Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational moments were in Petra, particularly the Monastery and the Wadi Farasa Trail from the High Place. Also floating in the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum and Jerash.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nidal was excellent in every respect. He arranged very good restaurants for our group dinners and good value lunch stops.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Alcoholic drinks were expensive when available. Jordanian wine is good but beer is bland.

Suggestions

I'd recommend avoiding the optional “Petra by Night”, the least good sound and light show I’ve ever seen.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the Roman city in Jerash, seeing the Treasury at Petra for the first time, floating in the dead sea, sitting around a camp fire in the desert, too many things to mention ……...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed was friendly with a great sense of humour, he explained a lot about the modern way of life in Jordan which was interesting, but not as knowledgeable as perhaps we would have liked on the sites we visited – nothing a good guide book or Google couldn’t sort out though.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It does get very, very cold in the desert at night, pack more warm clothes than you think you'll need. Be aware if you have binoculars in your luggage as you will be stopped numerous times at the airport when leaving Jordan, they will be taken away to be checked, bizarrely by the same person but in different areas of the airport, in all I was waiting around for over an hour!

Suggestions

Exodus really should not use the Olive Branch hotel in Jerash, it was disgraceful; bare live electric wires in the rooms half-heartedly taped up, unclean bathrooms with bad plumbing (wet-wipes to the rescue that day) and very unhygienic areas on the way to the ‘breakfast room’. The other hotels were perfectly adequate, the Holiday Inn being the highlight or was that because it was immediately after the night in Jerash?

Most Inspirational Moment

Jerash was an amazingly complete Roman city where it was possible to imagine the shopkeepers in their shops and the theatregoers at the theatre. Covering an enormous site we had plenty of time to explore and also saw the oval forum. Views from the city are exceptional. The flowers in the desert of Wadi Rum were a real surprise. So small and delicate that at first they are unnoticeable, their variety and beauty cannot fail to excite. Set in the stunning landscape they enhance any carefully framed photo.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nidal was outstanding. He combined a thorough knowledge of the sites, their history and significance with a good understanding of British humour and an excellent grasp of the English language! He organised the group well without being officious and was flexible to enable us to see as much as we could of the country. He handled issues in a friendly and appropriate manner and generated the overall respect of the group. He listened and responded well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can be very cold in March! Bring at least two warmer tops and a warm jacket in case. It was colder than in the UK! Pack essentials in your hand luggage - sometimes baggage arrives late! Western Swimming costumes aren’t easy to buy in Jordan markets.

Suggestions

Mohammed Odwan was an exceptional driver. He was kind and caring and always had a spotless bus. Despite very bad weather conditions, he ensured the windows were always cleaned and we could see out and take photographs. He was a real gentleman.

Most Inspirational Moment

The best moment of the trip was walking along the Siq at Petra and seeing the Treasury for the first time. However, there was so much more to see and explore in Petra and we loved it all. Petra by Night (optional) was also a highlight. The night in Wadi Rum was special and Jerash was stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nidal Al Ateeq was kind, attentive, very knowledgeable and managed our group very well given difficult circumstances. He had a sense of humour which was well received.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take layers! It was much colder than expected for the time of year (March) - there was a strange cold snap and it snowed! The night in the desert was pretty chilly. We wore fleeces and down jackets for the whole trip so be prepared for all weathers. The flight arrives very late at night and we did not arrive at the hotel until after 2am. We had to get up at 6am to start the first tour. It might be better to come a day early and have time to get some sleep.

Suggestions

Jordan is a very welcoming place and we always felt incredibly safe even when out and about on our own. There was a lovely enthusiasm to help tourists and make sure that they saw and experienced the best of Jordan.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had a good build up to Petra visiting various "castles" but nothing can prepare you for walking down to Petra. I didn't do any research before going so it was all a surprise for me including the walk in and out - best not give away too much! Various optional walks inside Petra allows each person to do as much or as little as they wish. Jerash is excellent and Amman Citadel a great surprise too. Jordanians are happy tolerant people, there are no pushy people selling you things.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nidal was very knowledgeable and well organised, I think he had a bit of a challenge getting everything done on the summer schedule with sunset being around 4.30 but he kept us organised and it didn't feel overly rushed other than the first two days which were a lot of coach time compared to visit time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a water bottle, the coach has a fresh supply which is also taken into the hotel when staying more than one night. Lunches are really cheap! a falafel wrap or something from the bakery costs about 40p, packaged food and drinks are UK prices. You really need a sleeping bag liner for Wadi Rum!!! Take a hard copy of your passport and travel insurance - the passport is needed to go with the Jordan Pass and they do check it at Petra especially. Taking a copy will save time on day 1 briefing. Should be in the trip notes. Pack light the mini-coach isn't that big and you can wash and dry in the hotels very easily or use their laundry service. Read the other reviews for more tips!

