Must-see Petra demands smart tour planning. For a thorough introduction, the 3-hour private guided tour hits all the key spots with local expertise — perfect for first-timers. Culture enthusiasts should consider the half-day option featuring lunch in a family’s Bedouin home, offering authentic connections beyond the monuments. Active travelers will appreciate the archaeological trail tour, which ventures off the main path to explore hidden tombs and viewpoints. When time allows, combination tours linking Petra with Wadi Rum deliver the ultimate desert experience. After decades of exploring these routes, these distinctly different options stand out as our tried-and-true favorites. Let’s explore the top tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Private guided tours offer comprehensive experiences, covering hidden spots, providing photography assistance, and catering to varying fitness levels and interests.
- Guided tours enhance understanding of Petra’s historical significance through personalized insights from local experts and exposure to cultural aspects.
- Half-day and multi-day tour options are available, including transportation, lunch at local homes, and unique experiences like the Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail.
- Tour pricing includes admission fees, service charges, and round-trip transportation, providing a value proposition with moderate physical fitness required.
- Petra tours offer a range of difficulty levels, with some not suitable for individuals with mobility challenges, requiring participants to be prepared for walking and riding.
3-Hour Private Guided Tour in Petra With Hotel Pick Up.
As one of the most popular tour options in Petra, this 3-hour private guided tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the ancient rose-red city.
With a 99% recommendation rate from over 130 travelers, the tour boasts a Badge of Excellence and offers hotel pickup within the Petra region. Led by expert guides praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility, the experience includes entrance tickets, transportation, and gratuities, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Throughout the tour, guests will discover hidden spots, gain historical context, and receive photography assistance, enabling them to fully enjoy the wonders of Petra.
While the tour doesn’t include climbing to the Monastery, travelers can explore the site independently after the guided portion. This private experience caters to your group, offering a personalized experience and cultural insights.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this 3-hour tour in Petra provides an excellent opportunity to uncover the secrets of this ancient wonder.
Read our full review: 3-Hour Private Guided Tour in Petra With Hotel Pick Up. Review
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Private Half-Day Tour of Petra With Lunch
For travelers seeking a more in-depth and personalized exploration of Petra, the Private Half-Day Tour with Lunch is an excellent choice.
Led by a local Bedouin guide, this tour offers a 90% recommendation rate from previous travelers, earning it a Badge of Excellence.
The tour includes a luncheon served in a local family’s home, providing an authentic cultural experience. Guests can customize the tour based on their fitness level and interests, ensuring a tailored experience.
The tour starts at the back gate of Petra, approximately 4 km from the visitor center, and includes an off-road shuttle car and all fees and taxes.
Highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and photography skills, the guides are known for taking unique routes to avoid crowds and discover hidden spots.
Reviewers highlight the engaging storytelling and cultural insights provided by guides such as Abdullah and Hamoud, with Abdullah being especially recommended.
Read our full review: Private Half-Day Tour of Petra With Lunch Review
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Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour
Although Petra is renowned for its iconic Treasury and Monastery, the Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour offers an opportunity to venture beyond the main tourist sites and discover the ancient city’s hidden gems. Priced at $90 per person, this tour guides visitors on a journey through the lesser-known parts of Petra, led by the knowledgeable Muhammad. Reviewers have praised the experience, with a 5.0 rating on Viator and Tripadvisor.
The tour begins at the Horse Ride Point, after passing the main gate, and culminates near the top of the High Place of Sacrifice Mountain. Along the way, travelers can expect to see special places outside the typical tourist routes, with the guide enjoying capturing memorable photos.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s still suitable for most travelers, though those with back problems or pregnant individuals are advised against participating.
Offering a unique and immersive experience, the Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour is highly recommended for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in Petra.
Read our full review: Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour Review
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2 Days Private Tour in Jordan From Wadi Musa
This 2-Day Private Tour in Jordan from Wadi Musa offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the ancient city of Petra and its surrounding regions.
Priced from $799.00 per group (up to 6 people), the tour includes private transportation and an experienced guide to lead you through Petra’s iconic landmarks.
The tour is available daily, with the exception of Tuesday and Thursday, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Confirmation is received upon booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available.
