One long night gets you Petra’s sunrise glow. I like the ferry ride from Egypt to Jordan and the skip-the-line entry into Petra, both of which save time in a packed schedule. The drawback is the sheer travel run: pickup just before midnight, border procedures, and a lot of waiting on the Egypt side.

Once you reach Petra, the day sharpens fast: you walk the Siq or choose an animal ride, then your guide lines you up with the big hits like Al Khazneh. English live guiding is real, not just a checklist, and guide names like Karim and Kareem have been part of this experience. The pace can still feel intense, so good shoes and a water mindset matter.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Ferry transfer included: two long sailing stretches help make the cross-border part feel organized
• Separate entrance at Petra: you avoid the most painful line at the gate
• 3-hour guided walk in Petra: Siq, Al Khazneh, Roman theater, tombs, and main streets
• Animal ride option near the Siq: camel is the standard, and some groups report horse options on the day
• Lunch is included in Petra: it’s convenient, but service and vegetarian variety can be hit-or-miss

A 22-hour Petra sprint from Sharm El Sheikh

This is not a relaxed “pop over for photos” trip. You’re signing up for a full-day Petra visit wrapped in overnight-style logistics: pickup just before midnight from Sharm El Sheikh, then a long push across borders and by ferry.

The upside? When you finally step into Petra, you get the payoff fast. It’s a world-famous site, and the route you take through the canyon is the reason people obsess over this place. The downside is simple: you’ll feel time on your feet, and you’ll feel time sitting.

If you’re the type who hates rushes, plan for a “long-but-contained” day. If you can handle bus time and waiting, Petra will feel even more special because it comes after all that movement.

Crossing Taba and sailing to Jordan (the part that tests patience)

The plan starts with pickup from Sharm El Sheikh in a modern air-conditioned vehicle. You drive to the border at Taba, where you’re met and assisted, then you continue onward to the port of Aqaba.

Then comes the ferry: about 2.33 hours each way. For many people, that sailing stretch becomes the only real chance to reset—legs out, water, and a deep breath before the next border and transport leg.

A practical caution: border timing can be the swing factor. The most common friction is simply waiting at the Egypt side of the route. If you’re traveling with children, or you’re easily stressed by delays, this is where you’ll feel it.

One more detail to keep in mind: if the ferry has to be canceled urgently, you’re transferred into Jordan via the Arava border. That’s helpful to know, because it means the tour isn’t left hanging if the ship can’t run.

Getting into Petra with a guide (Siq to Al Khazneh)

Once you’re inside the Petra area, the experience centers on the same magic sequence that made Petra famous: you start in the Siq, the canyon-like crack in the rocks, and follow the path until you reach Al Khazneh—the iconic Treasury building that has stood for more than 2,000 years.

This tour includes a tour guide and a 3-hour guided tour of Petra. That matters because Petra is huge, and it’s easy to wander without understanding what you’re looking at. With guidance, you’ll get pointed at the carvings and the key structures rather than just collecting random views.

You’ll also see:

• the Roman theater
• the royal tombs
• the Roman colonnaded street
• Qasr al-Bent

And yes, you’ll go through the visual highlights inside the canyon—statues, idols, and the kinds of rock carvings that make Petra feel carved alive.

The other time-saver is the skip-the-line setup via a separate entrance. Petra’s main gate can be slow. Anything that trims the queue helps when you’re already doing a long day.

Walking vs. camel (how to pace the Siq)

The Siq isn’t just pretty. It’s also physically demanding, especially if you’re arriving tired. The tour gives you an option: walking or riding a camel to the Siq area.

Some groups report choosing horse riding instead. Either way, think of the animal option as a way to reduce fatigue, not as a shortcut that guarantees a gentler overall pace. You’re still on a schedule, and Petra still has plenty of stairs and uneven ground.

My practical advice:

• Wear shoes with grip. Petra paths can be slick, and you’ll want sure footing.
• Bring water and actually sip. Heat and waiting can sneak up on you.
• Don’t treat the canyon as a photo sprint. If you pause at the carvings, you get more from the guide’s commentary.

Also, if you know you’ll struggle with long walks, tell your guide early. Guides can usually help you pick the best rhythm without turning the day into a stress contest.

The included lunch in Petra: convenient, but check expectations

Lunch is included in a local restaurant in Petra. That’s a win for value because you don’t have to track down food while you’re under time pressure.

Still, this is the one place where real-world logistics can vary. Some people have reported lunch can be chaotic—service may not feel polished, and vegetarian options might be limited (with salads as the main alternative). Drinks may also not be included with lunch.

