Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Where to start? There were so many. Was it entering Jerash (Gerasa) through Hadrian's gate, arriving at the forum and walking down the seriously impressive colonnaded cardo maximus? No, but this was still right up there in terms of sights and moments! As was the view across the Jordan Valley and the West Bank from Mount Nebo where, according to the Bible, Moses saw the Promised Land. Was it walking through the Siq, the narrow gorge that is the entrance to Petra, and, glimpsing the magnificent Treasury, lit up in the morning sun? Utterly beautiful and mesmerising - and almost the most inspirational! The most stirring and sublime of moments (in a trip full of such moments), however, was the desert splendour of Wadi Rum. The extraordinarily beautiful rock formations, sand dunes and canyons; the ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs carved on boulders and cliffs; the glorious sunset; running down sand dunes; camel riding; camping in the desert; the silence of the desert night and the vast star-filled sky.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Muayad Mesmar was absolutely wonderful. So kind, so knowledgeable, such fun. His knowledge of Jordanian and regional history was so impressive - akin to that of a history professor! At every point in the trip, at every bend in road, Muayad had fascinating stories and information to share.. be it on the Hejaz railway during the Arab Revolt, olive pressing at Crusader castles, the health properties of the Dead Sea....as well as on chickpea plants and Jordan's horned hyenas! In addition to being absolutely brilliant in his knowledge of Jordan's history, archeology, flora and fauna, landscapes and peoples, and sharing stories in such an engaging way, Muayad was also the most generous, kind and thoughtful of tour leaders. From buying us cardamon-infused coffees and Jordanian sweets on our first morning and falafels one lunchtime, to organising a picnic with a view over the Jordan Valley, replete with walnut-stuffed baby aubergines (never has there been, nor will there ever be, a more yummy picnic ingredient!), Muayad definitely went way above and beyond a tour leader's call of duty. And when I realised half-way down the King's Highway, that I'd idiotically left my passport, some cash and my Kindle back in my hotel-room safe in Amman, Muayad worked wonders, made some phone calls and, less than 24-hours later, they were delivered safely, at no cost, to the hotel at our next stop, Petra. So, not only is Muayad the best tour leader, he's also a magician.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, and it's simple! Do this trip!

Suggestions

Thank you for a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many but the desert is up there along with that first sight of The Treasury at Petra. Also looking over at the lights of Jerusalem and Jericho from the terrace of our Dead Sea hotel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Muayad was fantastic - went the extra mile to show us Jordan and why he loves his country so much. So many little things like giving us Turkish delight, arranging a picnic with amazing foods such as eggplants stuffed with walnuts. Took us to local stalls to buy our lunch so, instead of spending several dinars on a wrap we were paying half a dinar in places. Thank you Muayad - and I still don’t want a camel my dear!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go and immerse yourself in what this lovely country has. There is a lot to cover and you may well be shattered at the end of the day but I wouldn’t have missed a thing!

Suggestions

Trip was made better by great fellow travellers, the mix was brilliant.

Most Inspirational Moment

being in wadi rum during the day climbing sand dunes and exploring in the jeeps, but then at night after our amazing dinner cooked in the ground we sat outside around the fire and had tea watching the stars till early morning with our guide. seeing the treasury for the first time was an emotional experience and one not to forget. visiting the baptism site was very special as was Mount Nebo and the church there as a service was underway. I would say everything we did was amazing. Dinner with a local family in wadi musa was amazing and the food all home cooked was incredible and seeing how the whole family interacted with each other was beautiful

Thoughts on Group Leader

our guide Ayyad was knowledgeable about all we asked and made everything fun and was always looking out for us as we had some older ladies in our group, always there with an outstretched hand in case we should need it. he immediately was making jokes and got the sense of humour that we had and we all became a little family. it was especially special as it was Ramadan and he was fasting and we experienced normal people out breaking the fast and shopping. he gave us time to shop and take pictures and was always explaining what was in the food we were eating. defiantly made lifelong friends with everyone in our group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

defiantly book this trip even during Ramadan as you get to see many different things that you wouldn't otherwise and don't be scared to go out and explore the locations that you stay in at night

Suggestions

I felt safe and at home there and will defiantly go back!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The itinerary is very well planned, the most important sights one would want to visit are covered. There is something for everyone: extra walking option for those that want to do more exercise, free time for those that want to do more walking or shopping, option to swim and snorkel. Spending one night at the bedouin camp is also a unique and unforgettable experience. And I have not even mentioned just submerging yourself in the fantastically rich history of Jordan every day of the trip. Superb.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Muayad is a true professional, we could not have asked for a better tour leader. He is knowledgeable, kind and very welcoming. He is very proud of his country and his enthusiasm for the job and for his country is just unrivalled. His sense of humour helped gel the members of our fairly large group (20) together very quickly. He always offered us amazing lunch and dinner options and even brought a very delicious apple pie made by his Mum! He broke up the travel with coffee breaks, that was important to me. :) He went out of his way to make sure that we all had a fantastic trip and I am very grateful for that. Thank you so much, Muayad!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was colder than expected, so the down jacket I brought along with the gloves was the best decision. Also, bring a silk liner for extra warmth for the night in the bedouin tent. Book an extra day in Amman as there is just so much more to do there!

