A Practical Review of the Eilat: Private 2-Day Guided Tour to Jerash & Petra
Traveling from Eilat to Jordan for a quick yet immersive visit to two of its most captivating archaeological sites can be a smart way to maximize your Middle Eastern adventure. This private 2-day guided tour offers a careful blend of history, scenery, and convenience, making it ideal for travelers who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.
What we find particularly appealing about this tour is the expert guidance that ensures you don’t just rush past the ruins but truly understand their stories. Plus, the overnight stay in Petra helps you soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. The only consideration? The total costs for visas and border crossing fees add up, so budget accordingly.
This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy historical sites, value comfort and guided insights, and prefer a manageable, well-organized trip. If you’re keen on a hassle-free way to see Jordan’s top attractions with knowledgeable guides and a comfortable overnight, this tour could be just the right fit.
This experience made our article of What Are The Best Tours & Things To Do In Jerash? Our Top 4 Picks.
Key Points
- Expert-guided experience enhances understanding of Jordan’s ancient sites
- Convenient round-trip transfers from Eilat simplify logistics
- Two iconic destinations: Roman ruins at Jerash and the stunning city of Petra
- Includes an overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Petra for a relaxed visit
- All entrance fees and guides included, making it straightforward
- Border crossing fees and visas are additional costs travelers need to budget for
👉 See our pick of the What Are The Best Tours & Things To Do In Jerash? Our Top 4 Picks
An In-Depth Look at the Journey
The tour kicks off early in the morning, with a pickup from your Eilat hotel around 8 AM. From there, you’ll cross into Jordan, a border crossing that is generally straightforward but does require your passport and some patience. The journey north to Jerash offers a taste of Jordanian countryside and the chance to chat with your guide about the area—something that adds context you won’t get from just wandering around ruins on your own.
Jerash is famous for its remarkably preserved Roman architecture, and we love the way the tour allows a 2-hour deep dive into its main sights. You’ll see two theaters, the hippodrome, and the oval forum—all still standing proud after nearly 2,000 years. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll learn about how this city was a major Roman outpost. One review mentions that “the ruins are in such good condition that it feels like a peek into a Roman movie set,” which captures the sense of stepping back in time.
After exploring Jerash, you’ll travel further south to Petra, arriving in the late afternoon. Your hotel stay in Petra is a practical choice—transporting luggage directly to your hotel allows you to start exploring without hauling your bags around. The hotel, rated 3-star, offers comfort and a chance to unwind before hitting Petra’s highlights the next day.
Day 2 begins with breakfast at the hotel, and then it’s time for the main event: Petra. Upon arrival, you’ll take a horse ride through the Siq, a narrow canyon that leads you into the city’s heart, and you’ll hear that “the views of the red sandstone are breathtaking.” The guided 4-hour tour takes in the Treasury, the Roman Theater, and other key sites. Guides provide detailed explanations about the Nabataean civilization, whom you might find fascinating—especially knowing they carved these structures out of the surrounding rocks as far back as the 4th century BC.
One traveler noted that “the guides are very knowledgeable,” and this is key to appreciating Petra’s corners and stories. Be prepared for some walking, but the horse ride through the Siq helps ease the journey, especially if you’re concerned about walking long distances.
After a well-deserved lunch in a local restaurant, your journey concludes with a transfer back to the border at Arava, and then a drive back into Israel. The trip wraps up with a drop-off in Eilat, making it a seamless experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Jerash.
Transportation and Timing
This tour’s private nature means you’ll move at a comfortable pace, with round-trip transfers included, alleviating the stress of navigating border crossings or finding transportation yourself. Starting early and finishing by late afternoon or early evening allows you to maximize your time at each site. The guided aspect means you’ll get more insights than you would exploring independently, especially at sites like Petra, where history is layered and complex.
Cost and Value
At $585 per person, this tour offers good value considering the all-inclusive entry fees, guides, and overnight stay. The price doesn’t include Jordan’s visa fee ($75) and border crossing fee ($65), so budget for those extras. You’ll enjoy a professionally guided experience that makes complex sites accessible and engaging. For travelers who want a hassle-free, guided visit to Jordan’s highlights, the cost is reasonable, especially compared to the costs of coordinating transport and guides independently.
Authenticity and Comfort
While the tour is curated, it still offers authentic experiences—your guides will bring stories to life, and you’ll see the sites at a relaxed pace. The hotel stay in Petra in a 3-star hotel balances comfort with practicality, giving you a chance to rest before exploring Petra the next day. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and stunning views, which significantly enhance the experience.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Tips
Be sure to bring your passport, comfortable shoes, water, and a change of clothes—the sites involve some walking and possibly warm weather. Cash is handy for tips or souvenirs, but most costs are covered. Remember that weapons or drones are not permitted, and some nationalities may need to pre-arrange their visas—so check your entry requirements before booking.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip is perfect for those who want to see Jordan’s most famous archaeological sites without the stress of planning every detail. It’s ideal for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, or anyone eager to experience Petra and Jerash with knowledgeable guides. Because it includes an overnight stay, it suits travelers who prefer a relaxed pace rather than rushing through sites in a day.
If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive glimpse of Jordan’s treasures, this tour balances depth and convenience. It’s especially good if you prefer private guiding and organized transportation, giving you more personal attention and flexibility.
The Sum Up
This private 2-day tour from Eilat to Jerash and Petra offers a well-rounded, thoughtfully organized experience. The combination of expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and carefully selected sites makes it a smart option for travelers eager to explore Jordan’s highlights without the fuss of planning.
The inclusion of Jerash’s well-preserved Roman ruins and Petra’s iconic rock-cut architecture provides a compelling snapshot of Jordan’s history and culture. The guided insights help turn these ancient sites from mere ruins into stories that stay with you after the trip ends.
At a reasonable price, the overall experience delivers genuine value—especially if you appreciate guided tours that are informative yet relaxed. It’s a trip that’s likely to satisfy history lovers, cultural explorers, and those who simply want to see some of the most stunning archaeological marvels the Middle East has to offer.
From Eilat: Private 2-Day Guided Tour to Jerash & Petra
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it is designed for travelers comfortable with some walking and mild excursions. The horse ride in Petra is optional, so you can choose to walk if preferred.
What is the best time of year to take this tour?
While not specified, Jordan’s climate generally favors spring and fall, avoiding the extreme heat of summer or the cooler winter months.
Are the border crossing procedures complicated?
The tour includes guided border crossing, but travelers should bring their passport and be prepared for some waiting. Extra costs for visas and crossing fees are separate.
What should I pack for this trip?
Comfortable shoes, water, a change of clothes, and your passport are essentials. Sunscreen and a hat are advisable in warm weather.
How much free time will I have?
Most of the time is scheduled around guided tours, but you’ll have some free moments at each site for photos and personal exploration.
Are the hotel accommodations comfortable?
Yes, the hotel in Petra is rated 3-star, offering a good balance of comfort and practicality for a one-night stay.
What language will guides speak?
Guides communicate in English, ensuring clear explanations of the sites and their histories.
Are there options to customize or extend this tour?
The tour is fixed in structure, but some providers may offer additional services or extensions—check with the tour operator for options.
In essence, this guided journey from Eilat to Jordan’s two most famous archaeological sites offers a manageable, enriching experience for curious travelers eager to learn and see more. It’s a fine way to step back in time and appreciate the stories carved into stone, all within a well-organized, comfortable framework.
You can check availability for your dates here: