Jordan Highlights Tour with Petra & Wadi Rum from Amman

Summary

Madaba Map, Dead Sea Float & Bedouin Jeep Ride

You’ll wander ancient mosaics in Madaba, float weightless in the salty Dead Sea, walk dusty paths through Petra with a local guide, and ride deep into Wadi Rum’s red sands by jeep. With private pickup and flexible timing throughout, you’ll get space to breathe — plus small moments you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that church? That’s where the map is,” our driver Samir said, pointing as we pulled into Madaba. I was still shaking off the flight, but stepping inside St. George’s Church felt oddly grounding — the air smelled faintly of incense and old stone, and there was this quiet hum from a group of local women lighting candles. The mosaic map itself was more worn than I’d pictured, but somehow that made it feel real. Samir told me how people still come here for mass every week — he even pointed out his cousin in one of the pews. We climbed up to the bell tower (the stairs are narrow — mind your head), and suddenly all of Madaba spread out below us, sun bouncing off rooftops.

Mount Nebo was next — it’s not a long drive, maybe half an hour? The wind up there is sharp and cool, carrying this dry scent I couldn’t quite place. Our guide explained how Moses looked out from here toward the Promised Land; on a clear day you can see all the way to Jerusalem (we squinted hard but mostly just saw haze). After that came the Dead Sea. Floating is weirdly hilarious — you really do bob like a cork, and I got salt in my mouth by accident (don’t recommend). There were families picnicking along the shore, kids daring each other to go deeper. It felt relaxed in a way I didn’t expect.

The next morning started early — Samir showed up with strong coffee and a grin (“Petra waits for no one!”). The drive from the Dead Sea to Petra took a few hours but went by fast; we passed tiny villages with goats wandering across the road and stopped once for sweet tea at a roadside stand. Petra itself… well, everyone says it’s impressive but walking through that narrow Siq canyon and seeing the Treasury appear is something else entirely. Our local guide told stories about Nabatean traders while we tried to catch our breath (it’s more walking than I thought). My shoes were full of red dust by lunch.

Wadi Rum was last — four hours bouncing around in a 4x4 jeep with a Bedouin driver who barely seemed to touch the steering wheel half the time. The desert glows pink at sunset; you can hear nothing but wind and sometimes camels grumbling somewhere nearby. Dinner was lamb cooked under sand (I tried to help dig it up but mostly just got in the way). We could’ve headed back right after, but honestly I wanted to stay longer under those stars. Still think about that sky sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Madaba and Dead Sea

• Visit Church of St. George
• Explore Latin Catholic Church and tower view
• Visit Mount Nebo viewpoint
• Relax and float at Dead Sea

Day 2 — Petra Visit

• Tour Petra archaeological site

Day 3 — Wadi Rum Jeep Tour

• 4-hour 4x4 jeep tour in Wadi Rum

Day 4 — Return to Amman

• Drive back to Amman airport or hotel

Top questions

How long does it take to drive from Amman to Petra?

The drive from Amman or Dead Sea area to Petra usually takes about 3 hours by car.

Is hotel pickup included on this Jordan tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup from your hotel or airport is included.

Are meals included during the tour?

The tour includes an optional Bedouin dinner in Wadi Rum depending on your flight time; other meals are not specified.

Is there WiFi available during transport?

Yes, WiFi is available on board your private vehicle throughout the tour.

Can infants or small children join this Jordan highlights trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

How much time do we spend at each site?

You’ll have free time at each location; exact duration varies based on your pace and preferences.

What’s included in Wadi Rum?

A four-hour 4x4 jeep tour inside Wadi Rum protected area is included in your itinerary.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to provided information.

What’s included

Your days include private air-conditioned transport with WiFi onboard, pickup from your hotel or airport, parking fees covered throughout Jordan, a four-hour guided 4x4 jeep adventure in Wadi Rum’s protected area (with an option for Bedouin dinner if timing allows), plus hand sanitizer always handy thanks to Samir — our driver never forgot it once.