From Jerusalem: Full-Day Tour to Petra with Lunch

If you’re dreaming of visiting Petra, the legendary city carved into Jordan’s cliffs, but only have a day to spare from Jerusalem, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a full day of sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide, border crossing assistance, and a chance to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

What we like most about this experience is how it offers a convenient way to combine Israel and Jordan in one trip—no fuss, no hassle. Plus, traveling in a modern, air-conditioned bus makes a long day comfortable, especially when you’re crossing borders and covering hundreds of miles.

The potential drawback? Some travelers have reported disorganization and long delays at the border, which can extend the day unexpectedly. It’s not the best choice if you’re sensitive to delays or are looking for a more relaxed pace.

This tour fits well for history buffs, adventure lovers, and those eager to tick Petra off their bucket list without planning every detail themselves. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guided insights and want to maximize their time exploring rather than navigating logistics.

Key Points

• Convenient transport in an air-conditioned bus makes the long journey comfortable.
• Professional guided tour helps uncover Petra’s stories and highlights.
• The included lunch at a local restaurant adds value and local flavor.
• Border crossing assistance simplifies the tricky Jordanian border procedures.
• The tour covers key Petra sites: Treasury, Royal Tombs, Theatre, and more.
• Mixed reviews highlight excellent guides and stunning views but also some issues with organization and delays.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Early Morning Departure from Jerusalem

The tour begins bright and early at the David Citadel Hotel, with a planned departure time of 3:00 AM. This might seem painfully early, but it’s necessary to make the most of the day, considering the drive and border crossing. Arriving 15 minutes earlier is recommended. The benefit here is the opportunity to catch the sunrise while enjoying the views of the Arahav Valley and glimpses of the Red Sea and Eilat.

Traveling South Through Israel

Once onboard, we settle into the modern, spacious, air-conditioned bus. The route offers scenic views as the landscape shifts from urban to desert and mountain terrain. Watching the changing scenery helps pass the time and builds anticipation for what’s ahead.

Crossing into Jordan

Border crossing is often the most unpredictable part of any Middle Eastern tour, and this trip is no exception. The process involves border control and customs, which can take up to an hour. The guide’s assistance is crucial here, helping with paperwork and managing the process smoothly.

Some reviews mention delays, with a journey from the border to Petra taking around 2.5 hours. Others note that this leg can be slow due to customs procedures and traffic, especially if border officials are busy. Bring patience—but be assured that the guide will handle most of the logistics.

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Journey to Petra

Once in Jordan, the landscape becomes strikingly different—red cliffs, rugged mountains, and vast desert. The drive offers excellent photo opportunities, especially of the Djinn Blocks, where you can make a wish touching the stone—an added touch of local mystique.

Arriving at Petra

Your first view of Petra is likely to be the Siq, a winding, colorful gorge that leads visitors directly to the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Here, the tour guide offers insights into how this extraordinary facade was carved over 2,000 years ago, with many travelers describing it as breathtaking.

Along With the Treasury, you’ll visit the Royal Tombs and the Petra Theater, exploring the ruins and learning about the Nabataean civilization. The guide’s commentary enriches the experience, providing historical context and stories behind these monuments.

The Lunch Break

A highlight for many is the included lunch at a local restaurant. Authentic Jordanian cuisine, often featuring dishes like falafel, mezze, and fresh bread, gives travelers a taste of the region’s culinary traditions. The meal is a welcome break and often a highlight in reviews, with travelers noting the food’s quality and flavor.

Return Journey

After a full day of exploring, the bus departs Petra in the late afternoon or early evening to head back north. The return trip includes the border crossing and the drive back to Jerusalem, which can be lengthy—expect the journey to take around 4-5 hours depending on border traffic and delays.

The Pros and Cons: What Travelers Say

Many reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides for making the history of Petra engaging and accessible, with comments like, “our guide Karim made the experience unforgettable.” The views and the grandeur of Petra are often described as “marvelous” and “worth every penny”. The included lunch is also frequently mentioned as a pleasant surprise, with good quality tasty food.

However, there are notable frustrations. Several travelers have pointed out disorganization and long border waits—with some calling the experience “shady” due to stops at souvenir shops and unexpected fees. One review quotes, “the Jordan side of this tour is a scam—the stop for smoke breaks and the rip-off souvenir shop made the day frustrating.” These criticisms suggest that while the sightseeing is incredible, the tour company’s management can sometimes mar the experience.

Another reviewer shared how the bus was uncomfortable in their experience, and that conditions in Jordan’s vehicle were not as advertised, which could be a concern for those prone to back pain or sensitive to hygiene.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $299 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience—transport, a guide, border assistance, entrance fees, and lunch. When considering the cost of doing this trip independently—organizing transportation, border visas, and guided tours—the package provides good value for travelers who prefer a fuss-free, guided experience.

Still, potential delays and the risk of disorganization mean it’s wise to approach with flexible expectations. Travelers who prioritize guides’ insights and convenience will find this tour worthwhile, while those seeking a completely independent adventure may prefer to plan their own trip.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see Petra without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. It suits history enthusiasts eager to learn from a guide about the Nabataean civilization. It’s also a good choice for travelers looking for a comfortable, all-in-one day trip that minimizes the stress of border crossings and transport arrangements.

However, it might not be perfect for those with tight schedules or mobility issues, given the long day and potential delays. The early start and lengthy return journey require a good deal of patience and stamina.

Final Thoughts: Is It a Good Deal?

For the price of $299, you’re getting transportation, guided insights, border crossing assistance, entrance fees, and a local meal—a solid bundle that simplifies seeing Petra from Jerusalem. The experience delivers stunning views and the chance to walk through history, making it a memorable day trip.

That said, you should be prepared for possible delays and disorganization, as well as the early start. If you value guided storytelling and convenience over independence, this tour could be a great fit. If you’re a seasoned traveler comfortable navigating borders and logistics on your own, you might prefer a self-arranged visit.

Overall, this tour balances value and adventure, offering a chance to witness one of the world’s most beautiful archaeological sites with expert guidance and logistical support. Just keep your expectations flexible, and you’ll likely leave with incredible memories—and some fantastic photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early do I need to arrive at the meeting point?
You should plan to arrive 15 minutes before the 3:00 AM departure time at the David Citadel Hotel to ensure timely boarding.

What should I bring on the trip?
A passport is essential for border crossing. It’s also wise to carry some cash (USD/EU/NIS) for border fees—expect to pay around $125 if you need a visa, or $65 if you already have a valid visa or are exempt.

Does the tour include visa fees?
Yes, the fee for visas or border charges is included in the cash payment made directly at the border. No additional costs are specified beyond the $125 fee if a visa is required.

How long does the border crossing take?
Border procedures can take up to an hour, so patience is necessary. The entire drive from the border to Petra takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
This trip is not recommended for children under 2, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility concerns due to the long day and physical aspects of touring Petra.

What language is the tour guide available in?
Guides are available in English and Spanish.

Can I pay later or cancel?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later with flexibility, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I want to explore Petra independently?
This tour offers a guided, organized experience. If you prefer to roam freely, you might consider planning your own transportation and border crossing, which could be more flexible but also more complex.

To sum it up, this full-day guided tour from Jerusalem to Petra offers a practical, well-organized way to visit one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. While it has its flaws—mainly border delays and organization issues—the stunning scenery, insightful guides, and convenience make it a compelling choice for travelers eager to tick Petra off their list without the stress of planning every detail themselves. Just stay flexible, carry patience, and prepare for a memorable adventure into history.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby