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 161 reviews.

Norman Taylor

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written May 2012
This was a unforgettable holiday, leaded by a master in guiding, a great introduction into a country rich in history. The tour encompassed both archaeology, history, scenery, and culture, Jordan is one of best places I have ever visited.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The desert in Wadi Rum.
Stopping for a tea break along "The Jordanian Grand Canyon" and having our first Bedouin Whisky Party as Danny called it.
FLoating in the Dead Sea.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was just brilliant, extremly knowlegable, very professional also very well-organized, Danny have made our tour so special with his skills, his art or presentation of the subjects, he also looked after us very well & we felt so safe with him and most of the time made us feel very special, I was also surprised how Danny acted very professionally toward some of the ladies in our group that were keen on him, well, I also thought that Danny was a charming person & in my opinion he is number one middle east, in which, he did not like to be called that way, truly fantastic person.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just do it, you will never regret it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I cannot recommend this holiday enough - its a perfect adventure. Fascinating, exciting and yet safe and secure.
Martin Roberts

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written May 2012
We have both travelled a lot, usually independently and outside Europe, but this is possibly the best one-week holiday either of us has been on. The itinerary is perfect for that length of time, as it incorporates iconic sights such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea; Jordan is an extremely welcoming and friendly country - all the more remarkable when you consider its neighbours; and the trip was outstandingly well run with a brilliant guide who was very knowledgeable and passionate about his country.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We've been wanting to visit Petra for a long time, and the Treasury (the rock-hewn facade that everyone associates with the site) is absolutely stunning, however many pictures you may have seen before. However, we never realised how extensive the site is, and it is full of some of the most amazing man-made structures. The Monastery may be a long, steep and hot walk, but is well worth it, as is the second day hike to take a bird's eye view of Petra. Camping out under the stars at Wadi Rum was very memorable, but to add something that isn't always mentioned, we both enjoyed the boat trip from Aqaba and the surprisingly impressive reefs for snorkelling
What did you think of your group leader?
Danny was outstanding, and I'm fairly sure that everyone in our group felt the same, even if they don't get round to writing a review. He was extremely warm, friendly and approachable, and nothing was too much trouble. He has clearly been running the trip for some time as it went like clockwork, but Danny was still keen and enthusiastic to tell us about his great country and to make sure that everyone had a wonderful holiday. We had a great group and everyone got on really well, but I'm sure part of that was down to Danny's skill as a leader, making everyone feel welcome and included, and sorting out any minor problems almost before they occurred.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You will receive plenty of warning about this at the time, but it's worth bearing in mind how long, tiring and potentially expensive the days in Petra can be. Going from the gate to the furthest extent, at the Monastery, is a very long way - and then you have to come back again! There is transport on offer, but it is broken down into stages, so if you didn't feel like walking at all, you would have to take a horse, then horse-drawn 'rickshaw', camel and finally donkey up the steps. The horse is included in the ticket price, but the operators still push hard for as big a tip as they can get. All the others are negotiable, but it could end up expensive if you don't bargain hard, and the heat means you end up climbing on that camel when you vowed you would never need one.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you have ever been put off going to Jordan for some reason - possibly because of seeing where it is on the map, then put those worries aside and go. You can see some truly amazing sites and have plenty of memorable experiences in just over a week's travelling. It's a packed tour, but strikes the perfect balance by fitting plenty in without leaving everyone feeling too tired and harassed. We were also pleasantly surprised by the excellent standard of accommodation, especially considering the price of the trip. We went in late May, when the official high season had just ended, so I imagine at those times Petra can be a bit less pleasant and with a not so good hotel because of the crowds. As I mentioned before as well, Jordanians are very friendly and helpful, and the hassle is minimal, especially compared with the constant badgering from stall-holders in particular that you often get in other Middle Eastern/North African countries.
Nicola Dunleavy

