Discover Little Petra (Siq al-Berid). Explore the suburban retreat with its painted frescoes, carved dining halls, and narrow canyon entrance - free from main-site crowds.
Petra 2-Day Deep Exploration: Explore Petra in depth over 2 days. Visit Little Petra, the Monastery, and experience magical Petra by Night.
Continue planning with our Petra destination guide, and consult the official Jordan Tourism Board for current destination information.
Petra cannot be rushed. The ancient Nabataeans spent 400 years carving this city into rose-red sandstone, and you deserve more than a hurried glance. This two-day immersion allows you to experience Petra as it was meant to be – at dawn's golden light, under a canopy of stars, and in the quiet hours when day-trippers have departed. Day one introduces you to Little Petra, the city's suburban retreat with painted frescoes that predate the Renaissance by a millennium. Day two is devoted to the main site, culminating in the unforgettable Petra by Night experience – 1,500 candles illuminating the Siq, Bedouin music echoing off canyon walls, and the Treasury revealed in flickering flame-light. This is not a tour. This is a pilgrimage. This tour has been carefully designed
by Jordan Journey's experienced team of travel specialists who understand that modern travelers seek authenticity, comfort, and meaningful connections with the places they visit. Every aspect of this itinerary has been refined through years of guest feedback and operational experience. From the moment your private vehicle arrives at your hotel to the final drop-off, you will experience seamless logistics, knowledgeable guidance, and the kind of insider access that transforms a standard tour into an unforgettable journey. Our partnerships with local communities, conservation organizations, and hospitality providers ensure that your visit benefits the people and places you encounter while delivering the highest standards of service and safety. This is destination tourism at its finest – thoughtful, sustainable, and genuinely transformative.
Jordan is a destination that rewards the prepared traveler. This tour has been developed through two decades of operational experience, incorporating feedback from thousands of guests to create an itinerary that balances comprehensive coverage with sustainable pacing. Every stop has been selected for its cultural significance, natural beauty, or historical importance. Every timing has been optimized to avoid crowds, maximize comfort, and ensure you experience each destination at its best. This is not a rushed checklist of photo stops. This is a carefully choreographed journey that allows you to absorb, understand, and connect with Jordan's extraordinary heritage.
Key details for planning this private journey experience.
Discover Little Petra (Siq al-Berid). Explore the suburban retreat with its painted frescoes, carved dining halls, and narrow canyon entrance - free from main-site crowds.
Experience Petra by Night. Walk the candlelit Siq to the Treasury, illuminated by 1,500 flickering flames, with traditional Bedouin music creating an atmosphere unchanged for centuries.
Climb the Monastery at leisure. Without time pressure, ascend the 850 steps to Ad-Deir, explore its interior, and absorb panoramic views across Wadi Araba.
Explore the High Place of Sacrifice. Visit this ritual platform with its carved altars and offering basins, commanding views over the entire ancient city.
Visit the Byzantine Church. Examine the remarkably preserved mosaic floor depicting regional wildlife, geometric patterns, and human figures.
Sunrise at the Treasury. Enter Petra at opening time (06:00 in summer) to experience Al-Khazneh in perfect morning light before the crowds arrive.
Overnight in Wadi Musa. Stay in the town that serves Petra, waking to views of the mountains that hide the ancient city.
A simple view of what is covered in this journey and what should be planned separately.
Private vehicle, guide briefing on Nabataean civilization.
Rest stop at Al-Husseiniyah (20 minutes).
Check into hotel. Brief orientation walk of town.
Explore the Painted House with its 2,000-year-old frescoes depicting birds and vines.
guests.
Free time to rest, explore town, or purchase souvenirs.
Light breakfast at hotel.
Walk the Siq in near-solitude.
Photography without crowds.
Ritual altars and panoramic views.
Paced ascent with rest stops.
Explore, photograph, absorb the scale.
Return to hotel for rest and dinner.
Candlelit Siq walk to Treasury.
1,500 candles, Bedouin music, storytelling.
Leisurely morning.
Depart Wadi Musa for Amman.
Hotel drop-off.
Everything important for planning, comfort, access, timing, and on-the-ground expectations.
The key to comfortable travel in Jordan is layering. Desert mornings can be surprisingly cool even in summer, while midday temperatures can soar. Sites like Petra and Wadi Rum offer minimal shade, making sun protection essential year-round. Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are absolutely critical – this is not the place for new footwear or fashion sandals. We recommend packing light but smart: choose versatile items that can be mixed and matched, and remember that laundry services are available at most hotels if needed. Leave room in your luggage for souvenirs – Jordanian handicrafts, Dead Sea products, and spices are irresistible.
Pickup: 07:00 from Amman hotels. Driver calls 10 minutes prior.
Accommodation: Standard 3-star hotel in Wadi Musa (Petra Moon, Petra Palace, or equivalent). Upgrade available.
Petra by Night: Operates Monday, Wednesday, Thursday only. We schedule accordingly.
Total: 2 days, 1 night (28 hours from pickup to return) • Day 1: 10 hours (3 hours driving, 3 hours Little Petra, meals, rest) • Day 2: 16 hours (12 hours Petra exploration, 3 hours Petra by Night, meals) • Day 3: 4 hours (return to Amman)
Private: 2-8 passengers in Toyota Land Cruiser or Hyundai H-1.
