From Tel Aviv: Petra & Wadi Rum Glamping 2-Day Tour

Traveling from Israel to Jordan for a quick but immersive adventure? This 2-day tour promises an exciting mix of desert wilderness, ancient city exploration, and Bedouin luxury, all in a well-organized package. With a starting point in Tel Aviv, it’s designed for travelers looking to maximize their Jordan experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the combination of guided visits to Petra and Wadi Rum, the luxury glamping experience in the desert, and the comfortable, air-conditioned transportation. It’s a good pick for those who want a balance of adventure and relaxation, plus a taste of Bedouin hospitality. However, travelers should be aware that long days and border crossing procedures can be demanding, especially if you prefer a more leisurely pace.

This experience is well-suited for history and nature lovers, who appreciate guided insights and stunning landscapes. If you’re open to a packed schedule and don’t mind early mornings, this tour offers a quick yet memorable taste of Jordan’s highlights.

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Key Points

Comprehensive 2-day itinerary covering Wadi Rum and Petra
Comfortable transportation with air conditioning and border crossing assistance
Guided by local professionals who bring insight and clarity
Unique Bedouin glamping overnight with private tents, WiFi, and bathrooms
Includes entrance fees and meals (dinner and lunch) for convenience
Upfront costs include border fees ($125) payable in cash at the border
Long days and tight schedule require good stamina and punctuality

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Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

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Day 1: From Tel Aviv to Wadi Rum via Aqaba and the Desert

The journey kicks off early, with a bus ride from Tel Aviv heading south. The coach is spacious and air-conditioned, making the long drive more bearable. As you cross borders into Jordan, the process involves border control and customs, which can take about an hour. Border crossing assistance provided by the tour is a big plus — it helps smooth what can sometimes feel like a logistical maze.

Once in Jordan, the first stop is Aqaba, a lively port city with a unique blend of beach and history. Here, you’ll have the option to relax or indulge in water activities such as snorkeling or boating, with optional add-ons like beach activities in Aqaba (costs vary from $25 to $75). Some reviews mention travelers enjoying a private beach with a pool and Jacuzzi, making the trip feel like a mini resort getaway before heading into the desert.

The highlight of the day? Jeep tours through Wadi Rum, the ‘Valley of the Moon’. This landscape looks like it’s straight from a sci-fi movie, with towering sandstone formations and sweeping valleys. Expect stops at iconic sites like the Seven Pillars of Wisdom and learn about the geology that shapes this alien-looking terrain. Several guests have described the jeep ride as “thrilling,” and the views as “out-of-this-world,” with one reviewer saying Wadi Rum is an “otherworldly wilderness.”

As you watch the sunset cast long shadows over the desert, you’ll settle in for the night at a luxurious Bedouin camp. The glamping tents are private, with proper bathrooms, WiFi, and the option to upgrade to “Martian Bubble Tents” for a more extravagant experience. Guests like Lauri praised this part, describing the desert night as “absolutely amazing,” with some noting the luxury camp’s pool and facilities as a standout feature.

Day 2: From Wadi Rum to Petra

After a morning in the desert, you’ll travel along the Desert Highway to Petra, often considered one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites. The journey offers scenery of stunning desert and mountain landscapes, setting the perfect tone for exploring ancient ruins.

Once at Petra, you’ll have the choice to explore on foot or on horseback. The UNESCO World Heritage site dates back over 2,300 years and is carved into the cliffs of red-hued rock. The most famous feature here is the Siq, a narrow gorge that leads directly to the Treasury, an awe-inspiring façade with intricate carvings. Many travelers find the walk through the Siq one of the most memorable parts of the trip, especially with the anticipation of seeing the Treasury emerge around the bend.

Other notable sites include the Obelisk Tomb, the Roman Theater, and various shrines and tombs along the colonnaded street. The tour is designed to give you a taste of Petra’s highlights, but some reviewers felt the limited time (arriving around noon) meant rushing through the site rather than fully absorbing its magic. Luca appreciated the guided visit, describing the tour as “stunning,” especially the chance to learn about Petra’s history from a knowledgeable guide, Nizar.

The return journey to Tel Aviv is straightforward, with the bus heading back after a day of exploration. The overall experience balances sightseeing with cultural insights, making it a packed but rewarding two days.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour fee of $399 per person covers quite a lot: transportation, guides, border crossing assistance, Petra’s entrance fees, and overnight accommodation with breakfast and dinner. This all-in-one pricing simplifies planning and helps you avoid unexpected expenses — a plus for most travelers.

