How to Plan Your Petra Guided Trails (Back Road to Monastery) Tour

Are you planning a trip to Petra and want to explore the city’s hidden gems? Look no further than the Petra Guided Trails (Back Road to Monastery) tour, operated by Jordan Horizon Tours. This private tour offers the chance to see one of Petra’s most beautiful and challenging trails, the Back Road to the Monastery. In this how-to guide, we outline everything you need to know to plan your Petra Guided Trails experience.

Overview

The Petra Guided Trails (Back Road to Monastery) tour is a five-hour private guided tour of Petra’s Back Road to the Monastery for up to 10 people. The tour includes pick-up from Wadi Musa, transfer to Petra’s back road, entrance fees to Petra, and a knowledgeable English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour. A bottle of water for each person and gratuities for the guide and driver are also included.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for this tour is in Wadi Musa, a small town located next to Petra’s archaeological site. The exact location and time of the pickup will be confirmed by the tour operator after booking. From there, you’ll be transported to Petra’s back road, which is the starting point of the Back Road to the Monastery trail.

What to Expect

The Back Road to the Monastery trail is considered one of Petra’s most challenging routes, as it climbs up the mountainside for about 800 steps. The view is well worth the effort, as you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the Monastery, which was built in the 3rd century BCE. The guide will provide helpful insights and commentary throughout the hike.

Additional Info

Before booking the Petra Guided Trails tour, keep in mind that:

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, as the terrain is uneven and steep.
• Travelers should have a strong level of physical fitness, as the hike can be challenging.
• This is a private tour, and only your group will participate.
• Cancellation policy: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Booking Your Petra Guided Trails Tour

To book your Petra Guided Trails (Back Road to Monastery) tour, visit the Viator website: book the tour here. Select your preferred date and time, confirm your pickup location, and complete your booking online. You should receive a confirmation email from Viator and a separate email from the tour operator with the exact pickup time and location.

Conclusion

The Petra Guided Trails (Back Road to Monastery) tour is the perfect way to explore Petra’s stunning natural surroundings and hidden gems. With a knowledgeable guide and personalized attention, you’ll have an unforgettable experience on this challenging trail. Book your tour today, and get ready to explore Petra in a whole new way!

An Insider’s Guide to Petra, Jordan

Petra is an ancient city located in the south of Jordan. It is a world-famous destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique architecture, rock-cut temples, and sandstone canyon. It is a must-visit destination for history buffs and adventurers that offers incredible experiences and unforgettable memories.

The Top Tourist Attractions in Petra

1. The Treasury, also known as Al-Khazneh, is the most famous monument in Petra. It was carved out of a sandstone cliff in the early 1st century AD and is believed to have been a tomb for a Nabatean king.
2. The Monastery, or Ad Deir, is another impressive structure carved into the rock. It is a bit of a hike to get there, but the views of Petra from the top are stunning.
3. The Roman Theater is one of the few free sites in Petra. It is located near the Entrance and is believed to have been built in the 1st century AD. The Theater was carved into a hillside and could seat up to 4,000 people.

The Best Dining Spots in Petra

1. Al Qantarah is a local restaurant that offers traditional Jordanian dishes such as Mansaf, a national dish, made with lamb and served with rice and jameed.
2. Basin is a cozy restaurant located near Petra’s Visitor Center. They offer a wide variety of dishes including Shawarma, Falafel, and Hummus. The food is delicious and reasonably priced.
3. The Cave Bar is a unique spot located inside a cave. They offer local and international beers and wines and serve light snacks. Make sure to visit for a drink, especially after a long day spent exploring Petra.

Cultural Experiences in Petra

1. Petra Night Show is a magical experience where the Treasury is illuminated by candlelight which creates an unforgettable ambiance. This show is only available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, so make sure to plan accordingly.
2. Camel Ride: A camel ride can be a great way to see Petra in a unique way. You can rent a camel near the entrance.
3. Petra Kitchen is a cooking experience where you can learn how to make traditional Jordanian dishes, and then sit down and enjoy the meal you have prepared.

Local History of Petra

Petra was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, which was an ancient Arab tribe that was able to establish a wealthy trading empire thanks to their control over the lucrative trade routes of the region. Petra was one of the most important stops along the spice trade routes that linked the Far East with the Mediterranean.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Little Petra is a small village located a few kilometers north of Petra. It is also known as Siq Al-Barid, which means the ‘Cold Canyon’. It offers similar architecture as Petra, but on a smaller scale.
2. Wadi Rum is a protected desert wilderness area located about an hour from Petra. It offers incredible rock formations, stunning views, and a unique Bedouin culture.
3. Dana Nature Reserve is located about an hour and a half from Petra and offers great hiking trails, stunning viewpoints, and an opportunity to experience the Jordanian wilderness.

Final Thoughts

With this insider’s guide, you are ready to take some of the best tours and understand some of the most vibrant cultural experiences to get in Petra, Jordan. Make sure you learn about the local history, taste the local food, and see some off-the-beaten-path attractions. Petra is a unique experience that you won’t want to miss, and with these tips, you can make the most of your visit.