Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was amazing, especially at the Monastery and high places. Walking back through the quite candle-lit Siq after the Petra by Night experience was also beautiful. Jerash was impressive and interesting, a much larger and more complete site than I had expected. Riding camels in the Wadi Rum was fun, especially trying to ride 'side-saddle' like the Bedouin!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fine, knowledgable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be hot and dusty and climb a lot of steps!  It helps to be physically fit to get the best experience of Petra and climb to all the high places (e.g Monastery, High Place of Sacrifice, above the Royal Tombs to overlook the Treasury) - it is hard work to do it all in two days, especially in the heat, but well worth the effort!

Most Inspirational Moment

Stunning Petra! The size of this city far exceeded my expectations. Seeing the stars at night at Wadi Rum! And lastly but not least, I can float!!! As a non-swimmer I thought I couldn't but in the Dead Sea everyone can!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very knowledgeable. He was courteous and attentive and helpful. He was always willing to answer any question and was a source of insight into the life of the Jordanians, their politics, and social customs and lifestyle.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Others have advised on taking wet wipes and toilet roll. I would however urge all travellers to take toilet roll with them into the lavatories as they seldom have any, and you do not want to find this out too late! I would advise caution at the Wadi Rum camp, as I had an upset stomach after eating there. Don't expect anyone to speak fluent English. If you can, it is best to avoid alcohol I feel as it is clearly disapproved of in Jordan.

Suggestions

This was my first introduction into the Middle East. It was really quite unlike anything I had experienced before, particularly the desert which made a deep impression upon me. Petra is a must see this is a real gem. Inevitably, tourists are subjected to hawkers at every point, even in the high places you will find Bedouin selling things to the tourist. This is however understandable and one has to learn to accept it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the high places of Petra - seeing the size of the site.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dougan was very knowledgeable and patient.  He was a pleasure to be with and his dance moves needed to be seen!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take US Dollars and change into Jordanian Dinars once you are there (this was Exodus' advice to us and worked very well).

Most Inspirational Moment

The 2 day visit to Petra provided many inspirational moments,Standing in front of the Treasury, climbing to the top and reaching the Monastery, exploring the High Place for the spectacular views and absorbing the history from the tombs, temples and architecture. I also experienced Petra by night, with the site lit by candles. Closely followed by Wadi Rum, sleeping under that stars and experiencing the T. E Lawrence desert. I joined the one hour camel ride and enjoyed the 4 X 4 vehicle trip across the sands.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A major plus with travelling with Exodus is the use made of a local guide, which helped to make this holiday a memorable trip. Dougan was an experienced, well travelled and knowledgeable group leader, who directed us to the best sites and viewing points, ensuring that everyone was satisfied with their visit. He was informative about the sites, briefing us on the coach about Jordan's history and passing scenery. Dougan was excellent in making sure that we all participated and enjoyed our holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be inspired and delighted by Jordan and its people. Jordanians are very friendly, speak English and greet you by saying welcome.  Take Jordanian currency in low denominations as this saves time looking for currency exchange in the desert at Wadi Rum!  Wear comfortble footware. Consider firm boots for Petra as there are many steps to climb. Take a bath plug as I could not find one in the hotel rooms (assumably to save water). Make use of the Leisure facilities at the Al Fanar Palace hotel (Swimming pool, gym, jacuzzi, sauna)

Suggestions

I've had a wonderful week, sharing experiences with fellow travellers and although tiring by the end of our stay it was a brilliant holiday. I would love to make a return trip. It's a holiday that I will be reflecting about for some time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra & Jerash were even better (and larger) than I had expected.Staying at the  camp at Wadi Rum  was great. The meal the Bedouin cooked was my favourite of the week and seeing dusk and dawn in the desert was an experience I will always remember.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. His English, knowledge and sense of humour greatly enhanced the whole experience

Advice for Potential Travellers

You don't need to bring a towel at all...not even for the Dead Sea and snorkelling

Suggestions

Loved it!

