03 Days Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea from Amman

Experience Jordan’s Most Iconic Sights in Just Three Days

Traveling through Jordan can seem overwhelming with so many incredible sites to explore. This 3-day private tour from Amman offers a balanced mix of history, natural beauty, and adventure, all wrapped into a manageable itinerary. It’s a great option for those who want to see key highlights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

We love how this tour combines famous landmarks like Petra and the Dead Sea with less-visited gems like Little Petra and Shobak Castle. The inclusion of an overnight stay in both Petra and Wadi Rum allows for a more relaxed experience and deeper appreciation of each locale. Plus, the Bedouin dinner in Wadi Rum adds a touch of local culture that elevates the experience.

One possible consideration is the moderate physical activity involved, especially at Petra, which requires walking through narrow canyons and exploring open sites. Travelers with mobility issues should note this. This tour is best suited for those eager to see Jordan’s highlights comfortably, with a taste of adventure and authentic Bedouin hospitality.

Who would enjoy this tour? It’s ideal for first-timers to Jordan seeking a comprehensive yet manageable introduction, travelers interested in both history and natural landscapes, and those craving a cultural experience combined with scenic beauty.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, and more, offering a well-rounded Jordanian experience.
• Authentic Experiences: Includes Bedouin dinner, jeep safari, and visits to lesser-known sites like Little Petra and Shobak Castle.
• Accommodation: Overnight stays in Petra and a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, providing immersive and comfortable options.
• Value for Price: At $349 per person, it covers transportation, accommodations, and unique activities, making it an efficient way to see Jordan.
• Guided Comfort: An English-speaking driver ensures smooth navigation and local insights.
• Limited Extra Costs: Most major sites are included or optional, with the main exclusions being meals and drinks outside what’s provided.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Dana Nature Reserve to Petra

Our adventure kicks off with a visit to Dana Nature Reserve, one of Jordan’s oldest protected areas. The landscape here is striking — rugged mountains, lush valleys, and diverse flora. Although the admission ticket isn’t included, travelers often find it worth the small extra cost to see this natural wonder early in their journey.

Next, we head to Shobak Castle, a crusader stronghold perched high on rocky slopes. It’s a quick stop, but the views from the castle are worth the 30-minute visit. It’s a chance to step into history, imagining the medieval battles that once took place there.

The highlight of the day is Little Petra (Al-Beidha), a site often overshadowed by its famous neighbor but equally captivating. It served as a caravan stop in ancient times, and wandering through its stone facades and narrow alleys gives a real sense of Jordan’s role in historical trade routes. With about an hour here, you get a good glimpse without feeling rushed.

Finally, the day ends with a drive to Petra, where you’ll stay overnight. The journey itself reveals the changing landscape — from lush valleys to the rugged, rose-colored rock that defines Petra’s surrounding area.

Day 2: Petra Wonders and Wadi Rum Adventure

Starting early, we enter Petra’s main entrance (the Siq), a narrow canyon roughly 1.2 km long that feels like stepping into a secret world. The first jaw-dropping sight is Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), carved from solid rock and nearly 140 feet high. It’s truly one of the most iconic images of the Middle East.

From there, we explore hundreds of carved structures, including the Roman Theater with its 7,000 seats, and the Royal Tombs, which showcase the grandeur of Nabatean architecture. The tour includes several sites, and we walk back to the visitor center after about three hours of exploration. While the entry is free, the experience of walking through Petra’s alleys, tunnels, and open plazas is priceless.

Post-Petra, we drive to Wadi Rum, a landscape so surreal it feels otherworldly. Towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and massive rock formations create a dramatic backdrop for our jeep safari. The 2-hour tour, which isn’t included in the ticket price, takes us to some of the most scenic spots, including natural arches and secluded valleys. Reviewers mention that the stunning views make this part of the trip unforgettable, with one commenting on how the wind-eroded rock faces appear like faces and animals.

Staying overnight in a Bedouin camp enhances the authentic feel. Falling asleep under a blanket of stars, listening to stories around the campfire, makes for a memorable experience.

