Petra the starting point for any trip to Jordan.

When we’re talking about a city with more than 2,000 years of history behind it, it’s hard not to get excited. This sprawling site needs time to be appreciated in depth, so if you want a few days walking around it filled, it’s very easy to make sure you don’t double up on yourselves!

Petra with africanexplorations.com

But of course, that can make it a daunting visit – how best to do Petra justice? That’s why I’d always advise you start your explorations with a private guide. It’s not just about learning the history of the city, rich and fascinating as it is – it’s about getting your bearings, working out how long it may take you to get from one place to the next, and making the best use of your time.

A visit to Petra is not simply about seeing the Treasury – it’s about getting to The Treasury at just the right time of day to see it basking in the morning sunshine. And so it is across the city, where restoration work continues quietly along and fresh discoveries are made all the time.

Making your own discoveries of the city is part of the fun – and actually, discovering the setting is equally fascinating. What makes Petra so remarkably is its setting in the purple rocks – and the paths nature has carved into the valley deserve exploration. If you’re feeling energetic, and you’ve seen as much of the city as you can, then there’s always the Tunnel Siq, an adventurous route through the rocks protecting Petra. Suffice it to say, there’s more surprises in store…

Petra with www.africanexplorations.com