From Sharm ElSheikh: The Lost City (Petra) Day Tour by Ferry

Petra is the kind of place that feels impossible until you’re standing in front of it, and this tour adds a bonus route, you cross from Sinai to Jordan by ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba. The payoff is big, you get to see Petra’s most famous carved facade, plus classic canyon landmarks along the way.

I especially like two stops: Al Khazneh (the Treasury) framed by the rock cut passageways, and the Roman Theater set into the canyon slopes. You also get guided context as you move, so the ruins feel less like random stone and more like a working city carved into the landscape.

The main drawback is simple, it’s a very long day. Expect something close to 20 hours, sometimes around 23, so you need a mindset for travel days, not a quick sightseeing sprint.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Ferry crossing from Taba to Jordan saves you from driving the whole way and makes the journey feel like part of the trip
• Petra core sights included: Al Khazneh, Roman Theater, and the King Wall graves
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site plus the New Wonders of the World means this is not just another ruin stop
• Lunch is included, so you’re not hunting for food right after a long walk in the heat
• Air-conditioned transport is included on the buses and boat, plus there are breaks along the route
• Guides with strong on-site communication help you get more from Petra, with English and Russian options

From Sharm El Sheikh to Taba, then the Gulf of Aqaba ferry

This is a “whole-day mission,” and it starts with pickup from Sharm El Sheikh. From there, you travel across the Sinai Peninsula toward Taba, with long-distance driving that sets the pace for everything that follows.

The big difference here is that you don’t just sit on a bus the entire time. At Taba, you take a ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba to Jordan. That crossing matters. It breaks up the overland stretch, gives you a change of rhythm, and helps you feel like you actually reached Jordan, not just left a hotel and arrived at another checkpoint.

Comfort is built in where it counts. Transport is air-conditioned on the vehicle and boat, and you get stops for brakes along the way. Those small breaks are not glamorous, but they make a long day survivable, especially when you know you’ll have walking time once you reach Petra.

Border into Jordan: what’s included so you can focus on Petra

Once you cross into Jordan, the tour keeps the admin part fairly contained. Your package includes entry visa to Jordan, which is a real time-saver compared to DIY paperwork.

You’ll want to have your documents ready. Bring either a passport or an ID card, depending on what the tour accepts for your nationality. After that, the schedule turns practical: get through the logistics, then get to the gorge of Ma’an, where Petra sits.

One more note that helps your day go smoother: your group language options are English and Russian, so if you speak one of those, you’ll have an easier time tracking what the guide is telling you as you move between major points.

Why the drive-to-Petra route is worth it (even if it’s long)

Petra is deep enough into the region that you cannot treat it like a half-day stroll. This tour essentially trades “sleep later” for “seeing the site during the core visit time.” That’s the trade, and if you’re the type who hates transit, you’ll feel it.

Still, I like what this route buys you. The longer journey means the day is packed with the Petra moments that most people come for: the iconic facade, the theater setting, and the graves at King Wall. You don’t spend your time searching for the next stop. The tour line is clear, and you’re guided from one highlight to the next.

The other value point is the structure. You’re not planning from scratch, and you’re not stuck figuring out ferry timing, how to coordinate crossing plus entry plus transport. The tour handles the big moving parts so you can spend your energy on the walking parts you’ll remember.

Al Khazneh: the Treasury moment you’ll never forget

When you reach Petra, you focus on the star attraction: Al Khazneh (the Treasury). This facade carved into pink stone is the image people associate with Petra, and it really does match the hype once you see it in person.

What I love about this stop is how it works as a sequence. You don’t just “arrive at a building.” You enter the canyon experience where the rock cut passageways set you up for the big reveal. Then, suddenly, the Treasury appears in full view, and it lands with that wow factor that still feels earned.

A practical tip, especially if you’re visiting in warmer months: wear comfortable shoes and keep your pace steady. The canyon walks can be slower than you think. Also, bring water and expect Petra to be quiet hot during parts of the day.

There’s also a very real “tourist pressure” zone around the main viewpoints. You’ll see shops and sellers near the approaches. If you’re comfortable negotiating, haggle hard. If you’re not, just keep moving and treat it like normal tourist friction, not a deal you must solve.

Roman Theater: what the canyon setting adds to the ruins

After the main facade, you shift from postcard Petra to the kind of place you can picture when a crowd gathered. The Roman Theater is set into the canyon, and the setting makes it feel functional, not just decorative.

I like this stop because it teaches your eye how to read Petra. You start noticing sightlines, stone forms, and how the site’s design takes advantage of the rock. When you’re standing there, you get a sense of scale that’s harder to grasp from photos.

Also, the theater is a nice pacing change. It’s a seated, viewpoint space, so you can slow down a bit after the busier Treasury approach. It helps you reset for the next segment of the canyon exploration.

King Wall graves and the Citadel views that connect the dots

Next comes a darker, quieter kind of Petra. You visit the King Wall graves, including the famous set of 13 graves tied to the rock face. This is where the tour becomes more than sightseeing. It’s a shift in mood, from the dramatic facade to the stories carved into the cliff.

In your walk, you’ll also pass major Petra structures mentioned on the tour, like the Temple and Treasures of the Citadel and views tied to the Treasure Palace area. These parts matter because they help you see Petra as an interlocking city of monuments, not just one famous facade.

What to watch for here is time and energy. If you push too hard on the first big highlight, you can end up rushing the later ones. I’d rather you move steadily, stop when you need to, and let the site sink in. The guide helps a lot with this, because they can point out what you’re looking at and how the pieces relate.

