Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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143 Reviews
4.5 out of
5
Reviews
Tracy Meakin
Reviewed April 2024
Fantastic trip - highly recommended
This was the most amazing trip. Well organised from the moment we landed in Amman. The wonderful sites we saw were enhanced by the fantastic cycle routes we took. The cycling was as described – so in the main downhill through beautiful rural countryside. The roads very very good and the support team exceptional. There were a couple of really steep climbs in parts which i struggled with especially in the heat so I took the support option and out my bike on the back of the truck and rejoined the tour at the top. The sights we saw en route would!not have been possible if we had been on a bus. The hotel s were good quality. We would thoroughly recommend the trip
Most Inspirational Moment
Petra was a very emotional experience - it has been on our bucket list for so long. The night in the desert was amazing and Jerash was fantastic . In reality every day was different and wonderful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sami was our tour leader and Yousef and Lloyd our cycle leaders, Sami was very good and knowledgeable. Lloyd has to get a special mention - he was funny and knowledgeable and his English was very good so we had long conversations with him. He was very encouraging on the hills and we felt very safe cycling with him
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book it you won’t regret it. Be aware that the recommended tip kitty amount is based on a full trip if (as we were) you are a smaller group you will pay more. We ended up being a group of 2 so paid significantly more to enable meaningful tips. Go a day early and have a look round Amman - some interesting sights.
Suggestions
Tourist numbers are low currently due to the Israel situation this was compounded by Amman closing the airport for 12 hours which unfortunately meant that all other travellers were turned back or redirected whilst in the air. Whilst people on other trips came a day later for some reason no-one on our trip did. This meant there was just the two of us. This did not impact on the tour quality however we did miss the group dynamics .
Tracy Meakin
Reviewed April 2024
Fantastic trip - highly recommended
This was the most amazing trip. Well organised from the moment we landed in Amman. The wonderful sites we saw were enhanced by the fantastic cycle routes we took. The cycling was as described – so in the main downhill through beautiful rural countryside. The roads very very good and the support team exceptional. There were a couple of really steep climbs in parts which i struggled with especially in the heat so I took the support option and out my bike on the back of the truck and rejoined the tour at the top. The sights we saw en route would!not have been possible if we had been on a bus. The hotel s were good quality. We would thoroughly recommend the trip
Most Inspirational Moment
Petra was a very emotional experience - it has been on our bucket list for so long. The night in the desert was amazing and Jerash was fantastic . In reality every day was different and wonderful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sami was our tour leader and Yousef and Lloyd our cycle leaders, Sami was very good and knowledgeable. Lloyd has to get a special mention - he was funny and knowledgeable and his English was very good so we had long conversations with him. He was very encouraging on the hills and we felt very safe cycling with him
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book it you won’t regret it. Be aware that the recommended tip kitty amount is based on a full trip if (as we were) you are a smaller group you will pay more. We ended up being a group of 2 so paid significantly more to enable meaningful tips. Go a day early and have a look round Amman - some interesting sights.
Suggestions
Tourist numbers are low currently due to the Israel situation this was compounded by Amman closing the airport for 12 hours which unfortunately meant that all other travellers were turned back or redirected whilst in the air. Whilst people on other trips came a day later for some reason no-one on our trip did. This meant there was just the two of us. This did not impact on the tour quality however we did miss the group dynamics .
tim courtney
Reviewed March 2024
A ride through Jordans countryside and history
This trip includes 5 days of moderate cycling, much of it downhill, with a few ups to test the keen cyclists and walking tours of some of Jordans best historic sights.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking through Petra and surrounding hills on a warm spring day, followed by a day of cycling on a very quiet road descending from Petra to Aqaba on the Red Sea coast.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both ourgroup leader and cycle guide who worked very well together, focused on ensuring we had a safe and enjoyable trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes carefully and make sure you are cycle fit for your trip.
Suggestions
Obviously, just at the moment tourist numbers are way down in Jordan meaning it is very pleasant to visit the uncrowded historic sites. At no point during our tour did we feel unsafe or threatened by events going on in the wider region
Alan Gray
Reviewed January 2024
Outstanding holiday
This trip was outstanding throughout – very well organised prior to leaving and kept fully updated, and with continuous excellent organisation and service throughout the trip from Mikhled, our local contact and guide for the trip. All days were very well scheduled and were very well planned in advance, with our guide continually liaising with the cycle team, support bus, police in attendance, and with all snacks and lunches available on schedule. Mikhled, our guide, was also extremely knowledgeable on all sites visited and had obviously studied them in considerable detail. He was also very well trained in presentation techniques, ensuring we were given all necessary information while avoiding overloading us, but still being able to respond to any queries. We had a great introduction to local culture, with Mikhled advising on and accompanying us on evening meal trips, and also introducing us to and liaising with a variety of local people who were very happy to share their life and experiences with us.
Most Inspirational Moment
Very hard to pick select, as all sites visited gave us a detailed and informed insight on a wide variety of experiences. Petra was an obvious highlight, and was far more extensive than I had expected. Wadi Rum was beautiful and peaceful - and additionally for us as, after our daughter's partner asked Mikhled for advice, they became engaged in the Bedouin camp, in the desert, under a full moon.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mikhled is the best group leader I have met! He is extremely knowledgeable about all the sites visited, and continued providing advice during the bus journeys on the areas passed through. He is very proud of his heritage (Jordanian Bedouin) and was very happy to share detailed knowledge of his lifestyle as requested. He also appeared to have a wide range of local contacts throughout the trip who he encouraged us to befriend and interact with, while liaising as required. I am also very impressed with his dedication to his group - although being with us throughout, I became aware that he was also in constant liaison with Exodus, and with all support personnel (cycle team, drivers, police, accommodation and meals providers). He also fully managed on our behalf the ongoing daily expenses including appropriate tips - all done transparently and very efficiently, removing and doubt or embarrassment from us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Trust your Exodus group leader. Also trust Exodus prior to your trip - they have excellent local people on the ground who will safely advise on and manage the trip. It was very disheartening to see the effects on the local people of extensive tour cancellations, apparently due to concerns of the Israel/Gaza situation, which was very distant and had minimal effect on us (just a relatively mild heightened security)
Suggestions
Cycling days on this trip did include some extensive downhill riding which had the potential to be relatively fast and required confidence. We were at the rear of the group, however the cycle leader fully accommodated slower riders, including a number of 'catch-up' breaks to allow regrouping. He was also very capable and (impressively) was fully able to cycle between both ends of the group! For slower riders - there is no cause for concern - the cycle leader has to lead (with in our trip an advance marked police car presence), and at the rear was the cycle mechanic's van and the tour bus. On one day the group extended a bit and the tour bus took up a mid station which gave safe control along the length of the group. There was also a willingness to allow tired (or unwell) people to take the bus, and rejoin the cycling group whenever required.
Lynne Bateman
Reviewed November 2023
AMAZING!
First of all, this is an AMAZING trip. It is perfectly designed to have the right amount of activity, sights, experiences and cycling. There’s downtime, there’s bike rides, there’s not too long in the coach, there’s swimming and hammam and sights and I really appreciated three nights in the same hotel in Petra. I had never been on a cycling holiday before and so I have a few things to say about that! I cycle around my home town a lot and go to the gym so I kinda thought I would be fine. And I was fine, BUT what I wasn’t prepared for were the steep downhills! So that is what I would like to warn people about. If you are not a confident cyclist and if you are scared going fast downhill, then be warned, there is a LOT of that! Here is my breakdown of the cycling. Everything else was pretty much PERFECT! Obviously, we pretty much all got sick! And our cycle guide was pretty useless, but apart from that…! DAY TWO [first day of cycling]. Got our bikes, our cycle guide Iz, zoomed off downhill along a major road, without any introduction. I found this a really challenging first day. There was no gentle introduction to the roads, off we went! There was a mix of downhill and flat, but the pace was crazily fast. Things settled down on day three, but I thought the guide was really rubbish on this first day and there was no pacing at all. He was monosyllabic anyway, but I was at the back the whole time and he really didn’t care to check in! Our guide eventually had a go at him and he did token checks on us, but not impressed! DAY THREE gentle ride to Nebo and then we had to go down the windy highway for ages. I was dreading it, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought and actually better than yesterday! The pace was much better. The last part of day was a flat, hot slog along a motorway [!] to the Dead Sea. DAY FIVE Pleasantly undulating! My favourite day of cycling. Little Petra was fab too! DAY SIX I was of course sick by this point. The big bad long day! There are maybe two super steep sections and maybe two long ascents, but it was definitely a great day’s ride. Iz didn’t want to tell us about the ride, for some reason, but he eventually described it as section one downhill, section two undulating, section three flat, and that’s broadly true. DAY SEVEN needed a bag for swimming, a bag for wadi rum camp ,and a bag for the bus. So that was a mental challenge!! Today’s ride was another flat, hot slog, but great. I’m starting to think I actually prefer undulating! At one point the guide, Iz, told me to get a move on! Wadi Rum completely exceeded expectations. Loved the camels. Loved the stargazing. Loved everything – food, culture, the sights, the hotels, it was all great. I give this trip 10/10 for experience. Consider if the cycling is the right level for you, it WAS the right level for me, but I was always at the back because of the scary downhills, but i’m SO GLAD I did it! Also, our group was just gorgeous.
