it to float effortlessly. This characteristic is due to millions of years of evaporation that have concentrated mineral salts in its waters, making it also a popular destination for wellness treatments. The combination of salt and mineral-rich mud has therapeutic effects on the skin, so much so that the area is famous for its spas.

However, the Dead Sea is in danger: every year the water level drops by about one meter, due to overuse of water resources in the region and evaporation. Without significant intervention, it is feared that it could dry up completely within a few decades. The visit here was not only a natural wonder, but also an invitation to reflect on the importance of preserving this fragile ecosystem.

Petra, the hidden pearl of the Nabataeans

My next stop was Petra, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites and one of the seven wonders of the modern world. I stayed overnight in the small village near the entrance, a strategic spot to start the visit early in the morning, avoiding the crowds.

Instead of entering by the classic tourist route through the Siq, I opted for a less-traveled experience: the entrance from Little Petra(Al Beidha), located a few kilometers to the north (easily reached by a cheap ride from the guys n jeeps you find in the main parking lot). This alternative access is less well known but just as fascinating. Through a small canyon, you are immediately immersed in the mystical atmosphere of Petra, and you can travel the entire site in one direction without having to turn back.

Petra is a place that takes your breath away. The Treasury(Al-Khazneh), carved out of pink sandstone rock, is the site’s icon, but there is much more to discover: the Monastery(Ad Deir), reached by a climb of more than 800 steps, and the 7,000-seat Nabataean Theater. Royal tombs, rock-carved facades, and the tranquility of Wadi Musa, the river that runs through the site, create a mystical atmosphere that leaves a deep impression.

Wadi Rum: history and cinema in a unique desert

After Petra, I headed to the Wadi Rum desert (staying overnight in Aqaba, the nearest town), one of the most surreal landscapes I have ever seen. Also known as the“Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum is a vast and pristine desert characterized by impressive rock formations and red sand dunes. By choice I did not stay overnight in a Bedouin camp in the desert, but it is an experience he I recommend if you have enough days to spare: dining under the stars, away from any source of artificial light, is magical.

Wadi Rum is not only a natural wonder but also a place of great historical significance. Lawrence of Arabia, the famous British officer, used Wadi Rum as his base during the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire. This history is also reflected in the rock formations that bear his name, such as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

In addition, Wadi Rum has been chosen as a set for numerous films, including Star Wars and the more recent Dune. It’s not hard to see why: the landscape seems to come from another planet, and riding through it in a 4×4 or camel is like stepping back in time (or forward, into space!).

Aqaba and the Red Sea, an underwater paradise

After the desert, the trip ended with two days of relaxation in Aqaba, a port city overlooking the Red Sea. Aqaba is famous for its clear waters and coral reefs, which stretch just a few meters from the shore. Here I was able to snorkel, exploring a vibrant and colorful underwater world with corals that are home to a multitude of tropical fish.

For diving enthusiasts, Aqaba is a paradise: there are numerous spots to dive, including a shipwreck and coral gardens. Even for the inexperienced, snorkeling is an easy way to get close to the reef and enjoy its natural beauty. Aqaba was the perfect conclusion to a trip that blended history, adventure and nature.

Practical advice

Car rental: driving in Jordan is fairly easy and allows you to move independently between the various sites, which are often far apart.
Where to sleep: opt for accommodations close to major points of interest, such as Petra and Wadi Rum, to maximize your visiting time and get the most out of the experience.
What to eat: Don’t miss the opportunity to try Jordanian cuisine. The national dish, mansaf, is a delicacy of lamb and rice, served with a fermented yogurt sauce.

Jordan is an incredible destination, offering a variety of experiences-from natural wonders to traces of ancient civilizations and iconic landscapes that seem to belong to another world. If you have seven days to spare and want to explore a land rich in history, culture and natural beauty, an on-the-road trip is for you.

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