Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing sleeping outdoors under the shadow of the towering rock faces of Wadi Rum and being able to clearly see all the stars, including the Milky Way next to the warmth of the camp fire. And then wake up for a camel ride. And to be able to able to share this exparience with your children.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ala was a good and informative leader who seemed to know everyone, everywhere. Most things ran smoothly and when they didn't Ala was able to rustle something up. His knowledge of the sites and history was excellent but he didn't always participte in all of the activities with the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Jordan wasn't particularly cheap and eating out (except some places in Aqaba) was quite pricey. There is quite a bit of travelling and a couple of packs of cards were essential. Ipods were also a god send - especially as a couple of the hotels had free wi-fi.

Suggestions

What was refreshing was the ability to see fabulous historic sites and for there to be few health and safety restrictions/signs. This allowed the kids to run free and explore castles, Petra and the cliffs of Wadi Rum. The kids absolutely loved the freedom and this allowed the parents to discover things at their own pace and take the time to hear about the history without impatient kids. Our group ranged from children aged 7-14 and the activities allowed them to mix well and discover what being a kid used to be like - learning from playing outdoors.

Most Inspirational Moment

We loved the desert.  Beautiful and calm.  The Bedouin hosts took wonderful care of us.  The children took camel rides they enjoyed.  We also enjoyed the immense calm of the Dead Sea surroundings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Very knowledgeable and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take this trip!

Suggestions

I personally would prefer to eliminate tipping for the guide and local staff, and see the tips added to the cost of the trip.  Less to worry about on the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are many parts of this trip which were unforgettable, but climbing the dunes of Wadi Rum and dancing with the Bedouins at the camp are the most memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Samer, was freelance and contracted to us for the week. While very warm and helpful if asked, he did not take as much initiative in explaining to us the itinerary for the day or helping us understand what we might need in terms of the various bits and bobs required to make a trip more comfortable. For example, the group would often wonder how long a journey may be, where we would have lunch next, or how far we'd have to go before we reached a toilet. With children (there were ten children) it is more essential to be told when we would need to slather suncream on them so we could do it before we got to a destination rather than waste time at it. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Wadi Rum accommodation is actually quite good - they provide very thick blankets (in April at the time of writing this) - so you may not really need sleeping bags. Aqaba has a laundry service round the corner from the hotel (Mina Hotel) and you can wash there if you need to. Carry strong sunscreen for the Dead Sea and Red Sea and Bethany.  

Suggestions

I very much enjoyed this holiday - it encapsulated everything that Jordan has to offer within a very short amount of time.I would however have liked to spend one more day in Amman because we did not get the opportunity to see Jerash. Perhaps getting to Aqaba earlier/leaving earlier might help to gain more time in order to see Jerash.I wish the hotel in Amman was closer to the downtown area, as that may offer a glimpse of Amman. Our time in the city was fleeting so having a location closer to be able to see the city better would compensate for it. Also, there is nothing near the hotel at all, so the only choice was to eat its rather large (and expensive) menu. The staff though was warm and welcoming, as is usually the case with most Jordanians. People are friendly and seem to really like foreigners. If you are kind and patient and friendly with them, they often go out of their way to help you. 

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many highlights during this action packed week - Petra, the Dead sea, snorkelling in Aqaba. However we all enjoyed the day and night in Wadi Rum the most. Our guide suggested paying extra to have an extended jeep excursion which was good advice. All the children and many adults slept under the stars - an amazing experience!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny our guide was fantastic. He was enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable and great with the children. He was full of fascinating information about his country and the Jordanian way of life. His advice regarding restaurants and additional extras was always sound.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If flying separately from the group it might be worth organising your visa before travelling. We had to queue for almost an hour on arrival which was not ideal after a long overnight flight. It was cool in the evenings and we needed jumpers. A couple of medium sized back packs were very handy for the coach. Some of the coach journeys were several hours long and it may be worth taking something to keep children entertained. There is a DVD player on the coach.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camel trekking in the Wadi Rum early in the morning and the majesty of Petra glowing pink in the sun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic:  extremely knowledgeable, patient, with a fabulous sense of humour and - with 5 of his own children - great with the kids.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't stress about any part of the trip - it is well organised, well paced, interesting, diverse and fun.

Suggestions

I could have spent much more time in Wadi Rum, really, I just loved it.  Consider doing a day's camel trek as part of the package.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking  out  of  the  Siq  in Petra  atnight  by  candlelight ; waking up in the  desert ; the  amazing  fish in the  Red sea and bagpipe players in the  ampitheatre in Jerash!

Thoughts on Group Leader

What  a great guy, knowledgable , tolerant  of  children , would arrange  anything ,he took us to Petra at  night and organised  our  boat trip and our trip to Jerash when  the gladiator  show  was on.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a  sleeping  bag  to the  desert ,take  a fleece  and  sunblock  and   go  because  it  was  well worth it.The  Dead  sea  is  just  a strange  experience  .

Suggestions

My  son  who is  13  really  enjoyed  it  ; he  rode  a  horse  a  donkey  and a  camel in 2  days .

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking down the Siq and seeing the Treasury of Petra before us was just wonderful - better than in the guide books. Or walking out the Bedouin camp in the desert so we could gaze at the stars in total darkness - just magical. Or maybe jumping off the boat into the Red Sea to snorkel and see colourful fish dart around in the blue water. All memorable and inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raid was a good guide and knew his stuff but the group was great too and we all got on well and had a fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to take a beach bag/overnight bag to take into the desert with you as you won't want to take your suitcase there and get everything sandy. It can be cold in Jordan in Feb too so have a few jumpers to hand for warmth.

Suggestions

Go! You won't regret it.