Full-Day Tour of Petra From Eilat

Nestled in the rugged desert landscape of southern Jordan, the ancient city of Petra has captivated the imagination of travelers for centuries. A full-day tour from Eilat offers visitors a chance to uncover the mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Led by knowledgeable guides, guests will explore the remarkable history of the Nabataean people, exploring iconic landmarks like the Treasury, intricate tombs, and a grand Roman theatre. With inclusions like a buffet lunch and seamless transportation, this tour promises an immersive experience that may just leave you wondering what other secrets Petra holds.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Eilat to the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Visitors will explore the iconic Treasury monument and pass through the Siq, a narrow gorge leading to the heart of Petra.
• The tour includes a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a delicious buffet lunch.
• Entrance fees to Petra’s ancient structures, such as crypts, mourning halls, baths, and the impressive 3,000-seat Roman theatre, are included.
• Travelers need a valid passport, cash for visa fee and border tax, appropriate seasonal clothing, and a moderate level of physical fitness.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Eilat takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Guests will see the iconic Treasury monument and pass through the Siq, a narrow gorge leading to the heart of Petra. Along the way, they’ll learn about the fascinating history of the Nabataean people who built this remarkable desert city.

The tour also includes visits to ancient crypts, mourning halls, baths, and temples, as well as the impressive 3,000-seat Roman theatre.

With a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a delicious buffet lunch included, this tour offers a comprehensive Petra experience.

Inclusions

The tour includes a guided exploration with a professional guide, who’ll provide insights into the history and significance of Petra. Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless experience, and entrance fees are covered, granting visitors access to the site’s ancient crypts, mourning halls, baths, and temples. A delicious buffet lunch is also provided as part of the package.

Included	Not Included
Guided tour with professional guide	Alcoholic drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Visa fee ($75)
Entrance fees	Souvenir photos
Buffet lunch	$65 per person border departure tax

Exclusions

While the tour covers a comprehensive range of experiences, several additional expenses aren’t included in the package price.

Travelers must pay for alcoholic beverages, a $75 visa fee, and any souvenir photos they wish to purchase.

Plus, a $65 per person border departure tax is payable at check-in.

These supplementary costs aren’t part of the tour’s base price, allowing guests to customize their spending and only pay for the extras they desire.

It’s important for participants to factor in these exclusions when budgeting for their Petra excursion to ensure they’ve sufficient funds for the entire trip.

Logistics

To begin the Petra tour from Eilat, travelers will meet at a central pickup point in the Israeli city.

From there, the group will embark on the journey across the border into Jordan, ultimately concluding the day’s activities in the nearby Jordanian city of Aqaba.

The tour operates on a fixed schedule, with pickup set for 8:20 AM.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 25 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Pickup from Eilat hotels is available, adding convenience for participants.

Throughout the day, the professional guide will provide insights and lead the exploration of Petra’s iconic monuments and historical sites.

Requirements

Visitors must have a valid passport to join this tour from Eilat to Petra.

Cash is also necessary to cover the visa fee, border tax, and any optional tips or purchases along the way.

Appropriate seasonal clothing and comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the tour involves extensive exploration on foot through Petra’s ancient ruins.

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

The tour starts early at 8:20 AM, so guests should be prepared for a full day of sightseeing.

With a maximum group size of 25 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience exploring the legendary lost city of Petra.

Discovering Petra’s Wonders

Entering Petra through the iconic Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by towering sandstone cliffs, visitors embark on a captivating journey back in time, witnessing the architectural wonders left behind by the ancient Nabataean civilization. From the magnificent Treasury monument, with its intricate carvings and vibrant colors, to the sprawling 3,000-seat Roman theater, the ruins of Petra offer a glimpse into a thriving civilization that once dominated the region. Visitors can explore ancient crypts, mourning halls, baths, and temples, each with its own unique story to tell. The sheer scale and grandeur of Petra’s structures never fail to leave a lasting impression on all who witness its timeless beauty.

Site	Significance
The Treasury	Iconic monument carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs
Nabataean Tombs	Elaborate rock-cut tombs and burial chambers
The Roman Theater	Well-preserved 3,000-seat amphitheater
Qasr al-Bint	Impressive temple dedicated to the Nabataean goddess Allat
High Place of Sacrifice	Ancient ritual site with panoramic views of Petra

Exploring Ancient Structures

Towering structures carved directly into the rose-red sandstone cliffs of Petra stand as timeless testaments to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the ancient Nabataean people.

During the tour, visitors will marvel at the sheer scale and intricate detail of these ancient wonders, including:

• The iconic Treasury, an ornate temple facade that has become the symbol of Petra.
• The 3,000-seat Roman theater, a grand amphitheater hewn from the rock.
• The Monastery, a massive temple believed to have served as a religious and administrative center.
• Numerous tombs, temples, and crypts that showcase the Nabataeans’ advanced architectural skills and reverence for the dead.

With each step, the tour transports visitors back in time, immersing them in the grandeur of Petra’s long-lost civilization.

Preparing for the Journey

Preparing for the journey to Petra from Eilat requires a few considerations. Travelers should ensure they’ve a valid passport and necessary cash on hand to cover the visa fee, border departure tax, and any optional purchases or tips.

Warm clothing is essential in the winter months, while cool clothing and a head covering are recommended in the summer heat. Good walking shoes are a must, as the tour involves extensive walking over uneven terrain.

Maintaining a moderate level of physical fitness is advised to fully enjoy the day-long excursion.

With these preparations in place, visitors can embark on an unforgettable exploration of the ancient Nabataean city, taking in its iconic landmarks and seeing its rich history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Return to Eilat?

The tour does not return to Eilat, as it ends in Aqaba, Jordan. The tour starts in Eilat, Israel and concludes in Aqaba, where participants are dropped off after the full-day visit to the ancient city of Petra.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. It is a set full-day tour with a fixed itinerary and schedule. Travelers must adhere to the start and end times provided, as the tour operates on a strict timeline.

Can I Visit Any Additional Sites Beyond Petra?

The tour primarily focuses on visiting the ancient city of Petra, though travelers could potentially arrange to visit additional nearby sites like Al-Beidha or Wadi Rum if they’re interested in extending their exploration. However, this would likely require booking a separate tour.

How Much Local Currency Should I Bring for Tips?

According to the tour details, travelers should bring enough local currency to cover the $65 per person border departure tax and any tips for the guide and other staff. A reasonable amount would be 50-100 Jordanian dinars for tips.

Is There an Option to Book Private Transportation?

Yes, the tour operator offers private transportation as an option. Travelers can arrange for a private transfer from their hotel in Eilat to the border crossing, providing more flexibility and a personalized experience during the tour.

Recap

The full-day tour from Eilat to Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore this ancient desert city.

Visitors can enjoy Nabataean history, marvel at the iconic Treasury, and discover the impressive architectural wonders of this remarkable destination.

With a guided tour, buffet lunch, and convenient transportation, this excursion provides a comprehensive and enriching experience for anyone interested in the marvels of Petra.