Most Inspirational Moment
Stars at Wadi Rum, floating in Dead Sea, the first glimpse of Petra, Little Petra which I adored, the camels and the dogs and the kittens... hang on - did you only want one?!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was adequate. We know he did a lot of sorting out behind the scenes, but he was also pretty tired.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring bags for various packing that's needed! I expected Wadi Rum to be freezing at night [nov] and it wasn't so I'd overpacked. Spent about £275 in extras, including hammam and camel ride and £75 to leader for tips and snacks.
Suggestions
I just think this is a perfectly designed trip, the balance is perfect and the sights are MORE THAN AMAZING
Judy Smith
Reviewed June 2023
Jordan Exceeded Expectations
An incredible trip, would highly recommend. So many highlights it’s difficult to list them all!
Most Inspirational Moment
Petra and Wadi Rum exceeded high expectations, with the right amount of time spent in both places. Jerash was an unexpected hidden treasure. The day in the desert of watching the sunset, having a traditional ground cooked meal and sitting by the campfire under the stars was unforgettable. Our group was great fun and this really enhanced the experience. Spending an evening in the home of a local family in Petra was a unique experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We learnt so much from Mikhled about the culture, history, education and politics of Jordan. We left with a far better understanding of the country. We travelled during the end of Ramadan, and really appreciated Mikhled having to spend Eid with us when I'm sure he would have rather been with his family. He dealt with a medical emergency very efficiently and also went the extra mile to make my birthday special.
Advice for Potential Travellers
In terms of clothing, normal cycling gear was perfectly acceptable (including female cycling shorts and tshirts) just have a wrap and some trousers ready on the bus for when you visit any towns. Using wraps as head coverings wasn't essential from a religious perspective, but was a very good way of protecting from the sun and heat. I wouldn't bother with the Hamman in Petra, it was okay but nothing special.
Suggestions
We didn't get the chance to see Amman as our flight arrived after midnight and there was no time during the evening of our last day to visit the old town. We'd suggest adding a day to your trip either at the beginning or the end to be able to see Amman
Mike Corcoran
Reviewed June 2023
Cycling in Jordan
Excellent and well organised trip. Bikes in good condition and relatively new. Daily cycling a little less than several of us expected but the level (3 – moderate) is appropriate. Suitable for a keen weekend cyclist, not necessarily someone looking to do lots of miles per day. That said, some downhill sections were long and difficult. Traffic not a problem. Throughout, food and accommodation were good – although the desert camp bedding did require a sleeping bag liner. Overall, sights and sounds of Jerash, Petra and Dead Sea made this a memorable trip well organised by Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
Both Jerash and Petra were outstanding visits. It's a pity the one week schedule doesn't allow more time there - if anything, I'd drop the Aqaba element in favour of more Petra or Wadi Rum time.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sammi was an excellent leader, obviously an expert in herding cats. Similarly 'Us' and the cycle team were great.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get in more cycle practice than you think you'll need. Distance isn't the problem (about 40km per day average) but the heat in mid-May was (34 degrees average).
Suggestions
Flight arrival time after midnight with an early morning start was too tiring for most. An earlier flight or arrival a day in advance is recommended. There are lots of early morning starts and late meals on the trip so many of the group were constantly tired - in addition to the cycling.
Louise Weller
Reviewed May 2023
Astounding Jordan
An excellent holiday, taking in religious history, amazing scenery, ancient civilisation and making fab friends.
Most Inspirational Moment
All of it was inspiring. Petra was a highlight but I was just as excited by the religious history and loved the snorkelling at Aqaba.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sami organised us all well and was informative on culture and history. However we did tend to get ‘dumped’ at our hotels and told dinner was at 8 but not given any info on what we could do in the meantime, which was sometimes half a day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are a woman take long sleeved tops. I had not been to an Middle Eastern country before and the absence of women out of the main tourist areas really hit me.
Suggestions
This was such a fantastic trip, so much history and culture to absorb. The cycling was a bit different as a lot was downhill. As much as I enjoyed the trip if you were going for the cycling this wouldn’t be the holiday for you as it’s an extra not a main part. The cycling also felt quite rushed and I felt that as our group leader wasn’t a cyclist this affected this part of the holiday slightly negatively.
Susan Murray
Reviewed April 2023
Amazing thanks to Mikhled!
