Petra
Carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs in southern Jordan, Petra is the lost capital of the Nabataeans and one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites on Earth. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and a New Seven Wonder of the World, the ancient city spans more than 264 square kilometres of canyons, tombs, temples and colonnaded streets engineered by a civilisation that mastered desert trade and water management more than two thousand years ago.
The classic approach begins at the Siq, a kilometre-long fissure where towering walls suddenly part to reveal the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) glowing in the morning light. Beyond it the city unfolds: the soaring Royal Tombs, the colonnaded Cardo, a Roman-era theatre carved entirely from rock, and an 800-step trail climbing to the even larger Monastery (Ad-Deir). Adventurous visitors can hike to the High Place of Sacrifice for sweeping views across the basin.
Petra lies 240km south of Amman, three hours from the Dead Sea and two hours from Wadi Rum, making it the centrepiece of any Jordan itinerary. Allow at least a full day, start at dawn to beat the heat and crowds, and consider the candlelit Petra by Night experience for an unforgettable evening among the monuments.
Highlights
Tours to This Destination
Three days, five civilisations: Nabataean Petra, Roman Jerash, Ayyubid Ajloun, Wadi Rum's Bedouin desert and Amman's Graeco-Roman Citadel
Six days across Jordan's ten essential landmarks: Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba's Red Sea, the Dead Sea, Jerash and the Kings' Highway
An 8-day classic tour of nine Jordanian destinations: Jerash, Ajloun, Desert Castles, Dead Sea, Madaba, Kings Highway, Shobak, Petra and Wadi Rum
A 6-day premium golf-and-discovery program in Jordan: two rounds at Greg Norman's Ayla Golf Club in Aqaba, plus the Dead Sea, Petra and Wadi Rum.
Four days, nine Jordan landmarks at an express pace: Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Jerash, Ajloun and the Kings' Highway. From USD 475 per person.
Eight days, ten landmark stops: Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, the Dead Sea, Jerash, Ajloun and the Kings' Highway. Jordan's crown jewels, unhurried
A premium 3-day tour of Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum — the Nabataean capital in rose-red sandstone and a night under the desert stars. From USD 800.
Five days through nine Jordan landmarks, with a dedicated Amman city day. Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Jerash and the Kings' Highway
Five days tracing Jordan's ancient trade routes: Petra, Wadi Rum overnight, the Dead Sea, Jerash and the Kings' Highway across nine landmark sites.