Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Personally, standing on top of Mount Nebo looking out over the wilderness the Israelites had to negotiate on their way out from Egypt. The sites at Jerash and Little Petra were also so much more than expected - and, of course Petra itself was amazing. The mountain ranges are awesome - so vast - and it felt like stepping back in time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember that Jordan is a "dry" country so be prepared to pay high prices for alcohol when it is available. Good walking shoes with grip soles are necessary for Petra especially if you intend to do the "High Places" walk on day 2 (for which you need a reasonable head for heights as well as a good fitness level). I think we walked about 9 miles on day 1 in Petra. The cost of Petra by night was 17 dinar not 12 as stated in trip notes - this is quite expensive for what it is but a nice experience all the same. Don't expect much by way of "local entertainment" during the evening there. Go down a bit later than advertised and you will get a lovely quiet walk down to the site otherwise you will be walking with dozens of others and the atmosphere is lost. A packed lunch was organised for us on day 1 in Petra - us ladies certainly only needed half of it so just order 1 between 2. Save space in your luggage and don't take a towel - you can get one at the Dead Sea and on the Red Sea boats. Don't expect to be in a remote/totally natural place at the Dead Sea. You access the beach through a commercialised pool area which you can then use after your dip. Use insect repellent if you intend to sleep out at Wadi Rum - I was bitten 14 times on my face alone. Most of us didn't bother with sleeping bags although we weren't offered any at the camp. Plenty of layers and 2 thick blankets (provided) were adequate. Star watching isn't that great - there is light pollution from the camp which has lights on all night. Better viewing from home actually. Don't expect to be miles from anywhere at Wadi Rum - it only took minutes to drive back to the bus in the morning. Eating out in Jordan is not "cheap" as in other Middle Eastern countries so you will need spending money as recommended to cover this.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wandering around Petra taking in the amazing sites, camel riding in the desert, floating in the Dead Sea and going snorkelling in the Red Sea. From a cultural perspective, the mosaics in Jordan especially Madaba are unique and beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khalid was excellent - very knowledge, extremely helpful, amusing and very friendly. Very well organised and was aware of all the groups needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fun! Fun! Fun! To get to some of the temples of Petra, the ground is uneven and steep (such as walking up to the Monastery and view point over the Treasury) but there is the option to skip these but just be aware. I am not a good swimmer but was able to go snorkelling as I was given a divers life jacket (no chance of sinking) and always had an instructor with me to 'drag' me around the fantastic coral so don't let your swimming ability put you off.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hike in the back country around Petra.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sammy is an excellent group leader who looked after us well. His knowledge of Jordan is very good and he obviously loves his home. If I had to make one observation it would be that he had been working non stop for months (7 days a week) and I think had got a bit jaded and in need of a holiday himself! Ramadan was coming up so I hope he got his rest.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get ready for impressive sights, heat, interesting food, no alcohol (well, limited) some long bus rides, dust. But if you haven't been to Jordan do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved trekking over the craggy hills to approach the treasury in Petra from above! (Optional) Also had a great meal out in a Bedouin cave!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khalid was very sensitive to the groups wishes. He arranged some tasty meals out but advised those who wanted to make their own arrangements. He was happy to talk frankly about regional politics. He is clearly proud of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get to Jordan now, its a nation you have to see but the regional politics may make it harder in the future.If going to Petra at night do it before you see it by day…it doubles the wonder!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the remote desert in Wadi Rum, not meeting another sole for days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Salah, was great. He had great English. He did walk a bit too fast..it wasn't a problem fitness wise as I'm fit but It would have been nice to stop for more pictures...he literally was way out in front every day, never looking back, on his own up front.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had been worried about our safety on the trip due to Jordan's close proximity to Syria but I felt entirely safe. I didn't get any bother at all unlike when I went to Tunisia and Egypt. I would thoroughly recommend the Jordan trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first glimpse of the Treasury in Petra Climbing to The Monastery in Petra Climbing the The High Place in Petra The Dead Sea- fun Spending the night in the Wadi Rum Relaxing boat trip on Red Sea

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saleh was an excellent exceptional leader. He has a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for his country. He is kind, caring and approachable and really there was nothing that he didn't do for us. Anything that was aked of him he did and more. He also was extreamly quick, efficient and compassionate in getting a member of the group beck to the UK when she had to return due to a family crisis.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring good walking shoes for Petra (boots in my opinion not necessary) - you have two full days of walking and if you choose to two climbs up 900 odd steps. Make sure you drink enough water in Petra. Maybe bring a packed lunch with you into Petra - there are places to eat available but not a lot of choice and not cheap either. You can get a packed lunch in there but it's not great. It is cold in the Wadi Rum but amazing - you can ask for a sleeping bag but the blankets are warm- I brough a liner and pillow case and thermals and was fine. Surprisingly there were showers there too. I spent about £300 and did not buy anything but did do the optional boat ride and Petra by Night add ons. Most people brought currency with them but ATM's are available in some places

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing to the monastery in Petra. A tough climb and an awesome view. Watching the sun rise in the desert. The sunset was fantastic, the starlit night was frighteningly vast, and the sunrise the next day worth getting up for Snorkelling in the Red Sea - what a lovely relaxing way to spend the afternoon away from the sand and mountains for a bit. Watching my daughter climb to the top of a sand dune as I struggled along behind!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled is a very busy person. He has a role with the ministry of guides which means that he was on the telephone an awful lot and I felt he was somewhat distracted during the week. There was a one-hour strike on the first Petra visit day by all the guides. However, I was impressed by the way he almost ran up and down the boulders when he took as round the back of Petra on the second day to visit the high place!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not over-pack. Jordan does not require great formality in wear, You will need decent shoes for the Petra walks for 2 days - I had good quality trainers, or lightweight walking shoes, Do not expect to be in the middle of nowhere for your stay in the desert. You will be able to walk to another camp or to the road from your site

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was by far the biggest highlight. It sounds cliché but the Treasury was stunning and the way different lights affected the colours of the rocks around was beautiful. My particular highlight was the second day, where we went off the beaten track for a 4/5 hour trek to the place of high sacrifice, and for an almost birds-eye view of the Treasury from far above. It was hard work but well worth it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you do not want to sleep outside when at the Bedouin camp at Wadi Rum, then do not pack a sleeping bag as the bed spread and blanket was plenty warm enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

Viewing Petra for the first time.The peacefulness of my camel ride in Wadi Rum.The afternoon at the Dead Sea Resort.

Thoughts on Group Leader

His English was excellent and his knowledge,particulary historical knowledge of Jordan was superb.A very approachable and helpful group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the strenuousness of the walking in Petra.Wear footwear with a good tread.

Most Inspirational Moment

I can't say one particular part of the trip was inspirational as I was in awe of all of it! I didn't know anything about Jerash and found this very interesting. The Wadi Rum was also awesome and as I said Petra didn't disappoint.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Danny was very efficient, knowledgeable and friendly. He certainly made everyone feel inclusive and helped organise our lunches and evening meals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

So long as you are fit and don't mind walking, then you should be fine. I'm no athletic (never have been) my exercise consists of walking to the car and I'm 65, the climbing in Petra was well worth the effort. Although some of the group will go on ahead, all will wait for the slower people (me). I did take a trekking stick, which I found helpful, although it isn't a necessary requirement. Good quality walking sandals are fine, although it can be very sandy so the grit gets into your feet. (May be socks and sandals, fashionable now I'm told!)