Jerash, Dead Sea, Petra & Wadi Rum Tour 3 Days – 2 Nights

Travelers looking to explore Jordan’s top sites in a short timeframe will find this 3-day, 2-night tour a compelling option. With visits to ancient ruins, natural wonders, and otherworldly deserts, it offers a well-rounded sampler of Jordan’s diverse landscapes and history.

What sets this tour apart? First, the expert guides who make the history come alive, second, the chance to float in the Dead Sea, and third, the unique Wadi Rum desert safari. However, with a packed itinerary and long days, it might feel a bit rushed for those wanting a more leisurely pace.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a rundown in a short time, especially if they’re keen to see iconic sites with knowledgeable guides. Those with limited time but a passion for history, nature, and adventure will likely find it perfectly suited.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Value: Entrance fees, guides, meals, and transfers are included, simplifying logistics.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides help bring the sites to life and enhance your experience.
• Diverse Experiences: From ancient ruins to floating in the Dead Sea and desert 4×4 rides, this tour offers variety.
• Comfortable Transportation: Modern, air-conditioned vehicles make long drives more pleasant.
• Authentic Encounters: The Bedouin camp stay in Wadi Rum provides genuine cultural hospitality.
• Time Efficiency: The itinerary condenses Jordan’s highlights into just three days, perfect for tight schedules.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Roman Ruins to the Dead Sea

The journey kicks off with a pick-up from your Amman hotel or Queen Alia Airport, ensuring convenience. After a roughly 60-minute drive, you’ll arrive at Jerash, a city famed for its remarkably preserved Greco-Roman remains. As we loved from reviews, guides often point out details like the Temple of Zeus and the Roman Forum, making history engaging. The admission is free, and the 1.5-hour guided tour allows you to soak in the impressive architecture and fascinating stories behind these ruins.

Next, you’ll head to the Dead Sea—the lowest point on Earth, famous for its high salt content that allows you to float effortlessly. The three-hour stop isn’t just a chance to relax but also to enjoy the mineral-rich waters. With plenty of free time, you can lounge, float, or indulge in a quick massage if available. Many reviewers mention how floating in the Dead Sea is “a surreal experience” that’s worth doing at least once.

After some rest, the group travels about three hours to Petra. The transfer timing means you’ll arrive in the evening, ready for the next day’s adventure.

Day 2: Petra – The Rose Red City

Early breakfast signals the start of a full day exploring Petra, UNESCO World Heritage Site and Jordan’s crown jewel. Thanks to the included guiding service, you’ll learn about the Nabataean Arabs who established this city around the 6th century B.C. The horse ride of about 700 meters from the main gate (optional but recommended for an authentic feel) adds a fun touch, though tips are expected.

Walking through the Siq, a narrow canyon that leads to the famous Treasury, travelers often describe the experience as “breathtaking,” especially as the monument slowly reveals itself. The guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours, giving ample time to appreciate the intricate carvings and structures like the Royal Tombs and the Street of Facades. The admission fee is included, so no surprises there.

Many travelers note that visiting Petra early in the morning helps beat the crowds, making the experience even more special. With a stay overnight in a 3-star hotel, you get a restful break before the next day’s desert adventure.

Day 3: Wadi Rum Adventure and Return to Amman

The third day begins with breakfast and a sunrise view before heading to Wadi Rum. Here, a 4-5 hour jeep tour takes you through the dramatic desert landscape, following in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia. Key sites include Lawrence Spring, Khazali Canyon, and the iconic Burdah Rock Bridge. The jeep ride is a highlight, with many reviewers mentioning the stunning vistas and the chance to climb sand dunes and explore ancient rock formations.

Optional camel riding (about 10 JD/15 USD per hour) offers a chance for a more traditional Bedouin experience, though it’s entirely optional. Bedouin hospitality shines during the camp stay, where you can enjoy a BBQ dinner, breakfast, and local Bedouin tea. The overnight at a Bedouin camp provides a genuine taste of desert life, often described as “a memorable cultural experience.”

