Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

`entering the area by the Treasury having walked along the Siq. the place just kept giving and two days there are essential in order to take it all in and walk the walk everywhere. excellent

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mikheld is a very gentle soul who in true jordanian style wants all of the group to have a great experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

None. Go with an open mind and a mixture of travel wear just as you would for any other trip - the Wadi Rum experience was fantastic but take an extra little bag with your swim stuff for the next day and leave it on the coach overnight..then your packing is much easier.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me there were two: Discovering the vast area of Petra beyond the Treasury was sensational. We drank tea at the Place of High Sacrifice and took a lesser-trodden route back – the scenery was simply stunning! Wadi Rum was amazing – an overnight in a tent in the desert is an experience not to be missed – the evening meal was delicious!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Mikhled, was a real ambassador for his homeland. Demonstrating he loved his job, he shared his passion for Jordan with the group. He was professional, caring and at all times determined that our holiday would be the best he could organise. His choice of restaurants and lunches was a feast for the palette and gave a great introduction into Jordanian cuisine. The cooking class he organised allowed us to make some of the dishes ourselves (the recipes were sent to the group to allow us to try at home). Mikhled was at all times courteous, smiling and able to keep the group amused with his dry sense of humor. When difficulties arose, he was able to support and help to find a solution. Thank you Mikhled for making our week such a special experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip gives a lot but also expects a lot from each group member. It is vital that each person takes responsibility for themselves, their belongings and their timekeeping. It is important not to overestimate your fitness or underestimate the physical demands necessary in such a trip. There are many vista rewards for walking and climbing the age old routes but good footwear is an absolute must. The temperature range is quite diverse (from 8-20 degrees during our week) depending on which location is being visited. Make sure you have layers, warm clothes and a hat as well as swimming gear. For the Red and Dead sea we took water shoes which protected our feet from coral and sharp rocks. A lunch pack is available in Petra – this is a great option as you can choose your stop based on where you are rather than where food is available for purchase. Take a small backpack as you will need to carry the lunch pack. Not all ATM’s work with all UK bank passes so it’s a good idea to get a few Jordanian Dinars before leaving or at the airport to make sure you have money as necessary. There are lots of opportunities for shopping and cash is sometimes preferable. We used about 350 dinars per person during the week.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our guide Amer's passion for his country had my attention and was inspiring the entire week

Thoughts on Group Leader

There are not enough good things to say about Amer. He is an asset to his country of Jordan and to Exodus

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the trip of a lifetime. This is a magical place to visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

2 full day Petra stay and desert stay.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get to the airport at least 3 hours before to prepare the manually check in and long queue if you take flight with Royal Jordanian.

Most Inspirational Moment

The realisation that the history of the three significant Abrahamic religions surrounded me in this region. I went to see Petra, The Red and Dead Seas, I came away with so much more. Roman Jerash, Mount Nebu and Moses, the Baptism site of Jesus Christ no less, (optional extra, everyone took).

Thoughts on Group Leader

This is our third Exodus trip and as with the two previous it is the Group Leader who made it an exceptional experience. Amer, a warm, eloquent Jordanian with four relevant degrees brought the history, religions and politics of the region to life with clear chronological explanations drawn from the sites we visited. You felt totally confident in his care, bus broken down near Wadi Rum, replacement arrives within 20 mins - impressive for the middle of nowhere.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're transiting through Heathrow be prepared for very lengthy delays, not quite as bad as Manchester, but pretty appalling still, with little care for passenger wellbeing. Try to drink plenty on the plane as there is nothing for the couple of hours it takes to transit from one terminal to the other via yet another security check.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was of course breathtaking. It was much bigger than expected and had so much to discover. I knew that would be amazing and it did not disappoint. We also got to have dinner with a local family which was a trip highlight for myself and the rest of the group. The family were so welcoming and the food was delicious. We were able to see a small glimpse of the locals' life which they were happy to share with us which i will never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mouayad was amazing. I feel extremely lucky to have been shown Jordan by such a knowledgeable, friendly and patient person. Mouayad is so passionate about his country which is so lovely to see. He made everyone feel welcome and always had a smile on his face. Our trip was made even more special because of Mouayad.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are interested in seeing the best parts of Jordan then book this trip! It is a full packed trip so expect to be busy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking around the corner to see the Treasury at Petra Hiking up to the high place alter in Petra. The Night Sky in Wadi Rum. Diving the Cedar Pride in Aqaba. Mud bathing in the Dead Sea I know that is 6 but couldn't wittle it down any more

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fadi did an excellent job and managed somehow to keep us mostly pointed in the right direction. He manged to get every thing done and made the trip super easy for us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great Trip. If you are a diver there is a dive centre at the beach so you can arrange a dive for yourself if you so desire. Obviuosly this is not part of the trip :-)

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning about the Bedouin and experiencing the desert was a trip highlight for me. Our guide Mekheld shared with us much personal knowledge about the life of these desert nomads that he experienced growing up with Bedouin relatives. The night we spent at the Exodus desert camp was a real bonding moment for our group. Marvelling at the sand dunes and sandstone rock formations, looking at the vast landscapes, and seeing a truly dark night sky was simply the best.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Mekheld is an affable, easy going fellow with a sharp Bedouin wit. After the group got use to his style of very dry humour we had great fun and much laughter when he caught someone not paying attention. He was master of logistics, making sure the trip ran smooth and efficiently. He found the best restaurants wherever we were and made sure a good lunch was always available. Mekheld has an excellent knowledge of Jordan and its people, which he shared with us. I felt he was a superb tour guide, leader, and now friend. Thank you Mekheld!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have the time, consider staying a day or two longer at the Dead sea. The tour really only provides for a few daylight hours and floating in the Dead sea and really getting into coating yourself in mud is too much fun and should be repeated more than once. Bring extra Dinars. Things are a bit more expensive here and there are lots of optional activities you will want to do. Bring good walking shoes. My wife and I walked 15 km in and around Petra, more than most. There are lots of sand covered steps in the ruins, so sure footing is important!

Most Inspirational Moment

The hikes in Petra

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of memory on your phone as you’ll get great photo opportunities

Most Inspirational Moment

The two most inspirational moments for me was when I managed to climb up both sets of stairs to the "High Place of Sacrifice " and the stairs to the "monastery". I am not the fittest but even though it took a while I made it. The views from the High place of Sacrifice were stunning and well worth the climb.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Khaldoun was a very informative guide who made the trip one to remember. His love for his country was clearly shown by the way he spoke about day to day life in Jordan. Nothing ever fazed him, even when I was late getting back to the meeting point after our first day at Petra! He is a proud family man, who told us stories about life and religion through his family. His English was perfect too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try everything. Don't give up, keep going. It's well worth it.