The city of Petra, known as Raqmu to the Nabataeans, served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, thriving at the intersection of vital trade routes connecting the East and West. Petra’s breathtaking architecture, a fusion of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and indigenous styles, continues to captivate visitors today.
Highlights of Petra:
El Khazneh: One of the most iconic structures, this grand temple features a stunning 40-meter-high façade adorned with intricate carvings. Although it resembles a temple, El Khazneh is believed to have functioned as a mausoleum. Ancient Theater: This impressive theater, carved into the rock, could accommodate 3,000 spectators and showcases the advanced engineering of the Nabataeans. Royal Tombs and Monumental Arches: As you explore, you’ll encounter a variety of royal tombs, monumental arches, and colonnades that testify to the city’s former grandeur.
Beyond its ancient ruins, Petra remains a vibrant place where the descendants of the Nabataeans, the Bedouins, continue to dwell. They are eager to share their rich traditions and warm hospitality with visitors. You can sample delicious local cuisine, enjoy folk music, and even take a ride on a camel or horse to enhance your experience in this remarkable city.
Visiting Petra offers not just a glimpse into an ancient civilization, but also an opportunity to connect with a living culture that has thrived in this extraordinary landscape for centuries.
Excursion program:
- Departure: Nighttime departure from Sharm-El-Sheikh at 01:30 am on a comfortable, modern bus.
- Travel Time: The drive to Taba takes approximately 3.5 hours.
- Ferry Transfer: From Taba, enjoy a 30-minute ferry ride along the Gulf of Aqaba to the Jordanian border, where you will be greeted by your guide in a comfortable vehicle. Upon arrival in Petra, you’ll enter through the breathtaking Siq, a narrow canyon that leads you to the heart of this ancient city. The Siq is characterized by its stunning multi-colored sandstone walls, rising up to 120 meters in height, creating a dramatic entrance to the wonders that lie ahead.
- Al Khazneh (The Treasury): This monumental temple-mausoleum boasts a grand 40-meter-high façade, intricately carved into the rock. Originally believed to be a tomb, it gained fame through films like “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”
- Ad-Deir Monastery: A magnificent structure, standing approximately 45 meters tall, with a design reminiscent of the Treasury. The monastery features simple yet elegant decorations and was an important site for pilgrims.
- Roman Amphitheater: An impressive amphitheater that could hold over 3,000 spectators, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Nabataeans.
- Qasr al-Bint Palace: The tallest surviving structure of Nabataean architecture, standing 23 meters high, featuring an altar and beautifully paved stone squares.
- Byzantine Church: Visit the remnants of this church, adorned with mosaics and a testament to the Christian influence in Petra during the Byzantine era.
- Jebel al-Madhba: This mountain is home to a significant Nabataean ritual site with an altar offering a panoramic view of the city.
Throughout your visit, you’ll encounter niche altars, intricate bas-reliefs, and other remarkable monuments that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Nabataeans.Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant to recharge after a day of exploration. Begin your return journey to Sharm-El-Sheikh at 01:00 am the following night, filled with memories of this extraordinary adventure.
This tour is not just a visit to ancient ruins; it’s an immersive experience into the life and culture of the Nabataeans and the stunning landscapes of Petra. You will leave with unforgettable impressions of one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world.
Book your tour to Petra today and prepare for a journey through history!
Excursion days and Timing:
Wednesday and Saturday from 1:30 to 2:00 next day
Price:
Adult ticket – $240
Children’s ticket from 3 to 7 years old – $210
Children under 2 years old free
Additional information:
No Visa Required: Travelers do not need a visa for the Petra tour!
Animal Rentals Available: For your convenience, you can rent a camel, horse, or donkey for an additional fee while exploring the canyon.
Eligibility Restrictions: Please note that the tour is not available for citizens of Uzbekistan, Georgia.
- Important If you have a camera with a zoom lens up to 50 mm, you may take it with you on the Petra excursion.
If the zoom lens is larger than 50 mm, unfortunately, such cameras are not allowed through the border.
Please also note that action cameras intended for underwater filming and binoculars are prohibited and cannot be taken across the border.
Thank you for your understanding.
