How Many Days Are Enough for Greece and Jordan?
Traveling to Greece and Jordan presents an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in two of the world’s most historically rich and culturally vibrant countries. Each destination is filled with ancient wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse culinary experiences that can leave any traveler captivated. However, determining how many days to spend in each country can be challenging. This guide will help you navigate the optimal duration for your visit, ensuring you make the most of your time in Greece and Jordan.
- Introduction
Greece and Jordan are countries known for their stunning landscapes, rich histories, and welcoming cultures. Greece is celebrated for its ancient ruins, idyllic islands, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, while Jordan is renowned for its archaeological sites, such as Petra and the Dead Sea. Combining both countries into a single trip allows travelers to experience a wealth of cultural and historical riches while enjoying breathtaking natural beauty.
Key Factors to Consider
Before diving into how many days are ideal for each country, consider the following factors that can influence your travel duration:
- Travel Goals: Are you primarily interested in historical sites, outdoor activities, relaxation on the beach, or a mix of experiences?
- Pace of Travel: Some travelers prefer a packed itinerary, while others enjoy a more leisurely pace that allows for spontaneous exploration.
- Available Time: How many days do you have for your trip overall? This will largely dictate your itinerary.
- Recommended Itinerary for Greece
2.1 Ideal Duration: 7-10 Days
For a comprehensive exploration of Greece, a duration of 7 to 10 days is generally recommended. This timeframe allows you to experience both the mainland and some of the stunning islands. Here’s a breakdown of how you might allocate your time:
Sample 10-Day Itinerary
Days 1-3: Athens
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
- Arrive in Athens and check into your hotel.
- Visit the Acropolis, home to the Parthenon and stunning views of the city.
- Stroll through the Plaka neighborhood, known for its charming streets and local shops.
Day 2: Explore Athens
- Visit the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus.
- Explore the National Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from ancient Greece.
- Enjoy dinner at a traditional taverna.
Day 3: Day Trip to Delphi
- Take a day trip to Delphi, an important archaeological site that was once considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks. Visit the Oracle of Delphi and the Delphi Museum before returning to Athens.
Days 4-5: Santorini
Day 4: Travel to Santorini
- Take a ferry or flight to Santorini, known for its stunning sunsets and picturesque villages.
- Check into your hotel and explore the village of Oia.
- Enjoy the famous sunset views and dine at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Explore Santorini
- Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city preserved in volcanic ash.
- Relax on one of Santorini’s unique beaches, such as Red Beach or Kamari Beach.
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour at local vineyards.
Days 6-7: Crete
Day 6: Travel to Crete
- Take a ferry to Crete, the largest Greek island.
- Visit the Palace of Knossos, the ancient Minoan site.
- Explore the capital, Heraklion, and its archaeological museum.
Day 7: Explore Crete
- Spend the day relaxing on the beach or hiking in Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest gorges.
- Sample local Cretan cuisine in a traditional taverna.
Days 8-10: Mykonos or Naxos
Day 8: Travel to Mykonos or Naxos
- Ferry to either Mykonos or Naxos, depending on your preference.
- Spend the day exploring the island, visiting beaches, and enjoying the nightlife.
Day 9: Explore the Island
- Relax on the beaches, visit the famous windmills in Mykonos, or explore the charming old town of Naxos.
- Enjoy a sunset dinner overlooking the sea.
Day 10: Return to Athens
- Ferry back to Athens for your departure or onward travel.
2.2 Shorter Trips: 5-7 Days
If you’re short on time, a focused trip of 5 to 7 days can still provide a wonderful experience in Greece. Here’s a sample itinerary:
Sample 7-Day Itinerary
Days 1-3: Athens
- Follow the same itinerary as above for the first three days.
Days 4-5: Santorini
- Travel to Santorini and spend two days exploring the island.
Day 6: Return to Athens
- Return to Athens for the last day of sightseeing, perhaps visiting any sites you missed.
Day 7: Departure
- Depart from Athens.
- Recommended Itinerary for Jordan
3.1 Ideal Duration: 5-7 Days
For a comprehensive exploration of Jordan, a duration of 5 to 7 days is generally recommended. This timeframe allows you to visit key sites like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. Here’s a breakdown of how you might allocate your time:
Sample 7-Day Itinerary
Days 1-3: Amman
Day 1: Arrival in Amman
- Arrive in Amman, Jordan’s capital. Check into your hotel and relax.
- Explore the vibrant downtown area, visiting the Roman Theatre and the Citadel.
Day 2: Jerash and Ajloun
- Take a day trip to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Explore its ancient ruins, including theaters, temples, and colonnaded streets.
