Petra trip... advice from those who know

Sorry this is yet another "what to take on my travels" thread but it's an easy one!

We're going on holiday to Egypt in a couple of weeks and we're planning a day trip to Petra while we're there.

This will be an organised sight seeing trip rather than specifically for photography and it's going to be very hot so I want to travel as light as possible.

I'll be taking my 30D with the 17-85 IS lens (only one I own!) question is, is there anywhere in Petra where I'm likely to need an external flash or can I leave that behind? Without the flash I should be able to get the camera & small accessories in my medium crumpler rather than the XL

I can't say about Petra, but I do know that you are not even allowed to take pictures inside tombs or museums in Egypt. I have seen images of people who got away with it, but then there was the German guy in front of me in a tomb in the Valley of the Kings who snapped a shot and the guard confiscated his CF card. Not worth the effort. Not worth it in my opinion. An 10-22 might be worth carrying though. Have fun!

You are allowed to take pictures in Petra and there are no fees to pay. For some of the "chambers" I would take an external flash with me. Even if it is only a day trip you will have (enough) time for taking your pictures (your tour guide will not leave without you). One other thing, don´t waste your money on a donkey trip at the entrance of the site, it is only a couple of minutes walking till you will reach the "real" entrance. You will find a few pictures from Petra here : http://www.soenke-nebendahl.de/urlaub200​4.html
Have a nice holiday.

Thanks for the replies and tips... Great pictures, I can't wait to see it for myself!

Awesome! I was at Petra back in 1998, armed with only my (forgot the brand) 35mm P&S. Anyway you could rent an ultra-wide-angle? I would LOVE to go back there with my equipment. It is very beautiful. We also visited Amman, Madaba (contains a mosaic of the oldest known map of the holy land), and Mount Nebo.

Enjoy!