However, some costs are extra, notably beach activities in Aqaba and border fees ($125) payable in cash at the border. The border fee can be reduced to $65 if you possess a valid visa or are exempt, but it’s critical to have the exact amount ready. Not included are hotel pickups, drinks, and optional activities, which should be considered if you want a more flexible or indulgent experience.

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Glamping Experience — A Highlight

Guests consistently praise the Bedouin camp for offering a mix of authentic charm and modern comfort. Lauri called it “luxury,” citing private tents, WiFi, and bathrooms. Despite some reviews mentioning tents that were less clean or toilets that lacked supplies, overall, this part of the trip feels like a special treat — sleeping under the stars in style rather than roughing it in traditional desert camp fashion.

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Transportation and Group Size

Travel is in a spacious, air-conditioned bus, which makes the long drives more comfortable. The tour’s group size isn’t specified, but the experience seems tailored for small to medium groups, fostering a more personalized atmosphere. The guides are described as knowledgeable and attentive, with Antonella mentioning how “the guide was very prepared and attentive.”

Timing and Pacing

Expect long days with early starts, especially considering border crossing time and the packed itinerary. Yeliz pointed out that arrival in Petra around noon limited the exploration time, which is something to keep in mind if you’re particular about how much time you want inside Petra.

Pros and Cons of the Tour

Advantages:

Well-organized with clear schedules and guide assistance
Includes essential entrance fees and meals, adding convenience
Stunning landscapes in both Wadi Rum and Petra
Luxury Bedouin glamping, a memorable way to experience the desert night
Comfortable transportation with border crossing support

Potential Downsides:

Tight schedule may feel rushed, especially at Petra
Border crossing can be time-consuming and requires cash payment
Accommodation quality in the desert may vary, with some tents less clean
Long days demanding good stamina and punctuality

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a guided, all-inclusive experience that hits the highlights of Jordan in just two days. If you’re after stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and Bedouin hospitality, it’s hard to beat the combination. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate organized logistics and guided insights, rather than planning everything independently.

It also appeals to those wanting a unique overnight experience in the desert with the comfort of luxury glamping. Be prepared for long travel hours and the need for early mornings — it’s a quick snapshot of Jordan’s most iconic sights, so patience and flexibility will go a long way.

Who Might Want More?

If you prefer more relaxed pacing or wish to spend extra time exploring Petra or Wadi Rum at your own pace, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, if you are traveling with very young children, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, this tour’s physical demands and logistical constraints may not be suitable.

FAQ

Do I need a visa to join this tour?
Yes, you’ll need a valid passport, and some nationalities require a visa in advance. You’ll pay $125 cash at the border unless you have a valid visa or exemption, in which case the fee drops to $65.

Is the border crossing complicated?
The tour provides border crossing assistance, which helps streamline the process, though it can take up to an hour. Be sure to have your passport details ready.

What is the accommodation like in Wadi Rum?
You’ll stay in Bedouin-style glamping tents, which feature private bathrooms, WiFi, and the option for upgrades. Some tents may differ in cleanliness, but overall, reviewers found the experience luxurious and authentic.

Can I customize the experience?
Most aspects are pre-arranged, but optional beach activities in Aqaba are available at extra costs. The itinerary is quite packed, so customization options are limited on this tour.

How much free time will I have at Petra?
The schedule suggests limited exploration time, arriving around noon and often leaving before sunset. This means you’ll see the highlights but might miss some of Petra’s hidden corners.

What should I bring?
A valid passport is essential. Also, pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and cash for border fees and optional activities.

Is this tour suitable for families or elderly travelers?
It’s generally better suited for active travelers who can handle long days and walking. It’s not recommended for children under 2, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

Final Thoughts

This From Tel Aviv to Petra and Wadi Rum tour offers an efficient, guided route to some of Jordan’s most breathtaking sites. The combination of desert adventure, ancient history, and luxury glamping creates a memorable experience that balances comfort with authentic exploration. The included meals, guiding, and border assistance add value, especially for travelers who prefer hassle-free planning.

While the schedule is intense and some logistical aspects require patience, most travelers will find this tour an excellent way to see Jordan’s highlights in just two days. It’s especially perfect for those eager to tick off iconic sights with knowledgeable guides and enjoy some Bedouin hospitality along the way.

If you’re ready for a packed, adventure-filled trip that combines scenic grandeur with cultural insights, this tour might just be your best bet.

Remember: The success of such a tour depends on your ability to stay flexible and embrace the long days and shared experiences. For those seeking a comprehensive taste of Jordan’s desert and archaeological treasures, this offering from Bein Harim is a compelling option.