Petra trip last week

[dronnygirl]

Visited Petra last week on the Thomson trip and thought I would post details as we were unsure about how much walking there would be and all the reviews varied so much.

We left Aqaba at 7.30 and arrived Petra 9.30, we were allowed 10 mins for toilet stop and as usual 2 went missing, so it was 10am when we went through the entrance.From here we walked downhill for over half a mile on a gravel path, this brought us to the entrance of the Siq. At this point the path narrows and in parts there are large cobbles to negotiate. The Siq is another half mile downhill, although there are lots of stops for the guide to give information and also there is an excitement and anticipation so you do not really notice how far it is. When you first see the Treasury it is awesome and the bright sunlight hits you after the Siq. We were then given 15 mins for photos etc and then continued further downward. Don't forget that Petra is a city and not just the Treasury so there is lots more walking and lots more to see. We continued for approx another mile downhill with our guide, passing stalls and drink stops. Approx noon the guide left us to explore on our own and to walk back to the entrance for lunch at the Crown Plaza which was served between 1pm and 3pm. We walked to the bottom but also climbed steps and hills to some of the temples etc. At around 12.30 we decided to walk back expecting it to take us about an hour but at that time of day the sun was really hot and the uphill slog all the way back was very tiring. Once in the Siq we kept thinking we were nearly there but had forgotten the half mile of gravel path at he top. This was the worse part and the sun was extremely hot with no shade. We consider ourselves to be fairly fit but were shattered by the time we reached the restaurant. This said, it is an excellent trip and we wouldn't have missed it - you can also just walk down to the Treasury but it would be a shame not to go further. Once down there camels, horses and donkeys are running about and this all adds to the atmosphere. There are bedouins selling souvenirs and there are stalls selling drinks etc. Water was sold at 1JD for large bottle and half JD for small which we though very reasonable. Children are selling postcards and we took sweets to give out, they were wide eyed and always nodded or said thanks!

There are carriages from the top to the Treasury and also horses but this is personal choice as the animals are badly treated. We saw a horse pulling a cart that was stuck in the ruts of the cobbles and the poor thing was struggling to move the cart. We never saw any animals being given water and it was 32 degrees.

One more point for the ladies - definitely wear trainers!!! We heard 2 ladies on our trip moaning they had ruined their sandals on the rough stones and sand but everyone else had sturdy footwear.

Lunch was at the Crown Plaza and was a buffet which was very good. Bottled water, tea and coffee were included

We would really recommend this trip - our guide was excellent and very informative. This was the highlight of the cruise for us.

[davecttr]

Makes you wish they had 'I walked back at Petra' badges to wear for the rest of the week.:D

[gosport11]

I agree it was a wonderful day,just one thing watch the drinks prices in the crowne plaza,a wine was £9 ouch glad it wasnt me :D:D:)

[CRUISIN LINDA]

I agree it was a wonderful day,just one thing watch the drinks prices in the crowne plaza,a wine was £9 ouch glad it wasnt me :D:D:)

 

When we went 2 years ago my husband bought a 33cl can of beer which cost £4 - that's about £12 a pint:eek:

[rookery]

There are carriages from the top to the Treasury and also horses but this is personal choice as the animals are badly treated. We saw a horse pulling a cart that was stuck in the ruts of the cobbles and the poor thing was struggling to move the cart. We never saw any animals being given water and it was 32 degrees.

quote]

It would be to Thomsons, (and other operators), credit if they threatened the Jordanian authorities with dropping Petra from the itinerary unless they improved the conditions for these poor animals.

[merciaman]

Rookery.

Unfortunately I think this would be an empty threat as a lot of people only do the cruise to see the wonder that is Petra,but I know what you mean.

[Sapphire56]

Thanks Dronnygirl, I was wondering about the walking at Petra, whilst used to walking on flat ground and in the UK weather. It is quite a different thing when walking uphill in 30 degree heat! Thanks for the warning. I may take an umbrella for shade as well as a sunhat!

 

How long did it take you to walk back to the Crowne Plaza for lunch? Do you go back down to the city of Petra after lunch for more sightseeing? So having to do the walk twice?

 

And what happened about cameras? Someone mentioned filling in forms to take your camera with you and having to pay £10 to use your video camera in Luxor at the sound and light show?

 

You don't mention anything about the pyramids, did you go to see them or do any other trips?

 

Thanks for the heads up and detailed report of Petra, it's appreciated.

 

:)

[davecttr]

It is about a 1 1/2 mile walk uphill back from the treasury at Petra to the hotel, with most of Petra being further away than the treasury you will probably find that you won't have time to go back after lunch. We had lunch, relaxed and chatted and then it was time to get the coach back to the ship.

 

Its funny that you have to register a video camera in Egypt but of course lots of mobiles now have video as well!

