petra temple and jordan full day tour from sharm elsheikh
Imagine waking up on the Red Sea coast and, by midday, standing in front of the rose-red façade of Petra’s most famous monument. A Petra day tour from Sharm El Sheikh makes that possible. In a single, well-organized day, you cross the Gulf of Aqaba, enter Jordan, and explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World with an expert guide, then return to your hotel the same night.
This guide explains what the trip includes, how the day runs, what you will see, and how to book the right tour.
Why Visit Petra from Sharm El Sheikh?
Petra was carved into sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago and served as the capital of a wealthy trading kingdom. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Jordan’s most visited attraction.
Sharm El Sheikh sits remarkably close to it. Instead of planning a separate holiday to Jordan, you can add Petra to your Egypt trip as a one-day excursion and see two countries in a single holiday.
Petra Day Sharm El Sheikh Jordan Tour Book: What’s Included
When you look for a Petra day Sharm El Sheikh Jordan tour, book a package that covers the whole journey so you don’t have to arrange anything yourself. A standard full-day tour usually includes:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off: Transfers in Sharm El Sheikh by air-conditioned vehicle.
- Transfer to Nuweiba port: Transportation from your hotel to the departure port.
- Round-trip ferry tickets: Travel across the Gulf of Aqaba to Aqaba, Jordan, and back.
- Port and border assistance: Help with port and border procedures.
- Transfers to Petra: Transportation from Aqaba to Petra and back.
- Petra entrance ticket: Admission to the archaeological site.
- Licensed English-speaking Petra guide: Other languages may be available on request.
- Lunch: A meal at a local restaurant near the site.
- Bottled water: Refreshments to help you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Usually not included: Jordan visa fees if not covered by your package, horse or donkey rides inside Petra, tips, and personal expenses. Always check the inclusions list before you pay.
Full-Day Itinerary: How the Tour Works
Timings vary by operator and ferry schedule, but a typical day looks like this:
Very Early Morning – Pick-up from Your Hotel
Your driver collects you in the early hours and drives through the Sinai mountains to Nuweiba port.
Morning – Ferry to Aqaba
You board the ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba. The crossing offers wide views of the sea and the mountains of four countries on the horizon.
Late Morning – Drive to Petra
After arriving in Aqaba and completing entry formalities, you continue by road to Petra, roughly two hours away through the desert landscape of southern Jordan.
Midday to Afternoon – Guided Tour of Petra
Your guide leads you through the site’s highlights, followed by free time to explore and take photos.
Afternoon – Lunch
Enjoy a meal at a restaurant in Wadi Musa, the town at the entrance to Petra.
Evening – Return Journey
You drive back to Aqaba, take the ferry to Nuweiba, and transfer to your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, arriving late at night.
What You Will See in Petra
The Siq
Your visit begins with a walk through the Siq, a narrow canyon about 1.2 km long, with towering walls that twist and close in overhead. It was the city’s main entrance and is an experience in itself.
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) – The “Petra Temple”
At the end of the Siq, the Treasury suddenly appears. This richly carved façade, often called the Petra temple, is the most photographed spot in Jordan. Historians believe it was a royal tomb or a temple for the Nabataean kings.
The Street of Façades
The Street of Façades features a row of monumental tombs cut into the rock, showing the scale and architectural significance of the ancient city.
The Roman Theatre
Carved directly from the mountainside, the Roman Theatre could seat several thousand people and reflects the impressive engineering of ancient Petra.
The Royal Tombs
The Royal Tombs form a group of impressive monuments carved into the cliff face, including the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, and the Palace Tomb.
The Colonnaded Street
The Colonnaded Street was the main street of ancient Petra, lined with columns and leading to the Great Temple and Qasr Al-Bint.
Ad-Deir (The Monastery) – Optional
If time and energy allow, you can climb about 800 rock-cut steps to the Monastery, one of Petra’s largest monuments, with stunning views over the valley. Ask your guide whether it fits within your day.
Practical Tips for Your Petra Day Trip
- Passport: Bring a passport valid for at least six months. You will need it at both ports.
- Visa: Confirm the Jordan visa requirements for your nationality before travelling and ask whether your tour handles the paperwork.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes. You will walk several kilometres on sand and uneven stone.
- Clothing: Dress in layers. Mornings in the desert can be cool, while afternoons can be hot.
- Sun protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Cash: Carry some Jordanian dinars or US dollars for drinks, souvenirs, rides, and tips.
- Fitness: The day is long and involves a lot of walking. It suits most travellers with average fitness.
- Camera: Charge your phone or camera fully. You will want plenty of photos.
Best Time to Take the Tour
Petra can be visited all year, but the most comfortable months are March to May and September to November, when temperatures are mild. In summer, the heat inside Petra can be intense, so stay hydrated. Winter days are shorter and cooler but still pleasant for walking.
Who Is This Tour For?
A Petra day tour from Sharm El Sheikh is ideal for:
- Holidaymakers in Sharm El Sheikh who want an unforgettable cultural day out.
- History and archaeology lovers interested in ancient civilizations.
- Photographers looking to capture Petra’s iconic monuments and landscapes.
- Travellers who want to add a second country to their trip without extra hotel nights.
Travellers who prefer a slower pace can ask about a two-day Petra and Wadi Rum package with an overnight stay in Jordan.
How to Book Your Petra Tour from Sharm El Sheikh
Booking early helps secure your ferry seats, especially during peak season. When choosing an operator, compare the following details:
- What is included: Check visa arrangements, entrance fees, lunch, and guide services.
- Pick-up and return times: Confirm the departure schedule and expected arrival back at your hotel.
- Group size: Decide whether you prefer a private or shared tour.
- Cancellation policy: Review the terms before making your reservation.
- Reviews from previous travellers: Check feedback about the guide, transportation, organization, and overall experience.
Ready to see the Treasury with your own eyes? Book your Petra and Jordan full day tour from Sharm El Sheikh today and turn your Red Sea holiday into a journey through history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is the Petra Day Trip from Sharm El Sheikh?
It is a full-day excursion, typically starting before dawn and ending late at night, because it includes road transfers and a ferry crossing in each direction.
Do I Need a Visa for Jordan?
Most nationalities need a Jordan visa. Requirements and fees change, so check them before your trip and confirm whether your tour includes visa arrangements.
How Much Time Do I Get Inside Petra?
Usually, you get around three to four hours, which is enough for the Siq, the Treasury, and the main sites along the Colonnaded Street.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
Yes, the tour can suit children who can handle a long day and plenty of walking. Families with young children may prefer a private tour for more flexibility.
Can I Visit the Monastery on a Day Trip?
It is possible if your group moves quickly and time allows, but it is a demanding climb. Discuss it with your guide on arrival.
Is the Petra Entrance Fee Included?
Most packages include it, but always verify this before booking. Note that day visitors who don’t stay overnight in Jordan generally pay a higher entrance fee than overnight visitors.
Ready to Discover Petra?
Turn your holiday in Sharm El Sheikh into an unforgettable cultural adventure. Explore Petra’s ancient monuments, walk through the spectacular Siq, and admire the Treasury with the help of an experienced guide.
Book your Petra day tour from Sharm El Sheikh today and experience the history, architecture, and beauty of Jordan in one remarkable day.
