mush

We have a few things planned for our 6 day trip to Jordan, but I need help planning a few places:

1) we will have our own rental car. We want to add on a half day trip at Wadi Rum. Can we arrange that at Wadi Rum when we get there?

2) How long do we need at Jerash and Ajloun?

3) How long does it take to go to the place where jesus was baptised? How much time should we allow for this side tour, from the dead sea?

thanks for your help with these questions!

crmarlow

I seem to recall that the Baptism spot is fairly close to the Dead Sea ... but be advised that the roads in Jordan are very poorly marked, and that you are unlikely to get a serviceable map from your car rental company. After much pleading I was able to get a well-used one (but it was printed solely in Arabic). Double your time estimate because you are unlikely to find where you're going without some unintentional adventuring. I haven't been there in about 3 years, but they did not recognize my American driver's license - an International Driver's permit was required. But I'd go back in a heartbeat ... I envy you the trip you're planning. Have fun!

mush

Thank you for that response. I called the car rental company and they indicate that a international driver's license is not necessary. Has anyone run into trouble by not having an international license?

Answers to my other questions also appreciated!

thanks

Leslie_S

As far as Jerash - a couple hours was enough for me. We had a local guide there that gave us a good explanation of the site and did not rush us. But there was more we could've looked at & climbed around if we'd wanted to spend more time.

Ajloun - we only did the crusader castle there - I'd say we spent about an hour. Again, could've spent more time possibly but that felt like an okay, unrushed amount. We didn't have a guide inside, just walked around by ourselves.

Both are very cool sites but Jerah was absolutely amazing. Enjoy!

Elizabeth_S

HI - re Bethany Beyond the Jordan - as I recall it's about halfway from the airport in Amman to the Dead Sea (main hotel area). When you arrive at the visitor centre you wait for a bus which takes a tour group around to several sites - I'd say it was 45 minutes - one hour (the bus ride - we didn't have to wait for a bus).

Re Jerash/Ajloun - we left the Dead Sea (main hotel area) at 9am and stopped at Ajloun on the way to Jerash - spent about 45 minutes in the castle (but the drive there takes time too) and spent about 2 hours in Jerash. We were done our touring part at Jerash by 2pm and had lunch at the restaurant at the site at that time (it was really good actually).....then drove back to the Dead Sea via a tour around Amman - getting back about 4:30pm.