A Week In Jordan

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 158 reviews.

Froniga Creissen

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written October 2008
A great trip packed with fabulous experiences, both the obvious, 'advertised' ones (floating in the Dead Sea, Petra, sleeping out in the desert) but also the unexpected ones like being taken to meet a local Bedouin's hunting hawks when our bus was delayed, and being given free sweets at a shop in Amman.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The first time you glimpse the Treasury in Petra is breath-taking, I don't think any pictures you've seen really do it justice. Then climbing to Aaron's Tomb in Petra was a real hard slog (6 hours round trip across some pretty harsh terrain) but it was so satisfying to make it and enjoy the breeze on top of the mosque up there. And so few people make this trip (it really is a hard slog...) that you hardly see anyone but some local Bedouin all the way there and back.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was Khalid and he was a complete star. Having been a tour guide in Jordan for 15 years, he knew everyone and was always able to recommend good local restaurants and sort little extra things out for us.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't worry too much about the fact Jordan is a Muslim country, it's actually quite relaxed. Out of simple courtesy, tourists shouldn't strip down to their skimpies but books that advise women should cover their heads and men shouldn't wear shorts are really taking things too far.

However, don't forget that it being a Muslim country means there's not much alcohol around, especially if you travel during Ramadan (which I did). I think one member of our group was actually rather surprised at how few places were able to offer alcohol.

Don't let Khalid tell you there aren't any mosquitoes in the desert - if you sleep out for a night take every type of repellant you can think of as a couple of us got well and truly ravaged!!

One thing I would add is that you should take more spending money than Exodus recommended - the trip notes recommended about £150 to cover meals but I would say you need minimum £200 to cover food, and then extra spending money on top. Eating out is not that cheap. That said though, no-one in our group had any troubles finding cash-points and changing money.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would so recommend a trip to Jordan, and using Exodus to do it. It is a country of great historical significance and has had so many influences involved in shaping its history that there is a huge range of different activities and experiences to fill the week. If you're after sunshine, the weather is hot and dry, and the overall standard of accommodation, meals and travel was very good. For me, though, Khalid really made the week: he was so knowledgeable and so friendly, despite the fact he was fasting all week!
Sarah Mitchell

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written October 2008
Amazing places to see, very different culture, great food and very friendly people.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Petra was amazing - all the thing you hear about walking down the Siq and having your first view of the Treasury are true.
Loved Wadi Rum, flying through the desert in the back of the jeeps was a blast!
Jerash was also great.
Great trip!
What did you think of your group leader?
Very knowledgeable, thorough and extremely well organised, very smooth trip. Even when we had a bit of trouble with the coach there were contingency plans and we all felt very confident in his handling of all situations. Also don't be put off going during Ramadan - it really is not an issue, there were always plenty of places to eat.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take antibacterial hand wash and use it at every opportunity.
Common sense but don't drink the water or brush your teeth with it. Also ensure that you have no ice in drinks. Make sure the food that you eat is either very very hot or very cold. Be careful at the buffets as sometimes the food might have been there a while.
Quite a few of us had rather upset stomachs for the week and its no fun in 30 degree heat!
In Wadi Rum make sure you spray mozzie repellant all over you before sitting outside for dinner or going to bed - you might not see them but they sneek up on you in the night!
Would recommend getting a donkey up to the Monastry in Petra, best money you will ever spend.
Toilet roll - enough said!
Sylvia Dubery

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written September 2008
Jordan is a perfectly-sized country to take in the highlights in a week. The Dead Sea and Petra are two places on my "always wanted to see" places and both were wonderful. It's especially hard to imagine Petra, beyond the iconic image of the Treasury, you just have to go there and experience the heat, the history and dust of Bedouin horsemen. Definitely deserving of its position as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World ("New" despite being half as old as time!)
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Several:
The first sight of the Monastery at Petra after a sweltering walk up beyond the main archaeological site;
Breathtaking views in all directions from the sacrificial high place;
After an exhausting day's walking catching a horse and carriage back down the siq, which turned into a bit of chariot race - great fun!
Petra by candlelight - single file in silence down the siq, haunting Bedouin music and a quiet walk back under a full moon;
Being awoken gradually by strange and lovely birdsong as dawn broke in Wadi Rum. (SO glad nobody had told me about Camel spiders before I went though!)
What did you think of your group leader?
Dougan was highly knowledgeable with a great sense of humour. I've never known someone appreciate his own jokes so much!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take the advice on modest clothing seriously, especially in Amman and Aqaba. You will feel uncomfortable otherwise.
Take a newspaper or a book for a photo opportunity at the Dead Sea otherwise the photos look nothing special.
If you want to ride a camel, take the opportunity at Petra if you want a short ride just to say you've done it, the rides offered at Wadi Rum last much longer and may be a bit long for the apprehensive rider!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Have fun!
Michelle Pepin

