Petra and Wadi Rum in two days sounds almost too good. This tour pairs a guided Petra morning with an overnight Bedouin camp stay in the desert, so you’re not just ticking boxes. I also like the fact that you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a single guide who stays with you through Jordan from arrival to departure.

One thing to think about: border costs are not included, so you’ll need cash for Israeli and Jordanian taxes at the crossing. And the desert night is authentic in the best way, but that also means no Wi-Fi in camp.

Key highlights worth paying attention to

• Full desert night in a Bedouin campsite with dinner, warm showers, and comfortable beds
• Wadi Rum by 4×4 jeep safari plus time in the dunes and cliffs around camp
• Petra visit starts early (around 9:00) with a guided introduction and free afternoon time
• Buffet-style meals with options for vegetarians and vegans
• One guide from Jordan arrival to Jordan departure, not a swap-every-day setup

Two days from Eilat: how the timing works

This is a straightforward “big sights fast” format: you leave from Eilat in the morning, cross into Jordan via the Arava Border Crossing, then split your time between two icons—Petra and Wadi Rum.

The schedule is built around getting Petra in the daylight with a guided start. On Day 2 you wake at 06:00, have breakfast at the camp, and then head to Petra so your guided portion begins around 09:00. That timing matters because Petra is at its most enjoyable when you’re not starting at the very end of the day.

Day 1 is intentionally quieter than it looks on paper. You start with a brunch stop in Aqaba, then head to Wadi Rum for the jeep safari, and only after that you settle into camp for dinner and overnight. If you dislike rushed desert pacing, you’ll still get the best part of Wadi Rum: the wide open feeling of being deep in the dunes, not just a quick photo stop.

Border crossing and the one-guide setup (what you’ll feel on the trip)

The tour is designed to reduce the hassle that can come with crossing borders on your own. You’re picked up at 09:00 in Eilat and guided through the Arava Border Crossing process. After you’re in Jordan, you’re not bouncing between drivers and new guides every few hours—your guide stays with you from the moment you arrive in Jordan until the moment you leave.

That consistency is a real value. When you’re juggling schedules, meals, and the logistics of moving between sites, a good guide reduces stress. In the experiences shared by people who’ve taken this style of trip, names like Mohammed and Mahmmod show up as friendly and helpful, with guides that keep things moving and clear.

Still, do budget time and cash for the border taxes. The tour excludes both Israeli and Jordanian taxes, which are payable only in cash. If you show up without the right bills, you may slow down right when everyone else is ready to roll.

Aqaba brunch stop: a welcome warm-up before Wadi Rum

Before the desert, you get a traditional Jordanian brunch stop in Aqaba. It’s not just a random food break—it’s a chance to reset after the morning departure and make the long afternoon in Wadi Rum feel easier.

The meal is described as including hummus, falafel, foul, salads, fresh pita bread, and more. You’ll see why this matters if you’re the type who hates realizing you’re hungry halfway through a long day. This stop also fits the tour’s overall approach: practical pacing, with buffet-style meals that have choices for vegetarians and vegans.

Admission for this brunch stop is listed as free, and your tour package includes your later major meals. Bottom line: you’re fed in real-world portions, not just a token snack.

Wadi Rum jeep safari: where the 4×4 time earns its keep

Wadi Rum is the desert people talk about in postcards, but the jeep safari is what turns that scenery into an experience. You head to Wadi Rum around 12:00, and the tour includes a 4×4 jeep safari starting about 13:00.

A jeep ride here is more than sightseeing. It’s how you reach the dunes and rock formations efficiently, and how you get that “we’re really out here” feeling. You’re also not stuck in one place staring at the same view from the same angle. The safari gives you variety fast, which is ideal since you’re only spending part of Day 1 in the desert before settling into camp.

Also, don’t underestimate the value of group timing. With a max group size of up to 47 travelers and guided coordination, the logistics work without you having to constantly check details.

Bedouin camp overnight: dinner, stars, and a real pause from screens

After the jeep safari, you arrive at a Traditional Bedouin campsite around 16:30. This is when the trip shifts from “daytour mode” into true overnight desert mode.

The included experience is built around Bedouin hospitality: a delicious Bedouin-style dinner and an overnight stay under the stars. Your package also calls out comfortable beds and warm showers, which is worth remembering. Desert authenticity doesn’t have to mean cold and miserable.

One of the most useful details here is the lack of Wi-Fi. People specifically note there’s no Wi-Fi in the camp. That sounds minor, but it changes the whole mood. You stop checking your phone and start paying attention to people, sky, and conversation. If you want a tech break without going “roughing it,” this is a strong match.

There can be a bit of waiting or downtime in camp after you arrive, because the desert night has its own rhythm. If you go in expecting nonstop activities the minute you step into camp, you might feel a little bored. If you go in wanting rest plus atmosphere, that same downtime becomes part of the charm.

