Walk the Siq at optimal morning light. Enter the 0.75-mile natural gorge as sunlight filters through the 260-foot-high walls, building anticipation for your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh.
Petra Full-Day Private Tour: Discover Petra's wonders on a full-day private tour from Amman. Walk the Siq to the Treasury, explore Royal Tombs.
Continue planning with our Petra destination guide, and consult the official Jordan Tourism Board for current destination information.
The Siq has been walked by Nabataean merchants, Roman generals, and Byzantine pilgrims. Today, it is yours. Jordan Journey's Petra full-day tour is not a race to the Treasury and back. It is a curated archaeological immersion into one of the ancient world's most sophisticated civilizations. Your licensed guide narrates two millennia of trade empire history as you move from the towering facades of the Royal Tombs to the quieter Byzantine church mosaic floor that most visitors never find. Petra rewards those who go deep, and we know every shortcut, every viewpoint, and every story the guidebooks omit. This is Jordan's crown jewel, experienced properly. This tour has been carefully designed by Jordan Journey's experienced team of travel specialists who understand that modern travelers seek authenticity, comfort, and meaningful connections with the places they visit. Every aspect of this itinerary has been refined through years of guest feedback and operational experience. From the moment your private vehicle arrives at your hotel to the final drop-off, you will experience seamless logistics, knowledgeable guidance, and the kind of insider access that transforms a standard tour into an unforgettable journey. Our partnerships with local communities, conservation organizations, and hospitality providers ensure that your visit benefits the people and places you encounter while delivering the highest standards of service and safety. This is destination tourism at its finest – thoughtful, sustainable, and genuinely transformative.
Jordan is a destination that rewards the prepared traveler. This tour has been developed through two decades of operational experience, incorporating feedback from thousands of guests to create an itinerary that balances comprehensive coverage with sustainable pacing. Every stop has been selected for its cultural significance, natural beauty, or historical importance. Every timing has been optimized to avoid crowds, maximize comfort, and ensure you experience each destination at its best. This is not a rushed checklist of photo stops. This is a carefully choreographed journey that allows you to absorb, understand, and connect with Jordan's extraordinary heritage.
Key details for planning this private journey experience.
Walk the Siq at optimal morning light. Enter the 0.75-mile natural gorge as sunlight filters through the 260-foot-high walls, building anticipation for your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh.
Stand before Al-Khazneh (The Treasury). Marvel at the 130-foot-high facade carved directly into rose-red sandstone. This is Petra's most iconic monument and a masterpiece of Nabataean engineering.
Explore the Royal Tombs complex. Visit the Urn Tomb with its dramatic colonnaded interior, the weathered Silk Tomb with its streaked colors, and the Corinthian Tomb's intricate capitals.
Climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir). Conquer 850 rock-cut steps to reach Petra's largest monument. The 150-foot-high temple offers panoramic views across the Wadi Araba.
Discover the Byzantine Church. Find the mosaic floor depicting regional wildlife and geometric patterns. Recently excavated, this site is missed by 90 percent of visitors.
Walk the Colonnaded Street. Trace the footsteps of ancient traders along the Roman- era main thoroughfare, passing the Temenos Gateway and Great Temple.
Ascend the optional High Place of Sacrifice. This ritual platform commands views over the entire ancient city and surrounding valleys.
A simple view of what is covered in this journey and what should be planned separately.
We collect from Abdali, Shmeisani, Jabal Amman, and airport-area hotels. Your private air-conditioned Toyota Land Cruiser comes stocked with cold water.
Your guide calls ahead to confirm Petra entry status and briefs you on Nabataean history, setting the stage for the day.
Jordan Pass scan or ticket collection. Site orientation with map handover and a quick bathroom stop.
The 0.75-mile natural gorge reveals Nabataean water channel engineering and ancient camel caravan niches. Your guide points out details most visitors miss.
Photography time. Your guide explains Nabataean royal tomb mythology and the 19th-century rediscovery story.
Walk the Roman-era main thoroughfare. Visit the Temenos Gateway, Great Temple (125 BC), and Qasr al-Bint temple remains.
The Urn Tomb interior with its colonnade, the Silk Tomb with its colorful sandstone striations, and the Corinthian Tomb.
Traditional Jordanian mezze spread with hummus, tabbouleh, falafel, and grilled chicken.
