2-Day Petra from Eilat

A Balanced Look at the 2-Day Petra from Eilat Experience

Travelers often dream of seeing Petra, one of the New7Wonders of the World, and this 2-day tour from Eilat offers a practical way to visit without the hassle of planning every detail. While it’s a well-organized package that includes transport, guided tours, and accommodation, it also delivers a glimpse into Jordan’s famed archaeological marvels, along with some side adventures like Wadi Rum and Aqaba.

What makes this trip stand out? We love the ease of border crossing, the insightful guided tour of Petra, and the inclusion of a visit to Wadi Rum—a landscape straight out of a sci-fi movie. That said, a potential consideration is the border tax and visa fees which, while communicated clearly, add to the overall expense.

This tour is best suited for those craving a comprehensive experience in a short time, especially if you want to combine Petra’s wonders with a taste of Jordan’s other iconic sights. It’s perfect for travelers with moderate physical fitness due to some walking, and those who appreciate guided insights and arranged logistics.

Key Points

• Convenient border crossing included, simplifying the Jordanian entry process.
• Guided tour of Petra covers major highlights like the Treasury, amphitheater, and caves.
• Includes accommodation and meals, providing good value for a 2-day adventure.
• Extra sightseeing at Wadi Rum and Aqaba adds variety and scenic beauty.
• Border tax and visa fees are additional costs to budget for.
• Tour size is limited to 20 travelers, maintaining a personal experience.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Eilat to Petra

Your journey kicks off bright and early, with hotel pickups around 8:15 am. The smoothness of the transfer from Israel to Jordan is a notable plus, with many reviewers mentioning no issues during border proceedings. Once across, you’ll enter Jordan’s side and join your guide for the adventure ahead.

The first highlight is entering Petra through the Siq, the narrow, winding sandstone corridor that leads you to the iconic Treasury. The first sight of this intricately carved façade, shining against the canyon walls, is often described as breathtaking. It’s the moment that makes all the logistics worthwhile.

Your guide will then lead you to explore the Roman amphitheater, an impressive 8,000-seat structure carved into the rock, surrounded by tombs and ancient facades. As you walk through, expect insightful commentary about the site’s history and architecture—many reviewers appreciated guides like Ali, who “was EXCELLENT” and made the ruins come alive with stories and context.

Following the tour, a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant gives you a taste of Jordanian cuisine—an opportunity to try dishes like mansaf or falafel before heading to your hotel for the night. The accommodation is rated as 3-star, offering comfortable amenities but not luxury, which balances cost and comfort nicely.

Day 2: Additional Petra and Wadi Rum

After breakfast and hotel checkout, you have the option to revisit Petra (for about $5 per person) in the morning. Many find this valuable for shopping, quick sightseeing, or simply soaking in the atmosphere one more time. While not included in the price, it’s a flexible addition that can be worthwhile if you want a deeper look.

In the afternoon, the tour takes you to Wadi Rum—a vast desert landscape famous for its dramatic sandstone formations and otherworldly scenery. Expect a short panoramic stop, perfect for photos and taking in the scenery without too much hassle. Many travelers describe Wadi Rum as “spectacular,” noting the contrast between the ancient city and desert landscape.

Finally, the trip concludes with a visit to Aqaba, Jordan’s Red Sea port city. The panoramic views of the coastline and the opportunity to explore a different facet of Jordan make this a well-rounded experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers a comprehensive package with meals, accommodation, transportation, and guide services included. For $240 per person, you get the convenience of all logistics handled, which is a good value considering the complexity of border crossings and guided tours.

However, additional costs include border tax ($65 per person) and visa fee ($75 per person), which are paid at the border and processed there. The tour organizer ensures these are taken care of, but it’s essential to budget for these extra expenses.

Food and drinks are only included at lunch, so if you have specific dietary needs or prefer extra snacks, plan accordingly. The tour also involves some walking and moderate physical activity, especially on uneven terrain at Petra, so physical fitness is advised.

Transportation & Group Size

Travel is by air-conditioned minivan or bus, making for a comfortable ride. The group size is capped at 20 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly atmosphere and allows for personalized attention from guides.

Guides and Reviews

We found that the quality of guides makes a difference, with reviews highlighting Ali’s excellent commentary. One reviewer noted, “he explained everything perfectly,” which indicates that knowledgeable guides enhance the experience considerably.

Booking and Flexibility

Since this is a group tour with a non-refundable policy, it’s best suited for travelers who are certain about their plans. The tour confirms immediately upon booking, giving peace of mind before departure.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring your passport because border crossing requires passport details for booking and verification.
• Arrive early on the day of travel for smooth pickup and border processing.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking at Petra and Wadi Rum.
• Prepare for moderate physical activity, especially if you plan to revisit Petra.
• Budget for border and visa fees if not already included.
• Consider extra time at Petra if you want to shop or explore independently.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This 2-day Petra trip from Eilat balances convenience and adventure, making it ideal for travelers eager to visit Jordan’s iconic sites without organizing complex logistics themselves. It suits those who:

• Want a guided, structured experience with insightful commentary.
• Are comfortable with some walking and moderate physical activity.
• Appreciate including Wadi Rum and Aqaba as part of their Jordan visit.
• Prefer accommodation and meals included for ease and value.
• Are okay with the non-refundable booking policy, ensuring firm plans.

On the flip side, those on a tight budget might want to compare costs, especially considering additional border and visa fees. Travelers looking for a very personalized or independent exploration might find this tour a bit too structured, but for most, the balance of guided highlights and scenic side trips hits the right note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is border crossing included in the price?
No, the border tax ($65 per person) and visa fee ($75 per person) are paid at the border and are included in the overall cost, but not in the initial $240. The tour operator manages these payments, making the crossing smoother.

What times does the tour start and end?
The tour begins with hotel pickups at around 8:00-8:15 am in Eilat. It typically ends in Aqaba, Jordan, after the afternoon visit to Wadi Rum and Aqaba.

Is accommodation included?
Yes, the tour includes a 3-star hotel overnight stay, providing a comfortable base for exploring Petra and relaxing after a full day of sightseeing.

Can I revisit Petra on Day 2?
Yes, you can revisit Petra for about $5 per person in the morning after breakfast. It’s an optional extra that many travelers find worthwhile for shopping or a quick second look.

How large are the groups?
The group is limited to 20 travelers, helping ensure a more personal experience and easier interaction with guides.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water. You might also want a camera for Wadi Rum’s scenery and some cash for extras.

Closing Thoughts

This 2-day Petra tour from Eilat offers a well-rounded, hassle-free way to step into Jordan’s most famous archaeological site, with added adventures in Wadi Rum and Aqaba. It balances guided expertise, scenic exploration, and comfortable logistics, making it particularly appealing for those wanting a straightforward, value-rich experience.

If you’re looking for a way to see Petra without the stress of planning border crossings and transportation, this tour delivers on many fronts. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy guided tours, appreciate scenic diversity, and are comfortable with moderate physical activity.

While the additional border and visa costs should be considered, the overall package offers good value for an immersive Jordanian adventure. Just remember to book in advance, bring your passport, and prepare for an exciting journey into one of the world’s most awe-inspiring sites.