From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers

If you’re dreaming of standing amidst the ancient stones of Petra, this tour from Eilat offers an accessible way to experience one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. While it’s a long day packed with travel, the opportunity to see Petra’s breathtaking architecture and learn its stories makes it worth considering.

What we love about this tour: it offers a guided experience that helps you navigate the complexities of international border crossings, includes transportation and entry fees, and provides plenty of opportunities to explore at your own pace inside Petra. The scenic drive also means you’ll enjoy spectacular desert landscapes, including stops at Wadi Rum, which adds a touch of adventure to the journey.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is a full-day affair, which can be quite tiring, especially if you’re not used to long travel days. Also, the price excludes border and visa fees—so it’s essential to factor in those extra costs. Nonetheless, this trip is ideal for travelers craving a well-organized, informative, and scenic Jordanian adventure on a budget.

This experience suits those who want a guided, hassle-free trip to Petra, especially if you have limited time but still want to see one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites.

Key Points

• Convenient border crossing assistance makes the trip smoother, even for first-timers.
• Expert guides bring Petra’s history and legends to life, enriching the visit.
• Flexible free time allows you to focus on the parts of Petra that interest you most.
• The scenic drive includes a stop at Wadi Rum, adding desert vistas to your day.
• Transportation and entry fees are included, making it a good value for a full-day tour.
• Additional costs include border ($65) and visa fees ($60), which must be paid on site.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review of the Petra Tour from Eilat

The Journey Begins: Transport and Border Crossing

The tour kicks off early in the morning with pickup from the designated meeting point at the Club Hotel in Eilat. The local operator, Tourist Israel Tours, is known for its professionalism, which is reassuring when crossing international borders—a process that can sometimes feel daunting. They assist with border crossing procedures, helping to streamline the transition from Israeli to Jordanian territory.

Traveling through the dusty desert landscapes, you’ll notice the changing scenery, from urban Eilat to the vast sands surrounding Petra. The bus is described as narrow and not particularly cool, so packing a fan or cooling towel might make the ride more comfortable.

Crossing the Aravah Border and Entry into Jordan

Once at the border, you’ll need to pay the border crossing fee of $65, payable in USD or Jordanian Dinar. If you haven’t pre-arranged a visa, there’s an additional $60 fee for entry, which you’ll also pay on-site. The process is generally well-organized, but reviewers mention it can sometimes involve small delays. Carrying your passport, of course, is a must, and keep it handy for the entire day.

Scenic Drive to Petra

After crossing into Jordan, the journey continues through stunning desert vistas. The route along the mountains provides fantastic photo opportunities, especially when you stop at designated observation points. One reviewer appreciated these stops, remarking on the breathtaking landscape of Wadi Rum, where the red rocky mountains stretch into the horizon.

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Arrival and Guided Tour of Petra

Upon reaching Petra, the experience truly begins. Your guide will lead you through the site’s most iconic features, sharing stories and legends that bring the ancient city to life. Expect to see the famous Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Siq (narrow canyon), and other highlights like the Amphitheatre and Royal Tombs.

The guide’s knowledge is a key benefit—one reviewer praised the Jordanian guide, Adnan, for his expertise and engaging storytelling. But remember, the guided portion is just part of your day; after about 2-3 hours, you’ll have some free time to explore independently.

Free Time at Petra

The free period is a valuable part of the tour. It allows you to venture into areas that catch your eye or revisit parts of the site you found particularly captivating. Reviewers note that one day isn’t enough to see everything inside Petra, so prioritize what interests you most. The site’s vastness means comfortable shoes are essential, as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain.

The Return Journey and Wadi Rum Stop

As you depart Petra, the trip back to Eilat includes a scenic detour to observe the stunning Wadi Rum desert. The red-rock formations and expansive skies make for memorable photos and a sense of the vastness of Jordan’s landscapes. This stop adds a bit of adventure without extending your day excessively.

Practicalities and Tips

• What to bring: Passport, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, headscarf, and cash for border/visa fees.
• Tour duration: Full day (roughly 12 hours), so plan for an early start and prepare for a long but rewarding day.
• Cost value: At $219, the tour covers transportation, border assistance, entry fees, and a guided experience, making it a reasonable investment for an accessible Petra trip.
• Reviews reveal varied experiences: While guides are praised for their knowledge, some mention that the bus’s condition and the restaurant options could be improved.

Who is this tour best for?

This tour is perfect for travelers based in Eilat who want a guided, structured visit to Petra without the hassle of planning border crossings or transportation. It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in learning about Petra’s history and legends through an expert guide, but don’t mind a long, busy day.

It’s less ideal for those seeking a deep, unhurried exploration of Petra or those who prefer multiple days on-site. If you’re comfortable with long travel days and want a good balance of guided insights and free exploration, this tour will serve you well.

The Sum Up

In essence, this full-day Petra tour from Eilat offers a practical and affordable way to see one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. The included transportation, border crossing assistance, and guided commentary remove much of the logistical stress, making it a convenient choice for travelers short on time.

The scenic drive through Jordan’s desert landscapes, coupled with the chance to explore Petra’s highlights at your own pace, makes for a well-rounded experience. While the bus comfort and restaurant options could be improved, the knowledgeable guides and stunning views compensate for these minor downsides.

This tour is particularly suited for those eager to tick Petra off their bucket list with expert support and minimal fuss. It’s a fantastic option for first-time visitors, solo travelers, or groups wanting a reliable, value-packed day trip from Eilat.

FAQs

Do I need a visa to join this tour?
Yes, if you haven’t pre-arranged a Jordanian visa, you’ll need to pay the $60 visa fee on-site.

How much are the border crossing fees?
Border crossing costs are $65, payable in USD or Jordanian Dinar, and are not included in the tour price.

What’s included in the tour price?
The $219 fee covers pickup and drop-off from Eilat, transportation, border crossing assistance, entry fees to Petra, a guided tour, and bottled water.

Is there free time at Petra?
Yes, after the guided part, you’ll have some free time to explore sections of Petra independently.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a headscarf, and cash for border and visa fees.

How long is the day?
It’s a full-day trip, approximately 12 hours, so prepare for an early start and a long return journey.

Can I pay in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

Is it suitable for all travelers?
Yes, but be prepared for a long day and walking on uneven surfaces; this tour is ideal for those comfortable with guided group travel and desert scenery.

This Petra tour from Eilat provides a solid, well-organized way to see one of the world’s most beloved ancient sites. Whether you’re captivated by history, scenery, or just eager for a new adventure, it offers value and authentic Jordanian hospitality in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: