Petra, Wadi Rum & Dana Nature Reserve

The pre-historic ‘Rose-Red City’ is indisputably among the world’s greatest historical treasures in Jordan, steeped in mystery and wonder. Petra, a city lost to the wider world for over a thousand years, emerges out of a sheer rock face to astound even the weariest traveller like a trick of the desert-jaded mind.

You enter through the Siq, a narrow winding chasm that leads into heart of the mountain, leaving the world you know behind you and entering a different realm or time. 200 metre walls eclipse the desert sun, before opening up to reveal the Treasury Tomb, carved into pink and earthy-hued rock in a scene of unrivalled Classical drama.

Petra is thousands of years old, built by the Nabataeans, a great civilisation that briefly rivalled the Romans, before falling to their military might. Eventually, it was – like a good fairy tale – lost to the sands of time, until an audacious Swiss explorer tricked his way in during the 19th century, opening the lost city up the world once again.

Highlights include the huge, omniscient Royal Tombs that tower above the city centre, the mountainous Monastery and an 8,000 seat Roman amphitheatre, which is said to have been built by Nabataeans during the life of Jesus Christ. Petra is around 100km square, with an overwhelming 800 monuments. Many trips allow a couple of days to fully visit the city. And if you tire from trekking the ancient paths, do it the traditional way and hop on a camel!

Nearby is the desert of Wadi Rum, 700km of starkly beautiful sand valleys, biblical in their grandeur.

Having had the pleasure of exploring Petra extensively, Lightfoot’s Jordan team will use their own experience to tailor your luxury vacation to your exact requirements and offer impartial advice on where to stay.

Read more...
Nikki profile photo
our destination expert

Meet Nikki

or
Local Info

Country: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dana Nature Reserve

Bespoke Hideaways_Aerial Camp_Night

Bespoke Hideaways

Petra, Wadi Rum & Dana Nature ReserveJordan

    Bespoke Hideaways is a luxurious and tranquil Bedouin-style tented camp set in Wadi Rum, a magnificent red desert in Jordan. Surrounded by dramatic scenery, this eco-friendly desert hideaway offers an exclusive and unforgettable experience.

    The six tented suites are tastefully decorated to blend in with the surroundings and offer seclusion...

LightFoot Scale

family friendly
Yes
activities
Yes
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba_Ext Budiling

Kempinski Hotel Aqaba

Petra, Wadi Rum & Dana Nature Reserve

    Situated on the Red Sea against a stunning backdrop of mountains, the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba is a chic and sophisticated resort that combines warm Jordanian hospitality and impeccable service with the highest standards of luxury.

    The hotel offers 200 spacious and stylish rooms and suites, all with contemporary...

LightFoot Scale

family friendly
Yes
activities
Yes
Mövenpick Resort Petra_Ext View_Night

Mövenpick Resort Petra

Petra, Wadi Rum & Dana Nature ReserveJordan

    Situated in a prime position at the entrance to the historic Jordanian city of Petra, Movenpick Resort Petra is an elegant hotel combining Arabian architecture with luxurious decor.

    The resort offers 183 elegant rooms and suites with contemporary interiors, king-size beds and all modern amenities. Rooms offer impressive...

LightFoot Scale

family friendly
Yes
activities
Yes
Petra-Marriott-Hotel_Exterior-View

Petra Marriott Hotel

Petra, Wadi Rum & Dana Nature Reserve

    The Petra Marriott Hotel is a luxury property overlooking the Petra Valley landscape and is located just minutes from the entrance to the Rose-Red City. This Arabian-style hotel offers impeccable service and superb facilities, and is the ideal base from which to explore the sights and attractions in and...

LightFoot Scale

family friendly
Yes
activities
Yes
Choose Lightfoot Travel
AuthenticPersonalExpert
Book Now