Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is a precious gem of a country located in the Middle East.
Relatively small, it’s a country best explored by car, as you are able to hit the major sights along your journey.
Starting and ending in the vibrant capital city of Amman, this route will give you a flavour of this wonderful country that has to be seen to be believed.
Getting to Jordan from the UK has never been easier as budget airline Wizz Air offers regular and affordable flights from London Luton airport to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.
A visa is required upon entry for British travellers, but the price of this is covered in the Jordan Pass, which can also be used to gain entry into over 40 attractions in the country including Petra.
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A singular Jordan Pass ranges in price from 70JOD (£78.37) to 80JOD (£89.56), which may seem expensive on the surface, but is actually spectacularly good value considering entry to Petra is 50JOD (£55.98) on its own and a visa on arrival costs 40JOD (£44.78).
Amman to Dana village (Two hours 45 minutes)
From Amman make the sub three hour journey to the gorgeous village of Dana.
Although it is the largest nature reserve in the country, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is far less visited than other more famous places in Jordan – making it the nation’s best kept secret.
A lack of visitors makes Dana a peaceful destination, perfect for hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from beginner to moderate.
Dana village itself is small, but has the charm of an authentic Jordanian community, offering jaw-dropping views over the tranquil valley.
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For an incredible night’s stay and unforgettable balcony mountain views, check out the incredible family-run Wild Dana Eco Lodge, with rooms available from £37 a night.
Dana Village to Wadi Rum (Two hours 15 minutes)
Growing ever popular in recent years for being known as the filming location for Hollywood blockbusters such as The Martian, Dune and Star Wars, a visit to Wadi Rum is truly out of this world.
From the imperious sandstone and granite mountains, hospitable Bedouins, and other-worldly rock formations, it is hard to put into words the sheer magnitude of Wadi Rum’s vast beauty – it has to be experienced to be believed.
No matter how high your expectations of Wadi Rum are, they are guaranteed to be exceeded tenfold. The best way to see the Wadi is from a guided 4×4 Jeep tour, which can be arranged at your chosen campsite.
Speaking of campsites, there are an array of options to choose from for every single budget – with some pods setting you back little more than £5 a night, and luxurious tented rooms that elevate glamping to a whole new level.
Wadi Rum to Aqaba (One hour)
Take the short journey from Wadi Rum to Jordan’s only coastal city, Aqaba, for a spot of relaxation.
A change of pace to the otherwise step-intensive destinations, Aqaba – and the nearby Tala Bay in particular – are a great chance to soak up some sunshine and take a dip in the Red Sea (Gulf of Aqaba).
Enjoy delicious local food and make the quick trip to Ayla for a spot of luxury shopping for some souvenirs. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, splash out on one of the many fantastic beach-front resorts such as the Grand Tala Bay Resort, with rooms from £117 a night.
Aqaba to Petra (One hour 55 minutes)
After a mini break-within-a-break at Aqaba, it is time to make the one hour 55 minute long drive to Petra, or more specifically Wadi Musa – the nearest town to the iconic archaeological site.
Arguably the most recognisable landmark in Jordan, Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Treasury – of Indiana Jones fame – is even more impressive than you think it is going to be.
It is mind boggling to consider how such an intricate and delicate structure was carved so long ago, and it is no wonder that The Treasury is so popular – it invokes a sense of history and celebration that many other ancient monuments and buildings fail to do so, perhaps on a par with the Pyramids of Giza.
However, there is far more to Petra than the Treasury. Many tourists make the mistake of walking there, and then turning around again, missing so much of this wonderful snapshot of ancient civilization.
Carry on past The Treasury to explore the caves and lives of the local Bedouins as harsh, spectacular mountains and rock faces surround you from each and every angle.
Arguably more impressive than The Treasury, certainly in terms of scale, is The Monastery, a near 50m wide building sculpted out of rock and elegantly adorned with symmetrical carvings.
It goes without saying that Petra is absolutely worth the hype, and there is a reason that it is one of Jordan’s top tourist attractions.
Petra to Amman (Three hours five minutes)
It is time to end the road trip where you started, back in the hustling-bustling capital city of Amman, after a three hour-long drive back from Petra.
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