Suggestions

Evening meals were usually a set menu priced at 15JD which was cited as the trip note budget - cant help but think this was either a bit of a rip off or, judging by the amount of left over food, they cooked up to the budget. Either way I eventually opted out and just had a single main course for around 5 to 8JD - should have done it sooner in the trip. Aqaba is an odd destination for this tour and one I could have done without. Those who wanted to had about an hour to snorkel at the out of town beach "compound", we were searched on the way in for food and drink! Those who didn't want to snorkel had to try to find a quiet spot to wait for the rooms to be ready. A huge amount of time out of the schedule just for that one hour. I would have preferred a return visit to Petra museum and then back to Amman or insert another destination. I know I have moaned a bit but really don't be put off! The two bits I didn't like were far outweighed by the rest of the tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

This whole trip was full of awesome moments, all unforgettable, and often totally unexpected, such as standing in the River Jordan with Israel just a few yards away where baptisms were taking place. Finding rock faces in Petra that looked just too incredible to be natural, like they have been vividly painted with abstract patterns. Seeing the Monastery in Petra for the first time, it’s not as ornate as the Treasury, but it’s HUGE! The incredible welcome and hospitality from the Bedouin and Jordanian people completely took me by surprise.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ibrahim was a brilliant leader, who has been doing this for many years and his enthusiasm and infectious smile reflects how much he enjoys what he does. Any problems were dealt with quietly and efficiently with no fuss. Nothing was too much trouble and he repeatedly offered to make arrangements for any individual requests within his remit. He totally understands the British sense of humour which really contributed to the great atmosphere of our group. I felt he could deal with any situation if it arose so I was relaxed and able to fully immerse myself in enjoying a wonderful trip. Wherever we went people knew him and warmly greeted him which says it all really.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I found that if you catch their eye and nod and smile, many Jordanians want to engage in conversation and ask where you are from and welcome you to Jordan. I was thrilled when I encountered a gentle elderly Bedouin man while going around a castle and he welcomed me and indicated he was happy to see tourists back in Jordan. Another time, in Petra, I managed to communicate to one of the men in the Siq (who cleared up after the donkeys,) that he kept it beautifully clean and he kissed my hand and seemed very pleased that his work had been acknowledged! Hospitality is everything in Jordan and with such friendly people I think it’s good to try and show your appreciation to them.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra and Jerash - what unbelievable monuments that remain standing today. A bucket list item for sure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wasfi was a suitable leader that had a vast array of knowledge but sometimes we had to drag it out of him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a lot of walking - sensible shoes are required and at times the heat can be quite confronting.

Suggestions

Changes that would improve this tour. For those who arrived from other countries not on the group flight the communication was lacking. Transfers and visa process from airport were fine but upon arrival at the hotel nothing. We were not advised where or when to meet the group, what time we were leaving the next day or what to do for breakfast. The following morning a note was put up in the hotel but the tour was due to commence at 9am. When the meeting was held it was just a waste of time going over the itinerary that we already knew. Amman Hotel Mean Tyche - although the hotel was fine with a basic pool area and a new wing with updated rooms it is just too far out of the centre of Amman. Even taxi drivers had trouble locating the hotel. Wadi Rum Desert Camp arrival was around 4pm in the afternoon for an overnight stay and only 1 can of soft drink was allowed per person. Lucky we had water but there needs to be an availability of other drinks during the stay, even at a charge.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra and Jerash were the most inspirational moments of the trip. It has been on my list to visit Petra for a long time and seeing the Treasury for the first time was sensational. Two full days in Petra was great and gave us enough time to cover a lot of that vast area. Also spending enough time in the Petra museum is a must. Jerash was a great surprise as I did not know anything about it. There is so much to see in Jerash and the time we spent there was well worth it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nidal was an excellent guide with extensive knowledge of Jordan and a passion for his country. He was also a very friendly, polite caring person who tirelessly looked after everyone in the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Jordan is a peaceful country surrounded by turmoil. I was struck by its closeness in proximity to Israel, Palestine, Syria and Iraq. It is a wonder that Jordan has managed to stay out of wars and retained its sovereignty. Jordanians are very friendly, polite and helpful. We felt very safe in Jordan. Do not travel to Jordan during Ramadan as most places are closed.

Suggestions

Group members including myself, thought that the itinerary will be much improved by dropping the dessert loop trip altogether on the second day and instead adding Amman sightseeing on that day and ending the trip in Aqaba. Coming back to Amman on the 11th day and continuing with sightseeing seemed somewhat disjointed. In addition very little time was given to Amman. It would also be great to add the Jordan Museum to the itinerary as most of us wanted to visit it and had no time left. Especially not being able to see the Dead Sea scroll was very upsetting. It would have also been great if a nature reserve such as Wadi al Mujib had been added to the itinerary. That would have made a wonderful change to the dessert landscape that accompanied us during most of the trip. We were not able to see much of the flora and fauna of Jordan unfortunately. It would be better if we had a trailer for the luggage as the mini bus did not have enough space. Also, on some days we could have started earlier, which would have given us more time in some sites.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at Petra - the site is incredible and so vast and the Exodus itinerary with 2 full days there is perfect!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Nidal Alateaq, was excellent. He was so well organised, conscientious and informed. Nidal managed every aspect of the trip so smoothly and efficiently. As a tour guide on sites and en route he always gave us a thorough explanation of the culture, history and geography of Jordan.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready to undertake a very full itinerary and long days each with an interesting agenda. I visited during Ramadan - which can mean that there is a need to work around closure of some facilities and sites.

Suggestions

Hotel accommodation and meals were of a high standard. Thank you Exodus for another wonderful trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk to Petra with the anticipation of seeing the Treasury at the end of the siq.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was the weakest part of the trip and the reason for the lower rating. He was inexperienced and did not always communicate clearly what was happening or give much information about what we were seeing. This was not up to the usual standard we have experienced from guides in the past.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The tour flights arrive late in the evening in Amman. This means you do not get much sleep before starting the tour. If you are able to, I would suggest arriving a day or two earlier and seeing Amman in your own time rather than in a rush on the last day. Be prepared for all weather conditions.