Is getting to Petra from Israel as getting Sinai from Israel?
 

I would like to do a day trip to Petra from Israel in September '99, but wonder if it's as big a hassle as driving to Sinai?? Israel to Sinai involves so much time waiting around, heat and hassle, I really doubt I'll ever do it again ! <BR> <BR>Any advice re cost, time involved and how good Petra is would be greatly appreciated.

I meant to ask if it's as BAD as getting to Sinai from Israel. <BR>

I went to Petra in December a couple of years ago. I took an organised coach excursion from Eilat. The (very) early start and the time of year meant heat was not a problem. The guide took care of most of the border formalities which are much as any other border. They checked our passports and we paid an entry fee, sorry visa charge, the amount dependant on what country you hail from. I guess the whole business took about half hour or less but bear in mind this is low season, I can't speak for high summer. From there its a run across Jordan for an hour or two. I believe we had lunch at a hotel near Petra before visiting. We had a few hours on site before heading back. In December it was pleasantly warm at Petra, in high season it must be an oven, carry plenty of water. The walk through the gorge is an essential part of the experience but it is quite tiring as the sand is the thin kind that fills in over your feet as you walk but the gorge is shady. That first view as you turn the last bend and see the 'treasury' through the exit is priceless!

Hi, 2 years ago we did it and loved it. Yes you might have to wait at the border, but it is not as bad as it sounds. I do not have their info anymore, but I think that we went through a travel agency in the Old City of Jerusalem, called the Olive Branch. And it was very inexpensive (around $400) for a 3 day trip with good hotels in Amman, then Moses mount, then Petra, which is incredible. They can leave from Tel-Aviv or Jerusalem. I also once had a great guide, if you do NOT like to shop. I kept his card: Roy Shmerling (03) 647-5937. He was a little abrupt, but wanted us to see a lot of things, would have no patience for long shopping stops, and knew a lot. Good luck!

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If you ever go to Amman try to stay at Bdeiwi Hostel <BR>(Tel: 4643394 Telefax: 4647878) in Downtown.Very clean, cheap place tostay. <BR>It is just opposite the Jordan Telecom on Khayyam St. <BR>you can get absolutely FREE INFORMATION as well it's friendly place for <BR>backpackers. <BR>e-mail: [email protected]

First, no matter how difficult the trip, it is worth it. Petra is unbelievable. However, it's not a bad trip. We went via Eilat, where we had stayed for several days, and used an Isram tour. One person picked us up in Eilat at the hotel, transferred us to the border and helped us to the Jordan side, where we were picked up by the Jordanian guide. The process at the border was about 1/2 hour for 5 of us. The entire trip was about 4 hours, door-to-door. My personal opinion is that even though it's a long day, I would go in and back in the same day, no overnight. The old city of Petra leaves you speechless, but the town where the hotels are is nothing to speak of, and the hotels are weak. We usually don't feel uncomfortable in the middle east, but had a slight feeling of unease walking around after dark. Regardless, though, Petra should not be missed.