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The King's Highway: the Day-by-Day Itinerary

Petra's Treasury glowing rose through the Siq
Photo: Faraheed · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Jordan's King's Highway has carried travellers for three thousand years. Byzantine mosaics and Crusader ramparts lead to the moment the Siq opens onto Petra's Treasury, then Wadi Rum's red dunes take over by 4x4. A Red Sea reef at Aqaba ends the trip underwater.

The King's Highway is a 430 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as 4–7 days; the plan below is the 5-day version for April, built from 251 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

Customize this plan → 4-day plan · 5-day plan · 7-day plan · best time to go

5
days
489 km
distance
8.2 h
driving
34
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Amman → Kerak

1h52 transit · wraps up ~19:45
🌡 3.3–40.0°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 12.8h light
09:00
Jordan National Gallery of Fine Artsmuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Appreciate contemporary and regional art in a park-like setting.
50 min · Amman · 5 JD
open: W Th Sa-M 09:00-17:00/19:00 (winter/summer)
09:50
The Jordan Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Walk through well-preserved exhibits summarizing Jordan's history.
50 min · Amman · 5 JD (locals 1 JD, Jordan Pass is not va
open: W Th Sa-M 10:00-18:00
10:40
Amman Citadelhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Explore ancient ruins and sweeping city views at this historic site.
50 min · Amman · 3 JD (free with [[Jordan#Jordan Pass
13:22
Karak Archaeological Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Discover detailed histories and artifacts of Kerak’s past.
50 min · Kerak · Part of the citadel, no separate admissi
open: Closed for renovations as of Oct 2018
14:12
Old citymuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Browse vibrant local shops and savor quick bites in the heart of commerce.
50 min · Kerak
15:02
Wadi Bin Hammadhikinglocal & traditional
Wander peaceful, untouched trails rewarded with serene beauty.
90 min · Kerak
16:32
Kir Hebeslocal & traditional
Taste unique ostrich dishes and local wines under open skies.
60 min · Kerak · 5-10 JD
18:30
Karak Rest House
75 min · Kerak · Beers 2 JD
Overnight: Kerak
e.g. Cairwan Hotel · Al-Mujeb Hotel

Day 2 Around Kerak

no transit — linger day · wraps up ~15:00
🌡 3.3–40.0°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 12.8h light
09:00
Roman Church Hallhistory & sagaschurches & landmarks
50 min · Kerak
09:50
Citadel of Kerakhistory & sagas
Experience impressive restored views and ancient ruins overhead.
50 min · Kerak · 1 JD, free with [[Jordan#Jordan Pass
10:40
El-Lejjunhistory & sagas
Explore ruins of a Roman fortress, silenced by an earthquake.
50 min · Kerak
11:30
Museum at the Lowest Place on Earthmuseums & heritage
Gaze at ethnological treasures beneath the sun’s lowest point.
50 min · Kerak
12:20
Al Karak Museummuseums & heritage
50 min · Kerak
13:10
Mu'tah
Stand on sacred ground from the first Christian-Muslim battle.
50 min · Kerak
14:00
Delicious Meal
Indulge in flavorful, affordable shawarma far from tourist prices.
60 min · Kerak
Overnight: Kerak
e.g. Cairwan Hotel · Al-Mujeb Hotel

Day 3 Petra

2h42 transit · wraps up ~19:45
🌡 0.3–35.4°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 12.7h light
11:42
Monasteryhikinghistory & sagaschurches & landmarks
Behold the awe-inspiring façade of Petra's largest carved monument, towering above the valley.
50 min · Petra
12:32
Tomb Staircaseshikinghistory & sagasadventure
Climb winding paths for breathtaking views over Petra's iconic Treasury and valleys.
90 min · Petra
14:02
Mountain of Aaronhikinghistory & sagaschurches & landmarks
Reach sacred heights where Aaron's tomb rests, surrounded by silent, sunlit cliffs.
90 min · Petra
15:32
Treasuryhikinghistory & sagas
Marvel at the intricate façade and imagine ancient treasures hidden within.
50 min · Petra
16:22
Royal Tombshikinghistory & sagas
Gaze upon massive, ornate tombs that hint at the glory of lost Nabatean royalty.
50 min · Petra
18:30
Al-Wadi Restauranthiking
Savor hearty meals served with unmatched warmth and friendly hospitality.
75 min · Petra · 2-4 JD for a main dish
Overnight: Petra
e.g. Al-Anbat 1 · Sharah Mountains Hotel

See the remaining 2 days of the 5-day plan →

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