Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was inspiring. The beautiful countryside, the lovely people and the hard work of those working in the travel industry there with their determination to make everything work again after such a long break and the hardship they have endured without the tourists. Everyone getting up the big hill and having lunch part way up on the beautiful terrace overlooking the tea plantations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was brilliant. I feel I might be disappointed on my next trip as I have probably experienced the best! There is really nothing more we could have asked him for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes go. Support the Sri Lankan people. They are very COVID aware - better than the UK, and are ready to welcome you with their warm smiles and hospitality.

Most Inspirational Moment

Enjoying a swim on the last walking day Excellent walking Fabulous views Seeing a pair of choughs Gin tasting was fun

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ceri was knowledgable and kept a good pace Occasionally we had rather long to wait for return transport She organised dinners in the pubs in the village which as a solo traveller I appreciated

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!

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed everything, the variety of the different visits and activities was really appreciated. I loved learning more about the history of Sri Lanka and visiting archaeological sites and temples. Visiting caves that contained giant prehistoric Buddhas cut into the rock was mind blowing! Cycling along the canals (Sri Lankan canals are much more beautiful than British ones) and drinking freshly picked coconuts was also very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was a fantastic and very experienced, patient leader . He organised everything so we could focus on enjoyed the trip and activities and was as incredibly knowledgeable and supportive and kind to everybody in the group. He also took us to some great restaurants that we would never have found without his local knowledge. Roshan ensured the trip went without a hitch and made it a really special holiday for us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The facilities were great, if you forget to take anything you won't have a problem. The hotels were all very accommodating. The bus we traveled on was very well kitted out (air conditioning, limitless water). I felt safe at all times as a female traveler. The food is absolutely incredible, the best cuisine I've had on a holiday by a long shot.

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

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the temples that had been moved from the area to be flooded and appreciating the work that went into the deconstruction and the ensuing reconstructing on a site that looked as though it was the original setting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The local tour leader was efficient and considering this was the first departure for this company (Exodus) for a long time, did an admirable job. My only criticism would centre on a curious dialect in pronunciation, eg 'city tour' = Seti Tomb!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long hot dusty days often sat in traffic jams, also be prepared to roll with the flow, do not expect good timekeepng or explanations as to why something is late or not happens at all.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping was great. Views were amazing and was nice to sit around the fire. Stars were the best I’ve seen.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ab was fantastic, as were all the support staff.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go off-season.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting high up on the mountain ridges and looking at the sea glistening in the sun. I particularly savoured such moments given what we have all been through during the pandemic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was a brilliant guide and above all a great person. I particularly liked how Jose told us about the area's history, culture and agriculture. He provided detailed briefings about the hikes and weather conditions, and ensured the group was aware of any risks while on the hikes. He has a great sense of humour and made sure everyone felt included regardless of their hiking experience. He is calm and his experience in the mountains clearly shows. I would hike with him again without question.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You won't regret booking this trip! Do have the right clothing for hiking and take note of the kit list. You will need a good level of fitness and experience of hiking from morning to late afternoon. Jose will tailor the hikes to the group's overall fitness level but the fitter you are the more you can focus on enjoying yourself and taking in the stunning views.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to get up high in the hills and enjoy the dramatic scenery and views of the sea. It requires some effort obviously but that is more than repaid by the pleasure of being in such a lovely landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was excellent, a confident guide who knows the area so well and was able to mix up the walks to suit the weather on any particular day, taking into account important issues of safety. He is very knowledgeable, being able to provide lots of local context during the walks which really added to the experience. His sandwiches were delicious (!) and he mixed extremely well with the group, not imposing himself unduly but making himself available to provide help and advice when it was needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice would be to take advantage of this lovely spot and pay a visit! The trip notes are comprehensive and provide a good guide on what to take. You need a reasonable level of fitness to get up high to enjoy the views but Jose makes sure it isn't too gruelling and takes account of the inevitable range of fitness levels in the group.