Amman / Petra

[kyshel]

I have the opportunity for a short trip next month--4 nights to spend in Amman. Flight arrives late afternoon and leaves midday, so I will have 3 full days to tour. Has anyone been to Petra using any particular local tour agencies? Any tips for other sights, restaurants, etc? Please and thanks!

[jashermd]

Hi Kyshel,

Unfortunately I haven't made it to Jordan yet (for various reasons I ended up going to Egypt instead). I'd like to get there in the next year or two, so it would be great to hear what you find out.

I did do quite a bit of research on Jordan before ending up in Egypt and found out some stuff which might be useful to you. You can probably hire a car and driver when you arrive for the transfer to Petra which will take a few hours, but if you want to do things like the tour of Petra by night you'll probably want to book them in advance.

I was planning to use a tailor-made travel company in the UK to put the hotel and transfers together, but you could probably find a local company which could help -- make sure you get references and use a credit card if possible to minimise financial exposure if you run into something dodgy. Let us know how you get on!

Cheers,
Julian



Message Edited by jashermd on 10-16-2008 12:16 AM

[kyshel]

Much appreciated info, jashermd.
BTW--I found a source in tripadvisor for a Jordanian guide named Julian! He apparently has quite a fine reputation in that forum.
I've emailed him for details and prices for a full day at Petra. If we decide to take an overnight, that might be a good choice, too, even though the crew hotel is prepaid (Intercontinental).
I'll start with a trip to the library tomorrow and get on it at once. I have very little time to get organized before we leave for Bali--then back a wk and off to Amman!