Review: Tel Aviv to Petra 2-Day Tour (Flights & Accommodation)

Alright, so you’re perhaps dreaming of seeing Petra, that ancient city carved into sandstone cliffs? Taking a trip there from Tel Aviv is, arguably, easier than you might think with an organized two-day tour that includes flights and accommodation. In this detailed review, we’re going to check out all that such a tour offers, so you can decide if it’s right for you.

First Impressions: Booking and Preparations

First off, before you even get close to packing your bags, you have to book the thing. Usually, the booking process online tends to be fairly smooth. You get a confirmation email pretty quickly, which also includes a detailed itinerary. This bit might ease any worries about the logistics of getting from one spot to the next.

A good thing too is that it details specifically what you’re supposed to bring. Passport, visa info (if needed), comfy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing, just to name a few. So, typically you’ll get solid instructions beforehand. Oh, and definitely, remember to check the weather. Petra can be very, very hot during the day and a bit chilly at night.

Day 1: From Tel Aviv to Petra via Flight

Day one starts off super early. Like, really early. Expect a pre-dawn pickup from your hotel in Tel Aviv. It seems they want to get you to the airport with time to spare, almost. So, the flight to Eilat (usually Ovda Airport) is fairly short, like about an hour. From Eilat, there’s a land border crossing into Jordan.

The border crossing bit can, actually, be a little time-consuming. Getting through immigration on both sides can involve a little waiting around, but generally the tour guides try to keep things moving. Make sure you have your passport and any needed visa info super accessible to, you know, make it easier.

Once you’re in Jordan, you’ll, naturally, hop on a bus to Petra. The drive can last a couple of hours, but it allows for amazing views of the desert scenery. It’s sort of cool seeing the change from Israel into Jordan this way.

Exploring Petra: A Glimpse into History

And now, here we are, Petra. This is where you actually get to explore this awesome ancient city. You begin at the Siq, it’s a narrow gorge. It opens up, and suddenly, wow, you see the Treasury (Al-Khazneh). That is just unforgettable, honestly. The craftsmanship, is still very much there.

You probably get a guided tour, which is super cool. You’ll hear the stories of the Nabataeans, these guys who built this city thousands of years ago. The guide points out, that, the main spots and shares the area’s past history. Yet, the tour involves quite a bit of walking, that’s how big it actually is. Keep in mind comfortable shoes, especially!

Typically, depending on your personal tour package, there can even be the opportunity, to climb up to the Monastery. This requires more, actually, of a strenuous hike, but, arguably, it’s super worth it, so very rewarding views. It might almost take your breath away a little! This also could allow for time to look about at your own pace to take pictures, explore, or grab a cup of tea in one of the local tents.

Accommodation and Evening Experiences

You know, most tours include an overnight stay at a hotel in Wadi Musa, a place very close to Petra. The hotels might tend to vary in quality, it depends a little, really, on the tour you booked, obviously. Usually, it’s, alright, a clean, a decent hotel offering basic amenities. This tends to be what happens anyway. A welcome hot shower will do!

Something a bit unusual that could occur could include an optional Petra by Night event. It’s a very different experience, where the Siq and Treasury get lit up with hundreds of candles. Seeing Petra by candlelight tends to be simply magical, really. If you can do it, do it, because it adds quite a bit more, you know?

Day 2: More Petra and Return to Tel Aviv

Day two lets you perhaps explore more of Petra on your own. So you’re allowed time, if you wanted to, to hike up to places you missed, and if that’s the case, go! Explore parts of the city where most tourists don’t visit, that could, typically, involve the High Place of Sacrifice.

There could be other alternative excursions that include things like Little Petra, Siq al-Barid, yet it depends again on what you choose. Just remember that Petra requires so very much walking, be prepared to do that again on day two!

In the afternoon, after exploring, usually the group makes its way back across the border, so the reverse trip back. You know, crossing from Jordan into Israel, followed by a flight back to Tel Aviv. Depending on the process at the border, you will likely arrive back in Tel Aviv very late, alright, almost. Keep this in mind.

The Good and the Less Good

So, what works really well about this tour? For one thing, seeing Petra is breathtaking. That bit can never get old, right? Also, it is useful to have the flights, accommodations, border crossings all looked after. Makes the travel much, much easier, almost. So, also having a knowledgable guide does assist to know what you are even looking at, just FYI.

However, on the flip side, the tours might be a little rushed, perhaps, and leave you wanting to stay a while longer in Petra. This tends to occur. And the border crossings do involve time and patience. You may get pretty tuckered, and need patience!

Is the “Tel Aviv to Petra 2-Day Tour” Worth It?

Actually, if seeing Petra is something that has always interested you, and you happen to be in Tel Aviv, it just might well be worth it, basically, that’s right. Being realistic the two days, actually, go really, really quickly. To take advantage of that, you need to be happy, actually, with a fairly fast-paced trip, and not mind some very early wake-up calls.

However, this may make the planning easy and safe to handle. And actually seeing Petra? This tends to make the tiredness super well worth it, seriously!

FAQs About the Petra Tour from Tel Aviv

What’s the best time of year to visit Petra?

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are generally great. The weather might just well be more comfortable, to explore Petra at its very best.

What should I wear when visiting Petra?

Wear light, comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. The sun gets very intense, so remember a hat and sunscreen too.

Are meals included in the tour?

Usually breakfast is included, but very possibly check the details of your specific tour. You should figure out lunch and dinner yourself.

Can I get a visa at the border?

It could possibly be, but check the newest rules regarding visas before travelling, alright? Requirements could possibly change.

How much walking is involved?

There will definitely be a lot, yes, an enormous amount. Petra has much ground to cover, very easily, so the walking there can tire you out if you aren’t prepared.