Explore Jordan: 6-Day Private Tour to Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea

Move from Amman’s markets to Petra’s stone-carved streets, sleep under Wadi Rum’s desert sky, and float at the Dead Sea. This private 6-day tour combines iconic archaeology, dramatic geology and Bedouin hospitality with practical pacing and included logistics.

Wadi Musa (Petra), Ma'an Governorate•

6 days

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

You step from the van into a wash of light—rock faces flaming ochre, desert wind carrying distant goat bells and the sharp scent of thyme. The Siq narrows and the Treasury materializes, a carved façade that has greeted traders and pilgrims for two millennia. Nights are quieter: a Bedouin camp under a sky gone impossible with stars, the Dead Sea’s glassy surface waiting lower than anywhere on earth.

Before You Go

Beat the heat in Petra

Start your Petra visit at first light to avoid midday sun and crowds; the Siq and Treasury are best in soft morning light.

Hydrate for long drives

Carry a refillable water bottle—drivers provide bottled water but between stops you’ll appreciate a full day supply.

Sturdy shoes for uneven terrain

Wear closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip for stairs, loose sandstone and dune crossings in Wadi Rum.

Carry local cash

Small vendors, camel rides and tips often require Jordanian dinar—ATMs are in major towns but may be limited in Wadi Rum.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Madaba’s small mosaic museum off the main square with restored floor panels
•Karak’s lesser-visited castle courtyards for quieter views of Crusader architecture

Wildlife

•Desert fox (Vulpes rueppellii) in Wadi Rum at dusk
•Various migratory birds at the Dead Sea shoreline

Conservation Note

Tourism impacts fragile sandstone and desert ecosystems; stick to marked paths, avoid carving rock, and follow Bedouin hosts’ guidance to minimize disturbance.

Jordan’s sites span Nabatean, Roman, Byzantine and Crusader eras—Petra was the Nabatean trade capital and Jerash one of the Roman Decapolis cities.

What to Bring

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Sturdy hiking shoesEssential

Provides traction and ankle support on uneven stone, sand and stairs in Petra and Wadi Rum.

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Refillable water bottle (1–2L)Essential

Keeps you hydrated between stops; many hotels provide refills but desert stretches are dry.

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Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)Essential

High desert sun and reflective Dead Sea surfaces increase UV exposure—protect skin and eyes.

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Light insulating layer and rain shell

Evenings in Wadi Rum and winter visits can be cold or wet; a packable jacket adds comfort.

Common Questions

Do I need a visa to enter Jordan?

Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or have visa-free entry; the tour notes a free visa option—confirm current requirements with your embassy before travel.

How much walking is involved at Petra?

The guided portion is typically 2.5–3 hours covering the Siq, Treasury and main monuments with uneven paths and steps; extra time for independent exploration is possible.

Is the Wadi Rum jeep tour suitable for children or older travelers?

The jeep tour is 4–5 hours over sandy, bumpy terrain—most children and older adults can participate but those with mobility issues should check comfort with the operator.

Can I float in the Dead Sea every day of the tour?

The itinerary includes free time at the Dead Sea on departure day to float and enjoy hotel facilities; facilities vary by hotel, so confirm access and timing.