Our Guide

Ismail — Petra and Beyond

Kind, patient, and quietly perceptive, Ismail is the kind of guide who doesn’t follow a rigid script, he reads the day and adjusts. He took the time to learn each of our names, and our children’s, something that immediately changed the tone of the experience. From that moment on, we weren’t just a group. We were being looked after.

Ismail arranged every part of our Jordan journey, from sunrise access in Petra to the Monastery climb, transportation across the country, and countless details we never had to think about.

He works seamlessly with his driver, Waleed, who was with us for every transfer and long route. Together, they made a complicated country feel calm, safe, and deeply personal.

- One note: Ismail does smoke. For some travelers this may matter. For us, his warmth and professionalism far outweighed it.

Contact
Petra and Beyond
+962 798 342 219
petraandbeyond@gmail.com

How He Guides

Ismail understands the rhythm of Petra and how quickly people underestimate it.

He never rushed us.
He encouraged breaks.
He broke long days into thoughtful pieces.

He strongly advised us not to combine the Treasury and the Monastery in a single day. Instead, he divided the experience into two half days, which transformed it from a test of endurance into something reflective and calm.

The Monastery hike is real. It is long, exposed, and demanding.

For some in our group, donkeys helped reduce the physical toll. Ismail only works with handlers he knows treat the animals well, and he is careful about who he trusts. He made sure the animals were respected, not overworked, and never forced the option.

Experiences Worth Repeating

Sunrise Entry

Seeing Petra before the crowds changed everything. The Siq felt intimate, the light softer, and the Treasury reveal was quietly breathtaking.

The Monastery Climb

Challenging, unforgettable, and worth doing on a separate day so it can be fully appreciated.

Two half days, not one long push

This pacing mades the site feel immersive rather than overwhelming.

4x4 desert drive through Wadi Araba (secondhand)

Part of our group experienced this en route from the Dead Sea to Petra. We missed it due to a delayed flight, but they said without hesitation they would absolutely do it again.

Where We Stayed

Mövenpick Resort Petra

Steps from the Petra entrance, this was the single best location decision we made.

We could walk in at dawn, return midday, and head back for late afternoons without a car. The breakfast was generous, the service warm, and the rooms comfortable and quiet after long days of walking.

We would stay here again without hesitation.

Waleed — The One Who Made It Happen

After a three-hour delay at the border, Waleed stayed and waited. Then he drove — fast, focused, and calm — to make sure we still caught our flight.

He is an excellent driver.
Trustworthy.
And every bit as caring as Ismail.

They are a true team.

A Night We’ll Always Remember

At our request, Ismail arranged a traditional Bedouin family dinner.

His wife prepared the entire meal.
His son and his friends created the setting.

We followed a candlelit path into a hidden cave courtyard. The light was soft. The air was cool. Cushions and low seating surrounded the fire.

There was no entertainment.
No performance.
Just warmth, food, tea, and conversation.

Stray cats lingered nearby. One gentle dog waited quietly by us. . After dinner, we shared tea under lantern light.

It was simple.
And unforgettable..