Israel in December
 

Due to our work schedules, we can leave 12/19 and have to return 12/30. I've thought of flying into Tel Aviv, renting a car, driving to Jerusalem and touring. I'd like to go to Petra and have read on this site that we need to plan two days there and dress for cooler weather. How difficult is it to cross from Israel into Jordan and back? I plan on booking a Jerusalem hotel and doing day trips from there. Is this a good idea? Are there any particularly special, out-of-the way sights we should include? Thanks for your input.
Suoma

Jerusalem can get downright cold but not usually till January. Nights with 0C are not unusual and it can snow.

Petra on a 1-day tour from Jlm? Doubt that it is worthwhile.

The best way is to go to Eilat (fly, bus, drive) and cross the border at the Arava crossing. You cannot take a rental car across the border.

For details of Petra the best site is Ruth's Jordan Jubilee:
http://www.jordanjubilee.com/

As for special sites to see in Jerusalem there are the new archological descoveries - they have discovered and dug out the caves that provided passage way for water to reach Jlm in the 1st Temple period - and there is still flowing water in them!

Otherwise - what are your interests?
Best is to buy the In Jerusalem supplement to the Jerusalem Post on Friday for all of the week's schedules.

Welcome and enjoy!

Thank you, UnaS, this is good advice. I was actually thinking of two days in Petra and staying at a hotel near the entrance.

Hi Suoma,

Yes two days at Petra and a near-by hotel make sense. Enjoy!

Re: Petra, I would recommend booking a tour, which leaves either from various Eilat hotels or Eilat airport (a short flight from Sded-Dov airport near Tel Aviv or Ben Gurion airport). Israel-Jordan crossing is not difficult, just gettin off an Israeli coach, walking across, getting passport checked twice. You can change money at shops nearby. But unaS is right that you cannot take a rented car.

One thing that we thought rather strange is that, you have to dispose of all food and drinks from Israel when you cross into Jordan. Was really a shame because we brought a rather nice picnic lunch, and we had to ditch a large unopened bottle of mineral water we had and buy a new one.

We did a rather crazy day-trip from Tel Aviv, it's doable (5am up, back nearly midnight) but won't recommend it. I definitely won't do it from J'salem. If possible, stay overnight either in Eilat the night before, or near Petra.

Thank you so much, W9London. Petra has been high on my "to do" list for a long time. Thank you for giving me a direction.