Top Petra Tours: Find Your Perfect Sightseeing & Cruise

Petra, is that ancient city carved into sandstone cliffs, tends to be one of those destinations that sits high on just about everyone’s travel list, right? It’s not just a bunch of rocks; too it’s almost a window into a civilization that thrived centuries ago, a civilization that really knew how to make an impact. Figuring out the best way to see this incredible place can feel a bit much, that’s true, with quite a few tours and travel options out there promising unforgettable experiences. So, here’s a closer look at some top Petra tours, some exceptional sightseeing options, and yes, even the possibility of seeing Petra from a different angle, perhaps even from a boat.Explore ancient city of Petra.

Petra Day Trip from Amman: A Classic Choice

If you’re using Amman as your base, that taking a day trip to Petra could be a really good option for those a bit pressed for time, right? That drive is something, very scenic, passing through some pretty fascinating Jordanian landscapes. Several tour operators offer transport, they offer tour guides, and typically they also offer lunch, allowing you to pack pretty much a full day of Petra wonder without needing to worry about all those tiny details, that can sometimes bog things down, right? Getting to walk through the Siq, is that narrow gorge that leads to the Treasury, a sight that will stop you in your tracks every single time. A guided tour often means you get way more context too, it’s almost bringing the stones to life with stories of Nabataean ingenuity and history. Keep in mind it’s a pretty long day, and you’ll want to be comfortable for the drive.Classic Choice.

The good things:

Organized transport from Amman.
Professional tour guides giving insight to the area
Usually includes meals and entrance fees.

Things to be aware of:

Can involve a lot of driving.
May feel rushed since it’s just one day.

Petra by Night Tour: See Petra in a Completely New Light

Want to see something truly remarkable? Petra by Night is, too it’s almost a special event that only happens a couple nights each week, yet offers a unique way to experience the Siq and the Treasury, really. Imagine is that the entire path is lit by candlelight, creating this a pretty mystical atmosphere as you walk to the Treasury. Once there, you’ll be able to sit and listen to some Bedouin music, you can drink some traditional tea, and very simply soak in the beauty around you. It’s super chill, and frankly, that feeling is a world away from the hustle and bustle of daytime visitors. I guess you should know, that lighting is subtle, that you might not get those postcard-perfect snapshots. It really is about the ambiance and soaking in the spirit of Petra.Completely New Light.

What stands out:

An atmosphere that is lit with hundreds of candles.
Local Bedouin music and tea ceremony.
Really intimate and peaceful experience.

Things to note:

Poor lighting can be an issue for great pictures.
Limited days per week that this takes place.

Multi-Day Petra & Wadi Rum Adventure: See the Desert Too!

For anyone hoping to expand their trip, that maybe adding Wadi Rum to your Petra visit could be that adventure you are after. Those multi-day tours sometimes will combine the wonder of Petra with, more or less, a desert safari that allows you to see more of Jordan’s incredible sites. So, imagine is that spending a day exploring Petra, and the following day heading into Wadi Rum, where you are able to ride camels, perhaps even go four-wheeling across the dunes, and actually camp beneath the stars? A tour like that offers the history and the landscapes all rolled into one, and that it really gives a deep sense of Jordan’s rich history and natural marvels. Check the itineraries, and basically confirm what’s included. Certain tours emphasize adventure sports, yet others might lean a bit more on cultural experiences.Desert Adventure.

What’s Great:

Includes both Petra and the stunning Wadi Rum desert.
Options to include cultural and adventure activities.
Very immersive understanding of Jordan.

Important things to think about:

Confirm details and planned activities ahead of time.
Can be more expensive than just a single-day tour of Petra.

Petra, Jerash, and Dead Sea Tour: Maximize Your Jordan Experience

Why limit your trip, very, very, very much to only one marvel when you could easily see three, right? Some extensive tours really do pack in Petra along with other big destinations such as Jerash and the Dead Sea. Jerash is really impressive, boasting incredibly well-preserved Roman ruins, allowing you to get a real sense of that Roman influence in the Middle East, very similar to Petra in that sense. After exploring ancient ruins, floating in the Dead Sea is so cool, yet a totally unique experience. Typically this tour might last about three to four days, yet, and will usually require you to do quite a bit of travel, too, it’s almost packing a lot into a very short timeframe. Pick that tour that matches the speed you prefer.Maximize Tour.

The Highlights:

Hit three popular Jordanian destinations in a single trip.
Variety from ruins to relaxation.
Pretty efficient for time management.

Drawbacks:

Could feel rushed.
A good amount of travel in a limited time.

Petra Cruise from Aqaba: See Petra from the Sea

Okay, seeing Petra by boat sounds amazing, and really a lot of Aqaba cruises do make it a bit possible to see parts of Petra, or to at least get to explore its surrounding area by sea. These cruise itineraries usually include tours to Petra as a shore excursion, also providing activities like snorkeling, perhaps even diving in the Red Sea, too it’s almost adding another dimension to your journey. After exploring those ancient wonders, heading out on a boat allows a completely different view of Jordan’s coasts, or to see marine life. I mean cruises might only allocate one day for Petra, right? I’d also be sure to see exactly how much time is dedicated to the site itself versus other cruise offerings.See Petra from the Sea.

Good Points:

A combined visit to Petra along with some relaxation.
Maybe water sports options.
See another perspective by traveling.

Something to Consider:

That trip to Petra will take an amount of your time.
Look at the Petra visit itinerary