3-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea from Amman

Summary

Petra and Wadi Rum Small Group Tour with Dead Sea Swim

You’ll wander Roman ruins at Jerash, climb Ajloun Castle’s windy towers, walk through Petra’s hidden canyons, sleep under stars in Wadi Rum, and float in the Dead Sea—all packed into three days with local guides who know every shortcut and story.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Amman felt cool as we piled into the van—coffee in hand, still shaking off sleep. Our driver, Khaled, was already joking with us before we even left the city. By 9am, we were wandering through Jerash’s ancient Roman streets. The stones were still damp from last night’s rain and you could smell wild herbs crushed underfoot. Local kids darted between columns while our guide pointed out chariot wheel ruts and bits of old mosaic peeking through the grass. Ajloun Castle came after lunch—a winding drive up into green hills where the wind really picks up. I leaned over the battlements and watched a shepherd move his goats below.

The next day started early for Petra. It’s a long drive south—about three hours—but there’s something hypnotic about watching the desert change color as you go. Walking through the Siq just before noon, I remember how quiet it got; only our footsteps echoing off those pink stone walls. The first glimpse of the Treasury is something you feel in your chest—sudden and real. We spent hours exploring tombs and climbing up to the Monastery (bring water—it’s a climb). In late afternoon, we headed to Wadi Rum. The camp sits deep inside the reserve—no roads or other camps nearby—so when night fell, it was just us, a sky full of stars, and dinner cooked by our Bedouin hosts over an open fire. I’ll never forget that smoky bread smell or how cold it got once the sun dipped.

Waking up in Wadi Rum means red sand everywhere—even in your shoes—and a silence that feels almost heavy until someone starts laughing over breakfast tea. We hopped into battered 4x4s for a two-hour ride across dunes and past cliffs that glow gold in early light (our driver played Fairuz on his phone). Afterward, it was straight to the Dead Sea—the lowest point on earth—where you can float without trying and rub gritty salt crystals between your fingers. There’s nothing quite like stepping out of that water with your skin tingling from all those minerals. By evening, we were back in Amman—tired but happy, sand still stuck behind our ears.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jerash and Ajloun Castle

• Jerash Tour
• Ajloun Castle Tour
• Drive back to Amman

Day 2 — Amman to Petra and Wadi Rum

• Drive to Petra
• Explore Petra: Siq, Khazneh, Monastery
• Drive to Wadi Rum
• Dinner and overnight at Bedouin camp

Day 3 — Wadi Rum and Dead Sea

• 4x4 Jeep tour in Wadi Rum
• Transfer to Dead Sea and swim
• Return to hotel in Amman

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

Yes! Solo travelers get their own room or tent unless they’re traveling together with others in their booking group.

How much walking is involved at Petra?

You should expect several hours of walking—including uneven paths and some uphill climbs if you visit places like the Monastery.

Are meals included?

Breakfast is included each day; dinner is provided at the Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum. Other meals are at your own expense so you can try local spots along the way.

Can I swim at the Dead Sea?

Absolutely—you’ll have free time to float and enjoy the unique experience before heading back to Amman.

What’s included

Your spot covers one night at a hotel in Amman (with breakfast), one night at a Bedouin camp inside Wadi Rum (breakfast and dinner included), bottled water during travel days, a two-hour Jeep tour with local Bedouins in Wadi Rum, plus all transport with an English-speaking driver in an air-conditioned vehicle. Each traveler or group gets their own room/tent unless otherwise requested.