2-Day Petra Tour from Jerusalem

Planning a trip that combines history, culture, and adventure? This 2-day Petra tour from Jerusalem offers a chance to see the iconic city carved into rose-red cliffs, explore Jordan’s archaeological sites, and enjoy authentic Bedouin hospitality. It’s a well-organized experience that’s perfect for travelers craving a mix of cultural insight and scenic beauty, all within a manageable two-day window.

While the journey involves border crossings and long coach rides, the reward of standing before Petra’s Treasury and wandering through ancient ruins makes it all worth it. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this tour special, along with practical tips to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What We Love About This Tour

1. Visiting Petra, one of the New7Wonders of the World – Seeing the breathtaking archaeological marvel that’s been standing for over 2,000 years is a highlight no traveler should miss. The intricate carvings, grand facades, and vast canyon make it truly awe-inspiring.

2. Expert local guides and well-organized itinerary – Reviewers mention guides like Mahdi and Abdullah who are not only knowledgeable but also friendly and engaging, helping to bring the stories and history alive.

3. The Bedouin camp experience – Spending a night in a Bedouin-style campsite adds a unique touch to the trip, giving you a taste of local hospitality, with delicious meals and a chance to experience the desert’s tranquility.

4. Scenic and culturally rich stops along the way – Visiting Mount Nebo, Madaba’s mosaic map, and Shobak Castle offers a well-rounded view of Jordan’s historical sites, making the journey as rewarding as the destination.

Possible drawback: The border crossing process can be time-consuming and a bit stressful, especially if unfamiliar with procedures or managing cash in different currencies.

Ideal for: History lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a hassle-free way to see Petra without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• All-inclusive value: The tour covers transportation, entrance fees, meals, and even overnight accommodation, providing a hassle-free experience.
• Long travel hours: Expect around 4 hours of scenic drive on Day 1 and additional travel on Day 2, which means comfortable coaches and some patience are essential.
• Border crossing challenges: Expect time at the Israeli and Jordanian borders, with some reviewers mentioning delays or confusion, so patience and preparation are key.
• Authentic overnight stay: The Bedouin camp offers a memorable experience, though some reviews mention basic facilities with no electricity after midnight and communal bathrooms.
• Guided insights: Guides like Mahdi and Abdullah are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, significantly enhancing the experience.
• Delicious meals: Meals are included, with many reviewers noting the quality and authenticity of the food, adding to the trip’s overall value.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Crossing Borders and Exploring Jordan’s Highlights

Start at Abraham Jerusalem Hostel at 7:30 am, where you’ll gather with your group before heading south. The first stop is the King Hussein Bridge Border Crossing, a critical point where you’ll exchange some cash in Jordanian Dinar (JOD), often a recommended tip from travelers who found it easier to pay in cash. Expect about an hour here, with no entrance fees involved but some waiting time.

Next is Mount Nebo, a well-known biblical site offering panoramic views of the Jordan River’s west bank. This stop is free and offers a peaceful atmosphere that makes contemplating history feel tangible. Many reviewers find Mount Nebo touching, especially when imagining the biblical stories played out there.

Then, you’ll visit Madaba, home to an ancient mosaic map of Jerusalem. It’s a quick but fascinating stop—an excellent chance to see how early artisans depicted sacred sites in intricate detail.

Shobak Castle follows—a prominent Crusader fortress that offers insight into Jordan’s strategic past. This stop is included and offers a chance to stretch your legs and explore a medieval stronghold with great views and historical intrigue.

In the late afternoon, you arrive at Wadi Musa, your base near Petra. The scenic drive itself is part of the experience, letting you soak in Jordan’s landscape. Many reviews describe the Bedouin camp as a peaceful, almost magical place, perfect for unwinding after a long day of travel.

Day 2: The Marvel of Petra and Return Journey

The real star of the trip is, of course, Petra. You’ll spend approximately 6 hours exploring this 2,000-year-old city carved into sandstone, with highlights including the Siq, the narrow canyon that leads to the Treasury, Royal Tombs, and the ancient theater. Tour guides often emphasize the significance of each site, with some travelers mentioning their guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge making the visit even more memorable.