Day 3: The Dead Sea and Return to Amman

The final day involves a relaxing visit to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Expect a floaty, buoyant experience that’s both fun and therapeutic. The tour includes time to swim and have lunch, taking in the surreal landscape of salty, mineral-rich waters.

Afterward, we drive back to Amman, completing this whirlwind but enriching journey. The overall pace is well-balanced, giving enough time at each site to appreciate its uniqueness without feeling exhausted.

Why the Tour Offers Great Value

At $349 per person, this tour packs in multiple UNESCO sites, natural wonders, and cultural experiences. It includes transportation, two nights’ accommodation, and activities like the jeep safari and Bedouin dinner, which might cost extra if booked separately.

The accommodations—one night in a hotel in Petra and one in a Bedouin camp—are both practical and immersive choices. The hotel provides comfort after a long day of walking, while the camp adds a genuine touch of Bedouin hospitality, making the experience more memorable.

A major plus is the small-group or private nature of the tour, which allows for flexibility and personalized attention. Plus, the pick-up from Amman and the use of an English-speaking driver make logistics straightforward, especially for first-time visitors.

Authenticity and Comfort

The tour’s design emphasizes authentic, local experiences without sacrificing comfort. The Bedouin dinner delivers regional flavors and cultural insights, making the night in Wadi Rum more meaningful. The jeep safari introduces travelers to the desert’s majestic scenery, far beyond what is visible from the main roads.

Practical Aspects

Timing is well thought out—early starts at Petra maximize sightseeing, and the drive times between sites are reasonable, given Jordan’s vast landscape. The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate fitness, as some walking and uneven terrain are involved, especially in Petra and Wadi Rum.

Travelers should note that most site admissions are not included, but the costs are relatively modest and transparent. The tour also allows some flexibility for optional excursions or additional site visits if you wish.

Who’s This Tour Perfect For?

This trip caters well to first-time visitors who want a rundown of Jordan’s top sights without the stress of planning. It suits travelers interested in history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, as well as those craving a taste of Bedouin life.

Adventure seekers will appreciate the jeep safari and the opportunity to explore Wadi Rum’s breathtaking landscape. Meanwhile, those seeking relaxation will enjoy floating in the Dead Sea after days of sightseeing.

This tour is ideal if you want to see the highlights efficiently but still experience some authenticity through local cuisine and overnight stays in traditional Bedouin tents.

The Sum Up

This 3-day Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea tour from Amman offers a well-rounded and authentic taste of Jordan’s most famous spots. It balances significant cultural landmarks with stunning natural scenery, making it a fantastic choice for travelers who want to maximize their time.

The inclusion of overnight stays in Petra and Wadi Rum adds a layer of comfort and immersion that many day trips can’t match. Plus, the Bedouin dinner and jeep safari introduce genuine Jordanian hospitality and adventure into the mix.

While it requires some walking and moderate physical activity, the overall experience remains accessible and rewarding. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this tour will leave you with lasting memories of Jordan’s diverse landscapes and history.

If you’re after a value-packed, authentic, and scenic exploration, this tour is a solid choice—just pack your sense of adventure and a good camera!

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, you’ll be traveling in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver who handles all transfers and site visits.

Are all major sites included in the tour fee?
Most sites like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea are included or optional, but some admissions like Shobak Castle and Little Petra are not included in the ticket price.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so modifications may be possible upon request—just check with your tour provider before booking.

What is the accommodation like?
Overnight stays are in a 3-star hotel in Petra and a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, blending comfort with cultural authenticity.

How physically demanding is this tour?
Moderate physical activity is involved, especially walking through Petra and in Wadi Rum. Travelers should have a reasonable level of fitness.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a swimsuit for the Dead Sea. A camera is a must for capturing those incredible desert and rock formations.

Is there a recommended age limit?
The tour is suitable for most ages with moderate fitness, but very young children or those with mobility issues should consider this when planning.

Embark on this Jordanian adventure with confidence, knowing you’re in capable hands and about to see some of the most stunning sights the Middle East has to offer.