Petra & Wadi Rum: Private Day Tour with Local Guide Pickup

Summary

Explore Petra’s lost city and Wadi Rum’s wild desert in one day

You’ll walk through Petra’s winding Siq with a local guide, see the Treasury up close, explore ancient tombs, then ride by jeep across Wadi Rum’s surreal red desert. Includes hotel pickup in Aqaba and all entry fees—plus time for mint tea with Bedouins under open sky.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — that deep, dusty rose of Petra’s cliffs as we stepped out of the car. Our driver, Khaled, grinned and handed us bottled water before leading us to meet our local guide. He joked about how many steps we’d take (“count them if you dare!”), and honestly, I lost track after the first hundred or so winding through the Siq. The air was cool in there, almost echoing with every footstep, and then suddenly — bam — the Treasury appeared. It’s bigger than I imagined. People around us just stopped talking for a second. Even Khaled went quiet.

I tried to say “Al-Khazneh” properly (Li laughed at my attempt), but our guide was patient, explaining how traders once hid treasures here. We wandered past tombs and the old amphitheater, sunlight shifting on the stone. There was this faint scent of dust and something sweet from a nearby tea stand. Lunch was on our own — I grabbed some flatbread and mint tea from a stall where two kids were arguing over soccer teams. After that, we had a bit of free time; some folks climbed toward the Monastery but honestly, my legs were already jelly.

The drive to Wadi Rum felt like switching planets. The landscape just empties out into these wild red valleys — no sound except wind and the crunch of tires on sand. Our Bedouin jeep driver wore a red scarf and pointed out rock carvings older than most countries I’ve visited. We stopped for mint tea in a tent that smelled faintly of smoke and cardamom; it was quiet except for someone humming softly outside. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Petra and Wadi Rum Desert

• Meet driver at Aqaba hotel
• Travel to Petra city
• Meet local guide in Petra
• Walk through the Siq entrance gorge
• Visit the Treasury Al-Khazneh
• Explore Amphitheater and Royal Tombs
• Enjoy free time and lunch
• Optional climb to Monastery or High Place of Sacrifice
• Visit Petra Museum if time permits
• Travel to Wadi Rum Desert Valley
• Take 2-hour 4x4 jeep tour in Wadi Rum
• See Seven Pillars of Wisdom and rock carvings
• Drink mint tea in Bedouin tent
• Return to Aqaba and hotel drop off

Top questions

How long does the Petra & Wadi Rum day trip from Aqaba take?

The tour lasts a full day, including travel time between sites.

Is hotel pickup included in this Petra & Wadi Rum tour?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off in Aqaba are included.

Do I need to book entrance tickets for Petra or Wadi Rum separately?

No, entrance fees are included unless you select the Jordan Pass option.

Is there a local guide at Petra?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads you through Petra’s highlights.

What kind of vehicle is used for the Wadi Rum tour?

A classic 4x4 jeep driven by a local Bedouin guide is used in Wadi Rum.

Is lunch included during this day trip?

No, lunch is not included; you’ll have free time to buy your own meal at Petra.

Can infants or travelers with mobility issues join?

Yes, infant seats are available; contact ahead for mobility assistance options.

Are there stops for tea or refreshments during the tour?

Yes, you’ll be offered mint tea in a Bedouin tent during your Wadi Rum visit.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in Aqaba, all entrance fees (unless using Jordan Pass), guided walking tour of Petra with an English-speaking local expert (other languages by request), horse ride before entering the Siq, classic 2-hour 4x4 jeep ride through Wadi Rum with a Bedouin driver-guide, Wi-Fi onboard your vehicle, plus time to enjoy lunch at your own pace before heading back in comfort.