Most Inspirational Moment

There was so much to see in Petra besides the Treasury. The Siq was truly awe-inspiring and the Monastery was monumental. The walk up to the High Place of Sacrifice was well worth the effort, as the views over Petra were terrific and there were hidden places on the other side of the mountain. I could have happily spent a month exploring Petra!Wadi Rum again was awe-inspiring and the distances so vast. I especially enjoyed the quiet and peace of Wadi Rum, when I got up at 4 o'clock in the morning and walked a little way in the desert with the full moon lighting up the whole scene like daylight. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Dougan, was very knowledgeable and explained things well. He had a sense of humour and he was very kind and took care of us well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The climbs to the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice are fine if you are reasonably fit, but the worn steps coming down can be a bit slippy with the sand, so just take care. I'm a bit of a coward and nervous of heights, but our group leader, Dougan, was kind and helped me down all the way. I am very grateful to him as I would have been disappointed to miss either of these places. 

Suggestions

I enjoyed the camel ride in Wadi Rum. It was fun, but it also made you aware of the peaceful surrounding silence. We also saw quite a bit of wildlife - skinks, chameleon, hawks, hoopoes, grackles, common bulbul and a rosy finch!The food was very good too, especially the food in the Bedouin camp and the tasty takeaways! Last but not least, our group was great too, with friendly, like-minded people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra is definitely the highlight and this trip gets it right allowing you to spend 2 full days there. You have to go and experience the place as no written words can capture the beauty and history of the place. Camping and camel riding in Wadi Rum were also v special

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader (Khaled ?) was the one who made the trip very special with his combination of knowledge and enthusiasm for his country. He was very patient with what was a large group and everything went smoothly in a packed week thanks to him. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go in March be prepared for colder weather as most of us did not take enough warm clothes

Suggestions

I had a great time with a really good group of people from all over the world, thank you.Although I would have liked to have spent more time in the desert I appreciate it's difficult to spend the right amount of time in each part over a week ! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was as amazing as everyone says. We loved seeing all the stalls and the camels and donkeys, giving a flavour of what it must have been like when Petra was a trading place. Reading a newspaper in the Dead Sea. Wadi Rum, including the camel ride on the first afternoon. Snorkling at Aqaba just a short distance from the shore, seeing the public beach and then seeing a man ride his camel down the pavement. The church at Madaba.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It may be that our group leader was not properly briefed. He didn't seem to know what was expected of him and didn't know that according to the trip notes we should have had a lesson is bread making and a morning camel ride. (Fortunately we had the opportunity the afternoon before). He did know a lot about the country though and gave some good insights.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Talk to your guide abouth the Jordanian view of society and acceptable behaviour (particulary of women). We found it added very much to our holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to Wadi Rum was very good, mostly because I had the chance to ride a camel for the first time - and a very pleasant experience it was too! The facilities at the site were OK, but would have preferred either very rudimentary or luxury, the Wadi Rum site is somewhere in between and doesn't quite hit the mark.Petra was definitely my favourite site. It was great that we had two full days as you definitely need this to have any chance of exploring the massive and well preserved site.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled was very good, he mostly directed us to where we needed to be and then let us get on with the exploring. He was always approachable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wadi Rum - definitely bring your own sleeping bag. There are beds and bedding materials, but you'll sleep better with your own stuff. And don't forget your ear plugs if you are a light sleeper. Alcohol - unsurprisingly not that common in Jordan, so if you really need a tipple with dinner bear this in mind as most restaurants don't serve it.

Suggestions

A really great insight into the country, and though the tour is only 9 days you really do get to see the main sites. The Dead Sea was fun.. you are REALLY buoyant! Petra is AMAZING.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight of the trip was Petra. There are no words that can explain it. The two climbs to Ed Deir ( Monastary) and Attuf Ridge ( The High Place of Sacrifice) was an amazing experience.Second was sleeping under the stars with the Beduins in the Barrh camp in Siq Umm Tawaqi in Wadi Rum, after a camel ride earlier in the day, Lawrance of Arabia style!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Saddam al King was a first class guide and made sure to include a couple of side trips that werent on the itinerary and really added to the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try the Turkish baths. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and drink lots of water! Make an effort to get on as a group as it can make all the difference to how much you enjoy your holiday.

Suggestions

I will be travelling again with Exodus!