Iconic Treasury of Petra – Al‑Khazneh
Siq Canyon – ancient entrance to Petra
Ferry boat from Taba to Aqaba
Roman Theater (Byzantine era)
Royal Tombs & colorful sandstone
Scenic ferry crossing from Taba to Aqaba across the Gulf of Aqaba
Walk through the legendary Siq canyon to reveal the Treasury
All‑inclusive: Jordan visa, entrance fees, lunch & transfers
Licensed English‑speaking guide for 3‑4 hours in Petra
Optional horse ride, camel ride or golf cart (extra, payable on site)
Operates Wednesday & Saturday – limited days (monastery & ferry schedule)
🏛️ Cross borders and centuries in a single day: the legendary lost city of Petra, Jordan, awaits you on this full‑day excursion from Sharm El Sheikh. Departing in the early hours, you’ll be driven to the Taba border, then board a fast ferry across the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Aqaba. Upon arrival in Jordan, your professional guide will lead you through the dramatic Siq canyon – a 1.2‑km natural corridor flanked by soaring rose‑red cliffs – to the first glimpse of the iconic Treasury (Al‑Khazneh), one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll explore the Roman Theater, the Royal Tombs, and the colonnaded street, while your guide brings the Nabatean civilization back to life. A delicious buffet lunch is included, and after a full day of discovery, you’ll return to Sharm late in the evening with memories to last a lifetime. This tour includes round‑trip transfers, ferry tickets, Jordan entry visa, all entrance fees, and guiding – a hassle‑free way to check Petra off your bucket list.
$230 adult (12+ years) | $175 child (6‑11 years) | $85 infant (2‑5 years) | $40 baby (0‑1 year)
Duration: ~22‑24 hours | Pickup: 01:00‑01:30 AM | Return: next day ~12:00 AM (midnight)
Complimentary hotel pickup & drop‑off from all Sharm El Sheikh resorts
Jordan visa, ferry tickets, all entrance fees & lunch INCLUDED in the price
Operates: Wednesdays & Saturdays (subject to ferry schedule)
Please note: Drinks during lunch, personal expenses & tips are not included. Golf cart optional (≈$20‑25 each way, payable locally cash). Passport required (valid for 6+ months).
🏛️ About Petra – The Rose City & New Seven Wonder of the World
Petra, the ancient capital of the Nabateans, was established as early as the 6th century BC. Hidden behind a narrow, winding canyon known as the Siq, this “lost city” was unknown to the Western world until 1812 when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it. The rose‑red city was carved directly into the sandstone cliffs, creating a spectacular blend of Hellenistic and Eastern architectural styles. Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, famous for its ingenious water conduit system, monumental tombs, temples, and the world‑renowned Treasury (Al‑Khazneh). Visiting Petra is a journey through time, walking the same paths as Nabatean traders, Roman legions, and Byzantine pilgrims.
📅 Detailed Itinerary – Your Petra by Boat Day
01:00 AM – 01:30 AM: Hotel Pickup
Your driver will pick you up from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel in an air‑conditioned minivan. The journey to the Taba border crossing takes approximately 3 hours (with a short rest stop). You’ll pass through moonlit desert landscapes of the Sinai.
05:00 AM: Border Formalities & Ferry to Aqaba
Upon arrival at Taba, your tour operator will assist with Egyptian exit formalities. Then, board the modern fast ferry for a 30‑60 minute crossing across the Gulf of Aqaba to Jordan. Enjoy the sunrise over the Red Sea and glimpses of four countries (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia).
09:00 AM: Arrival in Aqaba & Drive to Petra
After clearing Jordanian immigration, meet your English‑speaking Jordanian guide. Transfer by luxury air‑conditioned bus for the 2‑hour drive through the Jordanian desert, past the dramatic Wadi Rum mountains, to the Petra Visitor Centre.
11:00 AM – 03:30 PM: Guided Tour of Petra
Enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Siq (approx. 1.2 km, 30‑45 min), a natural canyon with towering walls up to 80 m high. At the end of the Siq, the magnificent Treasury (Al‑Khazneh) reveals itself – a jaw‑dropping moment. Continue past the Street of Facades, the Roman Theater, the Royal Tombs, and the Colonnaded Street. Your guide provides rich historical context and points out photo spots. (Optional golf carts ride to/from the Treasury, payable locally).
Lunch at Movenpick Resort or similar restaurant (included)
Enjoy a well‑earned buffet lunch (open buffet) in a high‑quality restaurant near the Petra Visitor Centre. A selection of grilled meats, rice, salads, hummus, and fresh fruit is served. Drinks are not included but can be purchased separately.
Optional extra time (approx. 45‑60 min) for further exploration or shopping
Depending on group timing, you may have free time to explore more of the site (e.g., Al‑Habis Crusader fort viewpoint) or shop for Bedouin silverware, Dead Sea products, and pottery near the exit.
04:00 PM: Departure from Petra & Drive to Aqaba
Return by bus to Aqaba (approx. 2 hours). Brief stop for last‑minute souvenirs or refreshments in Aqaba’s seaside area.
06:30 PM: Ferry back to Taba & border crossing
Board the return ferry to Taba (crossing approx. 30‑60 min). Complete Egyptian immigration formalities back at the border.
10:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Return to Sharm & Hotel Drop‑off
Your driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, arriving around midnight – completing one of the most extraordinary day trips in the region.
Insider Tips: Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes – expect 5‑7 km of walking (or consider a golf cart). Bring a small daypack with water, snacks, and a light jacket (air‑conditioning on bus/ferry can be cold). A power bank is useful for photos. Dress respectfully (shoulders/knees covered is polite, but not strictly enforced). Change small USD to Jordanian Dinars (JOD) for drinks, golf cart, tips.
✅ Included / ❌ Excluded
- Hotel pickup & drop‑off (Sharm El Sheikh)
- Air‑conditioned vehicle transfers (Sharm ⇄ Taba)
- Round‑trip ferry tickets (Taba ⇄ Aqaba)
- Jordan entry visa (pre‑arranged, included in the tour price)
- English‑speaking Jordanian tour guide in Petra
- All entrance fees to Petra archaeological site
- Lunch buffet at a local restaurant
- Bottled water on the vehicle during the day
- Port fees & all taxes
- Drinks during lunch
- Horse ride, camel ride, golf cart (optional, payable locally ~$20‑25 each way)
- Tips for guide & driver (recommended but not mandatory)
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
- Pickup from Dahab / El Tor (extra $10 per person)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Petra by Boat from Sharm
🛂 Do I need a Jordanian visa? Is it included?
Yes, a single‑entry Jordan visa is required for most nationalities. The tour price INCLUDES the visa fee (arranged in advance). You will simply need to present your passport at the border. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
⛵ How long is the ferry crossing?
The fast ferry from Taba to Aqaba takes approximately 30‑60 minutes, depending on weather and sea conditions. The ferry is modern, air‑conditioned, with comfortable seating and toilet facilities.
🚶♂️ How much walking is involved in Petra?
Expect approximately 5‑7 km of walking (including the Siq, Treasury vicinity, and back). The terrain is mostly paved or flat, but there are some uneven sections. A golf cart service can take you from the visitor centre to the Treasury and back for around $20‑25 each way (optional, not included).
👑 Will I have time to see the Monastery (Ad‑Deir)?
The Monastery requires an additional 45‑60 minute steep uphill climb from the Basin area (800 steps). On a standard day trip, most groups cannot comfortably include the Monastery due to time constraints. The focus is on the Siq, Treasury, Roman Theater, Royal Tombs, and surrounding monuments. If you are a fast hiker and agree with your guide, you may attempt it – but be mindful of return timing.
💵 What currency should I bring for extra expenses?
We recommend carrying some USD (small denominations) or Jordanian Dinars (JOD). Golf carts cost around 20‑25 JOD each way (≈$28‑35). Tips for guide/driver: $10‑15 per person (shared among group). Drinks and snacks – $5‑10 cash is sufficient. ATMs are available at the Petra Visitor Centre but may have high fees.
📅 Which days does the tour run?
The Petra by Boat tour typically runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays (aligned with ferry schedules and airline timings). In some seasons, additional days may be available. Please consult when booking.
🍽️ Is lunch suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the buffet typically includes salads, rice, vegetables, hummus, and sometimes vegetarian options. Please mention dietary requirements in the special request field when booking, and we will inform the restaurant.
👕 What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes (trainers/hiking shoes). Light layers for variable temperatures (the bus/ferry can be cool, Petra can be hot – especially in summer). Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. A small daypack with water, snacks. Passport (mandatory). Camera – you’ll take hundreds of photos! Power bank.
🧑🦽 Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves considerable walking over uneven ground, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. However, the golf cart service (extra cost) from the visitor centre to the Treasury and back significantly reduces walking. With the golf cart, the tour becomes accessible for many. Please advise us in advance if you require a golf cart, so we can reserve it.
Advance booking required – This is one of the most popular tours from Sharm. To ensure ferry tickets and Jordan visa approval, you must book at least 72 hours in advance and provide a clear copy of your passport (photo page). Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour (subject to terms).
