Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea with Private Driver

Summary

Explore Petra’s ancient wonders and float in the Dead Sea with a local guide

You’ll travel from Amman through Jordan’s wild landscapes with a local driver — pausing at Dana’s quiet cliffs, exploring Shobak Castle’s ancient halls, wandering Petra’s rose-colored canyons, riding through Wadi Rum’s desert with Bedouins, and finally floating in the Dead Sea’s salty calm. Expect laughter, new tastes, and moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the wind at Dana Biosphere Reserve — dry but somehow fresh, carrying this faint wild thyme smell. Our driver, Sami, pointed out a hawk circling above the cliffs while I tried to snap a photo through the car window (failed). We only stopped for about fifteen minutes at Dana Mount, but honestly, that view stuck with me longer than I expected. The silence there felt thick — just us and the sound of gravel under our shoes.

Shobak Castle was next. It sits on this lonely hill, stones all sun-bleached and rough under your hand. Sami told us how Crusaders built it in 1115 — he joked that his cousin claims to have found an arrowhead here once but “probably just a rock.” Inside, it’s cool and shadowy; you can run your fingers along walls that have seen centuries. I tried to imagine what it looked like full of people. Afterward we drove to Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), which is smaller than its famous sibling but almost more mysterious. The carvings are worn soft by sand and time; I kept touching them without thinking.

The next morning was Petra itself — early start, coffee in hand. Walking through the Siq as sunlight crept down those pink stone walls felt unreal. Our guide pointed out water channels carved by Nabataeans; I wouldn’t have noticed them otherwise. When we reached the Treasury (“Al Khazna”), there were already a few camels waiting for photos. It’s bigger than you expect — almost intimidating up close. We wandered past Djinn blocks and listened to stories about spirits (genies) living in the rocks. My legs were tired by noon but I didn’t want to leave.

Wadi Rum came after — endless red sand and those weirdly shaped mountains that look fake until you touch them. The jeep ride was bumpy enough to make me laugh out loud (and spill my water). Our Bedouin host made tea over a fire as dusk turned everything gold-pink; he showed us how they cook Zarb underground for dinner. That smoky meat smell still makes me hungry when I think about it. Sleeping in the desert camp was quieter than anywhere else I’ve been — stars everywhere overhead.

The last day took us past Aqaba to the Dead Sea. Floating is stranger than you’d think — like being held up by invisible hands, skin tingling from all that salt. We stopped at a spot where salt stones crusted over old driftwood; Sami pointed toward Jerusalem’s hills across the water, though haze blurred everything into blue-grey shapes. By then my hair was stiff with salt and sun but I didn’t care much anymore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amman to Little Petra exploration

• Pick up from Amman hotel
• Visit Dana Biosphere Reserve viewpoint
• Explore Shobak Castle interior and views
• Visit Little Petra archaeological site
• Transfer to Edom Hotel in Petra

Day 2 — Petra sightseeing and Wadi Rum

• Travel to Petra early morning
• Explore Petra's Djinn blocks
• Visit Petra Treasury (Al Khazna)
• Walk through Petra Siq and water canals
• Drive to Wadi Rum desert
• Optional 4x4 jeep tour in Wadi Rum
• Optional camel riding in Wadi Rum
• Enjoy sunset yoga and star gazing
• Overnight in Bedouin camp with dinner

Day 3 — Dead Sea visit and Amman return

• Check out from Wadi Rum camp
• Drive via Aqaba to Dead Sea
• Float in Dead Sea for two hours
• Visit salt stone and Jerusalem mount view
• Return drive to Amman
• Drop off at Amman hotel

Top questions

How long does the private Jordan tour last?

The tour lasts 3 days with two overnight stays included.

Is hotel pickup included from Amman?

Yes, hotel or location pickup in Amman is included at the start of your trip.

What sites are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Dana Biosphere Reserve, Shobak Castle, Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba city area, and the Dead Sea.

Is an English-speaking guide provided?

An English-speaking driver accompanies you throughout all three days.

Are meals included during the tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included during your stay; traditional Bedouin food is served in Wadi Rum camp.

Do I need special fitness for this trip?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for walking at sites like Petra and climbing castle stairs.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, transportation is in an air-conditioned luxury car with Wi-Fi and drinks provided.

Are entrance fees included for Little Petra?

Admission to Little Petra is included in your tour package.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup and drop-off at any hotel or location in Amman with an English-speaking driver for three days; travel by air-conditioned luxury car stocked with Wi-Fi, soft drinks, mineral water; overnight stays with breakfast and dinner (including traditional Bedouin Zarb); admission to Little Petra; plus handy extras like a power bank for your devices along the way.