Mighty Petra was a strategic link in ancient caravan routes and is still stunningly preserved after nearly 2,000 years. Built by the Nabataeans and later abandoned, it was lost to civilization for centuries until its re-discovery by a Swiss adventurer. The entire city is carved into the sides of a deep gorge, and the only entrance is through a narrow opening called the Siq.
After breakfast, your guided morning tour of Petra begins with a horse ride into the Siq. Continuing by foot, you’ll emerge from between these 100-foot cliff walls to behold a remarkable vista… Temples, tombs and dwellings that were chiseled out of the solid, rose-hued stone. With your personal expert offering information and insight, this morning of guided exploration brings the ancient Nabataean civilization to life. Afterwards, you can linger on here in the legendary Lost City. Exploring on your own offers the chance to savor your experience - and to take your time capturing memories and photos of the iconic Treasury and Petra’s other ancient landmarks.
This evening, you’ll enjoy a culinary class and dinner at the Petra Kitchen, conveniently located close to the Mövenpick Hotel and Petra visitors entrance. Working alongside a skilled Jordanian chef and using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, you’ll prepare and enjoy a number of traditional dishes typically enjoyed at home. It’s a wonderful way to savor Jordanian life and culture.
On Monday, Wednesday + Thursday evenings, the Visitors Entrance reopens for the Petra Night Show. On these days, we include your ticket so after dinner you can return through the Siq back to the Treasury. It’s a wondrous experience to walk through the candle-lit canyon and behold the impressive Treasury façade – now illuminated by the flickering light of more than 1,000 candles. Meals B+D