Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So many, Hadrian’s Arch at Jerash, St George’s Church in Madaba (don’t miss the chapel at the rear with the painting of the Madonna and Child with the ‘helping hand’), the Treasury, tombs and Monastery of Petra. I did love Wadi Rum however, it’s a special place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Muayad Mesmar. He has great pride in his country and the very few times he didn’t have an answer to our endless questions he quickly found out. He did everything to make our stay enjoyable and ensure that we experienced everyday Jordan as well as the sights.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You’ll need mosquito repellent at Aqaba and the Dead Sea, not too bad elsewhere. We didn’t find the walks at Petra to the Monastery and High Place of sacrifice difficult; but you do need to carry plenty water 1.5 – 2 litres, buy it before you go in.

Most Inspirational Moment

Entering Petra with the magnificence of the Treasury. Also the jeep safari in Wadi Rum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed Aziz had an excellent knowledge of the history of Jordan however he was rather disorganised regarding timings and there were far too many coach stops which were unnecessary and resulted in a delay to significant sights such as The Dead Sea.

Advice for Potential Travellers

All forms of clothing are allowed in Jordan(shorts are fine). We did not even have to cover our heads when entering religious sights however I would recommend a headscarf for the jeep safari and warm clothes for the overnight stay in the desert.

Most Inspirational Moment

Viewing The Treasury at Petra for the first time. Witnessing sunrise in the desert on a camel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved Petra, so much to see there. The climb to the High Sacrifice was a little tough but so worth it for the view. Wadi Rum was wonderful, very peaceful and lying on the sand seeing the starry night sky was fabulous. Our penultimate night group dinner in Aqaba was fabulous and really should be the last night as dinner at the Holiday Inn on the last night was disappointing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed Aziz was incredible. He kept us on track, informed us of our times, places we were visiting and was a fountain of knowledge in all the places we visited. A kind and caring tour leader who made sure we were all happy, fed and watered. I would thoroughly recommend a tour with him as your guide. Our driver was patient and helpful throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Arrive a day early in Amman, as the flight on Royal Jordanian gets in very late. That would give you time to acclimatise and settle in. Don’t expect everything to work like clockwork. The Middle East does not operate that way...but you will achieve everything you have been promised. Just relax and enjoy every moment of this great journey.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved Petra, so much to see there. The climb to the High Sacrifice was a little tough but so worth it for the view. Wadi Rum was wonderful, very peaceful and lying on the sand seeing the starry night sky was fabulous. Our penultimate night group dinner in Aqaba was fabulous and really should be the last night as dinner at the Holiday Inn on the last night was disappointing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed Aziz was incredible. He kept us on track, informed us of our times, places we were visiting and was a fountain of knowledge in all the places we visited. A kind and caring tour leader who made sure we were all happy, fed and watered. I would thoroughly recommend a tour with him as your guide. Our driver was patient and helpful throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Arrive a day early in Amman, as the flight on Royal Jordanian gets in very late. That would give you time to acclimatise and settle in. Don’t expect everything to work like clockwork. The Middle East does not operate that way...but you will achieve everything you have been promised. Just relax and enjoy every moment of this great journey.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra. Walk to the High Place and then around the back of Petra is excellent, and easier than The Monastery walk the day before. Floating in the Dead Sea is fun. Good hotels, but often dry so bring some drinks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good leader, lots of historical knowledge

Advice for Potential Travellers

When you go to the desert camp you can only take a small bag. Take a torch. You don’t need too much money, there’s not much to buy. Visit the Cave Bar near the reception in Petra (oldest bar in the world), and go to the rooftop bar in the Hilton in Aquaba for good views.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra, Wadi Rum, the dessert cooked for us in the Palm Court restaurant in Petra.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Muayad was excellent, very knowledgeable, made things fun, especially as it was his first time doing solo guiding for Exodus

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider travelling out to Amman a day early. we arrived at our hotel at abou 1.45am and had to meet our tour guide at 8.00am. We had very limited time in Amman, only saw the Roman citadel and thatre, nothing of the old town. If you have an extra day you can take in the Jordan museum where there is one of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Walking poles would have been useful at Petra - expect to walk a lot there. The walk up to the Monastery is harder than the walk up to the High Place of sacrifice. Good trainers or trekking sandalsare fine for both. Take a torch for the night in the desert. Expect not to have time to change for dinner on at least two nights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Bedouin camp stay

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic - went out of his way to ensure we had a fantastic trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No

Most Inspirational Moment

A toss up between Petra and the Wadi Rum; seeing the Treasury at Petra first appear between the rocks of the Siq probably takes the prize. Also taking in the Grand Canyon-esque view of the Wadi Mujib, of which I'd never heard before.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ibrahim was knowledgeable, great fun and very well organised, e.g. changing the day's activities to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The heat in the South and the Dead Sea was intense in August, I managed about ten minutes on the beach at the Dead Sea resort before having to go inside. The temperatures were more comfortable in Amman and Jerash. The week has some early starts so take an alarm with you, and in the Wadi Rum camp you'll need a torch to find the toilet block after sunset! The days in Petra are more akin to a walking holiday than pure sightseeing so you will need walking shoes (though you inevitably see people climbing to the High Place of Sacrifice dressed for the beach). Most of the sites visited have people selling postcards and handicrafts etc though it's nowhere near as aggressive as in Egypt.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra lived up to my hopes and then some. I had my reservations about the night in the desert but it was good fun, especially the camel ride and the food was excellent. The mud on the last day at the Dead Sea was great fun too and nice to end a hectic trip on a relaxed note.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was friendly and funny and got us where we needed to be. He was very knowledgable on the history of the areas and gave us time to ourselves. He sourced the most amazing falafel sandwich for 1 dinar that we raved about the rest of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take Sea shoes for the Red Sea Prepare yourself for a long tiring day on day one after your flight. Petra by night gets a bad rep but we went and enjoyed it, certainly helps to be there early though. If I had my time again I’d have extended the trip by one day to relax and enjoy the Dead Sea A’s by the time we arrived and checked in it was 4pm and the pools etc close at sunset and we had an early flight. It was a lovely hotel and would have been nice to enjoy it more.