850 rock-cut steps. Your guide paces the ascent with storytelling stops. Pass the Lion Triclinium and Garden Tomb en route.
The 150-foot-high facade dominates the landscape. Interior exploration and panoramic photography from the viewpoint platform.
Optional stop at the Byzantine Church with its remarkable mosaic floor depicting animals and geometric patterns.
Rest stop at the Visitor Center.
Rest stop at Al-Husseiniyah if needed.
Your driver drops you at your individual hotel entrance.
Everything important for planning, comfort, access, timing, and on-the-ground expectations.
The key to comfortable travel in Jordan is layering. Desert mornings can be surprisingly cool even in summer, while midday temperatures can soar. Sites like Petra and Wadi Rum offer minimal shade, making sun protection essential year-round. Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are absolutely critical – this is not the place for new footwear or fashion sandals. We recommend packing light but smart: choose versatile items that can be mixed and matched, and remember that laundry services are available at most hotels if needed. Leave room in your luggage for souvenirs – Jordanian handicrafts, Dead Sea products, and spices are irresistible.
Hotel Pickup Window: 06:15-06:45 from Amman hotels. Your driver calls hotel reception 10 minutes before arrival.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby or main entrance. Look for the Jordan Journey vehicle with branded signage.
Driver Identification: Your driver carries a Jordan Journey ID badge and guest manifest with your name.
What to Expect on Arrival: Your guide meets you at the Petra Visitor Center with pre-arranged tickets. Brief orientation before entering the site.
Total: 14.5 hours • 6 hours driving (3 hours each way) • 6.5 hours at Petra site • 40 minutes lunch • 1 hour breaks and transitions
Private Tours: 2-8 passengers in Toyota Land Cruiser or Hyundai H-1. Group Option: 9- 16 passengers in Mercedes Sprinter (contact for pricing). Larger Groups: 17+ passengers in full coach (contact for customized quote).
Level: Moderate to High Petra's main loop covers 7.5 to 9.3 miles on uneven stone paths with 1,300 feet total elevation gain. The Monastery trail alone involves 850 steps (45-minute ascent). Estimated 25,000-30,000 steps for the full day. Not suitable for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility limitations. An alternative shorter route is available for those skipping the Monastery (5 miles total). Our guides are trained to accommodate guests of varying fitness levels and will adjust pacing accordingly. Rest stops are incorporated throughout the itinerary, and alternative routes or activities are available for those who prefer them. We carry a comprehensive first aid kit on all tours, and our guides are certified in wilderness first response. If you have specific health concerns or mobility considerations, please inform us at booking so we can tailor the experience to your needs. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we will never push you beyond your comfort zone. That said, we do encourage guests to challenge themselves within safe limits – the rewards of reaching that viewpoint or completing that trail are almost always worth the effort, and our guides are experts at helping you achieve what you might not think possible.
From $195 per person
Rate reflects private Toyota Land Cruiser transportation, licensed specialist guide with Petra certification, all entrance fees, lunch at a local Wadi Musa restaurant, and 24/7 support.
Jordan Pass holders: Deduct $70 from the above rate (Petra 1-day value).
Children under 12: 50 percent off.
Under 2: complimentary (no separate seat or meal portion).
Single room supplement: $45 per night (if overnight extension selected).
Jordan Journey's pricing reflects our commitment to quality, sustainability, and fair compensation for our team and partners. We do not compete on price with budget operators who cut corners on safety, guide training, or vehicle maintenance. Our rates include all specified services with no hidden fees or surprise charges. When you book with us, you are investing in peace of mind, professional execution, and the kind of insider access that only comes from two decades of relationship building. We believe this represents excellent value for the quality of experience delivered.
March-May (Spring): Ideal temperatures at 64-82 degrees Fahrenheit. Wildflowers in bloom. Petra Marathon in March – book early. Easter week is busy.
September-November (Fall): Excellent conditions at 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit. Fewer crowds than spring. Ramadan timing varies – check dates.
June-August (Summer): Hot at 86-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Start at 06:00 to avoid midday heat. Lower prices, fewer tourists. Essential: hat, sunscreen, extra water.
December-February (Winter): Cool at 46-64 degrees Fahrenheit. Possible rain – the Siq can flood. Dramatic lighting for photography. Lowest crowds. Pack layers.