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written April 2012
A brilliant but hectic week travelling around a truly fascinating country. Although principally a "sightseeing" tour, you'll need to have your walking legs on for Petra and your camping head on for the Wadi Rum! I had an awesome time and made some lovely new friends but you never know what kind of group you're going to get so it definitely pays to have a laid back approach to life! The weather was starting to get very hot when we were there in April so I wouldn't recommend visiting Jordan (or anywhere in the Middle East) much later on in the year as the weather would be unbearable.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
My two stand out moments were fairly predictable but no less enjoyable because of that:
- walking down the Siq at Petra and catching my first glimpse of the breathtakingly beautiful Treasury; and
- sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum and watching the moon make its way across the night sky.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was great - smart, extremely well informed, kind, helpful and endlessly patient. If anything, he gave us a bit too much information and could have perhaps shortened and/or simplified some of the explanations that he gave us. I think he may have assumed a bit too much prior knowledge on the part of the group!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
A week is long enough to see the key sights of Jordan but it's still a pretty hectic itinerary. So don't be expecting long lie-ins or anything!
Highlights for me were Petra (of course) and the majestic Wadi Rum. You'll get most out of Petra if you have a reasonable level of fitness as it's a vast site to cover and many of the best trails and viewpoints requires some (fairly tough) climbing. It can also get blisteringly hot, even when we were there in April, so be sure to wear heaps of sunscreen and a hat. And drink plenty of water.
As long as you're prepared for fairly basic conditions in the desert, you'll have a great time at Wadi Rum. And the food we had there was absolutely delicious!
It would have been nice to have a bit longer in Aqaba (Red Sea) after the rigours of the desert but there wasn't time in the itinerary for that. I can highly recommend the boat trip in Aqaba. We had the entire boat to ourselves (there were only about 10 of us) and both the snorkelling and the lunch they fed us were brilliant. Judging by what those who didn't come on the boat told us, it was definitely the best thing to do in Aqaba.
Amman was a bit of a disappointment ie, a mostly modern city with very few sights of historical interest, but that's fine as it was mostly just a starting and finishing point for the trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Make sure you get a good guidebook before you go and make the effort to mug up on some of the history and politics of the country and broader region. It's such a fascinating part of the world with so much to see and do. I constantly wished I knew more about so many things (although our guide was great for filling in the gaps!)
jonathan fisher

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written April 2012
The Jordanian people are wonderful - no hard sell, just courtesy and polite enquiry. Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, the Desert, and snorkling over a coral 'garden' in the Red Sea are all memorable and superb, but what makes Jordan a number one, must visit, must see destination is Petra - absolutely awe inspiring.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Trekking on the second day with the local guide behind Petra and then making our way down into Petra from on high; the usual route is not to be missed, but the views on the second day were exceptional - think Utah's Canyonlands with temples and tombs.
What did you think of your group leader?
He was interested and interesting, for he displayed courtesy and expertise throughout and his local knowledge was invaluable. In short he took good care of us and was good company.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take a camera!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I will certainly be travelling with you again! I loved the whole experience.
Lisa Thompson

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written April 2012
A great holiday, fitting many of the highlights of Jordan into just one week. It was a compact trip, but full of different experiences, historic sites, contrasts and people. I would highly recommend this holiday, its a great value.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The highlight of the trip was Petra. There are no words that can explain it. The two climbs to Ed Deir ( Monastary) and Attuf Ridge ( The High Place of Sacrifice) was an amazing experience.

Second was sleeping under the stars with the Beduins in the Barrh camp in Siq Umm Tawaqi in Wadi Rum, after a camel ride earlier in the day, Lawrance of Arabia style!
What did you think of your group leader?
Danny our group leader was superb, extremely knowledgable, a lot of fun to be with, also was a very serious when it came about his job, we had a great group, most of us were teachers, he could keep up with all of us in a very professional manner, inspired all of us with his deep passion, wisdom stories, explanations, going for extra miles to ensure everyone had a great time, nothing was too much trouble for him, all girls in our group thought of him as a great ambassador to his country, and made all of us fall in love with Jordanian people, I think he is one of the best guides I have ever seen in my life, period !
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Wadi Rum – I warmly suggest to bring your own sleeping bag, even though, they will provide you with one at the camp if you don't have, but I personally felt uncomfortable using one that has been used by different people previously.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go for it with an open mind, be prepared to stay in a basic 3 stars hotel, some of them are better than I expected, and some was disappointing like hotel in Petra, but you still going to have a great holiday.
Pawel Krupinski

