cbr

We are planning a trip to Israel in December and would like to include Petra on our visit. I have checked into companies that offer tours, one of them being Israel Tour Connections. Has anyone used them and/or possibly recommend other companies? We would allow 2 days for this portion of our trip is that enough? Any recommendations on where to stay on the Israeli side would also be appreciated.

alan43

Sorry, when we visited Petra we traveled independently. Do you mean 2 full days? That is enough time to visit. We entered from Eilat and stayed at the Dan Eilat. It was a very nice hotel, the bkfsts were very good and our room was nice. Enjoy your stay.

cbr

Yes we would stay in Eilat and travel to Petra from there. How did you get to Petra from there? Any issues with visas and such?

thursdaysd

Do you mean two days including travel? I think Petra deserves two full days, i.e. three nights sleeping at Petra, but you could get by with one full day, i.e. two nights.

susan300

Alan 43 - can you tell me what plans you made to do this independently? How did you get from Eiliat to Petra and once there did you explore on your own or are there guides you can get at Petra? What about carrying your luggage. Did you drop it off at your hotel first and then go into Petra? appreciate any information you can share.

alan43

The border crossing was easy. Give the Jordanian Border guards your passport and pay for the visa. They put visa in passport and give it back. It was an odd feeling for a few moments leaving Israel and crossing into Jordan. We were supposed to have been met by a taxi from the Movenpick Hotel in Petra but the driver did not show up. The soldiers and border guards in Jordan were very helpful and friendly. They called the hotel for us and were told no taxi was coming. They assisted us in getting a ride to a house where someones relative was a taxidriver (we took a chance) We negotiated a fare and were driven to Movenpick in Petra. Nothing much to see along the way but the driver explained that the govt had built housing foir the bedoins but they used them for their goats, including the roof of some of the houses. On our return we made our own arrangements with a taxidirver we met who had driven us to town. He was very nice and friendly and spoke a good english. We negotiated a price to return to Eilat and were satisfied. In Petra I used a guidebook called "Petra-A traveller's guide" by Rosalyn Maqsood. very good information, maps and pictures though I looked away at some of her viewpoints. We did not hire a guide, though they are available at the entrance. We stayed at the Movenpick Hotel it's right outside the entrance. It's very good especially if you get tired during the day. we stayed 3 nights and except for the first night we ate in Wadi Musa, the toen where Petra is located. several good restaurants and reasonable. everything from pizza to beduion food.