Jordan tours, another question
 

Hi,

I've posted before about an upcoming trip to Jordan as a solo traveler, in November. I have tickets! Now the hard part: finalizing tour options. I'm torn between two ways to go:

1. As has been suggested before, use Madaba, a small town, as a base, and arrange day trips from there. I like the idea of staying in a smaller town, and living expenses are cheaper in Madaba than a bigger city like Amman. My only qualm is that the 'tours' arranged by the hotels seem to involve transportation only. I really want to learn more about the sites I"ll be visiting, which I'd get from a tour guide.

2. Join a week-long group tour. I found a reputable company and almost signed up. But the tour involves sleeping most nights in Amman (with some time in Petra), and I'm not wild about either of the hotels that they use. This may seem like a small point, but it seems like a waste of money pay for hotels I wouldn't choose on my own, and I'm not sure I'll be as comfortable being based in Amman.

I know 'colduphere' will weigh in. Hope I'm not being a pest! I really appreciate all the help offered on this forum.

I hope I am not the one being the pest. I think you will find that every major site has guides at the gate.

Perhaps your best bet would be to find an individual who will spend his/her days with you and leave you on your own at night. I know there are several examples of this approach on the South America forum (e.g. Percy in Peru or as I think of it Casual Cairo in Cairo) but I don't know of anyone who does it in Jordan. It would also be more expensive than just paying for someone at the gate.

We had a lovely driver in Jordan whom I highly recommend - Bashar Herzallah

[email protected]

I should add - while he isn't a guide he is very knowledgeable and we really enjoyed talking with him about Jordan.

Thanks so much!
Colduphere, that's really helpful to know. I'm really inching towards the whole Madaba idea. I'm also going to visit the Dana Reserve, whatever else I end up doing.
And thank you, Elizabeth!

We used Petra at night tours to organize what we wanted to do in Jordan for 9 days in Feb of this year. Basically I contacted them with what we wanted to do. The sent back some suggestions for intins & hotels. We tweeked thigs back & forth until we had it. The end result was excellent. They provided everythign we asked for & were extreamly professional. Our driver was also a very knowledgable guide. I would definately use them again if we went to Jordan.
http://www.pntours.com/

Elizabeth, do you mind if I ask.. where was Bashar based? Amman? And could you give me some idea of rates; I just want to get a sense of what having a driver might cost.

beth_c_142

Bashar is based in Amman.

I don't like discussing prices on websites because times change and the prices remain - I'm happy to discuss it via email

eseibertca AT yahoo DOT ca