Petra Excursion by Ferry from Sharm El Sheikh
1-Day Adventure (Approx. 19-22 Hours)
Constructed in the 6th century BC by the Nabataeans, Petra is often described as “The Rose-Red City half as old as time.” It’s difficult to overstate its beauty: you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the rainbow-colored sandstone gorges, carvings, tombs, and obelisks. Discovered by Swiss Explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, Petra was deemed by the BBC as “one of the 40 places you have to see before you die.” This tour will take you from Sharm El Sheikh to Taba Port, across the Gulf of Aqaba by ferry, and onward to Petra by A/C coach—all in one unforgettable day.
🌟 Key Highlights 🌟
🏛️ Walk Through the Siq: A dramatic 1 km narrow gorge leading to Petra’s hidden city.
🌸 The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): Petra’s most iconic facade, carved directly into rose-red sandstone.
🏺 Roman Theater & Royal Tombs: Discover Petra’s ancient Nabataean and Roman influences.
🗿 Al-Habis Fort: Enjoy panoramic views of stunning rock formations from this Crusader-era site.
🚐 Hassle-Free Travel: Round-trip A/C transfers, ferry tickets, and border assistance included.
📅 Excursion Itinerary
Pickup & Ferry Transfer:
- 1:00–2:00 AM – Pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh (exact time depends on your hotel location).
- Transfer by air-conditioned minibus for approximately 2.5 hours to Taba Port.
- 5:30 AM – Board the ferry to sail across the Gulf of Aqaba to Jordan (arrival around 8:45 AM, times may vary).
Arriving in Jordan & Drive to Petra:
- Upon arrival in Aqaba, meet your local English-speaking guide and drive about 2 hours to Petra.
- Begin your guided tour in Petra, entering on foot (or optional camel/horse carriage) through the Siq.
- Marvel at The Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Roman Theater, and the Royal Tombs.
- Explore hundreds of carved monuments and obelisks, including the famous Rainbow Tomb.
Lunch & Further Exploration:
- Enjoy a lunch buffet at a local restaurant in or near Petra (often at the Movenpick Hotel or a similar venue).
- Continue to Al-Habis Fort (Crusader-era), perched on a hill with breathtaking panoramic views of Petra’s valleys.
Return via Aqaba to Sharm El Sheikh:
- Depart Petra and drive back to Aqaba, arriving with about one hour of free time for shopping or relaxation.
- Board the ferry back to Taba, then transfer by minibus to Sharm El Sheikh.
- 10:00–11:00 PM – Arrival back at your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh (approximate, depending on ferry schedule).
Note: Ferry schedules can shift from Tuesday & Friday to Saturday & Wednesday, so final pickup date/time may vary. In case of urgent ferry cancellations, an alternate overland route via the Arava border may be used.
📦 What’s Included & Excluded
Included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh
- All transfers by private, air-conditioned vehicle
- Return ferry tickets (Taba ↔ Aqaba)
- Border crossing assistance and visa fees for Jordan (Gulf of Aqaba free zone)
- Professional English-speaking guide in Petra (3+ hours guided tour)
- Entrance fees to Petra
- Lunch at a local restaurant (buffet or set menu)
- Bottled water on the bus
- All taxes, service charges, and Jordan entrance visa
Excluded:
- Drinks in the restaurant (unless specified)
- Any extras not mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
- Tipping / Gratuities
⚠️ Important Information
What to Bring: Your passport (valid for at least 6 months), camera, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a breakfast box from your hotel (usually free upon request).
Know Before You Go:
- If ferry schedules change or cancel, crossing via the Arava border may be necessary.
- Approximate tour duration is 19-22 hours. Return time to Sharm can be around 11:00 PM or midnight.
- Petra’s terrain involves walking and uneven surfaces, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
- Any changes to ferry schedules (shift from Tuesday & Friday to Saturday & Wednesday) will be communicated promptly.
⏰ Tour Timing & Availability
Pickup:Around 1:00 AM (depending on hotel location)Drop-off:Around 10:00–11:00 PM (same day)Duration:19–22 Hours (Full Day)Availability:Saturday & Wednesday (subject to ferry schedule)
ℹ️ Additional Tour Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Trip Capacity | 1 to 5 persons per trip |
| Maximum Group Size | Not more than 25 persons |
| Tipping | 10% of the tour price |
| Payment | Due upon arrival |
| Private Trip Requests | Contact EL Pharaon via Phone/WhatsApp: +201055441595 |
| Passport Requirement | Bring your passport and send a copy via email for permissions (required for Exodus and all trips) |
| Booking & Cancellation | Book at least 2 days in advance; cancellations accepted up to 1 day before. For Exodus trips, book at least 1 month in advance; cancellations accepted up to 15 days before. |
| Exodus Private & Self-Drive | For Exodus private and self-drive trips, contact EL Pharaon via Phone/WhatsApp: +201055441595 |