From Eilat: 2-Day Petra & Wadi Rum Tour with Camp Stay

Discovering Jordan’s Gems: A Look at the 2-Day Petra & Wadi Rum Tour from Eilat

Travelers seeking a taste of Jordan’s iconic sights will find this 2-day tour from Eilat a compelling option. Offering a well-rounded experience, it combines the cultural marvel of Petra with the stark beauty of Wadi Rum, all wrapped up with a Bedouin camp stay. We’ve looked into this tour in depth to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the chance to explore Petra’s legendary sandstone façade and ancient ruins. Second, the opportunity to sleep overnight in a genuine Bedouin camp, enjoying local traditions. Third, the thrill of a Jeep ride in the Wadi Rum desert, which promises impressive views and adventure.

That said, it’s worth noting that some reviews highlight logistical hiccups, especially around transfers and border procedures. If you’re someone who values a smooth, well-organized trip, these may be points to consider. This experience seems best suited for adventurous travelers eager for authentic sights and culture—not those seeking luxury or a hassle-free journey.

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Key Points

Authentic experience: Stay overnight in a Bedouin camp, not a hotel.
Cultural highlight: Guided tour of Petra with tickets included.
Adventure: Exciting 2-hour Jeep ride through Wadi Rum’s spectacular landscape.
Border crossing: Includes border crossing, which can be a lengthy process and involves border fees.
Upgrade options: Possibility to upgrade to a 4-star tent with private bathroom.
Value: $349 per person, with most costs included, but note additional border fees apply.
Guide quality: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, although some reviews mention last-minute arrangements.
Group size: Usually organized as a group tour, which can influence interaction and flexibility.

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Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

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Day 1: From Eilat to Petra

The day begins early with a pickup from your hotel in Eilat around 8:30 AM, giving you a full day of sightseeing. After crossing the border into Jordan—an experience that can sometimes be time-consuming—you’ll head towards Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra. Expect the drive to take about a few hours, during which your guide will share insights into the history of the Nabateans and the significance of Petra’s archaeological marvels.

Once in Petra, your included 3-hour guided tour will introduce you to over 800 different objects. This includes the famous Treasury (Al-Khazneh), a breathtaking façade carved into rose-colored stone, and other sites like temples, mourning houses, and caves. The guide’s knowledge can enrich the experience, providing context about Nabatean art, their gods, and the history of this ancient city.

You’ll have some free time afterward to explore more independently—perhaps climbing to higher vantage points or wandering through the narrow siq leading to the Treasury. Lunch is provided within Petra, giving you a chance to rest and recharge before moving on.

Day 2: Wadi Rum and Bedouin Camp

In the morning, the group departs for Wadi Rum, the dramatic desert landscape famous for its towering sandstone cliffs and vibrant colors at dawn and dusk. The drive is scenic, and along the way, you’ll learn more about Bedouin culture, their way of life, and how they adapt to this extreme environment.

Once at Wadi Rum, the highlight is the Jeep tour, which lasts roughly 2 hours. This allows you to access remote corners of the desert that are hard to reach on foot—think red dunes, natural arches, and sweeping vistas. Reviewers mention the Jeep ride is a major highlight, giving a real adrenaline boost and stunning photo opportunities.

After the Jeep adventure, you’ll settle into a Bedouin camp for the night. You have the option to upgrade to a 4-star tent with a private bathroom, which can make a significant difference in comfort. The camp experience is immersive—sleeping in traditional tents, enjoying campfire stories, and experiencing authentic Bedouin hospitality. Breakfast is included the next morning, offering a simple but hearty start to your day.

Practical Details

This tour includes round-trip transportation, with most of the travel time spent crossing borders and driving. You’ll receive entrance tickets for Petra, and the tour guide speaks English, making it easy to follow along and ask questions.

While the included lunch in Petra is convenient, keep in mind that additional meals and drinks are not covered. Also, border fees ($140) are payable separately and non-refundable, so budget accordingly.

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What to Know Before Booking

Border crossing: Can involve delays and fees, so patience is key.
Accommodation: Standard tents have outdoor showers and toilets, but upgrades for private bathrooms are available.
Weather considerations: Summers can be extremely hot, while winters may require warm clothing.
Group size: Typical group tours mean interaction but less flexibility on timing.
Guides: Knowledgeable guides are a real asset, but some travelers mention last-minute arrangements or last-minute guides in Petra.

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Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

One of the tour’s key attractions is the chance to get a real sense of Bedouin culture by sleeping in a tent and engaging with local guides. It’s not just sightseeing but also a taste of how people have lived in these landscapes for centuries. The camp’s authenticity is appreciated, even if some guests note that the showers are outside the tents unless upgraded.

Expect to be prepared with comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water, especially given the desert environment. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues, as walking can be extensive, and some terrain is uneven.

The Value Proposition

At $349 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package that covers transportation, entry fees, guided tours, and accommodations. While the price seems reasonable, travelers should be aware of the extra border fees and potential last-minute hiccups. The upgrade options for tents can add comfort, making the experience more enjoyable, especially if you prefer private amenities.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventure enthusiasts who want to see iconic sites with guided insights and stay overnight in an authentic setting. If you’re comfortable with group tours, border crossings, and rustic accommodations, you’ll find it rewarding. However, travelers seeking a highly organized, hassle-free trip or luxury amenities might find the logistics challenging.

This tour is also ideal for those interested in culture—sleeping in Bedouin tents and learning firsthand about Bedouin traditions—and for anyone eager to tick off Petra and Wadi Rum in a short but immersive way.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
It can be, especially if your family enjoys outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. However, the walking involved and the outdoor camping might be less ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation, entrance tickets for Petra, a guided tour, lunch in Petra, an overnight in a Bedouin camp, breakfast, and a Jeep tour in Wadi Rum. Border fees are not included.

Can I upgrade my accommodation?
Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to a 4-star tent with a private bathroom, including a shower and toilet. This can significantly improve comfort during your desert stay.

How long is the border crossing?
Border crossing times can vary, and some reviews mention delays, so patience is recommended. Border fees are $140 per person and are non-refundable.

What should I bring?
Pack passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sun protection (sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen), a change of clothes, and water. Winter travelers should bring warm clothing.

Will guides be available at all sites?
Yes, the Petra tour includes an English-speaking guide, and guides are knowledgeable about the history and culture of the sites.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, as a group tour, it’s suitable for solo travelers who want company and guided experiences.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled due to adverse weather conditions, and border fees are non-refundable once paid. Always check the weather forecast beforehand and be prepared for possible changes.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Petra and Wadi Rum experience from Eilat offers a well-rounded glimpse into Jordan’s captivating landscapes and ancient history. The combination of guided sightseeing, desert adventure, and authentic Bedouin hospitality makes it a memorable journey for those eager to see iconic sites without excessive hassle.

While some logistical issues have been reported, most travelers appreciate the chance to explore Petra’s grandeur and sleep under the stars in a traditional camp. The knowledgeable guides and immersive activities add genuine value, especially if you’re interested in cultural experiences rather than luxury.

If you’re an adventurous spirit, eager to learn, and willing to navigate border crossings and rustic accommodations, this tour could be a fantastic way to tick off some of Jordan’s most famous sights in just two days.

In summary, this tour offers a blend of history, adventure, and culture at a reasonable price point. It’s best suited for those looking for an authentic experience with a sense of adventure, rather than luxury or seamless logistics. Be prepared, stay flexible, and enjoy one of the most extraordinary landscapes the Middle East has to offer.