Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

2 days in Petra were fantastic, I thoroughly enjoyed the hill walks as the views are incredible. There is much more to it than the Treasury. Snorkelling in the Red Sea was brilliant, this was the first time I have done it and it was beautiful. This is part of the boat trip in Aqaba. Wadi Rum is great, watching the moon, stars, sunset and sunrise is fabulous. A falafel sandwich lunch looking out over the canyon was simply gorgeous. Floating in the Dead Sea and covering myself in Dead Sea mud.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sami was a friendly guy who is passionate about his country and had a lot of knowledge that he wanted to share with the group. I wouldn't do this trip without being part of a tour as it is so rich in history, reading a book isn't enough. There were a couple of birthdays in the group during our trip and Sami made sure that it was a special day, a very nice touch. He was always happy to answer any questions and provided humour each day, Sami made the week a great one.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wet wipes come in very handy for keeping hands & face fresh plus good for cleaning my sandy sandals at the end of the day. Take lots of tissues, as the toilets aren't great. Flip flops for the visit to the Dead Sea, also wore them at the turkish bath and on the boat trip in Aqaba. I felt comfortable wearing trousers that covered my knees and wearing t-shirts with capped sleeves. I only wore a vest top once but this was with a scarf wrapped around my shoulders. I wore sandals the whole trip apart from day 2 in Petra and the day in Wadi Rum when I wore my Converse and they were absolutely fine but everyone else was in walking shoes/boots. Water can be bought everywhere you go but you are given a free small bottle each day by your tour leader. When I went to the Dead Sea I took the bath towel from the Amman hotel with me as we were going back there for a second night. I also took a bikini and swimsuit with me as I didn't know what I would be comfortable wearing, I wore the bikini as others in the group were doing so. This also applied when I went on the boat in Aqaba. Lunches cost about 10 JD, this covers food and a fruit juice. Dinners cost about 12 JD, this covers the food. Juices are 3 JD, a large bottle of water is 2 JD and wine was about 25 JD per bottle. I always tried to have a few 1 JD notes with me for tips for restaurants staff as well as toilet attendants that always expect it. I don't like wearing a sun hat so a scarf did the trick for me when I needed it, also came in handy when in the open top cars taking you to your Wadi Rum camp. I didn't take a sleeping bag or liner for the desert, I slept in my clothes and used my scarf to cover the pillow provided and this worked fine.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational trip was likely seeing Tai Chi and dancing in the parks on a constant basis......as for the sightseeing- probably Leshan with the Giant Buddha and the park surrounding it- despite the crowds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kris Cheung was absolutely fabulous as a trip leader- kept her cool, and kept us moving forward......made us feel comfortable, and had a ton of information for us. I really enjoyed travelling with her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the busy periods knowing it will be off-set by the slow periods......throw yourself into the trip, and enjoy the food......I am afraid that is one thing I really miss! Try it all- be adventurous......you only live once!

Most Inspirational Moment

Many but spending time with the school kids sponsored by Exodus and seeing so many tigers in their natural enviroment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bali was fantastic and could'nt do enough for you. He definately made the trip memorable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't ignore the warnings in the trip notes about the cold..................6am in an open top jeep was freezing through to the bones.....pack wisely!

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on top of a ledge looking down on the Treasury in Petra. Petra by night was also a great experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were lucky to have Ali who was excellent. He spoke great English and was very knowledgeable and rightly proud when it came to teaching us about his country. He was an expert at cat herding and got us where we needed to be efficiently. He was well organised and gave us just the right amount of information. We had a mishap owing to torrential rain flooding our desert camp so he was able to sort an alternative camp at short notice which was much appreciated. We were lucky to have Ramzi the tourist policeman with us too. It was a little disconcerting at first realising we had an armed guard but he was a lovely guy who quickly became part of the group despite speaking little English.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are mosquitoes especially in Wadi Rum and they ate me alive. If you are equally as tasty bring nuclear strength repellant and consider a citronella coil for beside your bed. Returning to work with a face like a plague victim has been interesting! The boat trip at Aqaba was great - snorkelling and lounging in the sun and a nice lunch. Bring proper walking boots for the Petra hiking. If you want to buy Dead Sea products do it at the airport as they are much cheaper. The Living Room bar in Amman was good with nice cocktails. Watch out for bar prices which often don't include tax. 12 quid beer can be a bit of a shock! Check your travel insurance small print re camel riding- not everyone was covered. Buy water in the mini-marts it is much cheaper. 0.35dinar vs 1-2 dinars! If you have a tourist policeman with you make sure to be nice to him and his hard exterior will crack into a singing, photo-taking, small person lifting, smiling fun guy. Also be sure to coo and wave at him in front of his tough cop pals. This will go down well! The shop next to Karak castle sells Petra cornettos.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wadi Rum and Petra were both magnificent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sammi our group leader was excellent. He really took care of the group and had a lot of knowledge about Jordan in general. The chefs and the other supporting guides were also really nice.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sun cream is a must. Drink plenty.

Most Inspirational Moment

After having the misfortune of being possibly the only group ever to have our camp in the desert flooded by torrential rain on the day we were travelling there (apparently rain in area is very rare!). Our guide moved heaven and earth to find us another camp so that we didn't miss the unique experience of spending the night in a Bedouin camp. I am so grateful he did, as it proved to be one of the highlights of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ali is the best. I cannot say more than that.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Buy water in shops, much cheaper

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the summits and doing a little bit of scrambling which I had never experienced before. The amazing views The beautiful forest walks Having your lunch "on top of the world" from your summit stops looking out and down for miles

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is most definitely the best Exodus guide I have had - and I have done 17 trips with them! She is caring, encouraging, patient, knowledgeable and really inspires confidence. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she constantly suggested and provided extra things for us way above the call of duty. In addition she has a great sense of humour and fun to be around but maybe more importantly you feel 100% safe in her hands

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are considering this trip do it, it's great. Do take walking poles- they really are useful. If you are wondering what to do on the free day the popular option of Lucca is a great easy day off -it's a lovely little city and easy to get to and from

Most Inspirational Moment

Tortuguera national park on the carribean coast.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of birds animals and plants, which made all the differnce if your knowledge was very limited, like mine. Great organisational skills, and superb interpersonal skills made the trip very enjoyable for everyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing hummingbirds on our trek at Vinales; The first Mojito with a gorgeous view; The Red Road and loadsa crabs (shame about the squashed ones); The chameleon in the coffee shop; The salsa class; Casa de la Trova in Trinidad; The Buena Vista Social Club in Havana.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Felix was great. He made sure we all had a great time, adapted the itinerary to suit us and kept us on track when we had to be. He was very patient too. He has great knowledge and passion for his country and it shone through.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book a few extra days in Havana. You do not get long enough there to enjoy this fabulous city. Don't bother with soap and pens etc for the locals. Just be ready to tip everyone!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Theatre of Epidaurus was the most interesting destination and you appreciate the calm and the shade much more having cycled to it from the coast.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christiana put her heart and soul into the trip and ensured the group enjoyed the cycling, the history and the evening meals. The best moment was Christiana handing out large chunks of Halva at the top of the climb to Mycenae - truly food of the gods! Kristos and Giannis tirelessly provided all the unseen support that go to making the trip go without a hitch.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to bear in mind that Greece is a hilly country and be ready to cycle up hills. Bring a camera - there are so many picture opportunities from the profusion of wild flowers, the archaeology and the fantastic scenery.