Petra Temple And Jordan full day Tour From Sharm El Sheikh

Discovering Petra on a Day Trip from Sharm El Sheikh: An Honest Review

Travelling from Egypt to Jordan for a day to visit the legendary Petra sounds ambitious—and it certainly is. This full-day tour offers a unique chance to tick one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites off your bucket list, all without the hassle of planning multiple days or complicated transport.

What we really appreciate about this experience are the seamless ferry crossing that adds a touch of adventure, the guided insights into Petra’s highlights, and the surprisingly good value for the price of around $100 per person. However, it’s a long day, and the early start might be a challenge for some travelers.

This tour suits those with an adventurous spirit who are eager to see Petra but don’t want to spend multiple days traveling or stay overnight in Jordan. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still crave a meaningful cultural experience.

Key Points

Early Start and Long Day: The tour begins at 2:00 am, making it a demanding but rewarding experience.
All-Inclusive Value: The price includes transportation, a guided tour, and lunch, which helps keep costs predictable.
Ferry Experience: Crossing the Gulf of Aqaba by ferry adds an element of excitement and scenic views.
Limited Time at Petra: With about 8 hours in Wadi Musa, you’ll get a good overview but might miss some lesser-known areas.
Additional Costs: You should budget for a Jordan visa (€70) and ferry fees (€80), paid cash on the day.
Authentic Experience: Guides offer insights, and reviews mention the tour’s well-organized schedule despite some inevitable early hours.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Early Departure from Sharm El Sheikh

The tour kicks off at 2:00 am with a pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. This earliest part of the day is essential because it sets the stage for a long, but fulfilling, journey. The bus ride to the ferry port takes roughly four hours, giving you time to settle in and prepare for the crossing.

Transport & Comfort: The transport is air-conditioned, and on a group limited to 25 travelers, so it’s not a huge crowd but enough to keep things lively and social. Most reviews note the buses are comfortable enough for the early hours, with some travelers mentioning the importance of bringing snacks and water for the ride.

Ferry Crossing Over the Gulf of Aqaba

Once at the port, you’ll hop on a ferry crossing the Gulf of Aqaba, a scenic ride that lasts about two hours. The ferry is straightforward, with most travelers describing it as smooth—though some mention it can be a bit chilly or windy.

What’s special here: The ferry crossing adds a sense of adventure and gives you a moment to enjoy the water views and the cool air before stepping into Jordan. Plus, it’s a practical way to cover the 80 EUR government fee for the ferry, paid in cash.

A Visit to Aqaba and the Ma’an Gorge

After disembarking in Aqaba, the journey continues toward the Ma’an Gorge, where the real magic begins. If you’re familiar with Petra, you’ll recognize some iconic sights: the Treasure Palace (Al-Khazneh), the Roman Theater, and the Citadel’s temples—each a testament to Petra’s ancient grandeur.

Insights from travelers: One reviewer appreciated the guide’s detailed commentary, noting they “loved the way the guide explained Petra’s history in simple terms, making it easy to appreciate.” The free admission to these sites means your main expense is the transport and guide, which offers great value.

Exploring Petra in Wadi Musa

Most of the day is spent exploring Petra’s main highlights, with about 8 hours in Wadi Musa. This allows for a thorough visit, but with some caveats: the site is vast, and walking is involved, so comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll see the famous Treasury, Roman Theater, and the Citadel, but you might miss some off-the-beaten-path areas unless you’re prepared to explore on your own after the guided tour.

What travelers say: “We loved the way the guide pointed out interesting details we would have missed on our own,” and others mention the long walk up to the Treasury but say it’s worth the effort for that iconic view.

Return Journey

The tour wraps up in Wadi Musa, with plenty of time for lunch, shopping, or just soaking in the atmosphere of this historic town. Afterward, the return journey begins, with the ferry crossing happening again in the late afternoon. Expect to arrive back in Sharm El Sheikh around midnight or slightly later, completing the 1-day adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price:

• Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire day
• Guided assistance at Petra and other sites
• Lunch in Wadi Musa, giving you a chance to try local flavors
• Entrance to major archaeological highlights like the Temple and Treasures, Roman Theater, and Petra itself

Not included:

• The Jordan visa (€70), payable in cash
• The ferry fee (€80), also paid in cash
• Personal expenses or souvenirs

While the price covers most essentials, be prepared for the cash payments for visas and ferry, and don’t forget to bring your passport—it’s a must for border crossing.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One reviewer, Kentaro F, praised the overall organization but highlighted the importance of planning for the early start, mentioning, “the early hours are tough but the sights make it worthwhile.” Another pointed out that the tour is generally well-managed, but to maximize your experience, arriving with comfortable shoes and water is key.

Some travelers appreciated the small group size, which made it easier to ask questions and move around freely. The guide’s assistance was noted as helpful, especially when navigating the complex site of Petra.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Be prepared for a long day: With a 2:00 am pickup and late return, bring snacks, water, and a portable charger.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Petra involves lots of walking and some uphill sections.
• Cash is king: Remember to have cash for visas (€70) and ferry fees (€80).
• Bring your passport: It’s essential for border crossing.
• Plan ahead: Book several weeks in advance, as this tour is popular and fills up around 47 days early on average.
• Camera ready: The views and archaeological sites are photogenic, so pack your camera or phone fully charged.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see Petra but are constrained by time. It’s perfect for adventure-seekers eager for a day of exploration that combines land and sea travel. The tour’s organized structure and guide assistance make it suitable even if you don’t speak Arabic or are unfamiliar with Jordan’s geography.

However, it’s not suited for those seeking a relaxed, multi-day experience—this is a packed, whirlwind visit. If you’re sensitive to early mornings or long bus rides, consider whether this pace fits your style.

This Petra full-day tour from Sharm El Sheikh offers remarkable value, especially considering the inclusion of transport, guide, and lunch. It’s a well-organized way to experience one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological sites without the need for a longer trip or overnight stay.

While the early start and long hours might not be for everyone, the awe-inspiring views and rich history you’ll encounter make it a worthwhile adventure. Just be sure to prepare well—the logistics are straightforward, but the experience feels special and authentic.

If you’re after a cost-effective, guided day trip that combines adventure, culture, and history, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s best suited for those with a sense of adventure and a desire to see a UNESCO World Heritage site in just one day.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The pickup is at 2:00 am, so be prepared for an early morning. It’s necessary to maximize your time at Petra.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, guide assistance, lunch, and entrance to key archaeological sites like the Temple and Treasures, Roman Theater, and Petra itself.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, you need to pay cash for your Jordan visa (€70) and ferry (€80). These are government fees paid on the day.

How long do we spend at Petra?
Most travelers get about 8 hours to explore Wadi Musa, which offers enough time to see major highlights but not to explore every corner.

Is the ferry crossing included?
The ferry is part of the tour’s itinerary, but the fee (€80) is paid in cash, and it’s a scenic, two-hour crossing.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Arabic?
Yes, guided assistance is included, and most guides are fluent in English, making it accessible for international travelers.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While suitable for most, consider the long hours and walking involved. Young children should be prepared for a full day of travel and exploration.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking, sun protection, and layers for early morning and late afternoon weather are recommended.

In short, this tour offers a practical, well-organized way to see Petra from Sharm El Sheikh in one memorable day. It’s a good pick for those eager for adventure without the hassle of overnight travel, provided you’re ready for an early start and long hours on the road.