There were so many aspects of this trip that made it so incredible: a great group of fellow cyclists, a well planned route which ensured we saw the key sights of Jordan but mostly it was our guide Mikhled. Mikhled managed to perfectly blend being a highly professional and effective leader with being friendly and fun to be with. When things didn’t quite work out for us (not his nor Exodus’ fault) he always worked hard to find a solution. For example, on the day we visited all 1500 visitors had to be evacuated from Petra mid-afternoon due to torrential rain and flash-floods. Because of this we didn’t get to climb up the 900 steps to the monastery. The next day, when we had a few hours spare in the afternoon he arranged for those who didn’t want to return to Petra to go back to the hotel while organising a bus for the rest of us to go back to Petra to experience the incredible monastery sight! I would recommend the Petra & Wadi Rum Bike trip to anyone; it is something you will love and an experience to cherish for always. However, if you are lucky enough to have Mikhled as your guide leader you can be assured that everything will be done to optimise every second of the trip. Thank you Mikhled! My only negative comment is that Exodus is possibly growing too fast – the communication with the office team was poor. Emails getting no response until chased several times, welcoming us home while we were mid-way through the trip etc etc.
Most Inspirational Moment
Petra and the monastery were, of course, incredible sights. The camping in the Bedouin tents in Wadi Rum wasn't a luxury experience but was a wonderful night not to be missed. We had dinner around a camp-fire with food coming from dishes buried under the sand and cooked by the day's sun. Things like these were additional bonus aspects of the trip. Floating in the dead sea was something I'd always wanted to do but it was also moments such as cycling through a little town as the mosque's call for prayer chimed that made it so special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I can't praise Mikhled enough. He made our trip so special and looked after everyone. He was efficient, highly effective and professional but also a fun member of the group. He did everything within his powers to go out of his way to make every moment the best he could. There was never a "I can't do that" - he always went out of his way to find a solution. If you can have Mikhled as your leader - get the trip booked today!! You won't regret it!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Two suggestions: 1) We arrived a day early so we had time to visit the Citadel and Roman temple. Sadly those who arrived on the scheduled date never got to see these sights. One solution would be to have the 4x4 ride around Wadi Rum on the evening we arrived so that we could have quick camel ride in the morning before returning to Amman early. This would give those who hadn't seen the Citadel and Roman theatre a chance to see these sights. 2) Please change the hotel in Amman. The Days Inn is pretty tired with cracked tiles and mould around the bathroom area. It may be in the centre of the new town but tourists are only interested in the old town. Please find a nice hotel near the Citadel and Roman Theatre. Everyone in our group said they'd prefer to pay another £50++ per night to stay in a nicer and better located hotel.
Suggestions
My view of Exodus continues to be very positive and I'm happy to recommend you to others however the administration team at Exodus is poor. Slow to respond - too many errors. Be careful you're not growing faster than your office team!
Katy Smith
Reviewed March 2023
A perfect blend of culture and adventure!
We have just returned from this trip and it was truly one of the best! A wonderful blend of cycling, swimming, walking and culture. Mikhled our guide was amazing and nothing was too much trouble. He is so knowledgeable on his country and culture. The cycling team were great and led us on some fabulous rides. Lots of fantastic downhill but also a fair few hills too! The views were incredible and we were well looked after. Petra is spell binding. The only day of rain was the day we went to Petra and by midday we had to be evacuated due to flash floods! However we still managed to see plenty! Some of us revisited the next afternoon when the weather was better and climbed up to the Monastery for spectacular views. Camping in the Wadi Rum was just amazing and a great way to end a magnificent trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to choose just one!! We revisited Petra on our free afternoon having cut our visit short the day before. We climbed the 900 steps up to the Monastery and were not disappointed. The view from the highest point was out of this world. The snorkelling in the Red Sea was also a high point. The sea was crystal clear and the coral and fish just superb. And finally camping in the Wadi Rum was just fantastic. Nothing can prepare you for the vastness of this beautiful desert. We arrived at sunset and after dinner we lay down on the sand and gazed up at the stars. In the morning we watched the sunrise! It was just awesome. We finished up with a camel ride! Definitely something to tick off the bucket list!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mikhled was just great! Nothing was too much trouble and he worked tirelessly all week to ensure we had a great experience. Our accommodation at Petra was double booked and whilst we were enjoying ourselves he was beavering away arranging alternative accommodation which we thought turned out an upgrade - a superior glamping camp in the middle of nowhere! It was delightful! He is also so knowledgeable about his country and culture. He very sensitively explained Arabic, Christian and Moslem sensitivities in the area.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a great trip if you fancy combining adventure and culture.
Suggestions
Bring plenty of clothing for all weathers! We were unlucky to have heavy rain one day and it was chilly and overcast the next . All the rest of the trip was hot and sunny so we need hats and suncream too. It also gets pretty cold in the desert after sunset.