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was incredible and not just the Siq to Treasury the site is huge, the walk up 850 steps to the Monastery, the walk up to overlook the Treasury was incredible I'd recommend it. I also loved floating in the dead sea, a highlight of the trip and a nice end to the day

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moyat was great, very informative, calm and organized. He also bought us local food out of his own pocket to try which was unexpected. We had a great group and we all got on really well

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking boots. Take layers it can be cold then hot. Take a spare battery for your camera! The camp was freezing in February, I was expecting cold and had many layers but was still cold. If you feel the cold, take some of them hand warmer things, hat, gloves, tights are good, maybe a sleeping bag if your case allows! Food portions are huge everywhere!

Suggestions

It's really safe I didn't feel unsafe at any time. Book it as you will love it

Most Inspirational Moment

Every single day was inspirational, in fact every day had jaw-dropping moments. This trip is life-changing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely outstanding! Clear and informative throughout the whole trip. Muayad went out of his way to ensure we were given the best possible experience whilst in Jordan, be it preparing us lunch (made by his own mother no less!), finding ATMs/raincoats or just taking us to the those most sublime spots to have lunch. Amazing man; it was an absolute pleasure to be in his company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Jordan operates in a cash-based society and the ATMs that accept European cards are few and far between, so make sure you take plenty of cash with you.

Suggestions

The trip notes do not do this trip justice. You will experience so much more than what is described in the brochure - book this trip now, you will NOT regret it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Rather surprisingly standing on Mount Nebo in the area where Moses had stood and looking towards “the promised land” of Israel, the holy land brought an unexpected awareness of the sense of biblical heritage of the country. Of course Petra is a particular highlight. I chose this trip above others because of it allowing two full days there and actually I could easily have spent longer. The whole area was much bigger than I was expecting and the hiking opportunities were a great part of the trip for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Muayad is a fantastic group leader. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, great people skills, warm, kind and welcoming. A hugely important key to the successful gelling of the group and everyone responded well to him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider flying out at least one day earlier to have time to wander around Amman by yourself. Although make sure you agree the taxi fare into town first. I paid five Dinar which I thought was acceptable but somebody else paid 20!

Suggestions

Its a great trip. This was my first trip to the Middle East and it felt safe. (We were accompanied discreetly by a tourist police guide). Can recommend it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The obvious choice would be walking along the siq and the first glimpse of The Treasury, for me though it was walking up to the Monastery and the incredibly facade that greeted you as you turn the final corner. Add to that the most incredible view over Petra and the surrounding mountains. A very special place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ibrahim was well organised and managed well to keep us all on track with timings. Hard going as we were quite a large group that like to dawdle. I found sometimes it was information overload but that’s just my opinion. His daily jokes had us all laughing! I do feel though he was so restricted by the Exodus itinerary and their exact timings would be good if there was a bit of flexibility built into the leaders timetable

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. The desert night was chilly but ask for extra blankets they will happily provide them. Don’t worry too much about dress code they are not as strict in Jordan as some countries

Suggestions

As always these trips are so dependent on the group and I was so lucky again to meet a fabulous group of people who truly made the trip the amazing experience it was. I really loved Jordan. A float in the Dead Sea is something you cannot miss….

Most Inspirational Moment

that first glimpse of the Treasury at Petra was then surpassed by the Monastery - after 800 steps up!

Thoughts on Group Leader

100% great guy !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all weathers - 4 seasons in a day. Desert nights are cold !

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra high sacrifice walk. Jerash? So unexpected.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ibrahim is a real credit to exodus. His passion for his country and history is authentic. He loves his job. Something to be envious of. He is really knowledgeable about all the sites we saw. He knew how to bring the best out in the group. One of the best guides I’ve had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Plan for four seasons in winter. I thought I was ridiculous taking a padded jacket to Jordan. Nope. I needed it for three days . Feb tour 2020. Lightweight walking shoes are a must.