Petra: the lost rose-red city of the Nabataeans, a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Legend has it that it was built by magic! Deep inside a narrow gorge, you will see elaborate buildings and tombs carved out of the solid rock – an eternal tribute to a lost civilization.
Important: this is a 7-8 KM walking tour over uneven terrain; the same way in is the same way out.
Tour Highlights:
Siq: the tour of Petra begins with a walk into the city through a narrow gorge called the “Siq.” This stunning natural canyon winds through the towering rock towards the city. As your guide takes you through the Siq, you will see remains of water channels, carvings, and representations of Nabatean gods. The narrow passage is an adventure in itself, for the towering walls create an artificial gloom until you suddenly merge into the blinding light, and there before you is the Treasury, your first glimpse of the Rose-Red City.
Khazneh: the infamous “Treasury” is an ancient tomb carved into the cliff face, the most famous and outstanding of all monuments. Local legend was that treasure was hidden in the urn at the top and bullet marks are now evidence of treasure seekers’ attempts at finding it.
Roman Theater: your guide will lead you down the outer Siq, passing the street of the facades before the fine Roman Theater comes into to view. It is believed that this theater was in fact carved out by the Nabateans and not the Romans in the 2nd century BC. The theater seats around 3000 persons.
Royal Tombs: as you approach the main colonnade Street, you pass a series of fascinating tombs. The Royal Tombs are carved into the face of Jebel Khubtha; they consist of the Urn tomb, the Corinthian tomb and the three storied Palace tombs.
Colonnaded Street to the Temple of Qasr Al Bint: leading west is the main street of Petra, which once boasted numerous stately columns along its route. At the end of the street, to the left of the path, is the partly restored Qasr Al Bint. It is the only freestanding structure in Petra and is thought to have been the main place of worship in the Nabatean City.