Petra Sightseeing 1 Day Tour From Sharm El Sheikh

A full day exploring the iconic Petra from Sharm El Sheikh

Taking a trip to Petra—the UNESCO-listed wonder of Jordan—is often a highlight for travelers in the region. This 1-day sightseeing tour from Sharm El Sheikh offers a comprehensive way to see the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. Although it’s a long day packed with travel, the journey promises some truly memorable moments.

What we love about this tour? First, the seamless round-trip transportation from Egypt to Jordan takes the stress out of logistics. Second, the expert guides really enhance the experience with their insights and friendliness. Third, the chance to visit key sights like the Treasury and Royal Tombs in just a day is an efficient way to tick off Petra’s must-see spots. The only downside? It’s a very full, 22-hour trip, so be prepared for a long day.

This tour is ideal for those who want a guided, all-inclusive experience but don’t mind a busy itinerary. It suits travelers eager for a taste of Petra’s magic without dedicating multiple days or navigating complicated transport themselves.

Key Points

• All-in-one convenience: Includes transfers, ferry, entrance fees, lunch, and guided tours.
• Travel ease: Hotel pickup from Sharm El Sheikh simplifies a complex border-crossing.
• Highlights included: The Treasury, Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, and Qasr Al Bint.
• Flexible approaches: Choose to walk or ride a horse into the Siq.
• Value for money: For $290, it’s a well-rounded experience considering the logistics and guided service.
• Long journey: Expect a 22-hour day with substantial travel time.

The Journey Begins: From Sharm El Sheikh to Petra

Your adventure kicks off early—around 1:30 am—when you’re picked up from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. From there, it’s a journey through Egypt to the Taba border, where your group boards a ferry crossing into Aqaba, Jordan. This part of the trip, including the ferry, offers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic waterway, which many reviewers found enjoyable despite the early start.

Travel time and transport: Once in Aqaba, a roughly 1.5-hour transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle brings you closer to your destination. The long hours are part of the package, but the comfort of the bus and the scenic views help pass the time. The tour emphasizes convenience—no need to worry about booking separate transport or navigating border crossings yourself.

Tips from travelers: Many noted that the guide on the bus to Jordan was Russian-speaking, which was less helpful for English speakers, and some found the pace a bit brisk. Still, guides in Petra itself received high marks for their enthusiasm and knowledge.

Exploring Petra: What to Expect

Upon arrival at the Petra Visitor’s Centre, your journey really begins. You’ll have the choice to enter the Siq—Petra’s famous narrow gorge—either on horseback or on foot. This flexibility allows you to tailor the experience: enjoy a gentle ride or stretch your legs and take in the surroundings.

Authentic highlights: The Treasury, with its intricate façade and breathtaking scale, is the star of the show. One reviewer paid around £10 for a camel shot in front of it, describing the sight as “breathtaking.” From there, the tour guides you along the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, and the Qasr Al Bint—each offering a different glimpse into Petra’s layered history and stunning architecture.

Guided insights: Several reviews praise guides who are “very knowledgeable” and eager to share interesting facts, making the visit more engaging. However, some found the overall guidance limited—particularly in English—and felt the tour was rushed, which might leave you wishing for more time to absorb each site.

Time at each stop: Expect the tour to be fast-paced, with approximately 3.5 hours of walking or riding inside Petra. Reviewers mentioned that a full appreciation of Petra might require more days, but this tour offers a satisfying overview for first-time visitors.

Food, Comfort, and Additional Details

A buffet lunch is included, offering a break from the busy sightseeing. Many travelers appreciated the meal as a chance to refuel, especially given the long hours. Do note, drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring water or purchase beverages during the day.

Transportation: The return journey involves sailing back from Aqaba to Taba via boat, then a transfer back to Sharm El Sheikh. The boat ride is generally smooth and adds a relaxing element to the day, but some reviews noted it as part of the long day’s endurance.

Group size: The tour caps at 30 travelers, which strikes a balance between feeling like a group adventure and avoiding overwhelming crowds at each site.

Authentic Experiences and Realities

This tour isn’t just about ticking boxes; it offers real moments of wonder. Many reviewers shared that guides actively took photos for them—an added bonus for capturing memories. A few mentioned that guides sometimes spoke predominantly in Russian, which could be a consideration for non-Russian speakers, but guides in Petra were generally well-received.

One traveler noted that the long day—up to 24 hours—requires good planning and stamina. Packing comfortable shoes, layers for varying weather, and a camera are essential. Be aware that some reviews pointed out inconsistent guidance, especially in English, and a feeling that the tour could be more detailed.

Value for the price: At $290 per person, this tour combines transportation, guided visits, entrance fees, and meals. Considering the logistical complexity of crossing borders, ferry rides, and private guides, the price offers quite a bit of value, especially for those wanting a hassle-free, guided experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for those eager for a guided, all-inclusive day trip to Petra without the headache of planning every detail. It works well for travelers who don’t mind a long, tiring day but want the comfort of organized transportation and guided insights. It’s also ideal for first-timers who want a broad overview of Petra’s highlights in one go.

However, if you’re a history buff craving in-depth exploration or prefer a slower-paced visit, you might find this tour somewhat rushed. It’s also better suited for those comfortable with early mornings and long travel hours.

Final thoughts

The Petra Sightseeing 1-Day Tour from Sharm El Sheikh offers an accessible way to see one of the Middle East’s most awe-inspiring sights. With comfortable transport, guided visits, and a delicious lunch, it minimizes hassle and maximizes sightseeing. Expect a long day, but one filled with stunning views, memorable moments, and a taste of Petra’s grandeur.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value convenience and guided insights over an unhurried, detailed exploration. It’s a solid choice if you want your Petra experience to be part of a broader Middle Eastern adventure without the need to navigate borders or book multiple segments independently.

FAQ

How early do we need to be ready for pickup?
Pickup is scheduled for around 1:30 am, so be prepared for an early start. Packing the night before is recommended.

Does the tour include transportation from my hotel?
Yes, hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh is included, making the start of your day stress-free.

What are the main highlights I’ll see in Petra?
You’ll visit the Treasury, Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, and Qasr Al Bint, among other famous sites.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves a fair amount of walking or riding a horse into Petra, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues.

Are there optional activities during the visit?
Yes, you can choose to walk or ride a horse into the Siq, but additional activities like camel rides are not included in the package.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, layers for changing weather, water, and your passport copy as it’s needed for border crossings.

To sum it up, this tour strikes a good balance between convenience and experience, offering a memorable day at Petra with guided insights and hassle-free logistics. If you’re prepared for a long day and want a rundown, it’s a travel experience worth considering.