Aqaba Shore Excursion: Private Petra Sightseeing Tour With Lunch

Explore the wonders of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a private shore excursion from Aqaba. This full-day tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to uncover the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum and the Sharah Mountains. Discover the iconic rock-hewn monuments, including the Treasury and amphitheater, with the guidance of an English-speaking driver. Enjoy a buffet lunch and refreshments as you explore the legacy of the Nabataean civilization. With convenient pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal, this excursion promises an opportunity to escape the ordinary and unlock the secrets of one of the world’s most captivating ancient cities.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Lunch Experiences In Aqaba.

Key Points

• This private full-day shore excursion from Aqaba cruise port offers the opportunity to explore the ancient rock city of Petra.
• The tour includes transportation by an English-speaking driver, a 2-hour guided tour of Petra’s key landmarks, and a buffet lunch.
• Pickup and drop-off are provided at the Aqaba cruise terminal, accommodating cruise schedules and timelines.
• The tour covers the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum and Sharah Mountains, as well as the rock-hewn monuments and landmarks of Petra.
• Passengers will learn about the Nabataean civilization, who carved the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shore Excursion Overview

This private full-day shore excursion from the Aqaba cruise port offers travelers the opportunity to explore the ancient rock city of Petra, one of Jordan’s most iconic and well-preserved archaeological sites.

Along the way, you’ll pass through the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum and the Sharah Mountains before arriving at the legendary Nabataean capital.

With a local guide, you’ll discover the rock-hewn monuments and landmarks, including the famous Siq canyon, the iconic Treasury, and the impressive amphitheater.

Throughout the experience, you’ll learn about the ingenious Nabataean people who built this remarkable city over 2,000 years ago.

A buffet lunch and refreshments are included, ensuring a well-rounded and immersive day exploring Petra’s timeless wonders.

Tour Inclusions

The shore excursion to Petra includes a range of services and amenities to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for travelers. These include pickup and drop-off at the Aqaba cruise terminal, transportation by an English-speaking driver, and a local guide who’ll provide a 2-hour tour of the ancient city’s key landmarks.

Plus, a buffet lunch and refreshments, such as water and soft drinks, are provided to sustain guests throughout the day. Wheelchair accessibility and infant seats are also available, making the tour inclusive for a variety of traveler needs.

Pickup and Drop-off Details

Cruise ship passengers are picked up directly from the Aqaba cruise terminal, located next to the docked cruise ship. Travelers must provide their ship name, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at the time of booking to ensure a seamless pickup and drop-off experience.

This private shore excursion offers the following advantages:

• Convenience of being picked up and dropped off at the cruise port
• Flexibility to accommodate cruise schedules and timelines
• Personalized attention from an English-speaking driver
• Hassle-free transportation to and from the historic site of Petra
• Peace of mind knowing all logistics are taken care of for a stress-free day

Passenger Requirements

To ensure a seamless experience, passengers must provide their passport details at the time of booking. Wheelchair accessibility is available, and infants aged 0-3 can join the tour free of charge.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required. The tour is suitable for those who can comfortably walk through the Siq canyon and explore the ancient rock-hewn monuments.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour is subject to a minimum number of travelers. If the minimum isn’t met, the tour operator may offer an alternative date or experience.

Cancellation and Changes

Passengers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund. However, changes to bookings less than 24 hours prior to the tour aren’t accepted.

The tour operates with a minimum number of travelers, and if this threshold isn’t met, the tour operator may offer an alternative date or experience.

Flexibility in cancellation allows for last-minute changes in plans, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Maintaining a minimum group size ensures a personalized and engaging tour for all participants.

Alternative options mitigate the disappointment of a cancelled tour, providing a suitable alternative.

Clear policies promote transparency and set appropriate expectations for the tour.

Adherence to deadlines helps the tour operator effectively manage logistics and resources.

Exploring the Ancient City

After traversing the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum and the Sharah Mountains, visitors embark on a captivating journey through the ancient rock-hewn city of Petra, where a local guide unveils the storied history and architectural marvels of this renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Venturing through the Siq, a narrow gorge carved into vibrant sandstone, guests are awestruck by the first glimpse of the iconic Treasury, Petra’s most famous monument.

The tour continues, revealing the impressive amphitheater, royal tombs, and other archaeological wonders that showcase the ingenuity of the Nabataean people who inhabited this desert oasis over 2,000 years ago.

Visitors leave with a profound appreciation for the enduring legacy of this ancient civilization.

Learning About the Nabataeans

The Nabataeans, a remarkable ancient civilization, were the ingenious architects and engineers who carved Petra into the rose-colored sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago.

This once-powerful trading kingdom thrived by controlling the vital caravan routes that connected the Mediterranean world to Arabia and the East.

The Nabataean people were skilled water engineers, developing an advanced system of dams, cisterns, and aqueducts to support their desert city.

They were also accomplished artisans, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy in Petra’s elaborate temples, tombs, and amphitheaters.

The Nabataeans’ remarkable achievements continue to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of this ancient civilization.

Preparing for the Adventure

Travelers typically begin their Petra adventure by meeting their English-speaking driver at the designated cruise terminal, ready to embark on the scenic journey. The drive to the ancient rock city takes about 2 hours, passing by the dramatic red sands of Wadi Rum and the rugged Sharah Mountains. Along the way, the guide points out notable landmarks and provides historical context about the Nabataean people who once inhabited this region. To prepare for the expedition, visitors should consider the following:

Packing List	Clothing	Footwear
Sunscreen	Hat	Hiking boots
Water	Long sleeves	Comfortable shoes
Snacks	Layers	Sandals
Camera	Sunglasses
Small backpack

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Visit Petra Over Two Days?

The excursion described does not offer the option to visit Petra over two days. The tour is designed as a full-day private shore excursion from the Aqaba cruise port, with limited time to explore the ancient city.

Can We Make Additional Stops Along the Way to Petra?

Yes, the tour can include additional stops along the way to Petra. Travelers may be able to visit the Sharah Mountains, Wadi Rum, or other points of interest with prior arrangement and at an additional cost.

What Should We Bring for the Hike Through the Siq?

For the hike through the Siq, visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, and a small backpack to carry water and snacks. Proper attire and hydration are essential for navigating the ancient canyon.

Are There Opportunities to Shop for Souvenirs in Petra?

Yes, there are numerous opportunities to shop for souvenirs throughout Petra. Visitors can browse the local markets and stalls, which offer a wide variety of handcrafted items, such as pottery, jewelry, rugs, and more.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Petra Sites?

Yes, the tour can typically be customized to focus on specific Petra sites that are of greatest interest to the traveler. The local guide is flexible and can adjust the itinerary to suit individual preferences and needs.

Recap

The Aqaba shore excursion provides an immersive experience to uncover the wonders of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With convenient pickups, a guided tour, and a delicious lunch, travelers can explore the legacy of the Nabataean civilization amidst the dramatic landscapes of Jordan.

This excursion offers a seamless and captivating way to explore one of the world’s most iconic ancient cities.