Advice Please. Jordan/Syria/Oman, anyone been? Trying to decide holiday.

rossyl · 2 Sep 2010 at 15:17

Hi All,

The Girlfriend and I are trying to plan a trip for 7-9 days. We've decided on the Middle East and within that either Jordan, Syria or Oman. We'll be going in October. We had a reasonably chilled out holiday this summer, so we don't mind if this holiday is a bit more "jam packed".

My original thoughts were to go to Syria and Jordan. However, my girlfriend informs me that we wouldn't be able to see the main sights of both in the time we have. Is that correct? If so, I think I would rather go to either Syria or Oman.

Just looking for recommendations and ideas from anyone who has been please.

We're currently considering doing an Imaginative Traveller or Intrepid tour.

Many thanks,

R

TheCenturion · 2 Sep 2010 at 15:22

I know a few people who've been to Oman and they loved it

a1ex2001 · 2 Sep 2010 at 15:38

The only thing I'd want to see in any of those countries is Petra and that is better done as an overnight trip from a nice resort in Egypt.

rossyl · 2 Sep 2010 at 16:02

a1ex2001 said:
The only thing I'd want to see in any of those countries is Petra and that is better done as an overnight trip from a nice resort in Egypt.

Sorry i should have said, I'm not really into resort holidays.

Also if you think that's the only thing to see in those countries you are sadly mistaken. Syria has three world heritage sites, two of which are the longest constantly inhabited countries in the world. Damascus, being one of those, also contains the only road which is mentioned in the Bible, and it remains very much in use today. The architecture and history looks stunning.

See here: 'Damascus exerts such an irresistible allure, you find yourself stopping every few steps just to drink in your surroundings' http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1815633

LiE · 2 Sep 2010 at 16:06

I went to Jordan for work and thought it was a bit of an odd place. There's the old part of the city which is quite run down and then there's the new part which is very modern. The good thing about Jordan is it's close to the dead which I've heard is nice. The airport is a bit nasty though.

Saviola · 2 Sep 2010 at 16:08

a1ex2001 said:
The only thing I'd want to see in any of those countries is Petra and that is better done as an overnight trip from a nice resort in Egypt.

Make a statement with no justification, why?

OP, I have been to Oman and Jordan but both only briefly. I got to see Petra and it is an amazing place, although some Americans in our group considered it 'a bit of hole in the wall with some carvings, so what'.

People we met and dealt with were very friendly and helpful, some were over pushy but I think it was quiet season for them (tourist wise) so is expected. Seem to remember us spending a lot of cash though.

Not been to Syria, but have seen some photos on face book of a freinds trip to Damascus and they did look great.

Lagmeister · 2 Sep 2010 at 16:16

Syria and Jordan are both wonderful places to go an visit, I would however either go with a someone from there or get a reputable guide and get a good plan of what you are going to do before you go there as the culture shock can be utterly bewildering at first. But having said that, in general people are friendly to outsiders and as long as your aren't being a grade A plank you will get on with them as well.

rossyl · 27 Sep 2010 at 21:01

I've decided on Syria...after reading into it, it just seems a stunning place. It also, at present, is slightly less "touristy" than Jordan and Egypt - so a good time to go before the usual overexpansion happens.