Private Aqaba Shore Excursion: Explore Petra & Wadi Rum Adventure

Meet your driver at your Aqaba hotel, and relax as you travel to the spectacular rock city of Petra, hewn by the Nabataeans along trade routes 2,000 years ago. Once here, meet up with a local guide and set off to explore this UNESCO Heritage listed wonder Petra Red Rose Nabatean City.

Make your way through the “Siq”, the 1-mile (1.5 kilometer) entrance gorge, and marvel at the magnificent Treasury “Al-Khazneh”, where it’s believed many riches were hidden. Then, explore Petra's other wonders, like the Amphitheater, the Royal Tombs, and the Byzantine Church as your guide shares their history. After around two hours of exploring, enjoy free time. If time permits you can climb up the Monastery on your own or the High Place of Sacrifice: a clifftop altar that was once used for animal sacrifices and other ceremonies. Free time to visit The Petra Museum; if there is time, then rejoin your vehicle and driver.

Next, continue to Wadi Rum Desert Valley of Moon, where the movies The Martian and Star Wars: The Rise of Sky Walker were filmed. This vast chunk of desert mountains, valleys, cliffs, and rocks is known for its ever-changing pink-and-red colors, Bedouin settlements, and connections with T.E. Lawrence, also known as World War I's “Lawrence of Arabia”. On arrival, enjoy a roughly 2-hour tour by 4x4 local jeep. Trundle around the canyons and cliffs, and absorb the timeless scenery. See landmarks including the Seven Pillars of Wisdom Rocks named after Lawrence’s autobiography, and view some of the valley's pre-Christian rock carvings. Sip mint tea in a Bedouin tent. Then, journey back to Aqaba, where your day trip ends with a hotel drop off. Please note it is recommended to bring hats, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.