Excursion Petra - jordan's treasure tour at Aqaba
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Enjoy the opportunity to visit Jordan's most famous attraction, the spectacular rose-red City of Petra during this full-day tour. Lunch and entrance fees are included.
Petra
Depart the port in comfortable coaches and travel north along the Desert Highway. The last stretch is on country road through several small villages. Upon arrival at Petra, begin your visit on foot. The long, narrow gorge with steeply rising sides all but obliterates the sun. For those who wish, the entrance to the siq may be reached on horseback - at your own risk. (There is no charge for this service but the horseman will expect a gratuity.)
Khazneh (Treasury)
As you exit the gorge, it suddenly opens into a natural square dominated by Petra's most famous monument, the Treasury. Its intricately carved façade presents a magnificent sight in the dazzling sun. If you have seen the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, you will no doubt recognize the façade. Follow the guide farther into the site and discover other impressive structures carved out of the rose-coloured stone. They include temples, royal tombs and an amphitheatre that could seat 3,000 spectators. The Petra basin boasts over 800 individual monuments; to explore it all would take several days.
Your visit of approximately three hours concludes with the walk back via the same way. Optionally, a horse-drawn buggy or carriage can be hired to take you through the narrow pathway of the Petra Valley. It is the only transportation permitted. Buggies/carriages are limited and cannot be reserved in advance. However, local staff will provide assistance. The charge is $40 USD per two-person (at the time if printing) carriage to be paid on the spot. Be aware that you may have to wait in line. Each buggy carries two persons; the ride can be quite bumpy.
Afterwards, re-join the coach for the 2.5-hour drive back to Aqaba. Lunch and entrance fees are included.
Points of interests
Points of interest seen on this excursion include: City of Petra, Chasm, Khazneh (Treasury), horse-drawn buggy ride
Note
Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking through the half-mile-long (800 metres) defile and within Petra; in total over 3 hours, much of it on uneven ground. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Be aware that the weather is often unpredictable - it may be cool and windy among the rocks, but hot in open areas. Don't forget to bring a sweater or jacket for cool weather after sunset and remember your camera. We suggest you carry a bottle of water with you. The duration of the drive between the pier and Petra is approximately 1.5-2.5 hours in each direction. Restrooms are of local standard and may fall below Silversea expectations. This tour offers a unique Jordanian experience; a sense of adventure is required.