The jewel of Jordan, Petra was created by the Nabataean Arabs from Yemen around 6th century BC. The Nabataean Arabs were traveling people who developed the city of Petra and founded the basics of a commercial kingdom which carried on as far as Syria. Petra was half built and half carved out of the mountains with another 95% still to be discovered, it is still a magnificent site to see with the Treasury one of the main attractions. Petra was under the control of Nabataean up to 100AD, although there had been repeated attempts by Seleucid King Antigonous, the Roman emperor, Pompey and Herod the great to overcome the city, the Romans eventually conquered the city.

From south side of modern Amman, Petra is about 3-5 hours away. From north side of Aqaba, Petra is about 2 hours away. This city is enclosed by very tall hills, whose sandstone is of rust color. These tall hills provided the city a natural defense from invaders.

Petra Tours from Taba Heights

This trip is not suitable for people with walking or mobility problems as it involves 6 KM of walking(Although there are horses, horses with carts, donkey's and camel rides en route, you do this at your own risk and they are not connected with the tour company.)

Most hotels in the Taba Heights area have organised a trips to Petra with different tour operators such as Thompson's. Longwood and Peltours, which offer the tour on different days. It is advisable to order a breakfast box from reception the night before, as the trip leaves reasonably early in the morning, around 5.00am depending your choice of tour operator. Remember your passports and the money for a visa which is £10 or $16, this can also be paid in Egyptian currency and is payable on arrival to Port of Aqaba in Jordan. In order to speed up the process and avoid lengthy delays getting visa stamps upon arrival to Jordan, the port authorities will keep your passports until you return in the evening (If you are going on the day trip), some tour operators offer more than one day in Jordan.

It takes about 2 1/4 hours on an air conditioned bus with a toilet to get from Aqaba to Petra.

The tour of Petra usually last around 4 1/2 hours, where you will walk through the beautiful gorges of the Siq to the Treasury, one of Petra's most stunning buildings. Made even more famous for its appearance in the Indiana Jones movie. After visiting the treasury you will get the chance to see the rest of Petra that is discovered including the museum of artifacts found while excavating Petra.

If you have booked your trip through a tour company, lunch is eaten in the lost city restaurant and should be included in the cost of the trip and will be around 2:00p.m (Drinks are not included).

Tips

• Drink plenty of water about 3 litres, this can be bought at intervals along the way.
• Wear sturdy Sandals or trainers
• Wear a high factor suntan cream
• At various stages through your tour of Petra you will be offered a ride on camels, horses, donkey and carriages, you do this at your own risk and most tour companies advise against it.
• If you do make the effort to go on this trip

Petra images