Petra private day tour from Aqaba: Rose-red city in 8 hours

Walk into a 2,000-year-old Nabataean city carved into desert stone

A private day tour from Aqaba to Petra includes hotel pickup, an eight-hour round trip by air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, entrance fees and buffet lunch. You drive the Kings Highway with a break overlooking the Petra mountain and Araba desert, tour the Roman street and carved facades with your guide, then have free time to explore further before returning to Aqaba.

The experience

The drive from Aqaba takes about two hours along the Kings Highway, with a short stop to look out over the Petra mountain and the Araba desert before you arrive. At the Petra Visitors Center you'll use the facilities, then your guide leads you down the Roman street (the main approach carved into the red sandstone) pointing out the temples and funeral tombs the Nabataeans cut by hand as they blended the architecture of the civilizations around them. These traders controlled the crucial trade routes of their time, and that wealth and openness shows in every carved detail.

After the guided section, you have free time to hike around the site at your own pace and explore the carved facades and passages on your own before heading back to the visitor center. Lunch is an open buffet meal at a restaurant, included in the tour price. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, French, German or one of two additional languages, and the vehicle is air-conditioned throughout the day.

What’s included

• Hotel or port pickup from Aqaba.
• transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
• a guided tour of the Roman street and carved Nabataean sites.
• entrance fees to Petra.
• an open buffet lunch meal at a restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (10 to 70 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Arabic and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Jordan Echo Tours

Is this one for you?Book this full-day trip if you want unhurried time to wander Petra's carved facades at your own pace. The shorter morning option works better if you prefer a guided walk with less independent exploration.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Arabic and Russian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Petra from Aqaba and how long does the drive take?

Petra is about two hours from Aqaba by car along the Kings Highway, with a short break included to view the Petra mountain and Araba desert.

What do I actually see and do once I arrive at Petra?

Your guide leads you down the Roman street, the main carved approach into the site, where you see the temples and funeral tombs the Nabataeans cut into the red sandstone. After the guided tour, you have free time to hike and explore the carved facades and passages on your own.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Yes, an open buffet lunch is included at a restaurant. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

What do I need to bring or know before the tour?

Bring your passport. The operator needs your name, number, expiry and country for all participants at booking. The tour involves walking and hiking on uneven terrain, so moderate physical fitness is needed. Drinks are not included, so bring water.