FACT’s ultimate itinerary for 72 hours in Jordan

From Petra’s ancient ruins to the busy metropolis of Amman, here’s where to eat, sleep and play.

If you’re thinking of making travel plans, Jordan’s got so much history to offer. Rich in culture and cuisine, this Middle Eastern country promises to engulf you in its warm hospitality. If you’re planning to visit, here’s our curated Jordan itinerary featuring food, arts, culture and tourist attractions. So, whether you’ve got 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours, this is how to make every second count

Day one: 24 hours in Jordan

Travel back in time and walk in the footsteps of history. Learn about the country’s unique history at UNESCO World Heritage sites or luxuriate in style.

5am

Start with an early breakfast at Olea

Start your first day in Jordan with breakfast at Olea. Located in Four Seasons Amman, this restaurant in the capital offers a great selection of local and international dishes to fuel your day. Cheeses, cold cuts, and an array of Middle Eastern specialities make for a hearty meal that will fill you up for the journey ahead.

6am

Visit Petra

No trip to Jordan is complete without visiting Petra, so begin your adventure with a visit to this ancient city. Carved into rocky rose-red cliffs, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Amman, so leave early to beat the crowds. Wander through these rocky formations and carvings that once made a populated city and learn about the Nabatean civilisation that built it. Fun fact: Petra — located in Wadi Musa, which translates to Musa’s valley — is also believed to be where Moses struck a rock with his staff and water gushed out.

3pm

Have a late lunch at Feu La Bedouin Restaurant in Petra 

All that Petra exploration is sure to tire you out, so make space to fill your belly with a traditional Jordanian meal at Feu La Bedouin Restaurant. Located in Petra, this restaurant serves traditional Jordanian dishes in a cosy, Bedouin-style setting that makes for an authentic dining experience.

7pm

Enjoy a Nabatean treatment at the Four Seasons Amman spa 

After another three-hour drive back to Amman, make your way to the Four Seasons Amman spa for much-needed relaxation. Here, treat yourself to a Nabatean treatment — the civilisation that you just learned about in Petra. This massage uses olive seeds, oud oil and argan oil to pull away the tiredness from your sore muscles.

9pm

Dine at La Capitale 

For dinner, indulge in French cuisine at La Capitale. This chic, French brasserie offers a sophisticated dining experience with dishes like Canard A Lorange and Burrata, and it ends with the Vanilla Mille Feuille.

11pm

Camp at Four Seasons Amman

Located on Kindi Street, Four Seasons Amman boasts a luxurious yet comforting set of keys. With a cosy, warm and welcoming, yet spacious, accommodation, you’re in for a restful night of sleep. And with all that adventure and walking, you definitely need that.

Day two: 48 hours in Jordan

Amman is a bustling metropolis with luxury malls and architectural wonders. This is well and truly a global city, so it’s time to visit the blockbuster sights. It’s time to go large. 

9am

Head out to Fatatri on Rainbow Street for breakfast 

Start your day with breakfast at Fatatri, located on Rainbow Street. Known for its Fteer pies, this spot, with its simple decor is a favourite for locals and tourists alike. 

11am

Visit Jerash 

Now that Petra has been struck off the bucket list, next is Jerash. Located about an hour’s drive away from Amman, it’s one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy. Wander through the ancient ruins here which includes the Temple of Zeus, an amphitheatre and much more. Make sure you have local currency on you since none of the snack stops here accept digital currency.

2pm

Indulge in lunch at Umm Khalil Lebanese Restaurant 

Since the Jeras tour is going to take you hours, head to Umm Khalil restaurant nearby to savour a traditional Lebanese meal. Classic dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and kebabs, will await your arrival.

5pm

Go shopping at Downtown Bazaar in Amman 

Upon returning to Amman, make your way to the Downtown Bazaar. From traditional dresses to unique souvenirs, you’ll find everything you need here, at great prices. You’ll also get souvenirs from the neighbouring countries so expect to see a lot of Palestinian flags, jewellery, fridge magnets and much more.

8pm

Enjoy meaty goodness at Zenith 

For dinner, head to Zenith Grill at The St. Regis Amman. This rooftop restaurant with beautiful views of the city serves an elaborate menu of grilled dishes. Order your choice of steak and relish in deliciousness while soaking in the vistas.

Day three: 72 hours in Jordan

Amman may well be one of the hippest cities in the Middle East. Ever since it opened up its cultural scene, there has been a wave of concept stores, and concerts. Get your cool on. 

8am

Fill up your belly with breakfast at Nur Lebanese Dining 

Begin your day with breakfast at Nur Lebanese Dining. Located in Fairmont Amman, this restaurant’s menu has been curated by Chef Joe Barza. Here, you can enjoy dishes like mutabbal, tabbouleh, and batata harra, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

11am

Explore the capital

Spend your last day in Jordan exploring Amman’s rich history. Visit the Citadel, perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the city. The site includes ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins, as well as the impressive Temple of Hercules. You can also visit the Jordanian Archaeological Museum here to learn more about the country’s history and culture through its collection of artefacts and exhibits. Next, head to the Roman Amphitheater, located at a 10-minute drive from the Citadel. This 6,000-seat structure dates back to the second century and was stage for duels back in the day.

3pm

Learn how to cook a traditional Jordanian meal at Beit Sitti 

Beit Sitti in Amman allows you to learn how to cook Jordanian food. Bringing grandmother recipes to life, this activity teaches you how to make maqluba — the famous upside-down dish — and other Jordanian and Palestinian favourites. Once done, enjoy your creation with others.

6pm

Explore the Dead Sea 

Much like Petra, the Dead Sea is a must-visit spot in Jordan as well. It’s the lowest point on earth, making the sea extremely salty. The mud here is known to have healing properties so if you don’t want to exfoliate yourself, just find a spot and watch the sunset for a calming end to your adventure.

9pm

Finish your travel with a dinner at Roberto’s 

End your adventure with a luxurious dinner at Roberto’s. This restaurant — located at The Ritz-Carlton Amman — serves contemporary Italian dishes with views of Amman’s skyline. Enjoy homemade pasta and delicious desserts, with a glass of cocktail in your hand as the perfect finale to your trip.

When to visit

The best time to visit Jordan is during the fall. From October until early December, the weather in Jordan is pleasant so you don’t sweat out on your historic excursions. Late winter months can get extremely cold in Jordan with rain and snowfall in several areas.

Getting there and away

Jordan’s capital, Amman is very well-connected to the world via the Queen Alia International Airport. You can hop on a direct flight from London that takes a little over five hours, whereas Dubai and Abu Dhabi are about three hours in flight time away from the city. If you’re travelling from Saudi Arabia, you can hop on a direct flight from Jeddah or Riyadh, which takes roughly two hours to bring you to Queen Alia International Airport.