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written July 2008
This was a suburb experience on every level. The trip was well orginsed with a pace that suited the group. The range of activities that were included were sufficiently flexible to allow people to either be very active or opt for a more relaxed - lazy!! - approach (I did both!!). If anything the hotel accommodation on the trip information was undersold - better than anticipated.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Very had to say - I went to see Petra as my number one motivation for the trip - but it is hard to actually define a 'most' inspirational moment. If pushed, then the night spent in the Wadi Rum would have to have been the most special ... or maybe it was snorkeling over the coral with the fishes ... actually the Monastry at Petra was pretty special too ....
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was extremely knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about sharing his love of his country and its sights - a true host. He was also extremely sensitive to the needs of the group and making everone feel included. Struck the right balance between organiser, host and friend.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Follow the advice of the group leader, drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and take a hat!
For female travellers, respect the culture of the country - skimpy shorts and revealing strappy tops are not appropriate, but having said that, walking type longer shorts and short sleeved Tshirts are fine.
Our group was very mixed - 4 couples, 9 single travellers of whom 5 were travelling alone (i.e. did not come with a friend). Ages were varied from around mid 20s to mid 60s - we all got on really well together and had a great time - truly a trip that is suited for a range of interests / ages etc etc. The group looked after one aother and made sure that no one ever felt left out.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Jordan is certainly not suffienctly well marketed as a holiday destination - well worth visiting. It would be difficult to visit independently so a trip like this is the way to go. Jordanian people are very hospitable and while travellers might feel slighly intimidated by visiting this region, concerns are largely unfounded (and you are well looked after by Exodus in terms of your guide and the general local organisation).
Paul Rooney

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written July 2008
A very good way to see the main sights and attractions in an economic time period.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The night in the desert at Wadi Rum
What did you think of your group leader?
Very knowledgable and friendly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Drink plenty of water, keep your immodium close to hand.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Be prepared for some cool showers in the hotels, particularly in the evening. Some of the restaurants etc seemed to struggle a bit when having to issue change. The plethora of Tipping Scenarios could get a little tedious. Overall though , very good holiday.
Joseph Winkler

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written July 2008
This was a trip of many highlights and one full of interest from beginning to end. The travel and accommodation arrangements were well organised and the standard of hotels was good. The Jordanian people were very welcoming and we enjoyed being part of a fantastic group - thanks guys!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were several such moments. In chronological order -
Floating in the Dead Sea - relaxing but strangely unnerving at the same time
Walking down the Siq at Petra - and then spending 2 days exploring the rest of this amazing place
Scrambling onto a rock arch in Wadi Rum and listening to the silence there
Snorkelling over the coral reefs of the Red Sea & spotting lion fish among many others
What did you think of your group leader?
Dougan was an excellent group leader.
He was very knowledgable about his country and keen to share that knowledge.
He has great organisational skills and no-one was ever in any doubt about what we would be doing at any time. Whilst mindful of group and invidual needs, he encouraged self reliance where appropriate and for us to look out for one another as a group. His choices of places to eat and where to get lunch were always good. Best of all, his dry humour kept everyone going on the occasions when we were starting to flag in the heat.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Try to get some reliable information about the likely night time temperature in Wadi Rum for when you plan to go. We took a sleeping bag for our departure (June 21) but it was so warm in the desert that we slept outside just in the liner - and wouln't have bothered with that but for the mozzies!
Oh, and don't forget the mozzie repellant as we did - it's never too hot for the little blighters.
The food is great, especially the mezze. Most of the places we went to were 'dry' but it's no great hardship for a few days
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We never felt threatened at any time and even in the shops, there was no real sales pressure that you find in other Middle East countries.
If you are worried whether Jordan is a suitable place to go, don't be, as this is a very rewarding trip. Never postpone climbing your favourite mountain - even if is only up to the Monastery at Petra.
Caroline Ardron

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written July 2008
Jordan is a most amazing country - so different from the UK. Our trip enabled us to see and do an incredible amount. From Nabatean ruins to the Dead Sea, meeting mosaic makers to chatting with small boys with donkeys in Petra, the whole experience was astounding.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Waking to see the sunrise in Wadi Rum on my 50th birthday and then continuing the celebrations with my first coral reef when we went to the Red Sea and a birthday cake in the evening.
The whole trip was an inspiration.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was very helpful and informative. He took pleasure in introducing us to the amazing places we visited and really gave us some feeling for Jordanian life. He was exceptionally kind to me, as a family friend died whilst I was away. He gave me both practical and emotional support in dealing with this. I felt this was way beyond the call of duty and I feel very grateful for his help.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You don't need a 3 season sleeping bag in Wadi Rum in July. I slept on top of my sleeping bag under the stars. It was beautiful.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is a review by Sue Bishop. I was travelling with Caroline and seem to habve missed out on the review form. I enjoyed my trip so much that I just have to add my bit.

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Our Clients’ Reviews

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A WEEK IN JORDAN