2-Day Trips from Jerusalem: Petra and Jerash

Follow in the footsteps of Indiana Jones as you journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra.

Known as the “Lost City”, this ancient settlement is hidden away in the desert canyons of southern Jordan. You’ll get to see the famous Treasury as well as the Royal Tombs.

The highlight of many multi-day trips from Jerusalem to Petra is spending the night under the stars in a Bedouin camp. This is real explorer territory, and it’s changed little over the centuries.

What is the typical itinerary of a 2-day trip to Petra and Jerash from Jerusalem?

These 2-day tours from Jerusalem to Petra take in multiple locations to help break up the journey. Here’s what to expect on this intrepid overnight tour.

Day 1 – Jerash Ruins, Amman and Petra from Jerusalem

It’s an early start today as you have a fair distance to cover – many tours begin at around 7:30 AM. You’ll need to make your way to the collection point in central Jerusalem. Then it’s off on an adventure, over the Israeli border into neighboring Jordan.

After crossing the border you’ll meet your Jordanian guide and have the chance to exchange some money. Back on the road, your first sightseeing spot is Jerash. This well-preserved Roman town still has theaters, squares and streets to explore.

In the afternoon you’ll head to Amman and enjoy a driving tour around the capital of Jordan. If time allows, you can visit the ancient citadel too.

Your final stop of the day is a Bedouin camp near Petra, where you’ll be resting your weary head for the night. Enjoy a traditional meal around the campfire before settling into your comfortable tent in the desert.

Some tour providers offer a night in a hotel if you don’t fancy camping.

Day 2 – Petra from Jerusalem

Waking up refreshed after your night in camp, you’ll tuck into breakfast and set off to explore Petra with your guide. There will be time to walk around the sights and hear the stories that have captured the imaginations of travelers for centuries. Your guide will point out the best spots for photos along the way.

When you’ve had your fill of monuments and desert landforms, it’s time to get back on the road for the return journey. Keep an eye out for the famous King Hussein Bridge as you cross back over into Israel. Your driver will drop you off in Jerusalem in the evening at around 9 PM.

Which places are seen during a 2-day trip to Petra and Jerash from Jerusalem?

Petra

The highlight of 2-day tours to Petra from Jerusalem is of course the archaeological city itself. Carved into sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans, the buildings in this remote desert canyon have been here for thousands of years.

This former trading center was the capital of the Nabataean Empire before being abandoned when the Romans arrived.

Of all the sights, the Treasury is the most famous, and you’ll probably recognize it from the big screen. To get here you’ll pass through the Siq – a narrow gorge that is as dramatic as the ruins themselves. Other attractions include Petra Theater and the Royal Tombs which are all hewn out of the rose-colored rock.

Jerash Ruins

The archaeological site of Jerash is probably the second most visited attraction in Jordan after Petra. Situated north of Amman, the ruins are some of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world.

Hidden for years by the shifting desert sands, the city was rediscovered by an explorer in 1906. Today, you can stroll along colonnaded streets and imagine what life was like back in Roman times.

The amphitheater is the most impressive monument, boasting views out across the city. There are squares and temples to discover too, which have survived the ravages of time as well as invasions and earthquakes.

Amman

The capital of Jordan is a popular stop on 2-day trips from Jerusalem to Petra. The historic citadel is home to lots of ancient ruins, including the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. Down in the Old Town, there are traditional souks and vegetable markets to explore – this is the place to buy souvenirs.

Amman has a modern side too, with glitzy hotels and buzzing restaurants rubbing shoulders with mosques and minarets. The city is a popular base for travelers wanting to visit places like the Dead Sea, Aqaba and Mount Nebo.

What is the price of a 2-day trip to Petra and Jerash from Jerusalem?

It costs between US$440 and US$490 per person for a 2-day trip to Petra from Jerusalem. You’ll be traveling in a group with like-minded explorers to keep costs down. There will be a maximum of either 25 or 34 people on each trip, depending on the provider.

These overnight tours from Jerusalem to Petra include a guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan, accommodation and meals. You will need to take money for the border fees (around US$120 per person).

Tipping is part of the culture here, so make sure you have some cash with you – 10% is a good guide.

3-Day Trips from Jerusalem: Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman

On these 3-day trips from Jerusalem to Petra, you’ll visit some of Jordan’s top visitor attractions. Made internationally famous as the setting for the 1962 “Lawrence of Arabia” film, the vast desert landscapes of Wadi Rum are as old as time. You’ll get to explore by jeep.

Meanwhile, Petra offers a fascinating insight into ancient civilizations, as well as show-stopping photo opportunities. Finally, the city of Amman adds a bit of contrast with its intriguing blend of old and new.

What is the typical itinerary of a 3-day trip to Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman from Jerusalem?

You’ll see the best of Jordan on these 3-day trips from Jerusalem to Petra. Not only will you visit the legendary Petra, but you’ll also get to explore Wadi Rum, the Jerash ruins and the glittering country capital.

Day 1 – Jerash, Amman and Petra

You’ll be collected from the pre-agreed meeting point in central Jerusalem this morning, ready for a day of exploration. Enjoy the sweeping views of the Judean Desert during the scenic drive.

After crossing the border you’ll stop in Jerash for a guided tour of the Roman ruins. Then it’s time to refuel at a local restaurant before continuing to Amman. Here, you’ll have another guided tour to discover more about the country’s eventful past.

Your driver will then transfer you to a Bedouin camp near Petra, where you’ll spend the night. This is your chance to learn about the traditional way of life with feasting and music out in the desert.

Day 2 – Petra

Today is all about Petra. The site is so vast that you need a full day to do it justice. After breakfast, you’ll have a tour of the complex, where your guide will bring the ancient heritage of the place to life.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then return to Petra for some independent exploration. This is your opportunity to snap photos from all angles and spend more time at your favorite monuments. For many visitors, this is the highlight of a 3-day tour from Jerusalem to Petra.

This evening, you’ll head back to the desert camp for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Day 3 – Wadi Rum

The focus of your final day is Wadi Rum, perhaps saving the best until last. The terrain here is pristine, with rocky landforms and sandy swathes creating an almost Biblical scene.

You’ll take a thrilling 4x4 jeep tour into Wadi Rum, bouncing through the sand like a true explorer. This is a land where normal vehicles can’t venture, with the wilderness stretching for miles in all directions.

Lunch will be available at another local restaurant, and then it’s time to head back to Jerusalem. You’ll arrive late in the evening.

Which places are seen during a 3-day trip to Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman from Jerusalem?

Petra

Petra is the main event on these overnight tours from Jerusalem. Chiseled out of the red rock over 2,000 years ago, this mysterious settlement is steeped in legend.

The Treasury is one of the most iconic sights, although contrary to popular belief, there’s nothing to see inside. The Nabataean craftsmen were more focused on the exteriors of these cliffside buildings, which make for superb photos.

On 3-day trips to Petra from Jerusalem, you’ll also have time to climb up to the Monastery, which overlooks the Treasury. It’s a steep hike, but the views out over the valley are worth it.

Wadi Rum

Affectionately known as the “Valley of the Moon”, Wadi Rum is one of the most recognizable sites in the Middle East. The sunlight illuminates the narrow canyons that punctuate the desert sand, giving the red rock an ethereal glow.

This is the land of the Bedouin people, who have learned to live in harmony with the seemingly harsh environment. Sleeping over in a desert camp is the ultimate Wadi Rum experience, as well as jeep rides through the desert wilderness.

Jerash

Jerash adds a bit of contrast on overnight tours to Petra from Jerusalem. Here, you’ll discover some of the most impressive Roman ruins outside Italy, with all the hippodrome and temple action you can handle.

Look out for Hadrian’s Arch, which was built in 129 A.D. to commemorate the famous emperor. The Sanctuary of Zeus offers some of the best views, while the Ionic columns around the Oval Plaza have stood to attention for centuries.

Don’t leave without seeing the mosaic floors in the churches – the colors are surprisingly vibrant all these years later.

Amman

Amman is the economic and political hub of Jordan and is known as one of the most expensive cities in the Middle East.

Pockets of tradition can still be found in the Old Town where the citadel rises above the urban sprawl. The views from the hilltop are far-reaching, and there’s plenty of interest here for curious explorers. The remains of the Temple of Hercules are the main draw, followed closely by the 7th-century Umayyad Palace.

What is the price of a 3-day trip to Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman from Jerusalem?

For 3-day tours to Petra from Jerusalem, expect to pay US$750 per person. These are group trips, with minivan travel and a guide included. The package covers entrance fees at Petra and Wadi Rum, campsite accommodation and all meals.

You will need to take about US$120 in cash for the border fees – this can be paid in dollars, Euros or local currency.

Petra: Multi-day Trips and Tours from Jerusalem