How long is the Jordan Desert and History Loop: Amman to the Red Sea route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Amman to Amman in Western Jordan, Jordan.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is March to May and September to November.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Culture, Adventure, Nature, Scenic, Classic road trip.

Jordan Desert and History Loop: Amman to the Red Sea

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The route · 6 stops

5 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Amman

2 nights

Jordan's capital sprawls across seven hills with 6,000 years of history layered into a compact downtown. The Roman Theatre and Citadel are walkable from most hotels. Day-trip north to Jerash (50 km) for Roman ruins that rival Pompeii, then return for the best dining on the route.Jordan's capital sprawls across seven hills with 6,000 years of history layered into a compact downtown. The Roman Theatre and Citadel are walkable from most hotels. Day-trip north to Jerash (50 km) for Roman ruins that rival Pompeii, then return for the best dining on the route.

Recommendations

1h 4m · 77 km drive to Madaba and the Dead Sea

Madaba and the Dead Sea

1 night

Break the southbound drive at Madaba to see a 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land at St George's Church. Then descend to 430 m below sea level at the Dead Sea and float effortlessly in water ten times saltier than the ocean, coated in black mineral mud.Break the southbound drive at Madaba to see a 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land at St George's Church. Then descend to 430 m below sea level at the Dead Sea and float effortlessly in water ten times saltier than the ocean, coated in black mineral mud.

Recommendations

2h 28m · 177 km drive to Wadi Musa (Petra)

Wadi Musa (Petra)

2 nights

Two days barely scratch the surface of Nabataean Petra. Walk the Siq gorge at dawn to reach the Treasury before the crowds, then push on to the Monastery via 800 rough-cut steps for views over the valley. Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), 10 minutes north, is a quieter companion site.Two days barely scratch the surface of Nabataean Petra. Walk the Siq gorge at dawn to reach the Treasury before the crowds, then push on to the Monastery via 800 rough-cut steps for views over the valley. Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), 10 minutes north, is a quieter companion site.

Recommendations

1h 32m · 110 km drive to Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum

1 night

Wadi Rum's red sandstone mountains and vast dune sea fill a UNESCO-protected valley the size of Luxembourg. An afternoon 4WD jeep tour covers the key arches and ancient carvings; an overnight in a Bedouin camp puts the Milky Way directly overhead. This is the defining one-night stop.Wadi Rum's red sandstone mountains and vast dune sea fill a UNESCO-protected valley the size of Luxembourg. An afternoon 4WD jeep tour covers the key arches and ancient carvings; an overnight in a Bedouin camp puts the Milky Way directly overhead. This is the defining one-night stop.

Recommendations

43m · 52 km drive to Aqaba

Aqaba

1 night

Jordan's only Red Sea port is a relaxed end to the desert days. Coral reefs run close enough to shore for snorkelling directly from South Beach without a boat. A strip of dive shops rents gear and runs reef trips for all levels, with sea temperatures warm year-round.Jordan's only Red Sea port is a relaxed end to the desert days. Coral reefs run close enough to shore for snorkelling directly from South Beach without a boat. A strip of dive shops rents gear and runs reef trips for all levels, with sea temperatures warm year-round.

Recommendations

On the way

Amman
5h 7m · 368 km
The Desert Highway return from Aqaba covers 330 km in under four hours. A final night in the capital is optional but a useful buffer before early international flights from Queen Alia Airport.The Desert Highway return from Aqaba covers 330 km in under four hours. A final night in the capital is optional but a useful buffer before early international flights from Queen Alia Airport.
Recommendations

Jordan Desert and History Loop: Amman to the Red Sea