Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many striking moments. Walking in the Siq and arriving at the treasury was as spectacular as I had hoped. Other significant memories are spending the evening with the Bedouin, seeing the mosaic map at Madaba, swimming in the dead sea and standing on a high rock looking over the desert watching the sun set.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Ibrahim, was excellent. He was very knowledgeable on both ancient and modern Jordan and made stops very interesting. He did everything to make the whole trip smooth, hassle free and fun. The weather during our trip to Petra was very variable, but forethought on the part of our guide meant we all agreed to change the itinerary so that we did not miss any of the sights and climbs. We had excellent meals all the way with a good mixture of local restaurants and local food in hotels. Our driver, Abdul-Assize, was an asset to the trip with his safe driving in difficult situations.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In March/April be prepared for a great variety of weather and temperature. Take a raincoat and sun cream!

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra and camping in the Bedouin camp were particular highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nidal was very good and always ready to answer questions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of layers of clothing - the weather was very mixed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra and camping in the Bedouin camp were particular highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nidal was very good and always ready to answer questions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of layers of clothing - the weather was very mixed.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the time spent in the desert, learning about the Bedouin way of life, and will never forget the camel ride to watch the sun rise - really worth getting up early for. That first glimpse of the Treasury at Petra as I emerged from the canyon is also one of those moments that will stay with me for ever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ibrahim, our leader was just perfect. He had a huge knowledge and an understandable pride in his country - we all learnt so much from him. Nothing was too much trouble and he always went out of his way to make sure that everything was as perfect as it could be for all of us. He had a fantastic sense of humour and helped to make the trip an unforgettable one.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you take some warm clothing as it can get cold at night, particularly in the desert. Jordanians are really welcoming and friendly and I felt completely safe travelling throughout the country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wadi Rum, Petra, Little Petra, Jerash

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jihad was excellent. He was the major reason the trip ran so smoothly and devoted his timewith us calmly and efficiently.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully and make sure you have good walking shoes, especially for Petra. Go for the camel ride at Wadi Rum, it's well worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sorry, I just can't choose one moment: • Realizing that I could exchange pleasantries in Arabic with the people I met. • Seeing a shooting star in the night sky over Wadi Rum. • Seeing the sun rise from camel-back • Petroglyphs in the desert. • Seeing the Treasury at Petra. • Becoming friends with my fellow group members.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I can't say enough positive things about our guide, Ibrahim Isbitani. His expert knowledge of the culture, history, and geography allowed us all to get so much more out of the experience. He was able every time to create the right context for what we were seeing. I can confirm that my other fellow 19 tour group members all feel exactly the same. He clearly loves his job, loves meeting people and introducing them to the full mosaic of Jordanian culture and history, and has an enjoyable time doing it. His great sense of humor and flexibility eased the occasional discomforts of traveling. I wish I loved my own job as much as he loves his!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's worth it to take the time to learn a few words in Arabic. A half dozen words or less is all it takes. This will open all sorts of doors for you. This is not actually a requirement, component, or aspect of the tour, but Ibrahim was very generous with his time in teaching me when I expressed an interest. Steamed/cooked vegetables are always safer then raw vegetables. I took so many photos, I couldn't charge my batteries fast enough. Next time I would bring a portable battery/power pack. If you are coming from North or South America, it's worth it to spend the extra money on a really good voltage convertor. Don't cheap out like I did!

Most Inspirational Moment

I couldn't pick just one thing. Everyday was different and amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was Nidal Alateaq. A very knowledgeable and friendly person. Always went that extra mile, nothing was too much trouble. You can tell that he very passionate about his work. Plus he was always very honest with us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a small overnight bag with you for the night at the Bedouin Camp.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the lunchtime stops at sandwich bars, bakeries or markets, it was like being part of Jordan rather than looking on as a tourist. I was determined to immerse myself and happily enjoyed climbing, snorkelling, camel riding and floating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jihad was the perfect guide. He was kind, funny and tolerant at all times. His knowledge of his country was obvious and his ability to give an unbiased view of its history kept us all enthralled. Actually his gentle tones lulled me into little naps between the sites!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Warm clothes for Wadi Rum night Good swim shoes for Dead Sea Try a falafel sandwich

Most Inspirational Moment

Garesh

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had a driver who hardly spoke - he was a safe driver.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont do 'tailormade' with Exodus.