Petra Tour from Taba by Ferry Boat
Cross the Gulf of Aqaba and step into one of the ancient world's most extraordinary cities.
This full-day journey takes you across the Gulf of Aqaba by ferry and deep into Jordan to experience the Petra rock-cut city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved by the Nabataean civilization more than two thousand years ago. Few destinations on earth match the scale and drama of what awaits you here. The experience is rated easy and suitable for most travelers.
Departing from Taba on the Egyptian side of the Red Sea, the ferry crossing to Aqaba sets the tone for an adventure that spans two countries in a single day. Upon arriving in Jordan, your guide and transport are ready to take you southward toward one of archaeology's greatest achievements.
Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and a thriving trade hub connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. Its monuments, temples, and tombs are carved directly into rose-red sandstone cliffs, revealing a city that once sheltered tens of thousands of people in the heart of a desert landscape.
The site covers a vast area, but the most iconic approach is through the Siq, a narrow gorge that opens dramatically onto the Treasury facade. Walking this route connects visitors to centuries of history in a way that photographs alone cannot convey.
Tour Highlights
Scenic ferry crossing over the Gulf of Aqaba between Egypt and Jordan.
Visit the Treasury, Petra's most celebrated and photographed monument.
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its outstanding universal value.
Walk through the Siq, a dramatic natural gorge that leads into the ancient city.
Discover Nabataean temples, royal tombs, and rock-cut architecture spread across a sweeping desert canyon.
Rated one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a bucket-list destination for history enthusiasts.
Itinerary
Your day begins at the Taba Ferry Terminal on the Egyptian side of the Gulf of Aqaba. After check-in and border formalities, you board the ferry for the crossing into Jordan.
The ferry docks at the Jordanian port of Aqaba, where immigration procedures are completed. Your guide and private vehicle are waiting to begin the overland journey toward Petra.
The road from Aqaba to Petra winds through dramatic desert scenery, giving you a sense of Jordan's landscape before the main attraction. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours each way.
You enter the ancient city through the Siq, a 1.2-kilometer narrow gorge flanked by towering sandstone walls. The walk builds anticipation before the sudden reveal of the Treasury at the far end.
With time inside Petra, you walk among royal tombs, colonnaded streets, temples, and amphitheaters. Your guide provides historical context for the Nabataean civilization that built and inhabited this city.
After your time in Petra, you return by vehicle to Aqaba, complete the border crossing, and take the ferry back to Taba. The full tour concludes approximately 19 hours after departure.
What Is Included
Included
- Round-trip ferry tickets between Taba and Aqaba
- All border crossing fees and port taxes
- Air-conditioned private transport in Jordan
- Licensed English-speaking guide at Petra
- Petra entrance ticket
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Taba area
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals and beverages during the tour
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Optional horse ride at Petra entrance
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Petra is among the most visited and most significant archaeological destinations in the world. Secure your spot on this one-day crossing from Taba and return with memories that last a lifetime.
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