Level: Moderate to High
Two consecutive days of walking. Day 1: 3.1 miles moderate walking at Little Petra. Day 2: 9.3 miles including 850-step Monastery climb. Total 35,000-40,000 steps across both days. Good fitness recommended. Our guides are trained to accommodate guests of varying fitness levels and will adjust pacing accordingly. Rest stops are incorporated throughout the itinerary, and alternative routes or activities are available for those who prefer them. We carry a comprehensive first aid kit on all tours, and our guides are certified in wilderness first response. If you have specific health concerns or mobility considerations, please inform us at booking so we can tailor the experience to your needs. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we will never push you beyond your comfort zone. That said, we do encourage guests to challenge themselves within safe limits – the rewards of reaching that viewpoint or completing that trail are almost always worth the effort, and our guides are experts at helping you achieve what you might not think possible.
From $285 per person
Rate reflects private vehicle transportation, licensed specialist guide for two days, all entrance fees including Petra by Night, one night hotel accommodation, meals as specified, and 24/7 support.
Jordan Pass holders: Deduct $106 from the above rate (Petra 2-day value).
Children under 12: 50 percent off.
Under 2: complimentary (no separate seat or meal portion).
Single room supplement: $45 per night.
Jordan Journey's pricing reflects our commitment to quality, sustainability, and fair compensation for our team and partners. We do not compete on price with budget operators who cut corners on safety, guide training, or vehicle maintenance. Our rates include all specified services with no hidden fees or surprise charges. When you book with us, you are investing in peace of mind, professional execution, and the kind of insider access that only comes from two decades of relationship building. We believe this represents excellent value for the quality of experience delivered.
March-May (Spring): Ideal at 64-82 degrees Fahrenheit. Wildflowers in bloom. Petra Marathon in March. Easter week busy.
September-November (Fall): Excellent at 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit. Fewer crowds than spring. Ramadan timing varies.
June-August (Summer): Hot at 86-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Early starts essential. Petra by Night most pleasant in warm evenings.
December-February (Winter): Cool at 46-64 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold nights. Dramatic lighting. Pack warm layers.
Deposit: 25 percent at booking. Balance due 72 hours before departure.
Cancellation: 100 percent refund if canceled more than 7 days before. 50 percent refund if canceled 3-7 days before. No refund if canceled less than 72 hours before departure.
Changes: One free date change if made more than 7 days before. Subsequent changes incur a $25 fee.
No-Show: Full charge applies.
Weather: Tour operates rain or shine. Extreme weather cancellations receive full refund or credit.
These insider tips have been collected over years of guiding experience and represent opportunities that most visitors miss. We share them to enhance your experience, not to create a checklist of must-do items. Pick one or two that resonate with your interests and pursue them spontaneously. The best travel moments often come from unplanned discoveries, and these secrets are starting points for your own unique adventure. Your guide will have additional suggestions tailored to your specific interests and the conditions of the day.
Mobility Limitations: Moderate to high fitness required. Little Petra has some uneven ground. Petra main site challenging for mobility limitations. Wheelchair access limited to Treasury area only. Contact us to discuss specific requirements.
Child Suitability: Minimum recommended age: 6 years. Children under 12 receive 50 percent discount. Strollers not recommended – baby carriers essential for infants.
Senior Suitability: Suitable for active seniors. The Monastery climb can be skipped. Shorter route available. Pace adjusted to group needs.
Medical Considerations: Heat exhaustion risk in summer. Extra water essential. First aid kit carried by guide. Nearest medical facility: Wadi Musa Hospital (3 miles).
Petra by Night Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday only. Book accordingly.
Photography: Allowed but no flash during Petra by Night.
Dress Code: Warm clothing essential for evening. Comfortable walking shoes essential.
Timing: Petra site closes at sunset. Last entry varies by season.
Weather: Siq may flood after heavy rain. Alternative entry possible.
Advance
Booking: Recommended 7+ days in advance for peak season.
Useful labels that help compare this journey with other Jordan Journey experiences.
Clear answers before you reserve your journey.
Petra by Night divides opinion, but we believe it is essential. Yes, there are crowds, but walking the candlelit Siq with 1,500 flames flickering off 260-foot walls is genuinely moving. The Bedouin music at the Treasury creates an atmosphere that connects you to centuries of pilgrims. It is not a quiet contemplative experience - it is a shared wonder. We include it because most guests rank it as their trip highlight.
Little Petra (Siq al-Berid) was the suburban retreat - where merchants stayed, where elites entertained. It is smaller, narrower, and sees 5 percent of main Petra's visitors. The Painted House contains frescoes from the 1st century AD. It offers context for understanding Nabataean daily life beyond the monumental tombs. Plus, it is free with your Petra ticket.
If you walk regularly, yes. Day 1 is moderate (3.1 miles). Day 2 is demanding (9.3 miles). We pace it with long lunch breaks and rest periods. The Monastery climb is optional - you can explore other areas instead. If you have concerns, speak to us about a customized pace.
Standard is 3-star (Petra Moon, Petra Palace, or equivalent) - clean, comfortable, well-located. Enhanced upgrades to 4-star (Petra Guest House). Signature uses the iconic Movenpick Petra, directly at the Petra entrance with Treasury-view rooms available.
Rare, but possible in heavy rain (Siq flooding risk). We refund the $42 ticket and arrange alternative evening activity - stargazing session or Bedouin music at camp.
If Petra is your primary Jordan interest, do the 2-day. You will see twice as much, experience Petra by Night, and avoid exhaustion. If Petra is one stop on a multi-destination trip, the 1-day may suffice. Most guests who do the 1-day wish they had more time.
