Your trip to Aqaba & Wadi Rum
From Wadi Rum’s sandstone wilderness to Aqaba’s coral coast, this southern area combines desert adventures and Red Sea heritage.
Suggested day-by-day route
Draft route, not a timed booking. Published visiting hours are linked below; confirm seasonal changes. Open driving directions for current travel estimates before choosing each day's stops.
Day 1
- 1Al-Humayma Archaeological Site
Settlement and water-system remains reveal a historic desert crossroads north of Aqaba.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
- 2Wadi Rum Protected Area
Sandstone mountains, red dunes and Bedouin-guided routes define this UNESCO-listed desert landscape.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop - 3Wadi Rum Village
The village is a base for locally arranged desert excursions and encounters with Bedouin life.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop - 4Wadi Rum Canyons
Narrow sandstone passages offer varied walks; routes differ in difficulty and require local advice.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop
Day 2
- 1Khazali Canyon
A narrow rock passage contains ancient inscriptions; protect the surfaces and follow guide advice.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
- 2Abu Khashaba Canyon
A scenic sandstone canyon is a walking stop on some guided desert routes.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop - 3Burdah Rock Bridge
A dramatic high natural bridge is an advanced excursion, not a casual unguided climb.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop - 4Um Fruth Rock Bridge
A natural sandstone bridge is a popular desert stop; climbing requires care and guide advice.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop
Day 3
- 1Lawrence’s Spring
A mountainside spring area offers desert views and a stop on locally guided excursions.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
- 2Seven Pillars of Wisdom
A distinctive mountain formation near the visitor area introduces Wadi Rum’s dramatic geology.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop - 3Aqaba City
Seafront streets, food and local markets offer a relaxed Red Sea city experience.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop - 4Aqaba Castle (Mamluk Fort)
A coastal fortress preserves part of Aqaba’s strategic and trading history.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop
Day 4
- 1Ayla Islamic City
Early Islamic city remains reveal Aqaba’s role in regional trade and settlement.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
- 2Aqaba Archaeological Museum
Local archaeological collections add context to the coast’s long history; confirm current access.
Published listing: 08:00–17:15. Other official schedules differ; confirm opening before visiting. Hours source
Driving time from previous stop - 3Aqaba Marine Reserve
Protected reef habitats invite responsible marine exploration without touching coral.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop - 4South Beach Aqaba
Coastal beach areas provide reef access through qualified operators; check sea conditions and facilities.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop
Day 5
- 1Tala Bay
A marina and resort area offers coastal dining and leisure; confirm visitor arrangements.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
- 2Berenice Beach Club
A managed beach venue offers arranged seaside activities; check passes and inclusions directly.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop - 3Japanese Garden Dive Site
A reef dive site offers underwater exploration with a qualified operator and suitable experience.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop - 4Cedar Pride Shipwreck
A well-known wreck dive requires qualified supervision and appropriate diving certification.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop
Day 6
- 1Aqaba & Wadi Rum cafés & restaurants
Pause for local cooking, traditional sweets or coffee; choose venues locally and confirm menus and dietary needs.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
- 2Shopping & local products
Browse local markets and shopping areas. Ask about available milk, cheese, labneh, olive oil and regional goods; availability varies by shop and season.
Opening hours not verified — confirm visitor access before arrival.
Driving time from previous stop
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Agencies serving this destination
Independent operators with public contacts, not Rehla-affiliated agencies. Offices are in Amman; coverage may be a nearby sight rather than the city centre. Confirm dates, prices and current licensing directly. Contact details checked 19 October 2026.