- Visit Ajloun Castle, an impressive fortress with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Return to Amman for the night.
Day 3: Madaba and Mount Nebo
- Visit Madaba, known for its ancient mosaics, and see the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land.
- Continue to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, and enjoy panoramic views.
Days 4-5: Petra
Day 4: Travel to Petra
- Depart early for Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the day exploring this ancient city carved into the rock.
- Walk through the Siq, the narrow gorge leading to the Treasury, and discover the various tombs and temples.
- Spend the night in a hotel near Petra.
Day 5: More of Petra
- Continue exploring Petra, visiting the Monastery and other key sites.
- If time allows, hike to the viewpoint for stunning views of the Treasury.
Days 6-7: Wadi Rum and Dead Sea
Day 6: Wadi Rum
- Travel to Wadi Rum, a stunning desert landscape known for its dramatic sandstone mountains.
- Take a jeep tour of the desert, visiting iconic sites and learning about Bedouin culture.
- Spend the night in a Bedouin camp, enjoying traditional dinner and stargazing.
Day 7: Dead Sea
- Travel to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.
- Spend the day relaxing by the water, floating in the salt-rich sea, and enjoying spa treatments.
- Return to Amman in the evening for your departure.
3.2 Shorter Trips: 3-5 Days
If you have limited time, a focused trip of 3 to 5 days can still provide a rewarding experience in Jordan. Here’s a sample itinerary:
Sample 5-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2: Amman
- Follow the same itinerary for the first two days.
Day 3: Travel to Petra
- Spend the day exploring Petra.
Day 4: Wadi Rum
- Spend the day in Wadi Rum, exploring the desert landscape.
Day 5: Dead Sea or Return to Amman
- Relax at the Dead Sea or return to Amman for your departure.
- Combining Greece and Jordan: Ideal Duration
4.1 Recommended Duration: 10-14 Days
If you plan to visit both Greece and Jordan, a duration of 10 to 14 days is ideal. This timeframe allows you to experience the highlights of both countries without feeling rushed. Here’s how you might structure your combined itinerary:
Sample 14-Day Itinerary
Days 1-4: Athens, Greece
Days 1-3: Explore Athens
- Arrive in Athens and spend the first three days visiting the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and local neighborhoods.
Day 4: Day Trip to Delphi
- Take a day trip to Delphi, exploring the archaeological site and the museum.
Days 5-7: Santorini, Greece
Day 5: Travel to Santorini
- Take a ferry or flight to Santorini.
Days 6-7: Explore Santorini
- Spend two days visiting the archaeological site of Akrotiri, relaxing on beaches, and enjoying the sunset views.
Days 8-10: Travel to Jordan
Day 8: Travel to Amman
- Fly from Santorini to Amman.
Days 9-10: Explore Amman
- Spend two days visiting Jerash, Ajloun Castle, and the historic sites in Amman.
Days 11-12: Petra, Jordan
Day 11: Travel to Petra
- Depart early for Petra and spend the day exploring.
Day 12: More of Petra and Wadi Rum
- Spend the morning in Petra and then travel to Wadi Rum in the afternoon for a jeep tour.
Days 13-14: Dead Sea and Departure
Day 13: Relax at the Dead Sea
- Spend a day relaxing at the Dead Sea before returning to Amman.
Day 14: Departure
- Depart from Amman for your onward journey.
4.2 Shorter Combined Trips: 7-10 Days
If you have limited time, a focused trip of 7 to 10 days can still provide a rewarding experience. Here’s a sample itinerary:
Sample 10-Day Itinerary
Days 1-3: Athens, Greece
- Follow the same itinerary for the first three days.
Days 4-5: Santorini, Greece
- Travel to Santorini and spend two days exploring the island.
Days 6-7: Travel to Jordan
- Fly from Santorini to Amman, spending two days visiting key sites.
Days 8-10: Petra, Jordan
- Spend two days exploring Petra and Wadi Rum before returning to Amman for departure.
- Conclusion
When planning a trip to Greece and Jordan, the ideal duration largely depends on your travel goals, interests, and available time. A comprehensive exploration of both countries typically requires 10 to 14 days, allowing you to experience the highlights of each destination without feeling rushed. However, shorter itineraries of 5 to 10 days can still provide rewarding experiences, especially if you focus on key sites and activities.
Ultimately, the richness of the experiences awaiting you in Greece and Jordan makes any duration worthwhile. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in ancient ruins, indulge in delicious cuisines, or soak up the vibrant cultures, your journey through these two remarkable countries will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for their historical significance. Safe travels!
