Petra, Jordan

Petra is an archaeological site in the Arabah, Ma'an Govornate, Jordan lying on the slope of Mount Hor in the basin among the mountains which form the eastern flank of Arabah (Wadi Araba), the large valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. It is well known for its rock cut architecture and is one of the new seven wonders of the world. The Nabataeans constructed it as their capital city in 100 BCE.

This is primarily a walking trip so make sure to wear comfy shoes and a hat, sunscreen and bring a lot of water. It also apprarently takes four to five days to actually see everything. The treasury, which is what people normally think of is just the start. There is also a Roman style theater and over 500 tombs.

Within the site there are also two excellent museums; the Petra Archaeological Museum and the Petra Nabataean Museum both of which represent finds from excavations in the Petra region and an insight into Petra's colourful past.

A 13th century shrine, built by the Mameluk Sultan Al Nasir Mohammad to commemorate the death of Aaron, the brother of Moses, can be seen on top of Mount Aaron in the Sharah range.

Inside the site, several artisans from the town of Wadi Musa and a nearby Bedouin settlement have set up small stalls selling local handicrafts, such as pottery and Bedouin jewellery and bottles of striated multi-coloured sands from the area. There is also a "Petra by Night" tour, which begins at the Petra Visitor's Centre at around 8:30 p.m.(1630 GMT), takes visitors on a tour along a candle-lit path leading to the centre of the historic city.

If you don’t want to walk, you can hire a horse or a horse-drawn carriage to take you through the one kilometre Siq. For the elderly and/or handicapped, the Visitors' Centre, close to the entrance of the Siq, will issue a special permit (at an extra fee), for the carriage to go inside Petra to visit the main attractions. Once inside the site, you can hire a donkey, or for the more adventurous, a camel - both come with handlers and take designated routes throughout the site.

A brief list of Do’s and Don'ts to help visitors fit in with the locals!
Do shake hands when meeting people, conservative veiled women may not reach out.
Do stand up when greeting others.
When finished with your cup of Arabic coffee, do shake your cup from side to side in order to let your host know that you do not wish to drink more. If more coffee is desired, then simply hold your cup out to the person carrying the coffeepot.
Do accept when Arabic coffee is offered to you by your host, as coffee is an important cultural symbol of hospitality, simultaneously extended and accepted as an act of reciprocated goodwill.
Do carry plenty of loose change with you, as many Jordanians usually do not carry adequate change.
Do tip waiters approximately 10% gratuity in addition to the bill (unless service charge is included within the total bill).
Do round your taxi fare up to the nearest tenth when paying your driver.
Do haggle with merchants when shopping.
Do dress conservatively when exploring public areas of Jordan.
Do be aware that Arabs tend to stand a fraction of the distance closer when conversing than people do in the West.

Do feel free to consume alcoholic beverages, but not in outside public areas.

Don't interrupt, or pass in front of, a Muslim who may be praying in a public place.
Don't openly consume food, beverages, or cigarettes in public places during the holy month of Ramadan.
Don't dress provocatively when walking outdoors.
Don't panic if an acquaintance "pecks" you on the cheeks when greeting you, as Arabs have traditionally kissed each other on both cheeks as a warm gesture of welcome and affection.
Don't feel uncomfortable if your host insists on "over feeding" you during a meal, as Arabs traditionally view food as an important symbol of hospitality, generosity, and goodwill – the more the better!

Don't feel that you are required to tip your taxi driver, as tipping in such a scenario is not necessary, but is certainly appreciated.

Jordan Tourism Board:
http://na2.visitjordan.com/visitjordan-na/

Virtual Tour of Petra:
http://www.raingod.com/angus/Gallery/Photos/MiddleEast/Jordan/Petra/index.html