03 Days – 02 Nights Petra & Wadi Rum Tour from Eilat Border

Petra’s Treasury appears at the end of a narrow sandstone gorge, but this tour gives you more than that famous first glimpse. You also spend a night in Wadi Rum, ride through the desert by 4×4, watch the sunset, eat a BBQ dinner, and sleep at a Bedouin camp. Petra and Wadi Rum together make a strong introduction to Jordan.

I like two things in particular. First, the border assistance and included Jordan visa remove much of the guesswork from crossing at Eilat. Second, the tour combines a proper three-hour Petra guide with free time, so you get context without having every minute dictated to you. The private format also means your own group travels together.

The main consideration is the pace. You will spend long stretches in vehicles, and Petra involves plenty of walking on uneven ground. The first day depends on arriving at the Eilat border in the stated morning window, while the final return must allow for the border’s 8 p.m. closing time.

Key points to know before booking

• Wadi Rum is more than a photo stop: Your 4 to 5-hour Jeep route includes Lawrence Spring, Khazali Canyon, sand dunes, rock bridges, a Nabatean Temple, and other desert sites.

• The Petra guide covers the classic route: Expect the Siq, Treasury, Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, Theatre, and Qasr Al Bint during about three hours with an English-speaking guide.

• Your two nights are quite different: Night one is at a Bedouin camp with BBQ dinner and breakfast. Night two is at a 3-star Petra hotel with breakfast.

• The price includes major costs: At $820 per person, the package covers Jordan entry arrangements, transport, Petra and Wadi Rum services, accommodation, meals listed in the plan, and entrance fees.

• Camel riding costs extra: A one-hour camel ride is optional at 10 Jordanian dinars, or about $15, per camel.

• Plan around the border: You must provide passport details in advance for the free Jordan visa arrangement, and at least two people are required to book.

Crossing from Eilat into Jordan

Your starting point is Eilat, with the meeting time listed as 10 a.m. The arrival window at the Eilat border is given as 8 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. at the latest, so you should treat the morning as important rather than casual.

A representative meets you at the border and helps with the entry process. The company asks for your passport details before the trip so it can arrange the free Jordan visa in advance. That is a useful service, especially if this is your first land crossing into Jordan.

Once inside Jordan, a driver takes you toward Wadi Rum, about an hour away. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates. That gives you more control than a large coach trip, though you should still confirm the exact meeting time and border procedure before departure.

The package includes vehicle transfers in a newer car, an English-speaking driver, mineral water, and assistance at arrival. Tips are not included, and Jordan departure tax of 10 Jordanian dinars, about $15, may apply when you leave.

Wadi Rum by Jeep, from Lawrence Spring to Burdah

Wadi Rum is the dramatic opening act. The desert is marked by huge sandstone and granite formations, broad sand flats, narrow canyons, and natural rock bridges. Your guide meets you at the Wadi Rum Visitors Center, then introduces you to Bedouin hospitality with tea, coffee, and a visit to a real Bedouin family home.

The 4 to 5-hour Jeep tour is the heart of the day. Rather than simply driving to one viewpoint, the route includes several named stops:

• Nabatean Temple
• Lawrence Spring
• Sand dunes
• Khazali Canyon
• Little Bridge
• Um Frouth Rock Bridge
• Lawrence House
• Burdah Rock Bridge, also called Burdah Arch

The appeal is the change in scale. One moment you are beside a carved canyon wall, and the next you are looking across open desert toward a massive rock formation. The Jeep makes it possible to cover ground that would be tiring on foot, while still allowing short stops for photos and exploration.

The route follows places linked with T. E. Lawrence, often called Lawrence of Arabia, and with the older Nabatean presence in the region. The Nabatean Temple and inscriptions at Khazali Canyon add a human layer to what might otherwise feel like a purely scenic drive.

You should expect dust, sun, and rough movement on some parts of the ride. Wear shoes that can handle sand and uneven rock, and keep water, sunscreen, and a hat close at hand. Mineral water and a box lunch are included, which helps on a day when there are few conventional food stops.

A camel ride is optional. The stated choice is one hour from Rum Village to Lawrence Spring, at 10 Jordanian dinars, or $15, per camel. You can also take it on the second day. I would treat this as a small add-on, not a replacement for the Jeep tour. The Jeep covers the main sights, while the camel offers a slower way to experience a short section of the desert.

