beth_c_142

Hi,

I sort of had my itinerary figured out for a November trip to the Middle East, but want to post one more question.

I'm spending a week in Israel, and then the plans are to go to the Dana Reserve for two days, Petra for two days, and spend the remainder of the time with Madaba as a base. I am not sure whether to
(1) cross at the southern border and start with Petra, then Dana, then Madaba, basically moving north.
(2) Or cross at the Jerusalem border and take a taxi first to Dana, then to Petra, then the bus back up towards Amman.
Either way I hit the same places, but I'm trying to figure out which is the most cost-effective route. I don't want to rent a car so I'm reliant on taxi and buses. Crossing at the southern border basically means a stay in Eilat the night before, and possibly I could use Desert Eco Tours. (This seems a little pricey, but at least the logistics are taken care of and we get over the border quickly).

I really have no idea of taxi prices once in Jordan and how to get around to these different places. Once in Madaba the hotel I'm staying at will hopefully help arrange day trips, but until then, I'm on my own. Thanks for any advice!

colduphere

I am far from an expert having been to Jordan once and not to Israel at all. But I am curious as to why you are not going Madaba - Dana - Petra and then ? I am asking because we stayed in Madaba first and, as you mention, found our hotel so helpful in setting up transportation not just for day trips but anywhere. I am sure your hotel could arrange transportation from the border to the hotel and then to Dana as well. And probably after that as well.

If you look at our hotel's website for example (Black Iris) you will see they list a price for Madaba-Dana. And I am betting they could easily arrange Dana - Petra.

Just a thought. Have a nice trip.

beth_c_142

I think you flew into Jordan, right? Part of my reasoning (faulty or not), is that the Eilat/Aqaba border crossing is supposed to be more painless than the Jerusalem/Amman crossing. This was the beginning of my logic for starting in the south and working my way north. And even though I am not that interested in Eilat on the Israeli side, I thought the bus ride south would show me more of the country.

I may go back to plan B, of starting with one of the hotels.

colduphere

Well I can't argue with that. Wherever you stay I am sure your hotel will be helpful. They seem very set up for this kind of assistance.

beth_c_142

Thanks.
Hopefully they will..
I re-read your trip report for Jordan and was reminded that you rented a car. This seems like the smartest way to go. Unfortunately I'm not even a good driver in the U.S. so it probably isn't a good idea for me