Petra Day Trip from Sharm El Sheikh

Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Sinai Desert and the majestic Al-Aqaba Mountains on a two-hour journey to the port of Taba.

You will then board the ferry around 5:30 AM to cross the Gulf of Aqaba, arriving in Jordan around 8:45 AM. From there, it's a two-hour drive to Petra, where your adventure will begin with the accompaniment of your English-speaking guide.

Upon arrival in Petra, our guide will meet you in the arrival hall, holding a sign clearly stating "Sharmers," ready to start your adventure. Admire the luxurious remnants of ancient prosperity evident in the intricate art and architecture of Petra. Marvel at the grandeur of structures such as the Treasury, meticulously carved into the soft sandstone cliffs. The Nabatean capital stands as a marvel of urban planning with a thriving population of around 30,000 people in this arid desert. Their ingenious system of canals and cisterns collected and stored winter rains, providing a sustainable water supply that fed lush gardens.

Your first walk in Petra will be through the Siq Canyon, a natural geological formation created by a deep fissure in the sandstone cliffs that also served as a waterway leading into Wadi Musa. This canyon is one of the main reasons Petra was such an attractive site for the Nabataeans, as it provided a narrow and easily defended entrance.

Your next stop is the stunning Great Treasury, also known as Al-Khazneh, one of the most amazing architectural wonders in Petra. Carved with great care into the sandstone cliff, this structure features a unique blend of classical Greek design. Probably built between 100 BC and 200 AD, its name "Treasury" comes from interesting legends. One story says that bandits or pirates hid their treasure in the stone urn on the second level, while another suggests it was a storage place for the treasures of an Egyptian pharaoh during the time of Moses, known as Khazneh Far'un.

Continuing your journey, you will discover the Roman Theatre, a relic from the time when Greek, Egyptian, and Syrian cultures merged during the Ptolemaic era. By the end of the 2nd century BC, when the Ptolemaic and Seleucid kingdoms declined, the Nabataean kingdom came to power. During the reign of Aretas III Philhellene (around 85-60 BC), who introduced royal coins, Petra underwent significant changes. The theater likely dates to this period when Petra transformed into a Hellenistic city. The Nabataeans, known for their remarkable engineering skills, created advanced water conservation and irrigation systems and skillfully carved their homes, temples, and tombs directly into the rock.

During your exploration, your guide will lead you to the city center for a delicious lunch at a wonderful restaurant. This will give you a chance to relax and recharge, enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Petra.

After lunch, before heading to the port, you can visit Al-Habis Fort. Located on top of Al-Habis, this spot offers fantastic views of the central basin of Petra, where the Crusader fortress of Al-Uwayra is located. This secondary fortress was strategically placed to oversee important communication routes in the Petra basin, remaining hidden from the Al-Uwayra fortress.

At the end of your day, you will head back to the port of Aqaba to board the ferry returning to Taba. From Taba, you will be driven back to your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, concluding your unforgettable adventure in Petra and its surroundings.