Petra & Mount Nebo: 2-Day Tour from Jerusalem with Bedouin Camp

Summary

Two days crossing borders to Petra’s rose-red wonder and Bedouin campfire

You’ll cross from Jerusalem into Jordan with a small group, guided every step by a local who knows each shortcut and story. Feel ancient mosaics beneath your feet in Madaba, stand above the valley at Mount Nebo, sleep under desert stars at a Bedouin camp near Petra, and finally walk through sandstone canyons into the heart of Petra itself. It’s not always comfortable—but it stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

We were already half-awake in the Abraham Jerusalem lobby when someone nudged me—turns out that was our ride. The border crossing was a bit of a blur; I remember the shuffle of passports and a woman next to me quietly swapping her shekels for Jordanian dinar. Our new guide—his name was Firas—greeted us on the other side with this easy smile, like he’d done this a hundred times. He pointed out where to get cash at a decent rate (I’m still grateful for that tip), and then we were off toward Madaba. The church there is quieter than I expected, but the mosaic map—tiny colored stones pressed into the floor—felt almost alive under my shoes. Firas told us stories about pilgrims who’d come through here centuries ago, and I tried to picture them standing in this same patch of sunlight.

The wind picked up as we climbed Mount Nebo. There’s this moment when you look out over the Jordan Valley—the air smells dusty-sweet, kind of like wild herbs—and it just hits you how old everything is. Someone in our group tried to take a panorama but gave up laughing because their hair kept blowing in front of the lens. We piled back into the van for what felt like hours (bring snacks), watching the landscape change from greenish hills to real desert ochre. By dusk we reached the Bedouin-style camp near Petra. Dinner was smoky lamb and flatbread cooked right on coals; I tried some strong tea that tasted like sage and earth. The stars overhead looked almost fake—so many at once—and someone started telling stories in Arabic by the fire, which Firas translated when he could keep up.

I woke early, sand still clinging to my boots from last night’s walk to the bathroom (don’t expect luxury). Entering Petra felt unreal—the Siq narrowing around us until suddenly there’s that first glimpse of the Treasury, pink stone glowing in morning light. Our guide explained how Nabataeans carved water channels along these walls—I ran my fingers along one, cool and smooth even after two thousand years. You hear echoes bouncing off rock faces if you lag behind; it’s quieter than I thought it would be, except for an occasional donkey braying or someone calling out “yalla!” We wandered through tombs and temples until my legs ached, but honestly? I didn’t want to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Madaba, Mount Nebo and Petra drive

• Meet at Abraham Jerusalem Lobby
• Cross border and meet Jordanian guide
• Exchange cash to JOD
• Visit Mount Nebo viewpoint
• See mosaic map at St. George Church
• Scenic drive to Petra
• Arrive at Bedouin camp accommodation

Day 2 — Explore Petra and return to Jerusalem

• Explore Petra ancient city
• Cross King Hussein/Allenby Bridge
• Return to Jerusalem drop off

Top questions

Is pickup included for this 2-day Petra tour from Jerusalem?

Yes, pickup is included at Abraham Hostel Jerusalem as your meeting point.

Where do we sleep during this day trip to Petra from Jerusalem?

You stay overnight at a Bedouin-style campsite near Petra.

Are meals provided on this tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included during your stay at the Bedouin camp.

Does the tour include entrance fees for Petra?

Yes, entrance fees for all sites including Petra are covered.

Will there be a local guide throughout our time in Jordan?

You’ll have one guide with you from arrival in Jordan until departure back to Israel.

Do I need cash for border taxes or currency exchange?

You’ll need cash (Jordanian Dinar) for Jordanian border taxes; currency exchange is available at the Israeli side.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

Solo travelers are welcome but may need to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender depending on group size.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from Jerusalem, all entrance fees (including Petra), guided touring throughout Jordan, overnight accommodation at a Bedouin-style camp near Petra with dinner and breakfast provided, air-conditioned transport between sites, plus access to a custom travel app for extra info along the way before returning late evening on day two.