Petra & Wadi Rum By Bike

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 64 reviews.

Sandy Wetton

PETRA AND WADI RUM BY BIKE

Written March 2008
Jordan as a country was disappointing. Ugly urban sprawl reminiscent of an untidy building site; litter EVERYWHERE and a certain lack of communication with the locals, the worst example being that of ten year old boys throwing stones at (and hitting) my roommate and I in downtown Madaba.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
But I was no where near preparred for the extent or majesty of either Petra or Wadi Rum.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was faultless and went out of his way to take very good care of us. and bring the sites alive with his extensive knowledge. A lovely kind, caring and tireless man I cannot sing his praises enough. Our cycle learder was also a gem and had a great sence of humour.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go. Ignor the litter, the chauvanism and the ugly towns. Enjoy the wonderful and varied starters, often a meal in themselves, the comfortable (to the point on occassion of luxury) hotels, great company of likeminded people and two incredibly impressive sites.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
More praise for the tour leader!
Helen May

PETRA AND WADI RUM BY BIKE

Written January 2008
Nice level of cycling - not too far for someone who hasn't had much preparation but has a good base level of fitness. Wonderful scenery with a good variety.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most amazing moment of the trip was waking up under the stars in Wadi Rum and having a chance to do some bouldering before breakfast.
Other cool parts included the cycle ride down to the Dead Sea from Mount Nebo, down, down, down, with great views of the Holy Land and the odd hairpin to help you mediate your speed.
And you can't ignore the walk to the high place of sacrifice in Petra - totally unexpected and wonderful to get away from everyone else.
What did you think of your group leader?
We had two leaders - Mouyyad, the main leader was very knowledgable. In comparison with Paul, the cycling leader, Mouyyad was very serious. Paul played the clown whilst providing great guidance in the cycling for going uphill (change gear early), down hill (slow down on the corners) and cycling in the wind (I think he called it drafting). Paul also had calves to die for.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The trip is graded B which requires some base level of fitness: although 40km is not far to cycle, it's not all downhill.
Arm yourself with a squeezy waterbottle to aim at the kids when they throw stones at you.
Don't be surprised by the size of Jordan - you can't cycle everywhere so there are some longish (3 hours) rides in the mini buses.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
After a number of trekking trips, this was my first cycling holiday and I'll be doing more. It's a greatway to see more of a country whilst doing some activity.
Charles Davies

PETRA AND WADI RUM BY BIKE

Written January 2008
A great trip taking in all of th major sights in Jordan. Good biking days - not too hard but not too soft either - made the beers and meals in the evenings more worthwhile. An excellent local guide - something which Exodus excels at
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum - just has to be done
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent - a local history graduate - there were no questions which phased him and he was very willing with his information about all subjects. He had a good sense of humour as well which made the trip all the more worthwhile
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You have to go to Jordon! It is such a friendly place with some incredible history to see. AND the scenery is incredible - from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea to Wadi Rum
Victor Green

PETRA AND WADI RUM BY BIKE

Written January 2008
Great scenery and a very different culture.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The first view of the Treasury at Petra.
Camping in Wadi Rum.
What did you think of your group leader?
Both the country leader & the cycling leader were excellent.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Want somewhere completely different?
Go for it!!
Colin McQueen

Jordan - Downhill but not Petrafying

Written November 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Trip was fantastic with a great variety of experiences. The cycling was free flowing with a major downhill bias, completely on road so not technically hard. Roads were quiet and largely traffic free. The Dead Sea is an unusual experience, Petra truly deserves its Seven Wonders of the World status with something incredible at every turn and the desert scenery around Wadi Rum is awesome. Jordanian people were friendly and we were rarely hassled.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Paul was relaxed but efficient, telling us what was happening next and got everyone organised on time. He kept the bikes in good order including an ingenious fix of a slightly bent wheel.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you do the optional walks in Petra, to the Monastery, High Sacrifice and overlooking the Treasury, they're fairly energetic but WELL worth it. Don't wear sandals in the desert, shoes are much better. For our trip (in October) a sleeping bag was hardly necessary to sleep under the stars, a liner would be adequate if you wish to travel light.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Group arrival at Amman was a little confused, we went through on a group visa (at no cost, which was a nice surprise) but the procedure wasn't explained well
Alan Fryett

Bikes and buses

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Sleeping under the stars in the desert,
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What did you think of your group leader?
We had two leaders who complemented each other's abilities. One knew the route. The other was a mine of information about places along the way.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Cycling in the desert wasn't as hot as I expected - but the sun is strong. Fortunately "factor 20" worked OK for me.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The bus with our luggage followed too closely for my likes.
LORNA WOODWARD

I will never forget that view from the top!

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The hi- light for me was viewing the Treasury in the "Rose Red" city of Petra from the cliffs above. Our group were fortunate to be offered this optional trek. If you get the chance to follow the footsteps of the bedouins to this fabulous point, go, although alot of scrambling on hands and knees and sliding on bottoms is required.  The trek in its self was a brilliant experience. The view point on the cliff edge is narrow, I found it best to view sitting down (I just felt safer). The Treasury from floor level is magnificent it is absolutely unbelievable from above. Petra is the most fantastic place, I didn't realise the size of the site. The Monastry is superb and walking back through the siq in the early evening with the echo of horses hooves, makes you drift back two thousand years and imagine how it could have been.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Myiad was absoultely fantastic. He was funny, informative and had such a passion for the history and culture of his country. He alone made the trip so successful.   A credit to Exodus.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The holiday I had chosen was a cycling holiday which in itself was fantastic as you get a feel for the country, the sights and smells, rather than sat in a bus all day. Some parts of the rides are on busy roads which are OK as you have Tourist Police escorts. I was quite shocked that the people don't seem to see many cyclists so they all beep their horns and shout at you, Its a bit unnerving to start with but good fun when you are used to it, I just waved back at them. The children are great, they come running out of the villages to see you and practise there English language skills on you. However, they do have a tendancy to touch and pull your bike back especially when you are trying to cycle up a hill!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was my first holiday with Exodus.   I couldn't fault it from start to finish. Our group, the cycling guide, the drivers and the group leader were all superb. I've booked for cycling in South Africa in 6 weeks and i'm hoping i'm going to have another terrific holiday with Exodus. Thankyou.