Petra guided visit: using the morning and protecting your free afternoon

Day 2 is Petra’s day, and the tour’s structure gives you two different modes: guided learning, then self-paced wandering.

The guided portion begins at 09:00, and it ends around 12:00. That first half is where you benefit most from having a guide. Petra is huge and easy to get turned around in if you’re flying solo. A guide helps you understand what you’re looking at and how to move efficiently.

After the guided segment, you get lunch in Petra around 12:00 and then free afternoon time starting immediately after that. You’re scheduled to gather at the Visitor Center around 16:00 and return by bus, arriving back in Eilat around 19:00.

That free afternoon is the part you should plan for. If you love classic photo moments, this is when you can slow down. If you’d rather soak up the vibe, you can take your time walking through the areas you most enjoyed during the guided morning. Either way, having a built-in afternoon buffer keeps you from feeling like you only saw Petra through someone else’s watch.

Meals and dietary comfort: buffet style that’s meant to work

This tour lists meals as buffet style, with many options for vegetarians or vegans. That’s exactly what you want on a multi-stop trip. It’s the difference between having to ask the same question at every restaurant versus showing up and building a plate without a hassle.

On Day 1, you’ll eat a traditional Jordanian brunch in Aqaba. On the same day, dinner is included at your Bedouin camp, and your camp experience includes Bedouin-style hospitality. On Day 2, breakfast is included before you head to Petra, and lunch is included during the Petra portion of the day.

One practical tip: buffet-style meals are easiest when you’re hungry but not ravenous. If you know you’ll be tempted to eat fast, slow down and take a second look at what’s available for your dietary needs.

Price and logistics: what $345 covers (and what it doesn’t)

The price is listed at $345 for the 2-day tour. For many people, the value comes from the combination: guided Petra entry support, Wadi Rum jeep safari, and an overnight Bedouin camp stay with dinner and breakfast.

Also, entrance fees are included, and you get full guiding plus an air-conditioned vehicle. That combination can save real time versus cobbling it together yourself at each border step, each site, and each booking.

But the costs you must plan for are clearly spelled out. Israeli border taxes (115 ILS) and Jordanian border taxes (50 JOD) are not included, and they’re payable only in cash. So your real budget is closer to “tour price plus cash taxes.”

It’s also useful to know you’re traveling with a maximum group size of 47. Larger groups can feel less personal, but the tour is still fully guided and stays organized enough to keep the day from turning into chaos.

Finally, the tour uses a mobile ticket, which is convenient if you like having everything in one place instead of hunting for printed vouchers.

Who this tour fits best (and who should consider alternatives)

This is a great fit if you want a high-impact Jordan visit from Eilat without building a complicated itinerary.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You want Petra plus Wadi Rum without taking on the planning burden.
• You like guided structure but still want time to explore Petra on your own after lunch.
• You want an overnight desert experience that includes basic comfort upgrades like warm showers.

You might want to think twice if:

• You dislike border logistics and cash payments. You’ll need the border taxes in cash.
• You don’t enjoy downtime. Camp time can include gaps, and the desert has a slower rhythm than a city day.

This tour suits most ages and most travelers, since it’s marketed as broadly accessible and built around short, scheduled blocks rather than an all-day free-for-all. If you’re bringing very specific needs, it’s smart to ask questions ahead of time about what the group day looks like in practice.

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

I’d book it if you want a clean, guided two-day route that hits Petra and Wadi Rum with minimal friction. The value comes from the full set: jeep safari, Bedouin camp overnight with dinner and warm showers, plus a guided Petra morning and an afternoon to explore.

I’d hesitate if the idea of border taxes payable only in cash makes you nervous, or if you’re the type who needs constant activity to feel satisfied. In that case, you might prefer a more flexible plan where you can pay for things on your own terms.

If your goal is the classic combo—Petra’s grandeur and Wadi Rum’s desert night—this tour is built for exactly that.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and where does it end?

Pickup is at 9:00 am from Eilat. The tour ends back at the meeting point, with an expected return to Eilat around 19:00 after crossing back via the Arava Border Crossing.

What’s included for Wadi Rum?

You’ll have a 4×4 jeep safari in Wadi Rum. You’ll also spend the night in a Bedouin campsite in the desert with dinner and an overnight stay.

How much time do you get at Petra?

The guided tour of Petra starts at 09:00 and ends around 12:00. After lunch, you’ll have free afternoon time until you gather at the Visitor Center around 16:00.

Are meals included, and do they work for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes. The tour includes dinner, breakfast, and two buffet-style meal stops. The itinerary and tour description note there are many options for vegetarians and vegans.

Do I need to pay border taxes?

Yes. Israeli border taxes (115 ILS) and Jordanian border taxes (50 JOD) are not included, and they are payable only in cash.

Is Wi-Fi available at the Bedouin camp?

No. People note there is no Wi-Fi in the camp.

Does the tour depend on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.