Haifa day trip to Petra make sense? Alternative?
 

Hi there:

I will be in Haifa for a week and will have one day off. I'm trying to figure out whether it would make sense to take a day trip to Petra--or if it's even possible?

And if not, do you have any other suggestions of unforgettable places to go in that day?

I will be Haifa the entire time.

Many thanks.

Its not really doable in a day, its a bit isolated and a long way from Haifa, even if you fly.

Why don't you do a day tour of Jerusalem? Would be an incredible shame to be in Israel and not get to see Jerusalem. There is PLENTY of unforgettable stuff to see there.

Thank you Touring. Do you have any suggestions of a tour group or program? Or would you recommend just renting a car or taking a train and doing it yourself?

Basically do it by yourself and when you get there take one of the guided walks. They are excellent. When we did it our guide was a retired professor of regional history ... what an experience!

Many tiny shops selling them just across the street from David's Tower.

I'm referring to Old Jerusalem, of course....

If not driving, consider taking a bus the night prior, overnight an an inexpensive hotel, then an early start next morning. Yes, many guides are available for hire near David's Tower, even hotels have Tour Desks. Then bus back to Haifa.

Of course, JER is so fascinating that 1/day won't cover it all... but it's better than not! Good luck!

Jerusalem, Acre, Nazareth, a day around Tiberias lake...there are a lot of very interesting places to visit.
What is interesting for you?
Read a guide book, or look in Fodors - destinations, Frommer's destinations, etc..
There are day tours, or you can take a private guide, or do on your own. But you have to decide what you want to visit.

Renting a car will be a bit of a hassle. I like the idea of taking a bus from Haifa the evening before - perhaps leave Haifa at about 19:30 or 20:00 and you should be in Jerusalem by 21:30. Stay in a hotel in Jerusalem and then get up nice and early and you'll have a whole day to see as much as possible. Then you can head back to Haifa in the evening.
There is a train to Jerusalem from Haifa but it takes 3 hours and you have to change in Tel Aviv. Taking a bus in non-peak hour traffic (IMHO) is a bit quicker and easier.
Definitely hire a guide, otherwise you'll miss out on the good stuff.

BTW, if money is not an issue, you can hire a private guide with a car for the day who can pick you up early and deliver you home late, and you can manage to see a lot more things that way.

Thanks all. And especially to TouringIsrael.

You are most welcome. Have a great trip!

You might even be able to book a day tour from Haifa with a group? That would be the easiest and probably get you more bang for your buck. Also, what day of the week do you plan to visit Jerusalem? The Sabbath would be interesting but could also be difficult. I'm not sure. You'll love it either way.

Just use Google: http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=e...=&oq=&gs_rfai=

I do agree with visiting Jerusalem, (direct bus is 920 from the Central Bus Station in Haifa -- check for time of last bus). The hotel you are staying in, in Haifa can help arrange a day tour to Jerusalem to see the major cites. However, if you choose to travel on your own, there are several companies which have walking tours of the Old City, from between 3-5 hours and running in cost from tips only to about $90. All are good.

Touring Israel...can I ask you.. other than flying how can we get from Haifa or Tel Aviv to Amman.

We actually want to go Cairo/Tel Aviv/Amman/Cairo however El Al has limited service cairo/tlv.

Any suggestions?

lisa1420 -

It's been a few years since I checked flights between CAI/TLV, but ElAl and Egypt Air both had flights on alternate days... they may still, so check the Egypt Air schedule.

That said, and as I recall, Royal Jordanian had flights between TLV/AMM, but limited service. Here too check.

But, how many days do you have for this adventure - staying in TLV or AMM and return?

lisa1420, Cairo/Tel Aviv/ Amman/Cairo - fly fro Cairo to Tel Aviv; if you are staying overnight in Tel Aviv and not visiting Jerusalem, taxi or, possibly, sherut or bus, if available, to Allenby Bridge for crossing into Jordan. Taxi to Amman, fly from Amman to Cairo. I assume you will be visiting many of the wonderful sites in israel and Jordan.
Have a great trip