Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: 3-Day Private Tour

Summary

From mosaics in Madaba to starlit Wadi Rum nights and the salty calm of the Dead Sea

You’ll follow ancient footsteps from Amman to Petra’s hidden corners and Wadi Rum’s silent dunes before floating in the Dead Sea’s surreal waters. Expect warm smiles from locals, sunrise walks through stone canyons, tea breaks with views that linger long after you’ve left — plus hotel pickup and real conversation along every stretch of road.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll see it,” our driver said as we climbed up to Mount Nebo, but honestly I was still chewing my breakfast bread and not ready for a view that wide — haze over the Jordan Valley, a bit chilly wind on my face, and someone quietly praying nearby. The mosaics inside St. George’s Church in Madaba — wow, I mean I stared at those tiny stones longer than I expected. A local woman smiled when she caught me squinting at the map, trying to trace Jerusalem with my finger. We stopped for tea somewhere near Dana; I remember the way the air smelled dry and sharp, like wild herbs crushed underfoot.

The road south felt endless but never boring. Shobak Castle looked like it might tumble right off its hill if you sneezed too hard. Our guide joked about Crusaders getting lost here — probably true, given how many stairways just disappear into shadowy corners. Petra though… walking through the Siq at sunrise is something else; pink light on stone walls, horse hooves echoing ahead of us. The Treasury just appears out of nowhere and everyone goes quiet for a second (even the loud guy from our van). My legs nearly gave out climbing up to the Monastery but there was mint tea waiting at the top so it felt worth it.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much in Wadi Rum — bouncing around in a jeep with a Bedouin driver who played Arabic pop music and pointed out shapes in the rocks (“camel,” he said, but I saw more of a turtle). Dinner at camp tasted smoky and sweet somehow; stars above looked close enough to touch if you stretched your arm out far enough. Slept better than I thought possible on desert sand.

Aqaba flashed by quick — we just dipped toes in the Red Sea (too cold for swimming this time), then drove north again toward the Dead Sea. Floating is weirdly funny; you can’t stop giggling because your body just won’t sink no matter how much you try. Salt crusts on your skin by afternoon and everything smells faintly mineral-rich. Back in Amman that night, I kept thinking about all those colors — red cliffs, blue sea, gold sand — kind of hard to believe it all fit into three days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mt. Nebo, Madaba, Dana, Shobak Castle

• Visit Mount Nebo viewpoint
• Explore St. George’s Church in Madaba
• Discover Dana Nature Reserve
• Tour Shobak Castle fortress
• Arrive at hotel in Petra

Day 2 — Petra exploration and Wadi Rum tour

• Walk through Siq to Petra Treasury
• Explore Petra tombs and Roman Theater
• Hike to Petra Monastery
• Travel to Wadi Rum desert
• Enjoy 2-hour Jeep tour in Wadi Rum
• Overnight at Bedouin camp

Day 3 — Red Sea relaxation and Dead Sea visit

• Visit Aqaba on the Red Sea
• Relax at Red Sea beaches and marina
• Travel to Dead Sea
• Float in Dead Sea waters
• Return to Amman

Top questions

How long does this day trip from Amman to Petra take?

The full tour lasts three days including stops at Mt. Nebo, Madaba, Dana Reserve, Shobak Castle, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba (Red Sea), and the Dead Sea before returning to Amman.

Is hotel pickup included for this 3-day tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Amman city are included with your booking.

Will we stay overnight in Petra or Wadi Rum?

You’ll spend one night near Petra (Wadi Musa) and one night at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum with breakfast and dinner included.

Is there much walking involved during this tour?

Yes, expect moderate walking especially at Petra; comfortable shoes like sneakers or boots are recommended.

Can I swim in both the Red Sea and Dead Sea on this trip?

You can dip your feet or swim in both seas except during winter months (November–March) when there is no Red Sea stop due to shorter daylight hours.

Are meals included during the tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included during your overnight stay at the Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum; other meals depend on your selected option.

Do I need a visa or special pass for these sites?

You may purchase a Jordan Pass before arrival which waives visa fees and covers entry to 41 sites including those visited on this tour.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Amman city with an English-speaking driver using a modern air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll have an overnight stay at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum with breakfast and dinner provided there. Entry fees depend on your chosen option; meals outside of camp are not automatically included unless specified when booking.