One reviewer called Petra “a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” adding that their guide’s insights made the visit especially meaningful. Expect plenty of photo opportunities and perhaps some surprises along the way, like hidden caves or lesser-known monuments.

After exploring Petra, you’ll cross back through King Hussein/Allenby Bridge to return to Israel, marking the end of your Jordanian adventure. The return journey takes approximately 2 hours, with some travelers recounting border delays or confusion, so patience and cash readiness are prudent.

You’re estimated to arrive back in Jerusalem around 9 pm, after a full, enriching two days.

Practical Insights: What to Know Before You Go

Transportation & Comfort: The tour uses air-conditioned coaches, but the long hours on the road demand comfortable shoes and patience. Some reviews note that the coaches are good, but the journey can be tiring, especially after a busy day in Petra.

Guide Quality: The guides are consistently praised for their friendliness and knowledge. Having someone explain the history and significance of the sites in detail adds depth to your experience.

Border Crossing Tips: Expect some wait times, especially on the Israeli side. It’s recommended to have Jordanian Dinars ready for border taxes and exit fees. Some travelers advise being patient; others suggest arriving early to avoid last-minute stress.

Accommodation: Staying overnight in a Bedouin camp can be a highlight for many, offering authentic hospitality, traditional meals, and a taste of desert life. Some mention basic facilities, with no electricity after midnight, so plan accordingly.

Food & Meals: Meals are included and generally well-received for their authenticity and quality. Many reviewers highlight the campfire dinner and buffet-style lunch stops as memorable highlights.

Cost & Value: At $420 per person, this tour offers a lot—organized transport, multiple site visits, meals, and overnight accommodation. For travelers eager to see Petra without the hassle of planning each detail, this is a solid investment, especially considering the convenience.

Considerations: The border crossing can be stressful and time-consuming, with some reviews mentioning delays or confusion. Be prepared with cash in the right currencies and patience. Also, the long travel hours mean you should be comfortable with spending a significant part of your two days on coaches.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those who want a structured, guided experience that covers key Jordanian sights with minimal fuss. It’s perfect if you’re interested in history, archaeology, and culture, but don’t want the hassle of organizing border crossings and accommodations yourself.

Travelers who enjoy group tours with knowledgeable guides and are comfortable with long coach rides will find this experience rewarding. It’s especially suited for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a meaningful, hassle-free adventure.

If you’re seeking luxury or ultra-flexibility, this might not be the best fit, but for an authentic, well-rounded snapshot of Jordan’s treasures, it’s hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I book this tour?
On average, it’s booked about 58 days in advance, so if you’re interested, it’s wise to reserve early to secure your spot.

Is this tour suitable for people with moderate physical fitness?
Yes, but some walking and climbing are involved at Petra, so a moderate fitness level is recommended.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered, including a Bedouin campfire dinner and buffet-style lunches.

What if I’m an Israeli citizen?
Unfortunately, this tour isn’t available to Israeli passport holders, due to border restrictions.

How long is the border crossing?
Expect some waiting time, especially at the Israeli border, which can be lengthy and might require patience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, hats, sunscreen, scarves, warm clothes for the night, and plenty of water are essential. Also, a flashlight is handy for the camp’s no-electricity hours.

Are there any additional costs?
Border taxes are payable in cash (Israeli border taxes in ILS, Euro, or USD; Jordanian border tax in JOD). Also, you might want extra cash for snacks, drinks, or tips.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While suitable for most physically able travelers, consider the long coach rides and border procedures when traveling with children or elderly family members.

What is the group size?
The tour generally accommodates up to 47 travelers, which offers a good balance of companionship and manageable group dynamics.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Petra tour from Jerusalem combines adventure, history, and cultural flavor into a nicely packaged experience. While border crossings demand patience, they are a small price to pay for the chance to wander through one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.

You’ll appreciate the knowledgeable guides, the authentic overnight Bedouin camp, and the chance to see Jordan’s highlights in a manageable timeframe. If you’re ready for a bit of a journey and some long travel hours, this tour delivers a memorable taste of Jordan’s treasures.

Perfect for history buffs, curious travelers, and those eager to tick Petra off their bucket lists without the stress of planning every detail. Just remember to prepare your cash, pack comfortable shoes, and bring a sense of adventure.