Jordan - 48 hours
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,438
Jordan - 48 hours
I have the opportunity to stopover in Amman for a couple of days next month but am wondering if I'll really be able to see much in that short of a time. I know Petra is something like 4 to 5 hours away, so that probably won't fit. Any thoughts or recommendations on tour guides that would meet me at the airport and show me around for a couple of days?
#2
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I'll be there for 72 hours this fall. Petra is absolutely on our list.
I think even for 48, it can be done without it feeling too insane. That's the sense I've gotten from this board and other travel boards. You can spend 1 day at Petra, or more, but lots of people spend only one day there.
From what I gather, you can rent a car and drive straight down there from AMM, stay in a hotel there, and be visiting the site very early AM.
I think even for 48, it can be done without it feeling too insane. That's the sense I've gotten from this board and other travel boards. You can spend 1 day at Petra, or more, but lots of people spend only one day there.
From what I gather, you can rent a car and drive straight down there from AMM, stay in a hotel there, and be visiting the site very early AM.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,438
I'll be there for 72 hours this fall. Petra is absolutely on our list.
I think even for 48, it can be done without it feeling too insane. That's the sense I've gotten from this board and other travel boards. You can spend 1 day at Petra, or more, but lots of people spend only one day there.
From what I gather, you can rent a car and drive straight down there from AMM, stay in a hotel there, and be visiting the site very early AM.
I think even for 48, it can be done without it feeling too insane. That's the sense I've gotten from this board and other travel boards. You can spend 1 day at Petra, or more, but lots of people spend only one day there.
From what I gather, you can rent a car and drive straight down there from AMM, stay in a hotel there, and be visiting the site very early AM.
#4
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Great...please post a trip report when you get back...I'd love to read about it.
Most of the Petra recommendations here discuss early morning - staying in Petra and being among the first to visit it at sunrise. But an evening/night tour could be interesting too...
Most of the Petra recommendations here discuss early morning - staying in Petra and being among the first to visit it at sunrise. But an evening/night tour could be interesting too...
#5
Join Date: Jun 2004
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Saw Petra and floated in Dead Sea during our 24 hours transit. If we had another day, would spend more time at Dead Sea and add a pit stop at Baptism site.
Rent a car is the easiest way to go if you are not spending most of your time in downtown Amman. As US driver, Avis didn't require Int'l Driver Permit.
Rent a car is the easiest way to go if you are not spending most of your time in downtown Amman. As US driver, Avis didn't require Int'l Driver Permit.
#6
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,438
Will do. I got a quote from the company I mentioned and they'll meet me at the airport for an immediate Amman city tour the first day, and then I'll get up early for the drive and day trip to Petra the next day.
#7
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On certain nights there are candlelight tours of Petra. Basically they light hundreds (thousands?) of candles to light the way towards the Treasury, then under the stars you sit and have a cup of tea. It's a very cool experience.
There's not much to see in AMM itself but if you have time, try to squeeze in the amphitheatre and the antiquities museum as well.
Have fun! ^
#8
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,438
Thanks - definitely looking forward to it!
By the way, I notice that my draft itinerary mentions prominently that tips are not included. Any idea on what is customary in Jordan for who gets a tip and how much? I presume the driver, tour guide, escort, etc, just not sure about the amounts, and if preferable in local currency or dollars/euros will do.
By the way, I notice that my draft itinerary mentions prominently that tips are not included. Any idea on what is customary in Jordan for who gets a tip and how much? I presume the driver, tour guide, escort, etc, just not sure about the amounts, and if preferable in local currency or dollars/euros will do.
#9
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Thanks - definitely looking forward to it!
By the way, I notice that my draft itinerary mentions prominently that tips are not included. Any idea on what is customary in Jordan for who gets a tip and how much? I presume the driver, tour guide, escort, etc, just not sure about the amounts, and if preferable in local currency or dollars/euros will do.
By the way, I notice that my draft itinerary mentions prominently that tips are not included. Any idea on what is customary in Jordan for who gets a tip and how much? I presume the driver, tour guide, escort, etc, just not sure about the amounts, and if preferable in local currency or dollars/euros will do.
Obviously Petra is the big 'must see' but if you are anxious about the distance I would suggest Jerash.
#10
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,438
Petra was great but it was hot - three or four hours in the midday sun was enough for me. Definitely recommend starting way earlier in the day. By the time I got to the Monastery there was no way I was going to be able to climb up there. It was broiling and at the far end of the site.