By now I’ve shared my favorite Petra photos from the Siq & Treasury, as well as the hike to the Monastery.

But THIS is Petra like you’ve never seen it before — by candlelight.

Three evenings per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30-10pm) there’s a program called Petra by Night. It’s a separate ticket from the day pass but it’s only around $17 and well worth the price of admission.

I’ve read some feedback on-line from visitors who think this evening program is a waste of time if you’ve already seen Petra by day. But for me, this activity falls on the night I arrive in town — so like any good first date, my introduction to the Rose City happens over candlelight. And it’s magical.

I’m going to be quiet now and let these photos do the talking.

Here’s the entrance to the Siq.

I’ve taken my time getting down here, stopping so often for photos that by now everyone has passed me and I’m all alone. It feels other-worldly — like I’m on a movie set.

I slowly make my way through the Siq. All the other guests have congregated in front of the Treasury for a program of music and Bedouin tea, and soon enough I’ll get there and witness the Treasury with my own eyes for the first time. But for now I just want to soak it all in. The atmosphere is incredible, and to witness it alone feels like I’m privy to a secret. There aren’t even security guards milling around.

While admiring all this beauty, there is one other thought at the forefront of my mind. My grandpa Henry, who passed away in 2008, once visited Petra a few decades ago and loved it. My grandma Trudie was with him, but I think the horse ride down to the Siq prevented her from visiting the Treasury (I could be wrong as it’s been awhile since I’ve heard this story). But I remember Grandpa raving about it. I feel his presence on this evening, and I even whisper aloud to him as I wind my way through the Siq all alone. He would have loved to follow my RTW adventure. So I tell him about it, and tell him how much I love and miss him. It feels good. After shedding a few tears I move on towards the Treasury.

Here she is in all her glory: the Petra Treasury.

I catch the tail-end of the program. There are musicians playing on the right below, as a narrator speaks about Petra. At one point they come around serving Dixie cups of deliciously sweet Bedouin tea.

This musician walks through the crowd.

At the end of the program guests may take flash photos, which up until this point is not allowed — a smart call, so we can all enjoy the music without blinding flashes going off intermittently. Plus there’s now a flood light illuminating the Treasury, which improves all of our photos. They’ve thought this thing through and I approve.

This surreal evening comes to an end, and we head back to the Visitor’s Center to catch a cab up the hill.

If you’re planning a trip here, consider going on one the evenings Petra by Night happens (again, it’s Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays). It’s truly magical. Just be aware that if you’ve walked around Petra all day your legs will be sore to make this return trip in the evening.

It’s a must-do for photographers!