Petra starts while most people are asleep. This all-in-one day trip threads together a midnight pickup, a ferry crossing between Egypt and Jordan, and a guided walk through the Nabateans’ carved wonder—Petra. I like that it’s built for flow (modern air-conditioned transport, border help, and a skip-the-line entrance), and I also like the human factor: you’re guided through the site with an English-speaking pro such as Karim or Kareem. The main thing to plan for is the long day, plus some waiting around border checks that can make the schedule feel tight.

You’ll get the “wow” moment the right way too. You travel to the Rose City via Aqaba, then step into the canyon trail toward Al Khazneh and the Roman-era landmarks that sit around it. Yes, it’s packed. But if Petra is on your bucket list, this route gives you a legitimate shot at fitting it into a short stay in Sharm El Sheikh.

Key things I’d mark on your trip-planning map

• Midnight pickup + overnight driving means you arrive in time to start Petra early
• Ferry ride Egypt to Jordan adds a calmer travel segment than another road-only slog
• Skip-the-line Petra entrance via a separate entrance saves time when crowds hit
• English guide through the key sights including Al Khazneh, the Roman theater, and Qasr al-Bent
• Camel option to reach the Siq (some groups report horse riding as an alternative)
• A very full schedule: expect steady movement, breaks, and occasional waiting at borders

Why this Petra route uses a ferry (and why it’s smart)

Most Sharm El Sheikh–to–Petra plans are either all road or a mix with complicated transfers. Here, you add a ferry between Egypt and Jordan, which turns part of the journey into something less exhausting than sitting in traffic. The sailing itself is also a nice “reset” before you hit long lines, immigration desks, and then the big walking day.

You’re also getting two countries in one trip: Egypt to Jordan, then back. That matters because Petra is worth the effort, but doing it efficiently matters more if you only have a limited number of days in the Sinai area.

And because this tour includes transport, ferry tickets, Petra entrance, and a guide, you’re not piecing together logistics at the last minute. That’s the real value—your day runs on rails, even if you’ll still feel the tempo.

Midnight pickup, Taba border, and the long-day rhythm

You start with pickup from Sharm El Sheikh just before midnight in an air-conditioned vehicle. From there, you head toward Taba, where you’ll be met and assisted at the border. That assistance is more than a convenience. It’s how you avoid the “where do we go?” confusion when your whole schedule depends on timing.

Here’s what you should realistically expect: border processing can create delays. Some guests have reported extra waiting at checkpoints, so build patience into your mental plan. If you hate inefficiency, this tour can feel like a test of endurance. If you can stay flexible, it becomes a smooth ride to an unforgettable site.

This is also why good sleep is your secret weapon. You’re leaving late at night, then spending your “daytime energy” on Petra. If you arrive in Sharm already tired, consider taking it easy on the day before and guarding your hydration.

Aqaba stop and the ferry sail toward Petra

Once you cross into Jordan, you transfer to the port of Aqaba and make a short stop (about 20 minutes). It’s not a sightseeing marathon, but it breaks the journey up so the ferry day doesn’t feel like one long stretch.

Then the ferry takes you across toward Jordan’s Rose City—the route is designed to bring you into Petra’s orbit rather than dropping you in the middle of nowhere. The ferry ride is listed at about 2 hours 20 minutes, so it’s long enough to relax a bit, but short enough that you’re not committing a whole “half day” to water travel.

When you’re this deep into travel time, the details matter: comfortable transportation, a guided plan, and ferry timing that connects to your return. This tour is built to respect those connections—even though you should still expect some waiting around immigration on either end.

Petra’s Siq to Al Khazneh: where the tour earns its keep

Once you’re in Petra, the experience centers on the classic approach: the Siq, the canyon-like passage cut through the rock. You can walk it, or ride a camel to reach the start of the canyon area. One guest mentioned a horse-riding option, so if you want to ride, ask what’s available that day rather than assuming only camels are offered.

As you follow the canyon trail, you’ll see carvings and rock features that hint at what the Nabateans made here—statues, idols, and structures that look like they were designed to be discovered slowly. This is one of the reasons the guided portion is worth it. Without guidance, Petra can turn into a “big photos, bye” day. With a guide, you understand what you’re looking at while you’re looking at it.

At the end of the Siq, you reach Al Khazneh (often called the Treasury). It’s one of the most recognizable facades in the ancient world, and the tour frames it as standing for more than 2000 years. Standing there, you’ll feel why this is a UNESCO-famous, bucket-list-level stop.

Beyond the postcard: Roman theater, tombs, the colonnaded street, and Qasr al-Bent

A big part of why this tour feels like more than a quick drive-by is that your guide doesn’t stop at the headline view. After Al Khazneh, you’ll move through other major Petra highlights, including the Roman theater, royal tombs, and the Roman colonnaded street.

This is the difference between seeing Petra and understanding Petra’s layers. Petra is Nabatean, but Roman influence shows up in the architecture and civic style. Getting that context while you’re standing there helps you notice details you’d otherwise miss.

