About this tour
When Saskia from the crew did this private tour, she got a proper whirlwind of Jordan's big hitters in one go: Petra's rose-red carved facades, a scenic drive down the Namaleh Road with views of the Dead Sea sprawl below, and a few hours floating in the lowest point on Earth. It's a 10–12 hour push in a private vehicle with an English-speaking driver, starting from Amman or the airport. You'll pack in ancient ruins, mountain scenery, and resort time with lunch and access to pools and mud baths — the kind of day where your legs are tired but your phone's full of decent photos.
Highlights
- Treasury carved into rust-coloured rock at Petra — the approach walk is the star
- Namaleh Road descent with dizzying Dead Sea views and prophet Lot's cave in sight
- Floating effortlessly in hyper-salty water — your body does the work for you
- Five-star resort facilities: hot pools, cold plunge, therapeutic mud, included lunch
- Private vehicle means no group shuffles or waiting around for stragglers
- Driver collects you from your bed — whether Amman hotel or airport
- Mujeb Natural Reserve landscape framed during the scenic drive
What to expect
Expect a long day of transport with two main events bookending it. You'll leave early from Amman or the airport and drive south to Petra — depending on your starting point, that's 2–3 hours in a comfortable air-con vehicle. Once there, you'll walk the Petra approach trail to the Treasury; the path itself is the experience, not a leisurely stroll but not a slog either. Then it's back in the vehicle for the scenic drive down the Namaleh Road. This bit is genuinely good: switchback views, desert light, the Dead Sea getting closer below you. You'll have a quick stop to eyeball prophet Lot's cave and the Mujeb reserve if time allows. By early afternoon, you're at a Dead Sea resort for the float and lunch. The mud is thick and warm, the pools are heated, and the buffet lunch keeps you refuelled. You'll spend 2–3 hours here before the drive back north.
What travellers say
- Two major Jordan sights in one day — efficient for tight schedules
- Private vehicle means flexibility, comfort, and no group-pace pressure
- Namaleh Road descent is spectacular — scenic bonus most tours miss
- Dead Sea float is genuinely buoyant and therapeutic, even for non-swimmers
- Resort facilities and lunch included — no hidden costs or hunger
- Pickup from your accommodation saves early-morning logistical stress
- Heavy on driving time — expect 4–5 hours in the vehicle
- Petra entry is extra; need Jordan Pass or separate ticket
- Summer heat can be intense, especially during Petra walk
- Namaleh Road is winding — tough if you're car-sickness prone
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a solo-friendly itinerary that cracks two of Jordan's main draws without the group-tour rush. The private vehicle is genuinely flexible — your driver isn't bound to a set schedule, so if you want longer at Petra or the Dead Sea, you can negotiate. Resort access with lunch included means you're not scrounging for lunch or paying extra for facilities. Petra's hike is manageable for most fitness levels, and the Dead Sea float is genuinely buoyant fun, even for non-swimmers. The Namaleh Road drive is a solid bonus that many group tours skip.
It's a long day in a vehicle — you'll spend 4–5 hours driving, so if you're not keen on car time, think twice. You'll need a Jordan Pass or pay separately for Petra entry (not included). Midday heat in summer can be intense, especially the Petra walk. The Dead Sea isn't pretty — it's industrial-feeling with resorts dotted around — so manage expectations on scenery. Early starts are standard, and you'll be tired by evening. Accessibility is solid across the board (wheelchair routes, pram-friendly, infant seats available), but the Petra trail itself has uneven ground. The Namaleh Road is winding — not fun if you're prone to car sickness.
Bring water (though complimentary water's provided), sunscreen, a hat, and swimmers. Lunch and resort facilities are in the price; Petra entry is separate. Groups are just you and your driver — truly private. Book early in the season (spring/autumn) for cooler travel times.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.