Post Wadi Rum, the group is driven back to Amman, arriving around 4 p.m. The long drives are eased by the comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and the scenic views that make the journey part of the experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: Your guides, such as Hisham in one review, bring history and local insights, making each site more meaningful. Such expertise often turns a sightseeing trip into a storytelling adventure. Several travelers mention guides who “made the history come alive” and were “friendly and informative.”

Authentic Bedouin Experience: Staying overnight in a Bedouin camp isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about experiencing Jordanian hospitality firsthand. Many reviewers highlight the Bedouin tea and BBQ dinner, emphasizing the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Diverse Landscapes: From the ancient stone structures of Jerash to the saline waters of the Dead Sea, and from the rose-colored cliffs of Petra to the vast, rugged Wadi Rum, this tour packs a wide variety of scenery into just 3 days. You’ll love the stunning vistas and the chance to see different facets of Jordan’s natural beauty.

Value for Money: With all entrance fees, guided tours, meals, and transfers included, the cost of around $872.83 per person provides a lot of value. The itinerary is carefully curated to maximize your experience without hidden costs.

Long Days, Rich Experiences: While the schedule is tight, many travelers find the pace energizing. The early starts and late finishes mean you get a full, immersive experience, especially with the added bonus of a knowledgeable guide.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

• Book early to secure your preferred dates and ensure guides like Hisham are available, as personalized guides receive high praise.
• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking and riding horses or camels, so good footwear is essential.
• Bring sun protection — hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses, especially for the desert Wadi Rum day.
• Pack light but smart — a hat, camera, and water are must-haves for daytime excursions.
• Be prepared for long drives — the vehicle is modern and air-conditioned, but it’s a good idea to bring snacks and entertainment.
• Opt for early Petra visits to avoid crowds, as mentioned by travelers who loved experiencing the site without the usual hustle.
• Tip the guides — this is customary and appreciated, especially if guides enhance your experience.

The Sum Up

This 3-day Jordan tour offers a practical way to see some of the country’s most famous sites without sacrificing depth or authenticity. With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and a mix of historical, natural, and cultural highlights, it delivers genuine value for the price.

It’s best suited for travelers with a curiosity for history and landscapes, who enjoy guided tours and don’t mind a packed schedule. If you’re looking for a memorable, well-organized trip that covers the essentials and offers a glimpse of Bedouin life, this experience hits the mark.

While the days are long, the variety and authenticity make every moment worthwhile. Perfect for those who want to maximize their Jordan visit in a short time, this tour ensures you return home with plenty of stories and stunning photos.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, all transfers are included in the tour, using a modern, air-conditioned vehicle driven by an English-speaking driver.

Are entrance fees covered? Absolutely—entrance tickets for Jerash, Petra, and Wadi Rum are included, so no extra costs for these sites.

Can I opt out of certain activities? Yes, for example, horse riding in Petra or camel riding in Wadi Rum is optional. Tips are appreciated but not mandatory.

What meals are included? The tour provides dinner on the second night at the Bedouin camp and a lunch at the Dead Sea. Breakfasts are also included in Petra and Wadi Rum stays.

How long is the transfer between sites? Expect around an hour from Amman to Jerash, three hours from Jerash to Dead Sea, three hours from Dead Sea to Petra, and roughly 3.5–4 hours from Wadi Rum back to Amman.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels? Moderate physical fitness is recommended, as you’ll be walking, riding horses, and possibly climbing some rocky areas.

What is the group size? It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience.

Can I start from the airport? Yes, the tour can begin upon arrival at Queen Alia Airport or your Amman hotel, offering flexibility for travelers with flights.

This tour provides a well-rounded, authentic taste of Jordan’s ancient sites and stunning landscapes in just three days. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers eager to explore with knowledgeable guides and enjoy local hospitality without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.