I'll be going to Jerusalem for 2+ weeks in May, 2017.

[Big Ursus]

I'll stay with my daughter, who works for the Canadian government. She and her boy friend can show me around the city, but I'm wondering how much of the country I can see in that time.

Also, I'd love to see Petra in Jordan.

Anyone here have any suggestions about what to see? My daughter says I shouldn't take a bike, and walking is physically hard for me these days.

I hope you folks have some suggestions.
🙂

 

[Jockos]

I went there last year.


It's hot, like really hot. Bring a hat!
Military and police are mostly friendly, follow their directions.
You may not be able to go wherever you want, I was stopped a dozen times by police and military, just for walking about. There's no use in asking why, just go before they get pissed.
Be prepared for interrogation when you arrive and when you leave.
Most stores and all public transport are closed during Sabbath, be prepared!
Make sure to sample the local beer, they have some great micro breweries!

 

[TimM]

Hello,

first of all, I used to live in Jordan for the past two years so if you have any specific questions don't hesitate to send a pm.

Two weeks is quite some time to see a lot of beautiful and not so beautiful things. Next to Tel Aviv/Jaffa and Jerusalem I do recommend you go and visit Akko, located close to Haifa (which has a nice museum of art - the museum of modern art in Tel Aviv is superb by the way! Do not miss "Bauhaus" if you are into architecture). Akko hast a wonderful downtown. Haifa is famous for its arabic neighbourhood. I always recommend to go and visit Bethlehem and Ramallah, Westbank, as well if it is possible for you. Different world.

Public transportation in Israel is easy and very reliable! In contrast to: Jordan.

The only reliable public transportation in Jordan, which can be used without a basic knowledge of arabic is - in my opinion - a company called "JETT". They do have a Bus which will bring you to Petra. You could also rent a car - otherwise it might be difficult to get around. Basic transportation within Amman is done by Taxis (very cheap, insist that your driver activates his "adat" (Meter), it should start at 0.25)

Petra is great. You could go to Wadi Dana too - it is my favourite place in all of Jordan. I can recommend a Hostel if interested. Overlooking the valley.

Are you planning on crossing into Jordan using Allenby Bridge (in Jordan it is called King Hussein Bridge) close to Jerusalem? If yes - please inform yourself about visa conditions. You can't get a tourist visa when entering Jordan at the bridge - you have to get it in Jerusalem in advance (valid for German passport - can imagine this is true for a lot of different passports). Since you are interested in Petra you might decide to use the southern border crossing (Eilat/Aqaba). There you can get a tourist visa! If you are only interested in Petra I recommend to do it this way since, as mentioned before, public transportation/transportation in general is easier in Israel.

Enjoy it. Very interesting region!

 

[Big Ursus]

Hi Jockos, "It's hot, like really hot. Bring a hat!"
Even in May - In any case, I'll definitely wear a hat! Very good tips, particularly about the beer. My daughter and her boy friend are working in Jerusalem, and by next spring they should know their way around the local brews.

TimM, I really appreciate the information, especially about where to cross into Jordan. Do you have any suggestions about how to get from Jerusalem to the southern border crossing at Eilat/Aqaba, and/or whether I can take a bus from Israel to Petra?

Thanks again to you both.