What's the itinerary?+
• Visitors will explore Petra alongside a local guide (with or without a mule), visiting stunning sites such as the Wadi Farasa Trail, The Royal Tombs, The Byzantine Church, and The Monastery, with lunch served in an ancient Nabatean Cave transformed into a Bedouin home. This allows for insight into local life through a distinctive experience.
• The Monastery, referred to as Ad-Deir or Al-Deir in Arabic, is one of Petra's most recognizable and impressive landmarks. Known for its grand size and elaborate carved façade, it showcases classical Nabataean designs infused with Hellenistic elements. The Monastery features a significant doorway and an urn at the top of its central circular structure.
Archaeological evidence indicates that this structure was carved from rock in the mid-first century AD, likely prior to the Roman annexation of the Nabataean Kingdom in 106 AD. Despite its name from Bedouin tribes who viewed it as a monastery, the original function of the site remains uncertain. It may have served as a Nabataean temple or a grand tomb, similar to Petra’s Treasury, though this idea is still debated among scholars.
• The Royal Tombs of Petra, intricately carved from the rose-red sandstone cliffs, rank among the most extraordinary and culturally significant architectural accomplishments of the ancient city. These tombs include the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, and the Palace Tomb, each displaying the Nabataeans' advanced craftsmanship and a unique mix of Eastern customs and Hellenistic architectural styles.
The Urn Tomb, famous for the large urn that sits atop its facade, was originally constructed around 70 AD and later converted into a Byzantine church circa 446 AD, reflecting the historical and cultural evolution of the region. The Silk Tomb is recognized for its vibrant, multi-colored sandstone layers that mirror silky drapes, showcasing the beauty of natural art.
These tombs were not merely burial sites, but also represented wealth and power, illustrating the socio-economic status of their occupants.
• The Byzantine Church, or Petra Church, is an important archaeological site in Petra, celebrated for its exquisite mosaic floors, which rank among the finest preserved in the area. Situated on elevated terrain north of the Colonnaded Street, the church is part of a group of Byzantine-era structures, including the Ridge Church and the Blue Chapel.
It was likely built in the latter part of the 5th century, as indicated by its architectural style and decorative features, and was actively used until the early 7th century when it was destroyed by fire. Archaeological work from 1992 to 2002 revealed significant information about the church's design and role during the Byzantine period. The church features a large triple-aisled basilica with three apses and a richly adorned nave prominently showcasing mosaic floors illustrating various Christian symbols and narratives.
• The Wadi Farasa Trail in Petra offers a scenic hike that combines natural beauty with archaeological riches, ideal for those wanting to explore less traveled areas of Petra. This trail is relatively quiet and winds through captivating sites, starting at the Street of Facades and ascending toward the High Place of Sacrifice, which takes about 45 minutes and leads to numerous notable monuments, including the impressive Lion Monument, thought to have once served as a water fountain.
Continuing into Wadi Farasa, the trail features significant archaeological sites such as the Garden Triclinium and the Roman Soldier's Tomb, alongside the breathtaking natural environment. The route also passes by the Renaissance Tomb and ends at the Qasr al-Bint, a key religious and cultural edifice in Petra. The trail allows for an immersive experience into Petra's legacy.