Most travelers can participate, as long as they don’t have any serious medical conditions like heart problems.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
With a perfect 5.0 rating based on 6 reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites.
Travelers can expect a private, personalized experience, as only your group will participate in the tour.
Read our full review: 2 Days Private Tour in Jordan From Wadi Musa Review
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Wadi Rum Private Tour From Petra With Martian and Star Wars Film Site
Setting out on a half-day private tour from Petra, travelers can explore the captivating Wadi Rum, known as the “Valley of the Moon.” This adventure offers the opportunity to visit locations featured in the hit film “The Martian,” immersing guests in the otherworldly landscapes that have captured the imagination of movie fans worldwide.
The tour includes a 5-hour trip with a 2-hour Jeep expedition led by a local Bedouin guide. Pickup and drop-off are provided from the hotel in Petra, and the experience is available daily, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
The tour package includes private transportation, entrance fees, the Jeep expedition, and an optional 30-minute camel ride. Wi-Fi, vegetarian meal options, and gratuities for the driver and guide are also provided. Clients with special dietary requirements or mobility issues should inquire about accommodations.
Priced starting at £141.68 per person, this tour has received excellent reviews for its informative guides and scenic photo opportunities, making it a must-do experience for visitors to Petra.
Read our full review: Wadi Rum Private Tour From Petra With Martian and Star Wars Film Site Review
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Wadi Rum Day Tour From Petra Ending in Aqaba
Travelers seeking to explore Wadi Rum from Petra can embark on a day tour that ends in the coastal city of Aqaba. This private tour offers a personalized experience, with only your group participating. The price starts from $138.40 per person, varying based on group size. However, it’s non-refundable, so no refunds will be provided for cancellations.
The tour includes private air-conditioned transfers with an English-speaking driver. You can choose from various Wadi Rum Jeep Tour options, ranging from 2 to 4 hours, and a picnic lunch box is available.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level, though not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions or serious medical concerns.
The tour has received excellent reviews, with a 5.0 overall rating from 3 verified reviews, all of which rated the experience 5 stars.
Read our full review: Wadi Rum Day Tour From Petra Ending in Aqaba Review
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Private Back Trail Tour of Petra Starting From the Monastery
Although the main trails of Petra offer a stunning glimpse into the ancient city, the Private Back Trail Tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the lesser-known paths and discover breathtaking viewpoints.
Starting at 7:00 am, this private tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as a private air-conditioned vehicle based on the group size. Accompanied by an English-speaking driver and local guide, guests can enjoy a horse ride before reaching the “Siq” and exploring the iconic Monastery via the back trails.
The tour also includes one-day entrance fees to Petra, on-board Wi-Fi, and the option to request Spanish or French-speaking guides.
While not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions, the tour offers a chance to take in Petra’s hidden gems.
Clients are advised to bring appropriate gear and inform the operator of any special dietary requirements.
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Petra Shore Excursion From Aqaba Port
For those looking to explore the ancient city of Petra from the nearby port of Aqaba, the Petra Shore Excursion offers a convenient and comprehensive full-day tour.
Beginning with hassle-free pickup from the Aqaba Port, the tour transports guests in an air-conditioned vehicle to the remarkable Petra site. Along the way, an English-speaking driver provides helpful guidance.
At Petra, a local guide leads the way, allowing guests to discover the iconic Treasury and other ancient wonders. The tour also includes a short horse ride experience, providing a unique perspective of this historic destination.
Lunch at a local restaurant is provided, ensuring a well-rounded culture.
With round-trip transportation, admission fees, and service charges included, the Petra Shore Excursion offers excellent value. While a moderate level of physical fitness is required, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Priced from £261.96 per person, the tour receives an overall rating of 4.3 based on 6 reviews, though no 5-star feedback has been recorded.
Read our full review: Petra Shore Excursion From Aqaba Port Review
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Sum Up
Petra’s impressive ancient ruins and stunning natural landscapes draw visitors from around the world. Whether it’s a private guided tour, a day trip to Wadi Rum, or an in-depth archeological exploration, there are plenty of options to suit different interests and budgets. Travelers can choose from a range of well-organized tours that provide a hassle-free way to discover the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site.