Aqaba Shore Excursion: Private Petra Sightseeing Tour with Lunch

We enjoyed this tour very much. Organisation beforehand was easy and communication was good. The driver picked us up at our pre arranged time of 7.30 am on the dock at Aqaba. He was very helpful and friendly and gave us an insight into the culture and places of interest along the road to Petra.. The mini van was well used but clean and the air conditioning was in good working order. Petra itself is everything you have heard and more. I was surprised at the scale of the site. Our guide at Petra was excellent describing the history of the civilisations that lived there and explaining the tombs and pointing out interesting rock formations and colours. He took us away from the main pathway to view it from a different perspective. We chose to walk but horses, carriages and camels were available although some of them looked a little weary. The main track was busy and on the way back you had to dodge what horses, camels and donkeys do best! We had no problem with hawkers if you say no they go away. I had intended to climb up to the monastery but did not make it as I was limited for time and the heat was tiring so decided to keep my energy for the return walk back up to the entrance. It is a long walk in the heat along the main track to the Roman ruins. You cannot cover the whole area in a short visit. If I was going to go up to the monastery or the place of high sacrifice you probably need to go there first and wind your way back if the heat and walking. Only big downside was that the restaurant lunch was not good with dirty tablecloths and flies. Food was self service. We didn't eat much and had 3 soft drinks provided as part of the tour only they charged my husband 9 for 3 soft drinks 2 tonics and 1 Sprite. I was away from the table at this point so did not realise until we were back in the car on the way back to the ship. So not only was the restaurant terrible but they ripped us off as well!. Our driver did try to correct this by phoning the restaurant to complain about this and asked if we wanted to return to get the 9, but we were anxious to return to Aqaba and the ship as the ship was departing that evening. I have not scored the tour company down on this as I believe they tried to remedy the situation but I would think carefully about using this restaurant in future. Generally our expeience of people in Jordan was that they were friendly and helpful. Our driver was very proud of his city Aqaba which has grown substantially in recent years. We arrived back in port in good time for our departure.

Petra was a wonderful place and our personal tour guide was great. Our only complaint was that our driver didn't speak English very well so he couldn't answer many questions about life in Jordan. That was disappointed. Otherwise, a great tour!

Even though the 'private tour' was pricey- for me it was worth every penny! I have some mobility issues and I am sure I wouldn't be able to keep up with a regular tour. Our driver, Odah, was fantastic- so thoughtful, caring, friendly and a good driver. We had a different tour guide at Petra- he was also very patient with me and quite informative. The walk was difficult but I took my time. When we finally reached the treasury I was totally awed. I am so glad I was able to see this wonder of the world. We then were picked up by Odah and had a great lunch. I was very very happy with our tour!