Explore Petra's Treasury, Royal Tombs, and Monastery with a full day
3-Day Classic South Jordan: Experience Jordan's south in 3 perfect days. Petra's ancient wonders, Wadi Rum's desert magic, and Aqaba's Red Sea beaches.
Continue planning with our Aqaba destination guide, and consult the official Jordan Tourism Board for current destination information.
South Jordan is the country’s dramatic showcase. Rose-red canyons, ochre desert, and turquoise waters that seem impossible in the Middle East. This three-day circuit delivers the complete southern experience: Petra’s archaeological splendor, Wadi Rum’s ethereal landscapes, and Aqaba’s Red Sea relaxation. Each night places you in a different world: a hotel at Petra’s edge, a Bedouin camp under infinite stars, and a beach resort where warm waters await. This is the classic Jordan journey, refined over decades to balance adventure, culture, and recovery in perfect measure.
Three days gives each southern destination its proper due. Petra receives a full day plus an evening, enough time for the Monastery trail and optional Petra by Night. Wadi Rum includes an overnight for the essential desert experience: sunset, stars, and sunrise. Aqaba provides a full beach day for recovery and Red Sea snorkeling. The routing is geographically logical, with manageable drives between each stop. If you want Jordan’s iconic south without rushing, this is the perfect duration.
Key details for planning this private journey experience.
Explore Petra's Treasury, Royal Tombs, and Monastery with a full day
Experience Petra by Night candlelit walk through the Siq
Sleep under desert stars in an authentic Wadi Rum Bedouin camp
4x4 jeep safari through Wadi Rum's red dunes and canyons
Snorkel Aqaba's coral reefs in the warm Red Sea
Relax at a beach resort with private Red Sea access
Witness sunset over three different landscapes in three days
A simple view of what is covered in this journey and what should be planned separately.
Your driver calls reception at 05:30. You meet at the main entrance with overnight bag and daypack. Your guide confirms the 3-day schedule, explains camp expectations, and distributes water.
Rest is encouraged as the landscape changes from Amman to desert highlands.
Jordan Pass scanning or ticket purchase. Site map provided.
Djinn Blocks, Obelisk Tomb, Nabataean water channels, and votive niches.
First reveal, guiding, and photography time.
Included lunch inside Petra.
Siq al-Barid with painted Nabataean interiors.
Check-in and freshen up.
Candlelit Siq walk and Treasury viewing when operating.
Entrance formalities and jeep assignment.
Ancient inscriptions, dune views, natural arches, and desert geology.
Grilled meats, rice, fresh salad, and bread cooked on hot stones.
Check-in and resort orientation.
Overnight at Aqaba beach resort.
Boat boarding, safety briefing, coral reefs, tropical fish, and clear visibility.
Spices, textiles, and local crafts.
Individual drop-offs at Amman hotels. Tour concludes.
Everything important for planning, comfort, access, timing, and on-the-ground expectations.
Day 1 pickup: 06:00 from Amman.
Day 3 drop-off: 22:00 at Amman.
Accommodation: Petra hotel (3-star standard, upgrades available), Bedouin camp (authentic), Aqaba resort day pass.
3 days, 2 nights.
Total driving: 10 hours.
Activity time: 15 hours.
Beach and leisure: 6 hours.
Private: 2 to 8 guests.
Group: 9 to 16 guests.
Wadi Rum: local 4×4 trucks.
Moderate to high. Petra involves significant walking and climbing. Wadi Rum includes sand dunes. Aqaba is relaxed. Good fitness is recommended for Days 1 and 2.
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 guests | From $395 per person |
| 4 guests | From $340 per person |
| 6 guests | From $300 per person |
| 8 guests | From $275 per person |
Prices reflect 2026 market rates for private guided tours. Final quote depends on travel dates, accommodation tier, and customization. Jordan Pass holders: deduct $60 per person. Children under 12: 50% of adult price.
March through May and September through November are ideal. Summer is hot but manageable. Winter brings cold desert nights. Aqaba is great year-round.
Booking: 25% deposit, balance due 14 days before departure.
Cancellation: full refund more than 14 days out, 50% refund 7 to 14 days, no refund under 7 days.
Jordan Pass: deduct $60 per person.
Not wheelchair accessible. Significant walking at Petra and Wadi Rum. Minimum age 10. Pregnant travelers should consult their physician. Alternative vehicle-based options are available for limited mobility.
Petra by Night runs Monday/Wednesday/Thursday. Wadi Rum balloon: weather dependent. Aqaba snorkeling: weather dependent. Ramadan: modified hours. Advance booking essential during March through May peak season.
Useful labels that help compare this journey with other Jordan Journey experiences.
Clear answers before you reserve your journey.
Yes, for the essential experiences. Each destination gets meaningful time. Petra has a full day plus evening, Wadi Rum includes overnight, and Aqaba provides beach recovery. It is our most popular southern circuit.
Absolutely, and we recommend it. Add $120 per person for a 4-star beach hotel. You can then fly back to Amman the next day or continue your journey onward.
Excellent. Coral reefs sit just yards from shore, packed with tropical fish and clear visibility. Suitable for complete beginners. Equipment is provided at no extra cost.
If you are certified, Aqaba has world-class dive sites including a tank and plane wreck. From $65 per dive with equipment. It can be added on-site even if you did not book in advance.
Authentic but comfortable. Private tents, shared bathrooms, and traditional food. Luxury bubble tent upgrade available if you want more comfort.
Yes. Perfect for cruise passengers arriving at Aqaba Port or travelers flying into Aqaba King Hussein International Airport. Same itinerary, reverse order.
Yes. All snorkel equipment is sanitized between uses. You are welcome to bring your own mask and snorkel if you prefer.
The Petra hotel has WiFi throughout. The Bedouin camp has limited WiFi at the main tent area. Mobile signal is strong at both locations.
