History lovers and adventure seekers alike are drawn to Petra, the ancient city etched into the rose-red cliffs of southern Jordan. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Petra was once the bustling capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. This comprehensive tour will lead you to the most breathtaking locations in the city and give you a thorough grasp of Petra’s cultural and historical significance.
Day 1: Greetings and Overview of Petra
Morning: Wadi Musa arrival
Wadi Musa, a small village that serves as the entryway to the historic city of Petra, is where your trip to it starts. Wadi Musa is about a three-hour drive away from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, where most visitors arrive. Or you might travel from Aqaba, which is around a 1.5-hour drive away.
Afternoon: Petra Visitor Center
You can purchase entry tickets and hire a certified guide at the Petra Visitor Center, where you can begin your journey. A one-day visit costs about 50 JOD, with multi-day passes available at a subsidized rate. For a thorough understanding of Petra’s geography, history, and culture, the visitor center provides an abundance of information.
Evening: Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Little Petra is roughly 15 minutes from Wadi Musa; visit it before you see the larger sites of Petra. A more sedate and less crowded introduction to Nabataean architecture can be found in Little Petra, a former trading neighborhood. Smaller replicas of the impressive Petra buildings may be seen at the site, such as the Siq al-Barid, a short canyon resembling the well-known Siq in Petra.
Day 2: Seeing the Famous Landmarks of Petra
Morning: Al-Khazneh’s Treasury and the Siq
If you want to avoid the noon heat and crowds, start your day early. Petra’s principal entrance is via the Siq, a 1.2-kilometer-long narrow ravine surrounded by sheer cliffs on both sides. The Siq’s natural beauty, vestiges of ancient engravings, and river pathways make it an attraction unto itself.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra’s most famous monument, is located at the end of the Siq. The Treasury, which was carved in the first century AD out of solid rock, is thought to have been a temple or a royal mausoleum. Its elaborate facade, which rises to a height of 39 meters, is evidence of the Nabataeans’ skill in both engineering and art.
Mid-morning: The Theater and the Street of Facades
Proceed from the Treasury to the Street of Facades, which is a line of tombs carved into the rock with ornate facades. This region displays the funeral architecture and fusion of Hellenistic and Eastern elements characteristic of the Nabataeans.
The Theatre, which can hold up to 8,500 people, is located nearby. Another illustration of the Nabataeans’ inventive architectural design and passion for cultural events is the Theatre, which is carved into the hillside.
Afternoon:The Royal Tombs
Proceed to the Royal Tombs, which are a collection of spacious and ornate tombs constructed for Petra’s aristocracy. Each of the four tombs—the Urn, Silk, Corinthian, and Palace—offers distinctive architectural details and breathtaking city vistas.
Nighttime: View of Petra
Don’t miss this incredible experience if Petra by Night falls during your stay. The event, which takes place on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, includes a candlelit stroll through the Siq to the Treasury, complete with traditional Bedouin storytelling and music. Thousands of candles provide an amazing spectacle as they illuminate the Treasury.
Day 3: The Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice
Morning: The Most Holy Place of Offering
Take a climb to the High Place of Sacrifice, one of Petra’s holiest locations, to start your third day. The walk begins close to the Theater and climbs steeply, but the breathtaking vistas of Petra are well worth the effort. The High Place of Sacrifice, which houses obelisks and altars used in religious rituals, sheds light on the Nabataean people’s spirituality.
Midmorning:The Lion Triclinium
Make a side trip to the Lion Triclinium as you descend. It’s a little, exquisitely crafted tomb with lion figures guarding the entrance. More of a personal look into Nabataean funeral customs can be found at this site.
Midmorning: The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
The Monastery is the biggest structure in Petra, and getting there is an arduous 800-step trek. The payoff, though, is a magnificent building that is both more and less elaborate than the Treasury. The monastery was probably a temple when it was built in the third century BC. With their expansive views of the Jordanian landscape, the views from the surrounding region are among the best in all of Petra.
Evening: Petra’s sunset
Take in the sunset from one of Petra’s many vantage points as you end your day. As the sun sets, the sandstone cliffs’ shifting hues create a mystical ambiance that is ideal for thinking back on your tour of this historic city.
Day 4: Adventures Away from the Beaten Path
Morning: Petra Church and the Great Temple
On your last day, visit some of the lesser-known locations in Petra. Let us commence with the Great Temple, an enormous complex spanning more than 7,500 square meters. Its multiple rooms, courtyards, and theater indicate that it served both administrative and religious functions, according to excavations.
Visit Petra Church, a Byzantine church constructed in the fifth century AD, after that. The chapel has well-preserved mosaics that show different animals and geometric patterns, providing a window into Petra’s history during the Christian era.
Afternoon: Al-Beidha (Little Petra) and Al-Habis
Visit Little Petra again to discover more of its undiscovered treasures, such as the Painted House, which has unique Nabataean frescoes. Next, go to the fortification of Al-Habis, which is situated close to Petra’s main entrance on a mountaintop. Al-Habis has remnants of the Crusader era and provides sweeping views of the entire area.
Evening: Wadi Musa departure
Take a moment to unwind as your tour of Petra draws to a finish and consider the amazing history and culture you have encountered. Traveling back to Amman, Aqaba, or somewhere else won’t likely erase the memories of Petra from your mind.
Petra is a city that transcends time, providing a singular fusion of the artistic and natural worlds. For those who love history, visiting Petra is like traveling back in time to a time when magnificent buildings and advanced civilizations were the norm. With enough time to explore Petra’s rich history and culture, this itinerary makes sure you don’t miss any of the must-see sights. You’ll discover the historic marvels that make Petra one of the most remarkable archaeological sites on Earth with every step.