Deposit: 25 percent at booking. Balance due 72 hours before departure.
Cancellation: 100 percent refund if canceled more than 7 days before. 50 percent refund if canceled 3-7 days before. No refund if canceled less than 72 hours before departure.
Changes: One free date change if made more than 7 days before. Subsequent changes incur a $25 fee.
No-Show: Full charge applies.
Weather: Tour operates rain or shine. Extreme weather cancellations receive full refund or credit.
These insider tips have been collected over years of guiding experience and represent opportunities that most visitors miss. We share them to enhance your experience, not to create a checklist of must-do items. Pick one or two that resonate with your interests and pursue them spontaneously. The best travel moments often come from unplanned discoveries, and these secrets are starting points for your own unique adventure. Your guide will have additional suggestions tailored to your specific interests and the conditions of the day.
Mobility Limitations: Petra's terrain is challenging – uneven stone paths, steps, and sand. The main Siq to Treasury route is 1.5 miles return on relatively flat ground. Horse- drawn carriages are available for Siq transport (additional cost). The Monastery trail is not wheelchair accessible. Guests with limited mobility can experience the Treasury and Royal Tombs with assistance.
Child Suitability: Minimum recommended age: 6 years. Children under 12 receive 50 percent discount. Strollers are not recommended. Baby carriers are essential for infants.
Senior Suitability: Suitable for active seniors. The Monastery climb can be skipped. A shorter route is available. Pace is adjusted to group needs.
Medical Considerations: Heat exhaustion risk in summer. Extra water is essential. First aid kit carried by guide. Nearest medical facility: Wadi Musa Hospital (3 miles).
Permits: None required beyond standard Petra entrance.
Dress Code: Modest dress recommended – shoulders and knees covered. Comfortable walking shoes essential.
Photography: Allowed throughout. Tripods require special permit (we can arrange). No drones permitted.
Timing Restrictions: Petra site closes at sunset. Last entry 16:00 in winter, 17:00 in summer.
Seasonal Closures: The Siq may flood after heavy rain. Alternative entry via back route possible.
Advance
Booking: Recommended 7+ days in advance for peak season (March-May, September-November).
Useful labels that help compare this journey with other Jordan Journey experiences.
Clear answers before you reserve your journey.
Yes, with the right guide and pacing. You will experience the Treasury, Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street, and the Monastery - the four essential Petra experiences. You will not see every tomb, but you will understand what made Petra extraordinary. The key is early departure. We leave Amman at 07:00 to maximize your time inside.
The 850 steps take 45-60 minutes at a steady pace. It is not technically difficult, but it is relentless. We pace it with storytelling stops. The views from the top justify every step. If you have knee issues, we can arrange a donkey ($35 return). About 85 percent of our guests complete the climb.
If you are visiting Petra plus one other paid site like Jerash or Wadi Rum, the Jordan Pass pays for itself. For Petra-only day trips, separate tickets are marginally cheaper. We deduct $70 from your tour price if you hold the Jordan Pass.
Petra by Night (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 08:30 PM) is magical. 1,500 candles line the Siq to the Treasury, with Bedouin music. However, it requires an overnight in Wadi Musa. If you are returning to Amman same-day, it is not possible. Consider our JJ-DEST-002 2-day tour to include it.
Yes, lunch at a local Wadi Musa restaurant is included. Traditional Jordanian mezze with vegetarian options. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal requirements with advance notice. Please inform us at booking.
Self-guided visitors miss 70 percent of Petra's significance. Our guides are licensed archaeologists who bring the stones to life. Plus, we handle all logistics - tickets, transport, timing, lunch - so you focus on experiencing, not organizing. The difference is profound.
Expect 7.5 to 9.3 miles of walking on uneven stone paths. This is approximately 25,000-30,000 steps. Good walking shoes are essential. If you have concerns about fitness, speak to us about the shorter route option.
Yes, horses are available at the entrance for the ride to the Siq (included in your ticket but tips expected). Donkeys can be hired for the Monastery trail ($35 return). These are operated by local Bedouin and are a traditional way to experience Petra.
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential. Light, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees (modest dress is appreciated). A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen are critical - there is minimal shade inside the site.
Absolutely. Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East. Petra is well-patrolled and our guides ensure your safety throughout. Many of our guests are solo travelers who appreciate the companionship and security of a guided tour.
