AmmanStory N° 35
Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan
Sunrise at Petra's Treasury followed by Bedouin desert camping under the Milky Way in Wadi Rum's Mars landscape.
The itinerary.
5 days · 15 stops
Monday
Day One
Land in Amman and explore the capital — Citadel ruins, Roman theatre and an evening downtown at Rainbow Street.
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Amman Citadel
Jebel al-Qal'a hilltop with Roman Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace
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Roman Theatre
6,000-seat 2nd-century theatre carved into the hillside, still used for concerts
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Hashem Restaurant
Legendary 24-hour falafel joint downtown — been here since 1952
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Hotel
The House Boutique Suites Amman thehouse.jo · AI hotel ratings: hotelist.com
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Getting around
- Fly into Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
- Airport shuttle or taxi to city (40m)
Tuesday
Day Two
Drive south via the Dead Sea — float at the lowest point on Earth — then continue on the King's Highway to Petra.
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Dead Sea
Float in water 10x saltier than the ocean, 431m below sea level — bring old flip-flops
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Mount Nebo
Where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land — Byzantine mosaics in the memorial church
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Kerak Castle
Massive Crusader fortress on the King's Highway, built 1142
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Hotel
Movenpick Resort Petra movenpick.accor.com
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Getting around
- Drive Amman → Dead Sea → Petra via King's Highway (5h with stops)
Wednesday
Day Three
Enter Petra at dawn — the Siq to Treasury reveal is best before the crowds. Full day exploring tombs, the Monastery climb and Roman ruins.
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The Siq
1.2km sandstone canyon leading into Petra — walls up to 180m high
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The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Iconic rock-carved facade, 40m tall — arrive by 06:30 for empty-frame photos
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The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
800 carved steps up to an even bigger facade than the Treasury — 45m tall
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Petra by Night
Candle-lit walk to the Treasury Mon/Wed/Thu evenings. Book via visitpetra.jo
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Hotel
Movenpick Resort Petra movenpick.accor.com
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Getting around
- Walk from Petra Visitor Centre or hire a horse/cart through the Siq
Thursday
Day Four
Drive to Wadi Rum and spend the afternoon on a 4×4 desert tour. Overnight in a Bedouin camp under the stars.
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Wadi Rum 4×4 tour
Half-day jeep tour — Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon petroglyphs, Um Fruth rock bridge
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Sunset at Um Sabatah
Classic sunset dune viewpoint — the sand turns from red to purple
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Bedouin zarb dinner
Traditional meal cooked underground in a sand oven — shared camp dinner
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Hotel
Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp wadirumnightluxurycamp.com
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Getting around
- Drive Petra → Wadi Rum Visitor Centre (1h 30m)
- 4×4 transfer from Visitor Centre to camp (operator arranges)
Friday
Day Five
Sunrise in the desert, drive to Aqaba for a Red Sea snorkel, then fly home from Aqaba or Amman.
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Wadi Rum sunrise
Climb a nearby dune before breakfast — the desert glows red then gold
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Berenice Beach Aqaba
Red Sea coral snorkel — gear rental and day beach access berenice.com.jo
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Getting around
- Drive Wadi Rum → Aqaba (1h)
- Fly from Aqaba (AQJ) or drive back to Amman (4h)
Location.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need for Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan?
5 days. The itinerary runs from Monday to Friday and covers 15 curated stops across 5 days.
How much does Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan cost?
Premium — €300–600 per day per person, premium lodging included.
Where do you stay during Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan?
The House Boutique Suites Amman is the recommended base for the trip; the full hotel list per day is in the itinerary section.
What's included in the Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan itinerary?
Day-by-day stops at 15 restaurants, museums, viewpoints and landmarks; transportation hints between each leg; and a hotel base in Amman.
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