[gosport11]

We went to sound n light show at the pyramids,the unregistered video cameras were being refused entry,the people had to take them to a security office for collection afterwards or pay,you go thro metal dectors and a bag search

[dronnygirl]

Hi Saphire 56,

We allowed 1 hour to walk back to the Crown Plaza but we were right down at the bottom of the hill (way past the treasury) and we managed to get back but it was tiring. However, the guide left us and told us to be at the hotel between 1pm and 3pm for lunch - we decided to leave it late as we wanted more time exploring so it was our choice to have to rush back. If you are not too good at walking, it would be wise to leave more time for the return journey. After lunch we just sat on the patio of the hotel and had a drink - we needed it!

With regard to video cameras, no problem in Jordan. For Egypt the ship put a note through the door and we just filled in the form. Simple.

Regarding Cairo, there is lots of info on thread called 'Cairo trips' by Lizzietin dated 20th November. Hope this helps.

Enjioy your trip!

[SagaDame]

Did the Petra trip at Easter time and the sun was not too hot but the walk back uphill was still very tiring. Unfortunately I didn't have proper trainers on, just canvas shoes and tore a muscle in my foot because of the rough terrain. Worth the effort tho, just magnificent. :)

[Jay Mag]

Visited Petra last week on the Thomson trip and thought I would post details as we were unsure about how much walking there would be and all the reviews varied so much.

We left Aqaba at 7.30 and arrived Petra 9.30, we were allowed 10 mins for toilet stop and as usual 2 went missing, so it was 10am when we went through the entrance.From here we walked downhill for over half a mile on a gravel path, this brought us to the entrance of the Siq. At this point the path narrows and in parts there are large cobbles to negotiate. The Siq is another half mile downhill, although there are lots of stops for the guide to give information and also there is an excitement and anticipation so you do not really notice how far it is. When you first see the Treasury it is awesome and the bright sunlight hits you after the Siq. We were then given 15 mins for photos etc and then continued further downward. Don't forget that Petra is a city and not just the Treasury so there is lots more walking and lots more to see. We continued for approx another mile downhill with our guide, passing stalls and drink stops. Approx noon the guide left us to explore on our own and to walk back to the entrance for lunch at the Crown Plaza which was served between 1pm and 3pm. We walked to the bottom but also climbed steps and hills to some of the temples etc. At around 12.30 we decided to walk back expecting it to take us about an hour but at that time of day the sun was really hot and the uphill slog all the way back was very tiring. Once in the Siq we kept thinking we were nearly there but had forgotten the half mile of gravel path at he top. This was the worse part and the sun was extremely hot with no shade. We consider ourselves to be fairly fit but were shattered by the time we reached the restaurant. This said, it is an excellent trip and we wouldn't have missed it - you can also just walk down to the Treasury but it would be a shame not to go further. Once down there camels, horses and donkeys are running about and this all adds to the atmosphere. There are bedouins selling souvenirs and there are stalls selling drinks etc. Water was sold at 1JD for large bottle and half JD for small which we though very reasonable. Children are selling postcards and we took sweets to give out, they were wide eyed and always nodded or said thanks!

There are carriages from the top to the Treasury and also horses but this is personal choice as the animals are badly treated. We saw a horse pulling a cart that was stuck in the ruts of the cobbles and the poor thing was struggling to move the cart. We never saw any animals being given water and it was 32 degrees.

One more point for the ladies - definitely wear trainers!!! We heard 2 ladies on our trip moaning they had ruined their sandals on the rough stones and sand but everyone else had sturdy footwear.

Lunch was at the Crown Plaza and was a buffet which was very good. Bottled water, tea and coffee were included

We would really recommend this trip - our guide was excellent and very informative. This was the highlight of the cruise for us.

Hi,

we doing the Red Sea cruise on the Spirit next March and would like to know about the Dead Sea trip. Did you do it? Was it worth the travelling? Petra sounds great, can't wait to do that one,

[davecttr]

Hi,

we doing the Red Sea cruise on the Spirit next March and would like to know about the Dead Sea trip. Did you do it? Was it worth the travelling? Petra sounds great, can't wait to do that one,

Petra and the Dead Sea excursions are on the same day so you can't do both.

You have one and a half days at Aqaba and on the first afternoon I did the Wadi Rum excursion with wonderful desert mountain scenes straight from Lawrence of Arabia. Plus a roller coaster ride on old jeeps. the exhaust fell off one at high speed but a little bird told me it does that every trip :D

[dronnygirl]

We didn't do the Dead Sea trip ourselves but spoke to others who did. They enjoyed it and said the floating around was good fun. However they were almost 4 hours each way on the coach so it's quite a long day.

[PatsPete]

We totally agree. In fact we could have written that report!