Discover Jordan in 2 Days: Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea
Travelers seeking a concise yet authentic taste of Jordan’s most iconic sights will find this 2-day tour from Amman an excellent choice. Designed for those who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed, it offers a balanced mix of history, adventure, and relaxation.
What makes this experience stand out? First, the opportunity to explore Petra’s stunning architecture at your own pace thanks to knowledgeable guides. Second, the overnight in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum provides a genuine taste of desert life paired with unforgettable star-gazing. Third, a relaxing float and mud bath at the Dead Sea offers a perfect wind-down after a day of exploration.
One potential drawback is the long travel hours involved — with 4- to 5-hour hikes and a lot of ground covered in just two days. This means a moderate level of fitness is necessary, and some travelers might prefer a more leisurely pace. Still, if you’re after a compact adventure that hits the major highlights, this tour is a solid pick.
This experience suits travelers who want a rich, authentic Jordanian journey without spending too much time away from Amman. It’s ideal for those with a sense of adventure, curiosity about history, and a desire for natural beauty.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Authentic Experience: Stay in a Bedouin camp and enjoy local food and stories.
- Iconic Sites: Visit Petra’s Treasury, Monastery, and the High Place of Sacrifice.
- Natural Wonders: Float in the Dead Sea and enjoy its therapeutic mud.
- Cultural Connection: Engage with Bedouins and learn about their lifestyle.
- Comfort & Convenience: Modern vehicle, AC, WiFi, and hotel pickup.
- Active & Scenic: A 4- to 5-hour hike requiring moderate fitness.
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The Breakdown of Your 2-Day Jordan Adventure
Day 1: Petra & Wadi Rum
Starting early from Amman, the first stop is Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The journey itself takes about 2-3 hours, giving you a chance to enjoy views of Jordan’s countryside. Upon arrival, you’ll step through the famous Siq, a narrow, winding canyon that builds anticipation as it reveals the treasury (Al-Khazneh) carved into the sandstone. This iconic façade is as breathtaking as you’ve seen in photos, and walking through Petra’s ancient streets, tombs, and temples adds layers to the experience.
Your guide, as shared by travelers, adds real value by explaining the stories behind each monument. Valerie Michelle mentions how RAED, her guide, helped them explore at their own pace, avoiding the crowds and providing historical insights that made the visit more meaningful. She appreciated how RAED’s timing allowed her to truly savor the Treasury and other key sites.
After exploring Petra in the morning, you’ll undertake the High Place of Sacrifice, which offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding desert. Then, the trek to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) is rewarding, not just for the stunning architecture but also for the vistas of Wadi Rum that begin to come into view as you head south.
Post-Petra, the journey continues to Wadi Rum — a vast desert landscape renowned for towering sandstone formations and dramatic cliffs. Once there, you’ll be greeted by Bedouins, who will guide you to a traditional camp. The highlight? An authentic Bedouin dinner cooked in an underground oven (Zarb), seasoned with spices and served with warm hospitality. Valerie noted the delicious local food, traditional music, and the chance to stargaze in complete comfort, far from city lights.
The overnight experience in the desert is where this tour truly shines, offering a chance to connect with Bedouin culture, learn about their way of life, and enjoy some incredible desert sunsets and stars.
Day 2: Dead Sea & Return to Amman
Waking up in the desert, a hearty Bedouin breakfast fuels you for the drive to the Dead Sea, which takes about 2 hours. The Dead Sea is famous for its dense, mineral-rich waters that allow you to float effortlessly — a surreal experience that you won’t forget. Many reviews highlight the tranquility of the spot chosen by the guide, away from the touristy crowds.
You’ll have time to float, enjoy the therapeutic mud bath, and relax on the shore. Valerie’s review notes how RAED made sure they had everything they needed for a safe, enjoyable floating experience, emphasizing the importance of good tips for enjoying the mud bath.
After a few hours of leisure, it’s time to head back to Amman, passing through scenic Jordanian landscapes. The return trip wraps up your adventure, leaving you with plenty of memories and stunning photos.
More Great Tours NearbyTransportation & Logistics: Comfort and Convenience
The tour uses a modern, air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and bottled water, making the long drives more comfortable. The hotel pickup and drop-off service ensures a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Travelers should be prepared for a 4- to 5-hour hike on Day 1, so comfortable shoes and some physical fitness are recommended. The itinerary is well-paced, but those with mobility issues might find the hikes challenging.
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What’s Included & What’s Not
The price of $235 per person is quite reasonable considering the inclusions like transportation, a knowledgeable driver, and a carefully curated itinerary. However, entrance fees, meals, and activities at the Dead Sea are not included, so budgeting extra for these is wise. The tour also doesn’t include accommodation in Wadi Rum or specific Dead Sea resorts, giving travelers flexibility to choose their preferred options.
Authenticity & Unique Experiences
One of the key aspects of this tour, as noted by reviews, is the authentic Bedouin experience. Valerie described the camp as cozy, authentic, and full of local stories, which adds value beyond just sightseeing. The opportunity to interact with Bedouins, sample traditional dishes, and enjoy starry desert nights makes this a genuinely immersive experience.
The scenery at Wadi Rum is often highlighted as breathtaking. The sunset over the sandstone dunes, combined with silence and vastness, leaves a lasting impression. Travelers like Valerie appreciated the authenticity and meaning added by RAED’s knowledge of the desert.
At Petra, the timing of visits and the guide’s insights helped travelers avoid crowds and appreciate the monuments’ grandeur without feeling rushed. The treasury and monastery are as awe-inspiring in person as in photos, with some mentions of the stunning views from the high points.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This trip suits those craving an active, authentic adventure that packs major sights into a short timeframe. It’s perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and culture seekers who don’t mind some walking and hiking. The Bedouin camp adds a layer of cultural connection that many find enriching.
Travelers should be comfortable with moderate physical activity and prepared for some desert, mountain, and water experiences. While not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems or in wheelchairs may want to consider alternatives.
Final Thoughts: Why This Tour Stands Out
This 2-day adventure from Amman offers an excellent balance of history, natural beauty, and culture. The guided visits to Petra and the Monastery allow you to experience these iconic sites with expert insights, while Wadi Rum’s camp introduces you to Bedouin hospitality and desert serenity.
Floating in the Dead Sea provides a restorative pause, complementing the active sightseeing with relaxation. The tour’s value is clear — it covers significant highlights for a reasonable price, especially with the convenience of hotel pickup and private transportation.
The experience is particularly well-suited for travelers who want a rich, authentic taste of Jordan without spending many days on the road. The knowledgeable guides, local food, and scenic stops make this a memorable journey that combines the best of Jordan in just two days.
FAQ
What’s included in the tour?
The package includes hotel pickup and dropoff, a modern vehicle with AC and WiFi, an English-speaking driver, and water bottles. Entrance fees, meals, and specific Dead Sea activities are extra.
How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves a 4- to 5-hour hike on Day 1, including walking to the Monastery and other sites, so a moderate fitness level is recommended. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are essential.
Can I customize the experience?
While the itinerary is set, travelers can choose to enjoy the activities at their own pace with guidance. However, activities like Dead Sea resort visits are not included, allowing flexibility in planning.
Is the overnight in Wadi Rum comfortable?
Yes, the Bedouin camp offers a genuine desert experience, with cozy arrangements, local meals, and opportunities for stargazing. It’s a highlight for many travelers seeking authenticity.
How long is the drive between sites?
Travel times are around 2-3 hours between Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, making the day quite full but manageable with comfortable transportation.
What should I bring?
Bring passports, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), swimwear, and hiking pants. A camera and a flashlight for star-gazing are optional but recommended.
Is this tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
Yes, the experience is flexible enough for solo travelers, couples, or small groups. Families with active kids who can handle the hikes may enjoy it too, but check fitness requirements beforehand.
This 2-day tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into Jordan’s treasures. With a thoughtful balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural insights, it’s a fantastic way to make the most of a short trip.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Lunch Experiences in Aqaba
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