Petra
Siq
Petra Treasury
Family time in Petra
Little Petra
Petra
Private Full-Day Aqaba Shore Excursion to Petra and Little Petra 7
Private Full-Day Aqaba Shore Excursion to Petra and Little Petra 8
Top Deal1 / 8

Private Full-Day Aqaba Shore Excursion to Petra and Little Petra

(5)
Aqaba, Jordan
Shore ExcursionsBus & Minivan Tours
Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

Escape your cruise ship for a full-day private journey into Petra and Little Petra, two of the Middle East's most iconic archaeological sites carved into rose-red sandstone by the ancient Nabateans. Travel in a dedicated air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, allowing you to explore UNESCO-listed Petra at your own pace without group constraints.

Discover the rock-cut architecture of the ancient Nabateans on a private shore excursion from Aqaba to Petra and Little Petra that includes a guided tour of the site. Meet you at the cruise boarding point at Aqaba Port. Traveling between Aqaba and Petra in a private leisure air-conditioned vehicle with your own English – Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide is ideal for exploring Petra's UNESCO Heritage listed wonder Nabatean Red Rose City. You will have the flexibility to take in Petra at your own pace, without being rushed by a crowded group tour since this is a private tour.

Highlights

  • ✓The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) — Petra's most photographed facade carved into sheer cliff face
  • ✓Monastery (Ad-Deir) — massive rock-cut temple accessible via mountain trail with panoramic views
  • ✓Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — smaller sister site with residential caves and less crowded exploration
  • ✓Private vehicle with air conditioning — comfort and flexibility on desert roads
  • ✓UNESCO World Heritage Site tour with knowledgeable local guide

Insider tips

  • ★Start at Little Petra first (quieter, fewer crowds) before moving to main Petra site to manage heat and fatigue
  • ★Wear sturdy hiking shoes — the Siq canyon floor is uneven rocky terrain, and optional trails to the Monastery involve steep climbs
  • ★Bring at least 2 litres of water per person; desert heat is intense even in cooler months, and facilities inside Petra are limited
  • ★Request your driver-guide stop at Petra's viewpoints early morning for best light and photo opportunities before midday crowds

Good to know

  • •9-hour duration includes 2-3 hours driving from Aqaba (approximately 240 km round trip) plus 4-5 hours on-site exploration
  • •Private tour means no group pacing — you set the itinerary within the day's timeframe; inform your guide of priorities
  • •Petra entrance fee (approximately JOD 50–70 per person, ~EUR 65–90) is separate and paid on-site
  • •Air-conditioned vehicle pickup occurs at Aqaba cruise port; confirm embarkation time with supplier 24 hours prior
  • •Walking difficulty is moderate to challenging — Siq terrain is rocky, and optional Monastery hike involves 800+ steps; those with mobility issues should focus on Al-Khazneh viewing only

Who it's for

Cruise ship passengers with limited time seeking iconic archaeological sitesCouples and small groups wanting private, flexible sightseeing without large tour crowdsHistory and archaeology enthusiasts interested in Nabatean civilizationPhotographers seeking dramatic sandstone formations and UNESCO World Heritage landscapes

Best time to visit

Visit early morning (tour departs around 7–8 AM) to beat midday heat and maximize daylight exploration time. April–May and September–October offer comfortable temperatures; avoid July–August when desert heat exceeds 40°C.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€440
per person