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Written April 2012
Amazing history, great people, varied landscapes - you can find all these in Jordan and much more! One week can give you a taste of this country and you want to go back for more. Even tomorrow.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Wadi Rum and Petra are two amazing places. We just fall in love and hope to be back there soon:
* 2 days in Petra is a great idea - on the first day you learn what is where and you can spend the second day enjoying it!
* Wadi Rum is great! It was more "Wadi Rum experience" than a real desert adventure, but this is what I expected from this trip. We are going to do Wadi Rum Adventure next time :-)
What did you think of your group leader?
What I like about Exodus is that they are using local team leaders.
Our team leader was great - very knowledgeable and approachable. Our group was not an easy one, but IMHO he did a great job. Also he definitely became more than just a team leader - he became a friend.

Highly recommended!
Regarding food: we always went with his recommendations and we were never disappointed!
Comment to Exodus: you should make it all inclusive trip, as discussions over where to eat can split the group - I felt sorry for the team leader as some people on the trip were thinking that he is dishonest with them when it comes to recommendations.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
* Trust your team leader! They know what they are doing.
* Read Trip Notes.
* Enjoy and smile!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We were a bit apprehensive of the Middle East and it was our first trip in this region. After the trip, my wife said that she could live in Jordan - I think this is as good recommendation as it gets!
Joanne Farrell

A *FANTASTIC* WEEK IN JORDAN!

Written April 2012
Jam-packed but brilliant tour of this beautiful, fascinating country. Saw so much I felt like I'd been there for two weeks, not one!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The hiking in Petra was wonderful, if tough at times, but Petra At Night was very special, especially looking up at thousands of twinkling stars...and seeing a shooting one too! However, my most inspirational moment probably has to be the night at Wadi Rum: the vastness, the silence, and more stars than my brain could compute! A very special place.
What did you think of your group leader?
Zuhair was an excellent group leader. Highly knowledgable and charismatic, I enjoyed his numerous stories, even if I lost the thread a few times! He clearly loves his country and was very proud to show us all it has to offer.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't deliberate any longer - book it!! Seriously, you'll love it! The accommodation is quite mixed (we had a good room in Wadi Musa [for Petra], but more of a mixed bag at the hotel in Amman) but this is not a 5* luxury tour and really, it was all fine. Camping at Wadi Rum was wonderful: we brought sleeping bags but you could probably get away with a liner or a sheet to put in between you and the (very heavy!) blankets they supply. The toilets at the camp were a little grim at times, and there's not much in the way of running water but, really, none of that matters; it's such a special place.
Other advice would be: bring a little cash with you (I only managed to get cash at an ATM on my third attempt!); bring good walking shoes for Petra, and don't scrimp on the water; do Petra By Night!; go for a camel ride at Wadi Rum - wonderful!; the sun was very intense at times, so bring a hat or scarf for your head; carry tissues and wet wipes (some of the loos are grim); don't wear any "good" clothes at Petra or Wadi Rum!; shower and changing facilities are pretty limited at the Dead Sea resort but you *must* go for a float!; keep your shoulders, head, and upper legs covered as much as possible, especially if you're a white female: you'll be noticeably more respected and receive less stares - but please don't let this put you off! Jordan is very friendly and welcoming, it is purely a cultural difference.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'm so glad I booked this trip! I've been to the Middle East/North Africa a few times (toured through Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia, and visited Dubai) but there is so much to see in Jordan - it's not just Petra! I found I got much less hassle than I did in Egypt (especially Cairo) and that made the whole experience much more enjoyable. Thank you, Exodus!

| | | | | | |

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 *FANTASTIC* WEEK IN JORDAN!

A FANTASTIC WEEK IN JORDAN!