One day in Petra from Amman or Aqaba

Hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, the rock-carved city of Petra is full of mysterious charm. The approach through the cool gloom of the Siq, a long narrow gorge whose steeply rising sides all but obliterate the sun, provides a dramatic contrast with the magic to come. Suddenly the gorge opens into a natural square dominated by Petra's most famous monument, the Khasneh, whose intricately carved facade glows in the dazzling sun. More facades beckon you or on until the ancient city gradually unfolds, one monument leading to the next for kilometer after kilometer. The sheer size of the city and the quality of beautifully carved facades is staggering and leads one to reflect on the creativity and industry of the Nabateans who made Petra their capital more than 2, 000 years ago. From their capital at Petra the Nabateans had established an elaborate network of caravan routes which brought spices, incense, myrrh, gold, silver and precious stones from India and Arabia.

After meeting In Amman, cruise ship, or land border we take the drive to Petra and visit the site. The city tour begins by taking you past some fascinating monuments carved out of the rock such as Djinn blocks, the obelisk tomb and an ancient dam. These lead you into the Siq, a natural narrow gorge that is over a kilometer long. It serves as the main entrance into Petra and is certainly the most dramatic way in. The Siq meanders gently towards the ancient city and opens onto a spectacular view of the Treasury (Al Khazna), an intricate façade that first greets you. The tour then takes you past a street of facades, the theatre, a colonnaded street and ends at Qasr El Bint where you can have your lunch in one of the two restaurants nearby and see the museums located there, back to the visitors' center afterwards. Then take the drive back for departure.