Sunset, Bedouin dinner, and a night under the stars

The day ends with sunset in Wadi Rum, followed by a BBQ dinner at the camp. Vegetarian food is available, but you should state your needs clearly when arranging the tour.

The overnight camp is not a standard hotel. You are there for the atmosphere: Bedouin tea, open desert, towering rock formations, and the chance to look at the night sky away from city lights. Depending on conditions and the camp setup, you may sleep under the stars or inside the Bedouin camp.

This is one of the tour’s most authentic elements, but it is also the part that requires the most flexibility. Camp facilities are simpler than those at the Petra hotel. One account specifically praised the camp while noting a concern about hot water, so do not book this night expecting resort-level comfort.

Breakfast is included, and the next morning begins with a sunrise opportunity. The camp team then takes you back to the Wadi Rum Visitors Center, where you meet your driver for the two-hour journey to Petra.

The road to Petra and the first view of the Treasury

The drive from Wadi Rum to Petra takes about two hours. There is a short photo stop along the way, with views from the Kings Highway. It is not a full sightseeing drive, but it breaks up the transfer and gives you a look at the route between the desert and Petra.

At Petra, you meet an English-speaking guide at the Visitors Center. The guided portion lasts about three hours. That is enough time to understand the main route, though not enough to cover every trail and viewpoint in the archaeological site.

The walk begins through the Siq, a narrow gorge that gradually reveals Petra’s colored sandstone. The first sight of the Treasury at the end is the moment most people anticipate, and the approach matters. The rock walls limit your view until the building suddenly comes into sight.

From the Treasury, the route continues along the Street of Facades to the Royal Tombs, Theatre, and Qasr Al Bint. These stops show that Petra was not just a single carved monument. It was a major Nabatean center with tombs, public spaces, religious buildings, and trade connections.

Your guide handles the main explanations, then you have free time to continue at your own speed. That division works well. Petra is a place where you need information at the right points, followed by time to stop, look, and take photographs without listening to a running lecture.

A 700-meter horse ride from the main gate is included, but it is not mandatory. The horse handler expects a tip, and horse-drawn carriages and camel rides are not included. You should not feel pressured to take the horse ride simply because it is part of the arrival arrangement.

Petra requires walking. The ground can be uneven, and the site is spread across a large area. Comfortable shoes are essential. If you want to add longer routes or steep viewpoints, use the second day rather than trying to force everything into the guided visit.

A second Petra day and the return to Eilat

Day three gives you the option of returning to Petra on your own for additional trails. The description does not promise a particular optional route, so you should ask what is available and what transport arrangements apply before setting out.

A second day is useful if you want to spend more time around the Royal Tombs, revisit the Treasury, or attempt one of Petra’s optional uphill paths. It is also a good choice for people who dislike rushed sightseeing. On the first day, the main route is the priority. On the second, you can focus on the areas that interest you most.

The alternative is to leave Petra in the morning and drive about 1.5 hours back to the Eilat border. The timing matters. The border closes at 8 p.m., so you should not plan a late finish at Petra followed by a last-minute transfer.

The package includes the drive and drop-off, but border delays are not something a tour company can fully control. Give yourself a generous margin, especially if you have a flight, hotel check-in, or other fixed plan in Eilat.

What the $820 price really covers

At $820 per person, this is an expensive short tour, but the number includes many separate pieces. You receive border meet-and-assist service, the Jordan visa arrangement, private vehicle transfers, a Wadi Rum Jeep tour, an English-speaking Petra guide, entrance fees, one camp night, one 3-star hotel night, breakfast, a BBQ dinner, a box lunch in Wadi Rum, and mineral water.

The value depends on how much convenience you place on the border crossing and private transport. Arranging Petra, Wadi Rum, accommodation, a Jeep, a guide, and transfers separately could be time-consuming. Here, the company coordinates the moving parts and keeps your group together.

The price is less attractive if you already have Jordan transport or plan to stay longer in the country. It is also worth checking exactly what entrance fees are included, since the supplied details say they are included in the highlights but do not list each charge separately.

Budget extra for tips, personal expenses, travel insurance, optional camel riding, and the possible 10 Jordanian dinar departure tax. The horse ride is included, but the handler expects a tip.

The private format is important to the value calculation. You are not paying for a large group excursion, and the driver can work around your group’s pace within the fixed border and transfer schedule. A minimum of two people is required, so solo visitors cannot book this package alone as described.

Guides, drivers, and the human side of the trip

The company’s service model puts a lot of weight on communication and personal assistance. Names associated with Petra and Jordan arrangements include guides and drivers such as Sammy, Mamoun Al Nawafleh, Amjad, Mohannad, Mustafa, and Jehad. Your assigned team may differ, so treat these as examples rather than guaranteed names.

The strongest part of the service is the handoff from one stage to the next: border representative, transfer driver, Wadi Rum Bedouin guide, Petra guide, hotel, and return driver. That structure is especially useful for a first visit to Jordan or for a family group that wants the major details organized.

The tour suits people who value friendly, flexible handling more than a tightly scripted lecture. Past arrangements have included families with children and older adults, as well as two women visiting Jordan for the first time. Still, the walking and vehicle time are real. If your group includes anyone with limited mobility, ask for a precise description of the Petra route before booking.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want Jordan’s two major southern attractions in a short window and prefer not to arrange a border crossing, hotel, desert camp, and transfers yourself.

It is especially suitable for:

• First-time visitors crossing from Eilat
• Couples and small families
• Private groups that want their own vehicle
• People who want both desert scenery and archaeological sites
• Anyone who likes a guided introduction followed by free time
• Visitors with only three days available

It is less suitable if you want slow travel, a luxury camp, long independent hikes, or a broad tour of Jordan beyond Petra and Wadi Rum. The itinerary gives you a strong taste of the south, not a full national tour.

Practical details that can save you trouble

Send passport information early so the free Jordan visa can be arranged. Check that your passport details are correct, and confirm the final border meeting instructions after booking, since confirmation is subject to availability and is expected within 48 hours.

Bring modest, practical clothing for both the desert and Petra. You will need sun protection, sturdy walking shoes, and a small bag for water and personal items. The Jeep ride can be dusty, while the camp night may feel much cooler after sunset.

Keep some Jordanian dinars for tips, the optional camel ride, personal purchases, and the possible departure tax. Tips for the driver, guides, and other staff are not included.

The experience allows service animals, is near public transportation at the starting point, and states that most people can participate. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, and the minimum booking requirement is two people.

Should you book the Petra and Wadi Rum tour from Eilat?

Book it if you want the major sights handled in one private package and you value help at the border. The combination of Petra’s guided classic route, Wadi Rum’s long Jeep ride, Bedouin dinner, and two distinct overnight stays gives you a varied three-day trip.

Think twice if $820 feels high for a short visit, if you want hotel comfort in the desert, or if you prefer to set your own pace every day. The best way to judge the price is to count the border assistance, visa arrangement, private transfers, entrance costs, guides, meals, and accommodation together.

For a first Jordan visit from Eilat, I like the shape of this tour. It gives you the essential Petra experience, a real block of time in Wadi Rum, and enough free time to avoid feeling herded from one photo stop to the next. Just arrive prepared for long rides, lots of walking, simple camp conditions, and a firm border timetable.

FAQ

How long does the Petra and Wadi Rum tour take?

The tour is described as three days and two nights, with an approximate duration of three to four days. The itinerary includes one night in Wadi Rum and one night at a 3-star hotel in Petra.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins in Eilat, Israel, at the Eilat border. The listed start time is 10 a.m., and arrival at the border is requested between 8 a.m. and noon or 1 p.m. at the latest.

Is the Jordan visa included?

The company arranges a free visa to Jordan in advance, provided you send your passport details. A Jordan departure tax of 10 Jordanian dinars, about $15, may apply when you leave.

What is included in the Wadi Rum Jeep tour?

The package includes a 4 to 5-hour Jeep tour with an English-speaking Bedouin guide. Stops include the Nabatean Temple, Lawrence Spring, sand dunes, Khazali Canyon, Little Bridge, Um Frouth Rock Bridge, Lawrence House, and Burdah Rock Bridge or Arch.

Is camel riding included?

No. Camel riding is optional and costs 10 Jordanian dinars, or about $15, per camel for one hour. You can take the ride from Rum Village to Lawrence Spring on the first or second day.

How much time do I spend with a guide in Petra?

You receive about three hours with an English-speaking Petra guide. After the guided route, you have free time to explore on your own.

Can I visit Petra for a second day?

Yes. On day three, you may return to Petra independently for optional trails before returning to the Eilat border. The border closes at 8 p.m., so you need to leave enough time for the approximately 1.5-hour drive back.