Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: 2-Day Private Tour with Camp Stay

Summary

Petra’s rose canyons to Wadi Rum stars then Dead Sea calm

You’ll wander through Petra’s ancient Siq with a local guide, share sweet tea under Wadi Rum’s open sky, sleep in a desert camp, and float weightlessly in the Dead Sea. Expect laughter over dinner, sunrise light on red sand, and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the light hit Petra’s sandstone—almost pink but not quite, like someone left red chalk out in the rain. We’d left Amman early (our driver, Khaled, had coffee ready, bless him), and after a few hours of desert road and random goat sightings we reached the Siq. It’s narrow and echoes with every footstep. Our guide pointed out Nabataean carvings I’d have missed—he joked about how many people just rush for the Treasury photo. I tried to say “shukran” properly; he grinned and said my accent was “unique.”

Leaving Petra felt weirdly abrupt. The drive to Wadi Rum was quieter—maybe everyone was tired or maybe it was that feeling you get after seeing something big. Wadi Rum itself… I’m still not sure how to describe it. The sand is almost red, but softer than you’d expect. At camp, the Bedouin hosts handed us sweet tea that tasted smoky from the fire. Dinner was lamb cooked underground; I probably ate too much but nobody seemed to mind. That night, lying outside our tent, there were so many stars it almost felt fake. Someone nearby played oud music on their phone—so yeah, not exactly Lawrence of Arabia vibes but close enough.

Next morning started with dust in my shoes and a jeep ride bouncing over rocks—our driver laughed when we shrieked at a sudden dip. Then came the long road north to the Dead Sea. You notice your ears pop as you drop below sea level; it’s strange knowing you’re at Earth’s lowest point without really feeling it. The water is thick and oily—floating is easy but standing up again is a weird struggle (I got salt in my mouth by accident: would not recommend). Lunch at the resort tasted extra good after all that sun and mud; I might’ve lingered too long by the pool before heading back to Amman.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amman to Petra and Wadi Rum

• Depart Amman for Petra
• Explore Petra's Siq and Treasury
• Visit Street of Facades and Royal Tombs
• Drive to Wadi Rum desert camp
• Dinner and overnight at camp

Day 2 — Wadi Rum to Dead Sea and Amman

• Breakfast at Wadi Rum camp
• Morning desert tour in off-road vehicles
• Drive to Dead Sea
• Enjoy Dead Sea beach and mud
• Lunch at Holiday Inn Dead Sea Resort

Top questions

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

It takes about 3 hours by car from Amman to Petra.

Is a guide included for Petra?

A guided tour of Petra for 2 hours is included if you select that option when booking.

What kind of accommodation is provided in Wadi Rum?

You stay overnight at a tourist camp in Wadi Rum; options include basic tents with shared toilets or upgraded tents with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning.

Are meals included during the tour?

Dinner at camp in Wadi Rum, breakfast at camp, and lunch at a 5-star Dead Sea resort are included.

Is hotel pickup available from Amman?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Amman are included with an English-speaking driver in an air-conditioned car.

How long do you spend at each location?

You spend several hours exploring Petra on day one; overnight in Wadi Rum with evening activities; then visit the Dead Sea for lunch and relaxation on day two before returning to Amman.

Do I need special clothing for this tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes for Petra; bring warm clothes for chilly desert nights in Wadi Rum; pack sunscreen and a hat for daytime.

Is entry to attractions included?

Entry fees are included if you select that option when booking your tour.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Amman with an English-speaking driver in a modern air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water along the way, entrance fees (if selected), guided tour of Petra (if selected), private Bedouin jeep tour in Wadi Rum (if selected), overnight stay at a desert camp including dinner and breakfast, plus lunch at a 5-star resort by the Dead Sea before returning home relaxed—and probably still finding sand everywhere.