Full-Day Tour to Petra from Sharm el Sheikh

Travelers eyeing a trip to Petra often face the challenge of coordinating multiple logistics—flights, visas, transportation—that can quickly turn a dream into a logistical headache. Fortunately, this Full-Day Tour to Petra from Sharm el Sheikh offers a streamlined, guided experience designed to make your visit as effortless and memorable as possible. While it’s a long day—around 22 hours—it’s packed with the kind of sights, stories, and surprises that make the effort more than worth it.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, it takes care of all the arrangements, from visas to ferry tickets, removing much of the stress from your travel. Second, the expert guide enriches your journey with insights into Petra’s history and significance. Third, the inclusion of a lunch helps keep you energized for an afternoon of exploring one of the Middle East’s most iconic sites.

However, a potential consideration is the extended travel time, which might be tiring if you’re not used to long day trips or early mornings. The tour is best suited for travelers who love history, want to see Petra without the hassle of planning, and can handle a 22-hour day on the move. If you’re eager for a comprehensive experience that covers essentials and offers authentic engagement, this adventure could be just perfect.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: The tour handles visas, ferry tickets, transportation, and entry fees, simplifying your trip.
• Expert Guidance: An English-speaking guide enhances the experience with detailed commentary.
• Time at Petra: You get about 3-4 hours to explore the highlights, including the Treasury and Royal Tombs.
• Authentic Experience: Horse rides and walking through the Siq add a touch of adventure.
• Value for Money: For $285, the package includes transport, entry, guided tour, and lunch.
• Group Size: Limited to 35 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Early Morning Pickup and Transport

The day kicks off around 1:30 am, a very early start but necessary to maximize your time at Petra. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Sharm el Sheikh and transported by a modern, air-conditioned bus to Taba port. This part of the journey is pretty straightforward and comfortable, setting the tone for the long day ahead.

Crossing to Jordan

Once at Taba, you’ll board a ferry to Aqaba, Jordan. The ferry crossing is a highlight of sorts, offering a brief but scenic sea voyage that adds a touch of adventure before the land-based exploration begins. Upon arrival at Aqaba port, your guide will meet you directly at the cruise exit, streamlining the transition.

Transfer to Petra

From Aqaba, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle for about 1.5 hours to reach Petra. This part of the trip is a good chance to relax and get a glimpse of Jordan’s landscape—expect desert vistas, rugged mountains, and the occasional Bedouin settlement.

Exploring Petra

Once at the visitor’s center, your journey into Petra begins. You’ll have options to ride a horse or walk through the famous Siq, a narrow, winding gorge that leads to the Treasury—a quintessential photo stop. This approach allows you to soak in Petra’s grandeur at your own pace, with the guide filling in the stories and historical context.

Your route continues along the Street of Facades, passing by impressive tombs and structures carved into the rose-colored rock. The Royal Tombs and Qasr Al Bent are among the other highlights, offering photogenic moments and a sense of the city’s former splendor. Expect to spend around 3 to 4 hours exploring, which is ample time to see the major highlights without feeling rushed.

Return Journey

After your Petra adventure, you’ll retrace your steps, sailing from Aqaba back to Taba. From there, you’ll be transported by bus back to Sharm el Sheikh, arriving late in the evening or early the next morning. It’s a long day, but the seamless logistics and guided support make it a manageable, rewarding experience.

What Travelers Love

According to those who’ve gone before, the guide’s knowledge makes a huge difference. One reviewer mentioned how the guide knew “so much about Jordan,” which enriched the entire visit. The stunning views and the chance to see Petra’s iconic monuments in person are often highlighted as unforgettable.

Another notable point is the handling of all tickets and visas, which saves travelers from the potential stress of border crossings and paperwork. Many comment that this added convenience allows you to focus solely on enjoying the spectacular scenery and history.

Practicality and Value

At $285 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price, including transportation, entry fees, lunch, and a guide. For anyone pressed for time but eager to tick Petra off their bucket list, it’s an efficient option that packs in the essentials without sacrificing the depth of experience.

The Overall Experience

This tour isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about enjoying one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world. The combination of comfortable transport, guided insights, and the inclusion of lunch provides a solid value proposition. Travelers who appreciate a mix of adventure, history, and convenience will find this trip particularly satisfying.

The early start might seem daunting initially, but it’s a small price to pay for a full day of exploration without the stress of organizing transport or visas. The small group size and the attentive guide help make it more intimate than a large tour, creating space for questions and personalized attention.

Authenticity and Comfort

While long hours are involved, the tour maintains a good balance—allowing enough time to enjoy Petra’s highlights without feeling overwhelmed. The horse ride through the Siq adds an authentic touch, giving you a taste of what early visitors might have experienced. Expect comfortable transportation, friendly staff, and a well-organized itinerary that respects your time and interest.

The Sum Up

This Full-Day Tour to Petra from Sharm el Sheikh offers a well-rounded, stress-free way to visit one of the Middle East’s most iconic archaeological sites. It provides excellent value, with all logistics covered, and ensures you get a meaningful glimpse of Petra’s treasures.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing time without the hassle of planning everything independently. If you’re comfortable with a long day on the move and eager to explore Petra’s stunning architecture and history, this tour will likely meet and even exceed your expectations.

For those seeking a straightforward, guided experience with all the essentials taken care of, this trip offers a practical and enriching way to see one of the world’s most celebrated sites—without the worry.

FAQ

What is included in this tour?
The tour includes return transfers from Sharm el Sheikh to Taba, ferry tickets to Aqaba, transportation from Aqaba to Petra and back, entrance fees to Petra, a guided tour of 3 to 4 hours, lunch, and your visa to Jordan.

What should I prepare for the early start?
Be ready for a pickup around 1:30 am. Comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended, as well as a sense of adventure for a long but rewarding day.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, and the small group size (maximum 35) helps maintain a friendly atmosphere. However, those who prefer shorter or less intensive day trips might find it quite full on this itinerary.

How much time do I get at Petra?
You’ll have around 3 to 4 hours to explore Petra’s main sights, including the Treasury, Siq, and Royal Tombs, giving you a solid overview without feeling rushed.

What about the guide?
The guide is English-speaking, knowledgeable, and passionate about Jordan’s history. One reviewer praised him for his extensive knowledge, which added a lot to the experience.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it’s a fixed-group excursion, customization options are limited. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a guided, all-inclusive day.

What are the main benefits of this tour?
Convenience, expert guidance, all logistics handled, and the opportunity to see Petra’s highlights in a single day are key benefits.

Are meals included?
Yes, a provided lunch helps keep you energized for the day’s exploration.

This full-day adventure from Sharm el Sheikh offers an excellent balance of comfort, convenience, and authentic discovery, making it a compelling choice for anyone eager to see Petra without the fuss of independent planning.