zwho

I'm asking here rather then on Cruise critic or the cruise forum here, because of low participation of people who may have an answer for me on the other site! I am taking a cruise with a friend that will stop in Aqaba on Nov 9th from 10:00 until 6:00.I know this leaves us less then 3 hours to visit Petra, but I think just seeing it will be better then not getting to see it. My problem is it will cost about $250.00 to take even the short tour with the ship or privately. I'll pay if I absolutely have to, but I'm hoping someone here has a better, cheaper idea! There aren't even many people on my roll call to ask if they would like to share a private tour, so that's out. I want to have some sort of plan before I leave town. Doesanyone have any idea what a taxi would cost to take us from the pier to Petra, and are there taxi's there that can return us to the pier? A bus would probably work if it came by the pier at the right time, but I'm afraid that wouldn't happen. So any help or useful information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Mary

Murph77

I ended up hiring a car for our trip through Jordan (I wasn't on a cruise). It is a long drive from Aqaba to Petra and the roads in Jordan aren't great as a general rule. I think your options are either hire your own car for the day and drive yourself or negioate a price with a taxi. It is apparently fairly common and I know some people who have successfully done it.

That being said, like you alluded to 3 hours is barely enough time to scratch the surface of Petra. You will get to see the Treasury and some of the sights in the main valley but you won't have any chance to get up to the Monastery or any of the higher trails off the main path. That being said, its still better than not seeing it at all but only you can answer if that makes it worthwhile.

zwho

Hi! So if I read up on Petra, do you think I can glean enough knowledge on my own to not need a tour guide? If I hire a taxi, even with a very short visit, I'm certain there is plenty of info to hear about. So do you think an actual tour guide is necessary or can I DYI? Thanks in advance.

Murph77

A tour guide is absolutely NOT required. Like you say, do some research and learn lots about the area and the history. While Petra is spread over a large distance, the main trails are easy to follow so you won’t get lost. Enjoy.

zwho

Thank you!