Exploring the ancient rose-red city of Petra from Sharm El Sheikh in a single day promises an unforgettable adventure. The early morning departure and lengthy journey across the Gulf of Aqaba set the stage for an immersive cultural experience in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can expect a guided tour of Petra’s iconic landmarks, a traditional Jordanian lunch, and seamless logistics with included entrance fees and visa. However, the demanding itinerary and limited time onsite require thoughtful preparation to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Discerning travelers may find themselves intrigued, yet cautious, about the practicalities of embarking on this unique day trip.
Key Points
- This 1-day group tour from Sharm El Sheikh to Petra, Jordan, features the UNESCO-listed ancient city carved by the Nabataeans.
- The tour includes a scenic ferry ride through the Gulf of Aqaba and a bus journey through the Wadi Rum desert.
- Activities in Petra comprise a camel or horse ride and a lunch at a local Jordanian restaurant.
- The tour package covers hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, entrance fees, a professional guide, and a visa to Jordan.
- Travelers should be prepared for the long travel time of approximately 24-25 hours and cautious of persistent Bedouin boys offering photo opportunities for a fee.
Tour Overview
This 1-day group tour from Sharm El Sheikh to Petra, Jordan, provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Petra, known for its striking buildings carved by the Nabataeans.
The tour includes a scenic ferry ride through the Gulf of Aqaba and a bus journey through the stunning Wadi Rum desert.
Travelers will also enjoy a camel or horse ride in Petra and a lunch at a local Jordanian restaurant.
The tour package covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, all transportation, entrance fees, a professional guide, and a visa to Jordan.
With a maximum of 40 travelers, this tour offers a chance to discover the architectural wonders of Petra in a group setting.
Tour Details
The tour lasts approximately 24-25 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, with a 1:00 AM departure from Sharm El Sheikh hotels (not the airport).
Up to 40 travelers can participate, and the experience includes a camel or horse ride within Petra.
The day-long journey starts with a scenic ferry ride through the Gulf of Aqaba, followed by a bus ride through the dramatic landscape of Wadi Rum.
Once in Petra, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the ancient city’s unique buildings and monuments carved by the Nabataeans.
The tour package includes hotel transportation, entrance fees, lunch at a local Jordanian restaurant, a professional guide, and a visa to Jordan.
Inclusions
The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all necessary transportation via bus and ferry, entrance fees to access the ancient city of Petra, a lunch at a local Jordanian restaurant, a professional guide to provide insights, and a visa to enter Jordan.
This comprehensive package ensures that travelers can focus on exploring the wonders of Petra without having to worry about logistical details. The inclusion of the visa eliminates the hassle of obtaining it separately, making the experience seamless.
Travelers can look forward to an immersive cultural experience, complete with authentic Jordanian cuisine, during this one-day adventure to the UNESCO-listed archaeological marvel of Petra.
Customer Feedback
Travelers have left a mix of positive and critical feedback regarding the 1-day tour to Petra, based on the 11 reviews available. The tour’s highlights include the breathtaking beauty of the ancient city and the knowledgeable guides.
However, some customers have criticized the long travel times, limited time in Petra, and customer service issues during the pickup process. Plus, there have been mixed experiences with the guide language balance, with some guides catering primarily to Russian speakers.
The key takeaways from the customer feedback are:
- Petra’s stunning architecture and landscapes are a must-see.
- Prepare for a long journey and potential delays during pickup.
- Be cautious of Bedouin boys offering photo opportunities for a fee.
Petra’s Beauty
Petra’s ancient ruins stand as a testament to the engineering prowess and artistic vision of the Nabataean people, captivating visitors with their breathtaking beauty and intricate carving.
From the iconic Treasury, with its ornate facade carved directly into the rose-colored sandstone, to the towering temples and tombs that dot the expansive site, Petra’s architectural marvels leave a lasting impression.
Visitors can explore the Siq, a dramatic narrow gorge that serves as the main entrance, and marvel at the scale and grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With its stunning natural setting and well-preserved ruins, Petra offers a glimpse into a bygone era, making it a must-see destination for any traveler to Jordan.
Long Journey Considerations
Embarking on the 1-day tour to Petra from Sharm El Sheikh requires enduring a lengthy journey, as the total travel time can exceed 24-25 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.
Travelers should be prepared for a long day filled with transportation, including a scenic ferry ride and a bus journey through the Wadi Rum desert.
Here are a few considerations for the trip:
- Pack snacks and drinks to stay refreshed during the long bus rides.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes to navigate the ancient city of Petra.
- Be patient during the pickup process, as the tour may have a maximum of 40 travelers to coordinate.
While the travel time is extensive, the opportunity to witness the breathtaking ancient city of Petra makes the journey worthwhile.
Bedouin Boys Caution
One cautionary note for visitors to Petra is the presence of Bedouin boys who may offer photo opportunities for a fee. These boys can be persistent in their solicitations, potentially disrupting the sightseeing experience.
Travelers should be aware of these interactions and politely decline any offers, as the boys can be quite persuasive. It’s best to focus on exploring the ancient city without distractions.
While the boys may seem charming, engaging with them can lead to unwanted hassles or expenses. Visitors should remain vigilant and enjoy Petra’s magnificent sights without succumbing to these persistent offers.
With some awareness, travelers can have a more peaceful and rewarding experience in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Suggestion for Future Travelers
For future travelers considering a day trip to Petra, it’s suggested to plan for a multi-day visit instead. This would allow them to fully enjoy the ancient city’s captivating history and architecture, without feeling rushed or limited by the constrained timelines of a one-day tour.
A longer stay provides several advantages:
- More time to explore Petra’s expansive and breathtaking landscape, including lesser-known trails and hidden gems.
- Opportunity to visit during different times of day to witness the changing light and shadows that dramatically transform the carved sandstone facades.
- Ability to venture beyond the main site into the surrounding Wadi Rum desert for a deeper cultural experience.
Ultimately, a multi-day Petra visit can create a more fulfilling and memorable journey for travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Group Size for the Tour?
The tour has a maximum group size of 40 travelers. This allows for a manageable group experience, providing personalized attention from the professional guide while maintaining efficiency during the day’s activities.
Can Travelers Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though lunch at a local restaurant is included. Bringing extra snacks and water is recommended, as the tour involves long travel times and sightseeing.
Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?
The tour may not be the best choice for families with young children. The long travel time, early departure, and limited time in Petra could be challenging. Families may consider a multi-day visit to better accommodate young travelers.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour does not have a strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for walking and exploring an ancient archaeological site. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are recommended to stay cool in the desert climate.
Are There Any Additional Optional Activities in Petra?
The tour includes a camel or horse ride in Petra, but there may be additional optional activities available for visitors to further explore the ancient city, such as guided tours of specific sites or experiences with local Bedouin communities.
Recap
This 1-day tour to Petra from Sharm El Sheikh offers an incredible opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Travelers should prepare for a long journey, but the experience of seeing Petra’s iconic rose-colored architecture is well worth it.
While the tour includes helpful inclusions, visitors should exercise caution with local Bedouin boys and consider extending their stay to fully enjoy this remarkable ancient city.
