8-Day Petra and Wadi Rum Walking Tour with Bedouin Experience

8 Days Round trip from Aqaba International Airport Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Walk lesser-known mountain trails through Petra beyond the traditional tourist routes
  • 02 Reach the Monastery (Ad-Deir) and explore Petra's Lower Basin monuments
  • 03 Trek to Jebel Haroun, the sacred mountain linked to the tomb of Prophet Aaron
  • 04 Discover panoramic viewpoints over Petra from Jebel Umm al-'Amr and the High Place of Sacrifice
  • 05 Experience Wadi Rum's red desert valleys, sandstone formations, and ancient rock inscriptions
  • 06 Enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality with dinner, music, and folklore beneath a "Bait Shaar" tent

Explore Jordan on an active journey through Petra's ancient monuments, hidden mountain trails, and the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Designed for experienced walkers, this itinerary combines archaeological discovery with panoramic hikes, following lesser-known routes through Wadi Musa and the surrounding mountains. Inspired by the journeys of early explorers such as Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, the tour reveals Petra beyond its main monuments before continuing into Wadi Rum's red dunes, sandstone formations, and Bedouin landscapes. Along the way, enjoy authentic local hospitality, expert guiding, and a deeper connection with some of Jordan's most remarkable scenery.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Aqaba, Petra, Wadi Rum
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Aqaba and Transfer to Petra

Overnight: Petra

  • Arrival at Aqaba International Airport, where you will be met and assisted by our local representative.
  • Transfer: Travel north through the dramatic desert landscapes of southern Jordan to your chosen hotel in Petra for a five-night stay.
  • Depending on your arrival time, enjoy free time to relax or explore the surroundings of Wadi Musa.
  • Overnight in Petra.
2
Day 02

Little Petra to the Monastery and Lower Petra Trails

Overnight: Petra

  • After breakfast, transfer to Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), where today's trekking adventure begins.
  • Walk through narrow sandstone passages and ancient Nabataean pathways toward:
    • Siq el-Barid
    • The Neolithic settlement of El-Beidha
    • Wadi el-Shamaseh
    • Wadi Marwan
  • The route gradually ascends through mountainous desert terrain before reaching Petra's magnificent Monastery (Ad-Deir), one of the largest monuments in the ancient city.
  • Enjoy a lunch break with lunch boxes and mineral water provided while admiring panoramic mountain views.
  • Continue descending into Petra's Lower Basin area to explore:
    • Qasr al-Bint Temple
    • Winged Lions Temple
    • Byzantine Church
    • Sextius Florentinus Tomb
    • Haret al-Nassara
    • El-Wu'eira Crusader Fort surroundings
  • In the evening, attend a special lecture and slideshow presentation by a Petra archaeological specialist.

Walking distance: Approx. 11 km

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Overnight in Petra.

3
Day 03

In-Depth Exploration of Petra Archaeological City

Overnight: Petra

  • Today is dedicated to exploring the legendary city of Petra in depth.
  • Begin with the traditional horse ride from the visitor center before continuing on foot through the dramatic Siq canyon to Petra's most iconic monument - the Treasury (Al-Khazneh).
  • Continue exploring:
    • Street of Facades
    • Royal Tombs
    • Roman Theatre
    • Colonnaded Street
    • Qasr al-Bint
  • A scenic scramble leads to Jebel Umm al-'Amr (1,070m), offering spectacular panoramic views across Petra, including:
    • The Roman Theatre below
    • The High Place of Sacrifice
    • Hidden valleys and monuments
    • Unique aerial perspectives of the Treasury
  • After descending through the Palace Tomb area, enjoy a refreshing drink at the famous Nabataean Cave Bar.
  • Optional evening activity: Petra by Night Experience
    • Walk through candlelit pathways to the Treasury while enjoying Bedouin music, storytelling, and the magical nighttime atmosphere of Petra.

Overnight in Petra.

4
Day 04

High Place of Sacrifice and Wadi Farasa Trails

Overnight: Petra

  • Today's half-day walk explores some of Petra's most scenic and less-visited mountain trails.
  • Starting from the Visitor Center, hike past:
    • Obelisk Tomb
    • Al-Madras
    • The High Place of Sacrifice (1,055m)
  • From the summit, enjoy impressive views across Petra's sandstone valleys and archaeological sites.
  • Descend through Wadi Farasa, visiting:
    • Lion Fountain
    • Garden Tomb
    • Triclinium
    • Roman Soldier's Tomb
  • Continue to the museum area in Jebel Al-Habees before returning to the hotel.
  • This route combines history, mountain scenery, and hidden archaeological treasures.

Overnight in Petra.

5
Day 05

Jebel Haroun Trek to the Tomb of Aaron

Overnight: Petra

  • Today features one of the most rewarding hikes in the Petra region - the ascent to Jebel Haroun (Mount Aaron).
  • This mountain is traditionally believed to contain the tomb of Prophet Aaron, brother of Moses, and is considered sacred in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
  • The trek climbs gradually through mountain trails and desert landscapes toward the summit at approximately 1,336 meters above sea level.
  • Highlights include:
    • Panoramic views across Petra and Wadi Araba
    • Ancient Bedouin pathways
    • White-domed shrine of Aaron
    • Remote mountain wilderness
  • Lunch boxes or a traditional barbecue lunch with tea and mineral water will be served near the summit.
  • Optional donkey rides are available locally for part of the ascent.

Walking distance: Approx. 11 km round trip

Walking time: 7-8 hours

Overnight in Petra.

6
Day 06

Transfer from Petra to Aqaba

Overnight: Aqaba

  • After breakfast, transfer south to Aqaba on the shores of the Red Sea for a two-night stay.
  • The remainder of the day is free to relax by the pool, explore the town, or enjoy the waterfront cafes and markets.

Overnight in Aqaba.

7
Day 07

Full-Day Wadi Rum Desert Trekking Experience

Overnight: Aqaba

  • Today enjoy a full-day excursion into the spectacular desert wilderness of Wadi Rum.
  • The trek explores:
    • The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
    • Narrow desert siqs
    • Umm Eshreen area
    • Sand dunes
    • Al-Nouqoush rock inscriptions
    • Umm Rashed
    • Lawrence's Spring surroundings
  • The walking route combines dramatic sandstone formations, red desert valleys, and ancient Bedouin trails.
  • A support 4x4 vehicle accompanies the group throughout the day.
  • Lunch and mineral water are provided during the excursion.
  • In the evening, experience traditional Bedouin hospitality beneath a black "Bait Shaar" tent featuring:
    • Traditional dinner
    • Local music
    • Bedouin folklore and cultural experience
  • Return to Aqaba for overnight stay.

Walking time: Approx. 5-6 hours

8
Day 08

Departure from Aqaba

  • Morning free at leisure before transfer to Aqaba Airport for your departure flight.
  • End of services.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Aqaba International Airport 3 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Meet and assist upon arrival
  • Airport transfers
  • All ground transportation
  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfast
  • Guided walking program as described
  • Professional local guides
  • Entrance fees to Petra and Wadi Rum
  • Mineral water and lunch boxes during trekking days
  • Guidebook and local support services

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions
  • Gratuities and personal expenses
  • Government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication

Know before you go

Optional evening activity: Petra by Night Experience

  • Optional donkey rides are available locally for part of the ascent.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Aqaba International Airport
Tour start
Aqaba International Airport
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Aqaba International Airport.

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