From Sharm ElSheikh: The Lost City (Petra) Day Tour by Ferry

Discover Petra from Sharm El Sheikh: A Complete Tour Experience

Traveling from Sharm El Sheikh to the legendary city of Petra by ferry offers a fascinating blend of adventure, history, and culture. This full-day tour takes you across borders, through stunning landscapes, and into one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or simply looking for a memorable day trip, this tour promises a lot—though it does come with a long travel day.

What we love about this experience is its unique route, crossing the Gulf of Aqaba by ferry, the opportunity to explore Petra with expert guides, and the inclusion of a traditional Jordanian lunch. The main consideration? It is a lengthy day, with some reviewers mentioning it can stretch to around 20 hours. That said, for those keen on seeing Petra without extending their stay in Jordan, it offers great value and convenience. This tour is perfect for energetic travelers eager to tick off a UNESCO World Heritage Site on their bucket list, especially if they enjoy guided insights and good logistical planning.

Key Points

• Convenient cross-border trip with ferry transport from Sinai to Jordan
• Comprehensive guided tour covering major highlights of Petra
• All-inclusive price with transportation, guide, entrance fees, and lunch
• Long but rewarding day with about 20 hours from pickup to return
• Excellent value for the experience, especially given the logistics involved
• Ideal for active travelers who don’t mind a full day of travel and exploration

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey Begins: From Sharm El Sheikh to Petra

Starting early, the tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. Expect a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned vehicle as you traverse the Sinai Peninsula toward Taba. This part of the trip is straightforward, and the scenic drive provides a chance to relax before the day’s main adventure.

Once at Taba, the highlight is crossing the Gulf of Aqaba by ferry. This crossing is a key part of the experience, giving travelers a chance to enjoy the water views and get into the Middle Eastern travel vibe. The ferry itself is usually included in the price, along with all necessary tickets, so there’s no fuss about extra costs here. Reviewers highlight that smoothly handling the border crossing and ferry tickets adds a layer of hassle-free planning that lets you focus on the sights ahead.

Arriving in Jordan: The Gateway to Petra

After disembarking on the Jordanian side, the trip continues by bus towards the ancient city. The drive through the desert landscape is relatively short but scenic, giving travelers a taste of Jordan’s rugged terrain. The highlight is reaching the gorge of Ma’an, the gateway to Petra, a site that has been “forgotten by the world for over 1,000 years,” as some history lovers will appreciate.

The tour guides familiar with the area are a vital part of the experience. From reviews, guides like Mohamed and Alladin are praised for their knowledge, helpfulness, and friendly demeanor. One reviewer mentioned that Alladin was “so knowledgeable and thoughtful,” which underscores the importance of good local guides in making the trip memorable.

Exploring Petra: One of the World’s Most Stunning Archaeological Sites

Once inside Petra, you’ll spend several hours exploring the site’s main attractions. Expect to see Al Khazneh, the famous Treasury, which is perhaps the most iconic structure carved into the pink rock. It’s a sight that never fails to impress – its intricate facade and sheer size make for an unforgettable photo opportunity.

Beyond the Treasury, you’ll visit the Roman Theater, an impressive testament to Roman influence, and the grave sites along the King Wall with its 13 tombs. Walking through the narrow, winding Siq that leads to Petra feels like stepping into a lost world, and many reviewers note how “incredible architecture” and “amazing structures” still stand after centuries.

While the walking can be demanding in the heat, most travelers appreciate the well-paced tour, especially with stops for breaks and water. Several reviews mention bringing plenty of water and wearing comfortable shoes—key tips to enjoy Petra comfortably.

Lunch and Rest: Tasting Jordanian Flavors

After a substantial tour of the archaeological marvels, you’ll enjoy a traditional Jordanian lunch. This is an excellent chance to relax and refuel before heading back. The included lunch typically features local flavors, offering a taste of Jordanian cuisine, which adds another layer of cultural richness to the experience.

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The Return Journey: Long but Worthwhile

The trip back to Sharm El Sheikh is just as long as the outward journey, often stretching to around 20 hours total from pickup to hotel arrival, according to some reviews. This is a significant consideration, especially for travelers with tight schedules or low endurance for long days.

Reviewers like Viviane note that no prior warning was given about the length of the day, but even she found the experience “excellent” overall. Many travelers say the long hours are well worth it for the chance to see Petra in a single day, and the comfortable transport, with air conditioning and scheduled stops, helps make the journey manageable.

What’s Included & Practical Tips

The tour package covers all essentials: hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, ferry tickets, Jordanian visa, entry fees to Petra, and a guided tour at the site. Plus, a lunch is provided, so you won’t need to worry about extra expenses during the day.

Given the length, it’s recommended to bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and light, breathable clothing. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in summer months, so carrying plenty of water is advised. The tour is offered in English and Russian, so check your preferred language when booking.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Many travelers highlight the professionalism and friendliness of guides like Mohamed and Alladin, who enhance the experience with their knowledge. One reviewer called Alladin “an absolute legend,” emphasizing how helpful and informative he was throughout the day.

Despite the long travel hours, visitors consistently mention that Petra’s visual grandeur makes it all worthwhile. Jason described the site as “absolutely worth it,” with his “mind blown” by the architecture. Others appreciated the opportunity to haggle at shops in Petra, adding an authentic touch to their visit.

A few reviews point out that the overall trip is long—some around 23 hours—but that the quality of the experience, including the transport comfort and guided insights, compensates for the fatigue. For those who prefer shorter travel days, this might be a consideration; however, the convenience of an all-in-one package is a major plus.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits active, curious travelers who don’t mind a lengthy but well-organized day of travel. It’s ideal if you want to maximize your time and see Petra without arranging separate transport or crossing borders solo. Perfect for those who value guided commentary and a hassle-free logistics experience, especially if visiting from Sharm El Sheikh for a one-day adventure.

On the flip side, if you’re sensitive to long travel days or prefer a more relaxed pace, consider whether the 20+ hours fits your style. The tour is also a good choice for travelers eager to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World on a budget, thanks to its all-inclusive pricing.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a practical balance between adventure, convenience, and value. The ferry crossing adds a touch of excitement, and the guided exploration of Petra delivers a comprehensive experience that many travelers find unforgettable. While the long hours can be challenging, the sights and stories you’ll take home make it a worthwhile journey.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, culturally immersive day trip that maximizes your time exploring Petra, then this tour from Sharm El Sheikh is a solid choice. It’s tailored for those who love guided tours, authentic eats, and don’t mind the travel marathon.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Most tours start early in the morning, often with pickup from your hotel, so it’s best to be prepared for an early start to make the most of the day.

Is the ferry included in the price?
Yes, ferry tickets are included, and the process is usually smooth, with the tour operator handling border crossings and tickets.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, light clothing suitable for the weather, and plenty of water, especially if it’s hot.

How long is the entire trip?
From pickup to return, expect around 20 hours, with some reviews mentioning as long as 23 hours.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour offers guidance in English and Russian, so check your preference when booking.

Can I customize or extend the tour?
This particular tour is designed as a full-day package; extensions or customizations are not typically included but discuss options with your tour provider.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
While it can be physically demanding due to the long day and walking, with proper planning and hydration, it can suit active families. Elderly travelers should consider their stamina for a full-day trip.

To sum it up, this Petra day tour from Sharm El Sheikh offers an excellent blend of adventure, culture, and value. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in a single, well-organized day. Prepare for a long but rewarding journey that will leave you with stories and sights to cherish for years.

You can check availability for your dates here: