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Inspiration | 12-11-2019

An Ideal Itinerary for the Golden Triangle of Jordan

The Golden Triangle of Jordan stretches between the desert landscape of Wadi Rum, the sandy beaches of Aqaba and ancient city of Petra.

مناظر الصحراء في الاردن | Jordan desert views

There’s enough natural beauty, enthralling ruins, and exciting experiences in Jordan to provide enough fodder for several fulfilling trips. But if time is of the essence and you’re hoping to hit the most memorable highlights of the country in one fell swoop, you can’t go wrong with Jordan’s Golden Triangle. This three-pronged approach will allow you to take in the charming coastal city of Aqaba, the awesome Lost City of Petra, and the unforgettable landscapes of the Wadi Rum desert. Just plan your stay at luxury destination Ayla to add the finishing touch to your trip. Prepare to take on land and sea as you discover Jordan’s famous southern sites, and embark on our ideal itinerary for the Golden Triangle, Jordan.

  1. Visit beautiful Aqaba

We start our Jordanian journey in Aqaba, a coastal city with charm to spare. As well as being the perfect jumping off point to the best sites in Jordan, there are also plenty of things to do in Aqaba, making it a fantastic destination in its own right. Shop the colourful and community-led project Souk by the Sea to stock up on souvenirs from over 50 local artisans or embrace an aquatic adventure and unbelievably beautiful coral reefs at the world-class snorkelling and dive sites situated on the nearby coast. There’s no better place to enjoy some sun, sea and sand than Aqaba and the Red Sea, surrounded by the ever-watchful mountains and endless desert plains.

  1. Explore the Lost City of Petra

One of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient archaeological ruins of Petra will make you feel like you have stepped onto the set of an Indiana Jones movie. Incredible rock tombs and temples have been carved into these windswept red-rock cliffs while deep canyons and towering rock formations have earned Petra the moniker ‘the Rose City’. Visitors enter the site via the 1.2km Siq, a canyon where curiosities like rock carvings and small shrines stand sentinel, providing an intriguing welcome. Bring plenty of water to hike the site by day or visit in the cool of the night when flickering candlelight adds a mystical glow to the rocks, and traditional music and folklore creates a thoroughly enchanting ambiance.

  1. Discover Wadi Rum desert

Last but not least on this itinerary for the Golden Triangle of Jordan, the echoing stretches of the Wadi Rum desert are an unmissable experience. Whether you choose to traverse the magnificent sands by camel like the Bedouins of old or explore the rock formations on board a bouncing Jeep, you can’t fail to be impressed by this endless lunar landscape. Learn about the Bedouin culture with a night at a traditional camp – with a delicious zarb barbecue on the menu and sublime views of the stars, it’s the ultimate glamping experience.


Treat yourself to an extra special experience when you visit Jordan’s Golden Triangle and make five-star Ayla your base for a luxurious and comfortable stay. Within easy access of the best things to see in Jordan and with amenities including 800,000 square metres of eco-friendly golfing green and a tranquil, lagoon-side beach club, Ayla delivers a solid gold stay to match your Golden Triangle venture.

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