So here’s the smart move: if you’re vegetarian, or you have any food restrictions, treat lunch as basic fuel, not a culinary highlight. If you can, carry a small backup snack for comfort and peace of mind.

Aqaba and Amman time blocks: short stops, real buffer

The day includes a stop in Aqaba (about 20 minutes). Expect quick movement rather than a deep dive. This is the kind of stop where you can grab a few photos and reset your brain before the next long segment.

Then the overall plan includes time in the Amman Governorate area: photo stop, guided tour, free time, shopping, sightseeing, and walking. In other words, you’re not only doing Petra—you’re also getting some Jordan city rhythm built into the package.

This can be good value if you like variety and you’re comfortable moving. But it’s also where the “long day” feeling can intensify. If you prefer to focus only on Petra, this part can feel like extra time you didn’t ask for.

Buses, drivers, and guidance: what makes or breaks the day

For a trip with this many moving parts, the human factor matters. People have praised the coordination and the guidance from team members like Karim and Kareem, and there’s also mention of guides such as Imad for a more personal feel during breaks.

The best-case scenario looks like this: the guide keeps the group moving, explains the sights clearly, and watches the timing so nobody gets left behind. When the team works well, it feels like everything clicks even though the schedule is tight.

The weaker point is transportation behavior and safety awareness. Some travelers have raised concerns about drivers using phones while driving. I can’t verify that for every departure, but it’s worth mentally noting: if you’re uncomfortable with that, stick to the window view, stay calm, and keep your focus on arriving safely.

Either way, you’ll do a lot of transferring—ferry, border steps, and bus rides. So choose this tour only if you’re okay with “coordinated chaos” over a fully leisurely day.

Price and value: is $381 a fair deal?

At $381 per person, you’re not just paying for Petra tickets. You’re paying for the whole cross-border machine: hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle transport, ferry tickets, Petra entrance fees, an English live tour guide, and lunch. You also get Jordan entry visa included.

That bundled structure is usually what makes tours like this worthwhile. If you were to stitch it together yourself—ferry, border logistics, guide, entrance fees—you’d likely spend time coordinating and risk ending up with an uneven experience.

What you should budget separately: personal expenses. Drinks, snacks outside the included lunch, and souvenirs aren’t included, and Petra shopping can add up quickly if you’re not disciplined.

Bottom line: the price can feel high only if you’re comparing it to a local day tour inside one country. Compared to a ferry-based cross-border day with guided Petra access, it looks like the kind of package you choose when you want less hassle—even if the day is long.

Who should book this Petra ferry tour (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you:

• want Petra with a guide rather than wandering alone
• like the value of included transport and admissions
• can handle late pickup and a very long travel day
• want an organized day that starts in Egypt and ends back at your Sharm hotel

It may not be ideal if you:

• hate long border and waiting segments
• need lots of frequent breaks due to mobility or stress
• are extremely sensitive to schedule changes
• expect a calm, slow-paced day in Petra

Accessibility is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a big positive. Still, Petra’s terrain is famous for being uneven and stair-heavy, so “wheelchair accessible” can mean access to parts of the route—not necessarily an effortless full circuit. If you use a wheelchair, confirm what portion of Petra is realistically comfortable for your needs.

Also, if you’re vegetarian or have specific dietary needs, it’s worth planning for lunch variability. Treat it as included fuel, not a guaranteed full menu.

Should you book this tour?

I’d book this tour if Petra is your main goal and you want the convenience of bundled ferry logistics, Petra entrance, and a live English guide. The skip-the-line entry and 3-hour guided tour are exactly the kind of details that help when you’re doing a marathon day.

I’d think twice if you’re easily stressed by waiting, you’re traveling with someone who needs predictable timing, or you’re expecting comfort to match a short city break. This trip is built for endurance, not relaxation.

One more practical tip: pack like it’s an outdoor day. Good shoes, water, and a little patience will make the difference between tolerating the long day and enjoying the payoff.

If your schedule is flexible, you also get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, which is useful when border timing or ferry schedules are variables.

FAQ

What time is pickup from Sharm El Sheikh?

Pickup is scheduled just before midnight from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is listed as 22 hours.

Is Petra entrance and a guide included?

Yes. Petra entrance fees are included, and there is a live English tour guide with a 3-hour guided tour inside Petra.

Are ferry tickets included?

Yes. Ferry tickets are included, and the ferry ride is about 2.33 hours each way.

Do I need a passport, and do you need a copy beforehand?

You need a passport. The tour also asks you to provide a copy of your passport to the local partner no later than 2 days before the tour.

If the ferry is canceled, what happens?

If the ferry has an urgent cancellation, you will be transferred into Jordan via the Arava border.