The long-day reality: timing, heat, and how to stay comfortable

Let’s be honest: this is not a short tour. The day can run to around 20 hours, and on some schedules it can feel close to 23 hours. You’re doing a lot of movement, plus the ferry crossing and road travel back.

Still, you can make it manageable with a few smart moves:

• Start early mentally, not just on the clock. Your best mood comes from accepting the travel time
• Carry plenty of water. Petra can be hot, and once you’re in the canyon, time feels tighter
• Use the breaks along the way. Don’t try to “power through” every stretch
• Plan for a tired evening after you return to Sharm, not a packed add-on itinerary

One small comfort win is that the tour includes air-conditioned transport the whole way you can reasonably hope for, including the ferry and buses. That matters more than people think when you’re spending hours on the move.

Lunch at a local restaurant: fuel for the last push

After Petra, you get lunch in a local restaurant. This is not a minor inclusion. Eating on time helps you avoid the late-day slump where you start skipping water and moving slower than you should.

Lunch placement also fits the itinerary rhythm. You’ve already done the major monuments, so food comes when you’ll actually want it, not after you’re too exhausted to appreciate it.

If you’re someone who gets hangry in heat, this included lunch is one of the quiet value points in the package.

Guides make the difference: names you might meet

On a day this long, the guide can make or break the experience. The best sign here is that the guide team is clearly part of what people keep mentioning.

You might meet Mohammad, who has been described as an absolute legend and very helpful on a long, packed day. Another guide you could run into is Mayos, praised for being friendly and knowledgeable while keeping the group moving through Petra highlights. Some departures may have Aladin (spelling can vary), with feedback focusing on thoughtfulness and strong guidance during the full schedule.

Even if your guide language is English or Russian, the on-site commentary matters. It helps you understand what you’re seeing at Al Khazneh, in the Roman Theater, and along the King Wall graves, and it makes stops feel intentional rather than rushed.

Group size, language mix, and when you might prefer a quieter day

This tour can run with a large group. On one schedule, the group felt quite big, around 48 people, with many passengers who were Russian-speaking. If you’re sensitive to crowd energy, expect the main Petra areas to feel busy.

That doesn’t ruin the experience, but it changes how you should prepare. If you want more breathing room, plan to take your time at the best viewpoints and don’t feel forced to sprint from one photo spot to the next.

Price and value: is $329 per person fair for this route?

At $329 per person, you’re paying for more than entry to Petra. You’re paying for a full cross-border operation: pickup and drop-off in Sharm, air-conditioned ground transport, ferry tickets, Jordan visa, Petra entrance fees, a tour guide on-site, and lunch.

So the value question becomes: do you want to manage the whole journey yourself? If you tried to DIY this, you’d still face the same core costs: transport across the border and ferry coordination, tickets, entry fees, and likely a guide if you want the Petra story rather than just the photo run.

This price also lines up with the reality that the day is heavy on logistics. You’re not just paying for Petra time, you’re paying for the time and coordination it takes to get you there from Sharm.

Is it expensive? It’s not cheap. But considering what’s bundled, it feels like a reasonable way to buy convenience for a very demanding schedule. If you’re on a tight budget and can handle planning and problem-solving, you might consider DIY routes. If you want your day structured, guided, and covered from pickup to lunch to return, this package makes sense.

Who this Petra day tour suits best

This tour fits best if you:

• Want the big three Petra moments: Al Khazneh, Roman Theater, and King Wall graves
• Are okay with an intense, long day and you can handle fatigue from travel
• Value having the border, ferry, and entry details handled
• Prefer guided interpretation so you can read Petra’s monuments more clearly

It’s less ideal if you:

• Can’t stand long transit days
• Hate large groups and lots of people at the most famous viewpoints
• Need a very slow, flexible itinerary with lots of free time

Should you book this Petra day tour?

If your top goal is to check Petra off your list with the key highlights, and you’re comfortable trading a long day for a complete Petra experience, I’d say yes. The included ferry crossing, Jordan visa, and on-site guiding turn a complicated trip into something you can actually enjoy without constant problem-solving.

Book it if you’re practical and motivated. Skip it if you’re chasing a relaxed day out of Sharm. Petra is that rare sight that can make a rough schedule feel worth it, but only if you go in with the right expectations about the time on the road.

If you do book, do two things early: pack comfortable walking shoes and plan your water, because Petra’s heat plus a long schedule can sneak up on you.

FAQ

How do you travel from Sharm El Sheikh to Petra on this tour?

You’re picked up in Sharm El Sheikh and travel through the Sinai Peninsula to Taba, then take a ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba to Jordan. After that, you continue to the gorge of Ma’an to reach Petra.

Is a Jordan visa included?

Yes. The tour includes entry visa to Jordan.

What Petra sights are included?

The tour includes Al Khazneh (the Treasury), the Roman Theater, and the graves in the King Wall. It also includes views such as the Temple and Treasures of the Citadel and the Treasure Palace area.

How long is the day?

This is a long day. The tour takes about 20 hours, and it can feel close to 23 hours depending on the schedule.

What’s included in the price of $329 per person?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, ferry tickets, Jordan entry visa, Petra entrance fees, an on-site tour guide, and lunch.

What language is the tour guide available in?

The tour is offered in English and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, wear comfortable shoes, and dress in comfortable clothes. Also carry water, since Petra can be hot.