Day 03:
Full Day Exploration of Petra – Return Journey to Amman
* Activity: Exploring the magnificent of Petra + Transfer to Amman, Overnight.
* Start Time: 8:00 AM (recommended)
* Distance & Duration:
1. Walking in Petra: ~8-10 km (5-6 miles) round trip to the main sites (more if you explore further).
- Total Time at Site: ~6-8 hours (highly recommended).
2. Drive to Amman: Approximately 235 km (146 miles).
- Total Driving Duration: ~3 hours (including a short stop).
Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra.
Breakfast & Start Early! Have a hearty breakfast. Starting early is the #1 tip to avoid the largest crowds and the midday heat.
After breakfast, you will be transferred the short distance from your hotel to the main visitor center to begin your adventure. You can also hire an official local guide here (highly recommended for historical context); if you do, be sure to confirm the route and duration of the tour in advance.
The full Petra experience involves a considerable amount of walking. The journey begins with a walk through the narrow, towering canyon known as The Siq, which is about 1.2 kilometers long and takes roughly 20-30 minutes. At the end of The Siq, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking view of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh).
From there, the ancient city opens up, and you can continue to explore the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, the Roman Theater, the Colonnaded Street, and the great temples. For the more adventurous, the climb up to the Monastery (Al-Deir) is a challenging but unforgettable part of the visit, involving an 800-step ascent that takes about 45-60 minutes.
A full, in-depth exploration of Petra can easily take 6 to 8 hours.
In the late afternoon, you will meet your driver for the return journey to Amman. This 235-kilometer transfer will take approximately 3 hours. You will check into your Amman hotel for the night, with the evening free to rest and reflect on the day's incredible discoveries. You can also head out to explore Amman and have dinner downtown. For a great experience, ask your hotel to recommend a restaurant in Jabal Al Weibdeh or on Rainbow Street.