Petra and Sinai Overview

The two most popular sidetrip destinations from Israel are Jordan’s Nabatean stone city, Petra, and Egypt’s desert playground, the Sinai Peninsula. Petra makes an ideal two-day foray from Eilat: arrive in time to watch the sun set over the pink sandstone, then head to the visitor’s center for Petra by Night (see Sights). Wake up early the next morning and hit the ruins for a day full of hiking. Another option is to cross at the Allenby Bridge and follow the King’s Highway south from Amman (see Border Crossings). Sinai, significantly bigger than Israel, is difficult to cover in less than a week, but its diving, hiking, mellow atmosphere, and religious sites are worth the trek. Pick a city (laid-back Dahab is a favorite) and don’t rush it: savor the sun, sand, and scuba over a couple of days.

Wander through Petra’s seemingly infinite number of temples.
Salute the sun after a midnight hike to Mount Sinai’s peak.
Munch On a treat from Dahab’s Koshary Cart, arguably the best around.

By clicking submit you agree to the terms of the Let’s Go Privacy Policy

For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.