Petra Full Day Tour From Amman: An Expert Review

Alright, so you’re possibly mulling over a full day excursion to Petra all the way from Amman? It’s a thing that pops up a lot when you’re thinking of hitting the highlights in Jordan, and rightly so. Petra is iconic, seriously a bucket-list kind of site. Yet, the question is: is a really long day trip from the capital truly worthwhile? Having checked it out, I can give you what I think is a fair idea, the stuff you should keep in mind, and a couple of recommendations to hopefully make your travels easier.

The Allure of Petra and the Distance from Amman

Let’s be real, Petra doesn’t really need any salesmanship, now does it? I mean, images of Al-Khazneh – frequently known as the Treasury – chiseled right into red sandstone cliffs pop into your mind, very likely. The history that clings to that spot is incredibly cool; imagine a whole town carved by the Nabataeans a seriously long while back. Pretty breathtaking, right? However, there’s this little issue that many people tend to brush aside when they are checking out these photos online. Petra isn’t a skip away from Amman, you see. That trip usually clocks in somewhere near three hours, maybe a little more, maybe a little less each way. What I mean to say is you spend roughly six hours in transit alone. And that detail, actually, shifts things significantly.

What the Tour Itself Looks Like

So, the excursion normally kicks off at some ridiculous early hour. Think, 6 AM-ish. Tour providers are always different, you understand, but what is usually part of the excursion includes transport in either an motor coach or sometimes a smaller van, an entry to Petra, and typically a guide that, at the very least, shows you around key landmarks. Often, anyway, foods aren’t provided in the starting price, so that could be something you need to account for. The travel there could be smooth or a little unpleasant, based completely on the vehicle and, basically, how sleepy the other people on board happen to be. Upon arrival, you will more than likely get an opening orientation session, followed by getting time to wander. Whether it is enough to soak everything in? That’s a different story altogether, is what I am getting at.

The Rush Factor: Can You Truly Experience Petra in a Day?

Okay, that is really a critical question. The truth is, you only get a taste of Petra. That is to say, you get to glimpse the Monastery and Treasury, stroll the Siq, and take a lot of pictures. However, Petra is big – extremely huge. To essentially look at pretty much everything it has, like the High Place of Sacrifice or maybe the lesser-known tombs, could literally take several days. That means that this journey is just going to brush on the outside. You’ll possibly find yourself swept by other folks, and honestly experience a minor level of stress to see just as much as possible during your very, very short visit. So is that the way you wish to come across an ancient city that really should inspire some level of amazement? Hmm, something worth pondering, surely.

Things That Might Bother You

Truth be told, it isn’t rainbows and butterflies on a day trip like this. What I mean to say is, some things can possibly bother you. Firstly, think about the guides. Now, some are really fantastic and actually bring the historical past to life. Then, though, there are some that basically rush you or just recite some script. So that might affect the vibe. Furthermore, Petra will be busy, nearly constantly. Visualize, fighting your way by hordes of other tourist, all vying to grab the best possible selfie location. Patience actually becomes crucial. Plus, bear in mind that the heat could be very intense, particularly during the hotter months. Dehydration will likely be your opponent here. Furthermore, there are also the local vendors who want to offer you stuff. Whilst the vast majority are harmless, very nearly, the constant marketing could be quite stressful after some time.

Why It Still Might Be Worth It (Depending On Who You Are)

Therefore, with all the caveats in place, why does this trip still charm so many folks? Very well, for most, this will be logistics. For people who don’t have a great deal of spare time or are perhaps unwilling to self-drive in Jordan, this tour is a comparatively simple strategy to see Petra without all the bother of preparing everything. This really does take a lot of the load off. Also, imagine, even a limited period in Petra surpasses not seeing it in any respect, correct? That picture of the Treasury by yourself, that short feeling that you are really there, can override quite a few inconveniences. If you are aware that it is a very brief introduction and set your expectations accordingly, you will very likely end up thinking it’s beneficial, to some extent.

Making the Most of Your Day Trip: A Few Tips

Let’s pretend that you’ve weighed everything up and still want to make the visit? In that case, some strategy is very helpful. To start with, put on seriously comfy shoes. Honestly, you’re likely to be doing a great deal of strolling, at any rate. Bring sunscreen, put on a hat, and seriously, carry additional water. What I am saying is stay hydrated. If it is possible, consider wearing layers, because the temperature can change extremely over the day. Additionally, regard getting a manual ahead of time and, potentially, brushing through several of the historical past. Knowing what exactly you are observing typically enhances the experience. Finally, be polite with the locals, but firm when you are not thinking about purchasing something. A straightforward “no, thank you” will more than likely get the job done.

Alternatives: Spending a Night Closer to Petra

I guess a really great alternative could be remaining near Petra for a single night. Aqaba and Wadi Musa are, at least, where you might want to look. That reduces the need to travel to and from Amman on the same day, providing you with a great deal longer to explore Petra at a slower rate. Furthermore, that provides you with an opportunity to check out Petra during the night, and it’s seriously quite amazing. What I mean to say is, imagine the Treasury illuminated with a bunch of candles. Having said that, it involves more setting up. Yet, the general consensus usually seems to be that the effort is well worthwhile.

Booking Your Tour: What to Look For

Therefore, if you do go down the tour path, pick very carefully. Look at reading a number of reviews. Discover, if you are able to, if meals are involved, exactly how big the group will probably be, and what others are saying concerning the guide services. Question the schedule completely. Do they let you have a considerable time at the website by yourself? How much free time do you have to actually roam at will? Exactly how versatile is the schedule? Be careful of the cheapest offers, generally, since they might compromise on quality. Spending a tad extra often guarantees an even more fulfilling and fewer stressful day.

Is the Petra from Amman Full-Day Tour “Worth It?” The Verdict.

Basically, determining whether that Petra excursion from Amman is “worth it” boils right down to individual priorities. Should you value convenience most of all and tend to be limited punctually, absolutely, this could be a good means to see a very marvelous place. Just understand what the trade-offs actually are: a very little bit of rushing, extended stretches traveling, plus a quite surface-level feel. However, in case you seriously loathe hurrying and like deeply studying places, then probably take into account that overnight stay in close proximity to Petra as an alternative. No matter what decision you reach, seeing Petra is going to be some thing that stays with you, seriously. The secret’s just being ready and handling the anticipations correctly.