You’ll also visit Qasr al-Bent with your guide. It’s another chance to look beyond one iconic facade and see how the site’s “whole picture” works—stairs, viewpoints, and the way the city sits in the rock.

The guided tour time is listed as about 3 hours, which is a good length for hitting the major anchor points without burning your whole day before you even get to explore on your own.

Lunch in Petra: good enough, but plan around food needs

Lunch is included at a local restaurant in Petra. The upside: you don’t have to hunt for food, and it keeps the day moving. Many people also describe the meal as tasty, and it’s timed so you can regroup before heading out for the return ferry.

The trade-off is that lunch can feel hectic depending on how the restaurant handles the group flow. One guest noted drinks weren’t included with lunch, so if you want something more than water, budget for it.

If you’re vegetarian, this is the one area to think ahead. There was a report of limited options—mainly salads—for non-meat eaters. If that matters to you, I’d plan on simple choices and bring a backup snack just in case.

The return ferry and getting back to Sharm El Sheikh around midnight

After Petra, you’ll head back toward the port of Aqaba and take the cruise back to Taba. The ferry time is again listed at about 2 hours 20 minutes, which keeps the “journey loop” predictable.

Once you arrive back, you’ll get transferred to your Sharm El Sheikh hotel at around midnight. That timing is part of the bargain with a trip this long: you get Petra in one shot, but you’re not lingering in Jordan. You’re trading extra time for a packed schedule.

One small practical tip: if you want to buy items or grab a drink on the fly, don’t wait until the last minute. Some people have reported uneven guidance on the Egypt side during the return stretch. The port authorities are described as understanding, but relying on last-minute help is stressful.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at $381 per person

At $381 per person, this isn’t a cheap “local bus” excursion. You’re paying for a full package: hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, ferry tickets, Petra entrance fees, and a tour guide. You’re also getting an entry visa to Jordan included, which can be one of those costs that adds up quickly if you book separately.

Here’s how I’d judge value. You get best value if:

• you truly want Petra plus minimal planning
• you’re comfortable with a long travel day
• you value a guided Petra route over wandering without context

If you only want one or two sights, or if you’re the kind of traveler who hates border queues and tight timing, you might do better with a slower plan that includes an overnight stay. This tour is built to compress time. That’s great when you’re on a short schedule. It’s not great when you’re chasing comfort and slack.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This tour works well if you:

• are based in Sharm El Sheikh and want Petra without arranging separate transport
• want to see the main Petra monuments in one day with an English guide
• like structured timing, even if it’s busy

It may be a rough match if you:

• get stressed by border waiting or frequent transfers
• have mobility challenges beyond light walking (even though the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, Petra itself involves uneven terrain and steep steps)
• need very specific dietary meals at lunch

Also, the guide can heavily affect your day. Multiple guests praised guides such as Karim, Kareem, Imad, Wazy, and Ahmed for being attentive and helpful. That’s a good sign. Still, with any large group tour, keep your expectations flexible and your hydration close.

Practical tips that make Petra feel easier on day one

I’d plan like this:

• Wear shoes with real grip. Petra involves lots of stone steps and uneven ground. Good footing matters more than style.
• Bring your own water bottle habits. Water availability is mentioned as a positive point in feedback, but you’ll still move through a hot site with long distances.
• Decide early how you want to tackle the Siq. Walking is classic, but if you choose camel riding, do it with comfortable clothing and a steady pace. If horse riding is offered, ask what’s safest and most comfortable for your group.
• Use your camera time wisely. Al Khazneh is the headline, but Roman theater views and colonnaded street angles also reward effort.
• If you’re vegetarian, plan a backup. Lunch may be limited for some diets, so bring a small snack just in case.

And one last sanity move: before you go, save the key sights names in your phone—Siq, Al Khazneh, Roman theater, royal tombs, Roman colonnaded street, Qasr al-Bent, and Qasr al-Bent. When your guide points things out, you’ll follow along faster and enjoy the story more.

Should you book this Petra-by-ferry tour?

Book it if Petra is your priority and you want a guided, skip-the-line day with transport and ferry tickets handled for you. It’s also a strong choice if you like the idea of traveling from Sharm El Sheikh by a ferry rather than another long road segment.

Consider another option if you hate long travel days, know border delays will derail you, or you need reliably tailored meals. This tour can feel like a sprint, even though it’s well organized overall.

If you do book, come prepared for the pace: solid shoes, patience at checkpoints, and a plan for lunch expectations. Do that, and you’ll spend your energy where it counts—inside Petra.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 22 hours.

Where do you get picked up and dropped off?

You’re picked up from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh and dropped back at your hotel around midnight.

Do you take a ferry?

Yes. You take a ferry ride from Egypt to Jordan, and then another ferry ride back via the same route.

Is Petra entrance and a guide included?

Yes. Entrance fees to Petra are included, and you’ll have a live English-speaking tour guide with a guided tour of about 3 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included at a local restaurant in Petra.

Do I need a passport for this tour?

Yes. You need your passport, and the tour also asks you to provide a copy of it to the local partner up to 2 days before the tour.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.