petra tours – jordan
Petra Jordan Guided Tour 2024 – Expert Guide to Seeing the Ancient City
Imagine walking through a city carved from rock. Every corner tells ancient stories and shows the beauty of a lost world. This is Petra, a place that has amazed people for centuries. This is what you will find in Petra.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of mysteries and culture. Every step on your Petra Jordan guided tour will show you Jordan’s beauty. Each moment in Petra will make you wonder and feel connected. Your trip to Petra is more than a visit. It’s diving into history and exploring Jordan. It will change you forever.
As a travel enthusiast and photographer from the UK. I have a passion for nature and wildlife, I tend to focus on eco-tourism and sustainable travel but like to cover a wide range of articles. My favourite destination has got to be Malta, I love the food there and the relaxing nightlife of Silema is my happy place!
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Key Takeaways
- Experience Petra with a small group of 12 travelers for a more intimate adventure.
- Included Jordan Pass grants access to historic sites and nature reserves.
- Optional 2-day extension available to explore Jerash and Northern Jordan.
- Activities range from easy walking to moderate hiking, accommodating various fitness levels.
- Enjoy local cuisine with meals like Bedouin-style Zarab dinner.
- Accommodation includes comfortable hotels and a luxury camp in Wadi Rum.
- Witness the iconic Treasury and the grandeur of the Monastery in Petra.
Discovering the History of Petra
Petra has a rich history. It was once a key city in the Nabataean Empire. The Nabataeans built it in 312 BC. They used smart engineering to make the city work in tough weather. They built reservoirs and channels to catch rainwater.
The Origins of the Ancient Nabataean City
Petra started as a major trade center. It connected the Arabian Peninsula with the Mediterranean. This made it a place of great cultural and commercial exchange. Today, visitors can see amazing sights like the Street of Facades and the Royal Tombs. These show the city’s stunning architecture and the skill of its builders.
Petra Through the Ages: Roman Influence
In 106 CE, the Romans took over Petra. They brought new building styles that we can still see today. Petra stayed important until the 8th century AD. The mix of Nabataean and Roman styles shows Petra’s changing history and culture.
UNESCO World Heritage Status and Its Significance
In 1985, Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it’s very important to protect it for the future. It’s not just a beautiful place to see. Visiting Petra lets you connect with an ancient civilization. They played a big role in trade and culture in the area.
Highlights of Your Petra Jordan Guided Tour
Going on a petra jordan guided tour shows you amazing sights in this old city. Each place has a story, showing Petra’s incredible rock carvings. You’ll see things that make you feel amazed and curious.
The Iconic Treasury: A Must-See
The Treasury, or Al-Khazneh, is Petra’s main attraction. Its detailed face, carved into red cliffs, shows Nabataean skill. It’s famous and beautiful, drawing many visitors.
Exploration of the Monastery and Royal Tombs
Next, you’ll see the Monastery, a huge rock-cut wonder. It’s one of Petra’s biggest sights and has great views. The Royal Tombs, with their fancy carvings, show how the Nabataeans buried their dead.
Secret Trails and Hidden Gems in Petra
A petra jordan guided tour also shows secret paths to hidden spots. These quiet places let you see Petra up close, away from the crowds. You’ll find special views and learn more about Petra’s history.
Exploring the Siq Canyon
The Siq Canyon is the amazing entrance to Petra. It’s a natural wonder that draws visitors in. The canyon is 1.2 kilometers long and has cliffs that go up to 80 meters. As you walk through, the colors and shadows are stunning. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
The Entrance to Petra
Walking through the Siq Canyon is like entering a natural theater. It’s not just a path; it’s a piece of history. You’ll see carvings and niches made by the Nabataeans. They built Petra in the 4th century BC. Each turn reveals something new, like the famous Treasury (Al Khazneh).
Features and Significance of the Siq
The Siq is more than beautiful. It shows the Nabataeans’ engineering skills. You can see their water systems that kept Petra safe from floods.It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll see tombs and structures that tell Petra’s story. For those who love geology, the Siq is a treasure trove. It shows layers of history in the rocks. Guided tours are great because they share knowledge and help protect this site.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length of Siq Canyon | 1.2 kilometers |
| Height of Sandstone Cliffs | 80 meters |
| Construction Era | 4th century BC |
| Key Structures | Treasury (Al Khazneh) |
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site |
| Best Times to Visit | Spring and Autumn |
Planning Your Visit to Petra
When you plan to visit Petra, knowing some key things will make your trip better. The best time to go is when the weather is nice. This lets you enjoy the ancient city without any hassle.
Best Time to Visit Petra for Ideal Weather
The best times to see Petra are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is just right, between 19°C to 28°C. This is perfect for walking around the famous sites. Try to go early in the morning or an hour before closing. This way, you can see places like the Treasury without too many people around.
