Petra & Wadi Rum Trip Review: 3 Days From Tel Aviv (Flights Included)

Thinking about visiting Petra and Wadi Rum but only have a few days? Perhaps, you’re wondering if squeezing in these iconic Jordanian sites from Tel Aviv is, in some respects, really doable? I, for one, recently tried a 3-day tour that included flights from Tel Aviv, and I want to share my experience with you. Let’s explore whether this whirlwind trip is worth it.

Is it Possible? Petra and Wadi Rum in 3 days From Tel Aviv

So, can you visit Petra and Wadi Rum in just 3 days starting from Tel Aviv? Very much so! It involves early mornings, a bit of travel hustle, and a carefully planned itinerary. Typically, these tours include round-trip flights from Tel Aviv to Eilat (or Ovda Airport), ground transportation across the border to Jordan, and organized visits to both Petra and Wadi Rum. Is that a lot to pack into a short period? Indeed, it is, but it’s totally achievable if you, like your tour operator, value efficiency. As a matter of fact, I found that my tour actually made quite good use of available daylight.

Flights and Border Crossing: What You Should Know

The journey usually starts with a relatively short flight from Tel Aviv to either Eilat or Ovda Airport. From there, the tour handles the border crossing into Jordan, which can be, at times, a bit slow, but is generally well-managed by the tour operators. It’s almost like it’s super important to have your passport and visa ready (visa arrangements are, more or less, usually part of the tour package, anyway, so definitely check that!). Also, you, like many, will likely have to pay an exit tax when leaving Israel, which might be something you want to factor into your budget. Seemingly, it’s wise to confirm all these details with the tour provider before your trip to keep away from unpleasant surprises. Is it essential to do it beforehand? Truly!

Exploring Petra: The Lost City

Petra, that city carved into sandstone cliffs, it’s truly breathtaking! Your tour will, very often, focus on the key highlights. Think of sights you have to visit: the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Siq (a narrow gorge leading to the Treasury), and the Monastery (Ad Deir), so if you plan on reaching it, prepare for a climb!. Just a little tip: the walk to the Monastery is a challenging one, involving hundreds of steps, but, honestly, the views from the top are totally worth the sweat. You should probably allow ample time for exploring, bearing in mind that a three-day tour only allows for a day in Petra. We had a local guide who shared quite interesting facts about the history and architecture, but anyway, exploring it yourself a little is more fun.

Wadi Rum: Desert Adventures

Wadi Rum offers an altogether quite different experience than Petra. This protected desert wilderness with dramatic sandstone mountains and red sand dunes is amazing. Normally, tours include a jeep safari where you visit various spots. For instance, you might visit Lawrence’s Spring, Khazali Canyon (known for its ancient inscriptions), and some stunning viewpoints perfect for sunset watching, I mean who does not love a great view? Spending a night in a Bedouin camp adds, more or less, to the experience, often featuring traditional meals, music, and stargazing. Actually, the clear desert skies make for unforgettable stargazing, it’s literally like nothing I had seen before!

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations are something you should check depending on your package! Some tours offer stays in pretty basic hotels. On the other hand, there are higher-end options with more amenities, or it can just be a matter of upgrading a package. In Wadi Rum, staying in a Bedouin camp is, in effect, part of the desert experience. The camps might be somewhat simple, but they generally offer comfortable bedding, bathroom facilities, and a communal area for dining and relaxation. Food provided on the tour tended to be very reflective of Middle Eastern cuisine, including falafel, hummus, kebabs, and various salads. Could it be delicious? Indeed.

Things That I Liked

Efficiency: Managing to see two major attractions in just three days.
Guidance: Having a local guide in Petra truly enhanced the experience, especially learning all the history of it.
Variety: Each experience was very distinct – from ancient history to the peace of the desert.

Things To Consider Before Booking

Pace: The trip can be exhausting with very little downtime, so think if this matches your vibe or not.
Cost: These tours can seem a little more costly than spending more time to get to Petra from Tel Aviv or planning the itinerary yourself. Make sure it matches your budget.
Physical fitness: Both Petra and Wadi Rum require walking. Be mindful when going, pack comfrotable shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a visa to Jordan included in the tour package?

You’ll find that most tour operators often assist with visa arrangements. To be completely honest, it’s crucial to check this prior to booking. Visa policies may vary according to your nationality, so clarity upfront might be helpful.

What sort of clothing should one wear?

I would recommend lightweight, breathable clothing to handle the desert heat, basically. Consider packing layers for the cooler evenings in Wadi Rum, anyway. Comfy walking shoes are clearly a must for exploring Petra!

Are meals included? What if I have specific dietary needs?

Most tours, generally, include breakfast and dinner. If you have very specific dietary needs, informing the tour operator beforehand may not be such a bad idea, is it?

How much walking is involved?

Both Petra and Wadi Rum will require plenty of walking. As a matter of fact, be prepared for some uphill climbs in Petra. Also, remember that you can hire a donkey or camel for parts of the route, anyway, so this might be worth the money!

Is it safe to travel to Petra and Wadi Rum from Tel Aviv?

As a matter of fact, organized tours, overall, provide a pretty safe and structured travel environment. It’s wise to stay informed about the local situation, to say the least. Listening to your guide is highly encouraged too. Typically, the route that organized tours have set up have a history of safety that makes it a pretty good experience for anyone.

#Petra #WadiRum #Jordan #TelAviv #TravelReview #DesertAdventure