How to Get to Petra
There are many ways to get to Petra, depending on what you like and how much you want to spend.
- Organized tours from Amman or Aqaba offer a guided trip, often including Petra.
- Private transfers give you more freedom and a schedule that fits you.
- Driving yourself lets you explore at your own pace, but you’ll need to deal with local roads.
- The bus from Amman to Petra costs JD10 (£11/$14) one way and takes about three hours. It leaves at 6:30 am and returns at 5 pm.
- Buses from Aqaba to Petra cost JD15 (£17/$21) for a one-way trip.
Recommended Duration for Exploration
It’s best to spend at least two days in Petra. It covers 60 square kilometers and has many trails. A two-day or three-day ticket lets you see more at your own pace.
If you can, spend four days to really see everything. The longer you stay, the more you’ll enjoy it. Here’s why:
| Entry Options | Price (JD) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day (not staying overnight in Jordan) | 90 JD | 125 USD |
| 1 Day (staying in Jordan) | 50 JD | 70 USD |
| 2 Days | 55 JD | 78 USD |
| 3 Days | 60 JD | 85 USD |
Staying longer is cheaper and makes your visit more enjoyable. It’s a great way to see the beauty of Petra and Jordan’s tourism.
What to Expect on Your Tour of Petra
Choosing the right tour can make your Petra visit better. There are many options to fit your likes and interests.
Types of Tours Available – Group vs. Private
Think about group or private tours. Group tours are fun, letting you meet others. You’ll see Petra’s main sights with a guide. Private tours are for those who want more. You can focus on what interests you most. This is great for learning more about Petra’s history and culture. Booking a private tour also will help you with making sure you are not rushed and can take your time when looking through the ruins. Meeting local Bedouins is a highlight. Many tours let you do this. You can try traditional food and learn about their lives.
This is also something that should be considered all around the world. For example, even colder activities such as going to see the Northern lights in Tromso, can also be organised with a private tour.
Cultural Immersion with Local Bedouins
Whether you pick a group or private tour, meeting Bedouins is special. You’ll see Petra’s beauty, history, and kindness. It’s an experience you’ll always remember.
Petra’s Rock-Cut Architecture
When you visit Petra, you’ll see amazing rock-cut architecture. The Nabataeans were very smart. They carved buildings into the sandstone cliffs. These structures, like tombs and temples, show off their skills. They have stood the test of time. They prove the Nabataeans were great at working with their environment.
Unique Features of Nabataean Engineering
The Nabataeans were experts in engineering. You’ll see this in places like the Treasury and the Monastery. Their buildings were not just pretty. They also helped control the weather and kept the buildings stable. You’ll see Greek, Roman, and local styles mixed together. This shows the city’s rich culture.
Preservation Efforts and Ongoing Discoveries
Keeping Petra safe is very important. Weather and too many visitors are big threats. But, local and global groups are working hard to protect it. New discoveries are always being made. They tell us more about the Nabataeans. Each find is like stepping into a museum of history. It shows how old civilisations still inspire us today. When booking a tour, you will be able to understand more about the preservation efforts being put into Petra.
Conclusion
A tour to Petra offers a tour through history. The iconic rose city, carved into the rose-colored cliffs, will be trip to remember. Explore tombs, temples, and theaters, each revealing fascinating stories of the Nabataean civilization.
For a deeper understanding, consider a guided tour. Knowledgeable guides can shed light on the historical significance of the ruins. Alternatively, embark on a self-guided exploration to wander freely through this ancient city. When booking a tour, you will not only be adding to the local preservation efforts but you can also immerse yourself fully with the local Bedouin people, making it even more unique and memorable.
Petra Tours FAQ
Petra is an ancient city known as the “Rose City.” It’s famous for its stunning rock-cut architecture. The city’s stone has a unique rose hue. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
A guided tour of Petra Jordan lets you dive into the city’s ancient history. You’ll see important archaeological sites and meet local Bedouins. if you are adventurer at heart then the world offers to many other man made wonders to explore, one of my favourites being the Paris Catacomb tours.
You’ll see the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Monastery, and the Royal Tombs. You’ll also explore secret trails and hidden gems. These offer a closer look at Petra’s wonders.
The Siq Canyon is Petra’s main entrance. It has dramatic sandstone cliffs and beautiful light changes. It’s not just a path; it’s filled with historical carvings that make your visit magical.
The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is mild, perfect for exploring.
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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on our site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps us to continue providing valuable content and supports our efforts in bringing the travel community together. We only recommend products and services we believe in and think you’ll find useful. Complete details are included in our affiliate disclaimer. Thank you for your support!
