A great week with a great bunch of people This was the trip just as I expected it - Petra being... Jayne Riorden, 2018 See more reviews
The guide was informative and well organised. We visited all the key sites in the week and had... J John, 2018 See more reviews
We had a wonderful week in Jordan. The country has so much to offer in terms of history,... Megan Benton, 2018 See more reviews
A brilliant holiday starting in Amman visiting Jerash which is a huge site full of archeology.... Val Lee, 2018 See more reviews
The 8 day tour of Jordan was really enjoyable. The trip encompassed all the incredible sights of... Mavis Williams, 2018 See more reviews
An amazing introduction to the Middle East and Jordan with a fabulous mix of culture and... Tracey Lawrence, 2018 See more reviews
A varied and interesting itinerary covering the length of the country, with numerous sites of... James De Souza-Gomes, 2017 See more reviews
The perfect introduction to this fascinating and beautiful county. ... Kathryn Forrester, 2017 See more reviews
We have just returned from our week in Jordan with no hesitation in recommending it to others.... lucy pollard, 2017 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all London to London Day 1 Fly to Amman; transfer to Amman hotel. Fly to Amman; transfer to Amman hotel. The hotel is a 35 minute transfer from the airport.Comfortable Hotel Day 2 Visit Jerash and float in the Dead Sea. This morning we drive north to Jerash, known as Gerasa in ancient times. This was one of the ten wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis during Roman times, and was famous throughout the Roman world for the luxury of its lifestyle. Buried for centuries under blown sand, Jerash is the only city of the Decapolis to have survived, with a dramatic oval forum, colonnaded main streets which remarkably have the drains still intact, two theatres and the impressive temple of Zeus. After a good look around we head south to the Dead Sea in time for a 'float' in the saline waters. In the evening we return to Amman.Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Drive down King's Highway to Petra via Mt Nebo, Madaba and Kerak. Today is a long driving day down the King's Highway which takes us up and down huge 'wadis' (valleys). There are several stops of interest en route including Madaba, known as the city of the mosaics, Mt Nebo and Kerak, which is a magnificent fortified town. Further south we reach the magnificent city of Petra; Jordan's premier historic site and one of the world's most outstanding ancient cities.Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Days 4-5 Two full days to explore the expansive sights of Petra. Two full days to explore Petra, the so called rose-red city, 'half as old as time'. Petra was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Burckhardt made his great discovery in 1812. It was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the 6th century BC. Building at Petra began in the third century BC and continued through the Roman period, financed by taxes levied on the desert caravans. Two features of Petra are unique: firstly, it is a city made defensible by being built down a series of chasms, rather than on a hilltop. Secondly, it is built directly into the rock - beautiful red and yellow sandstone carved into the most impressive facades which glow in the brilliant sunlight. To enter Petra we must begin by walking down a narrow chasm, known as the Siq, surrounded by high cliffs on either side. Unveiled at the end of the Siq is El Khazneh, the Treasury. This is just the first breathtaking sight of a remarkable day. Continuing to the centre of the city, we pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens and the remarkable scale of the site begins to unveil itself. A long walk beyond the centre is El Deir, the monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn (the walk up is by a series of steps). On one of the days we take a walk to the High Places which only few people attempt to visit. This can be quite arduous and is not recommended for those who are unsure of their fitness. However, those who do make it to the top are rewarded with wonderful views over parts of the site visited on the previous day.Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 To the Wadi Rum desert; 4WD excursion and overnight in a Bedouin camp. This morning we join the modern Desert Highway and make our way south to Wadi Rum, a beautiful desert area where dramatic sandstone mountains rise from the sandy desert floor. This is where Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War and also where sections of the 1962 epic film were shot. We join our Bedouin guides for a 2-hour 4x4 trip to explore the highlights of the protected area. Towards the end of the day we return to our private camp, located near the small village of Disseh where we enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality and may have the chance to sleep out under the stars.Basic Camping Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 7 Morning in Wadi Rum; desert drive to Aqaba; free afternoon to relax or optional snorkelling over the coral reefs of the Red Sea. We wake amidst the dramatic desert scenery and then make our way on to Aqaba, Jordan's port and holiday resort, famous for beautiful coral reefs. We have free time to lounge on the beach, swim, or snorkelling. Your leader will be able to advise you on which are the best private beaches to visit as the public beaches generally do not have as many facilities. There are several good restaurants in Aqaba for our evening meal together.Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 To Amman; citadel tour and free time. In the morning we travel back to Amman on the fast Desert Highway. In the afternoon you will be given a guided tour of Amman where you will be taken to the famous Amphitheatre. Dating back to the Roman period, when the city was known as Philadelphia, it is one of the main landmarks of Jordan. Then any additional time is free to explore the city or for some last minute shopping!Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Fly to London. Fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast
Jordan Visas are required by most nationalities, including British, and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport. At time of print, visa fees (usually 40JOD) have been waived for all nationalities travelling to Jordan with a tour operator and spending a minimum of 2 nights in country. Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. He will be carrying an Exodus sign. For more information on the free Jordan Visa, please see the link below:http://international.visitjordan.com/MediaCenter/News/JordanianGovernmen...
Jordan There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid.
Hotels and Camp We spend 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Amman, 3 nights in Petra, and 1 night in Aqaba. We will also have 1 night staying in a Wadi Rum desert camp. The private camp is for the sole use of the Exodus group and offers an unforgettable experience. Throughout the tour we use comfortable hotels with en suite facilities and air conditioning. All of them have been thoroughly researched and are selected for their comfort and location. In some cases we may use less central hotels in the interests of comfort. Accommodation in Petra is limited and demands on the infrastructure are high; this creates occasional problems with hot water and general plumbing for all hotels. The accommodation we use here is generally the most basic 3-star of the week, however it is in an excellent location and offers a warm welcome. If our preferred hotel is not available we may use a hotel of a higher standard a little further away from the centre of Petra. In this case a shuttle service to/from the hotel will be provided. One night will be spent in the Wadi Rum desert. Traditional style tents are equipped with basic beds and blankets. There are plumbed toilets and basins, and simple shower facilities with (limited) hot water. The single supplement is available on request. Please enquire at the time of booking for details and up-to-date prices.
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Reviewed April 2018 Jayne Riorden Trip: A Week in Jordan A Week in Petra A great week with a great bunch of people This was the trip just as I expected it - Petra being the highlight, but Wadi Rum coming a close second. Or maybe Jerash? Mount Nebo? Two disappointments - firstly Madaba where we rushed through the town to see only the Ma’daba Map (well worth it) because we had stopped off at a ceramic centre for adults with learning difficulties which turned out to be a large shop with less than half of the items being ceramics and the rest the usual ‘stuff’ you could find everywhere but here the assistants were very pushy. Secondly, Aquaba where, because we couldn’t get into our rooms, we went straight to the private beach for snorkelling, swimming etc. which is supposed to be an additional option but we were told to pay the JD20, with no options. A bit annoying as many of our group were not interested in sunbathing and swimming on a private beach overlooking Palestine on the other side of the Red Sea.a - What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Inevitably, the two days in Petra, particularly starting early on the second morning (7am), walking through the Siq and reaching the Treasury almost on our own. What did you think of your group leader? Isaa was very helpful, a little earnest to begin with but loosening up by the end. He imparted an enormous amount of information, perhaps too much so! I would have preferred if we had not had to go around as a group at each site. This was particularly annoying at Kerak where we, and other large groups, prevented easy movement of couples or small family groups. Our driver, Jamal, was an amazing driver with a big friendly smile at all times. However much of a character Mohammed was, it was a bit disconcerting having a gun-totting policeman walking around with the group! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do make the effort to make the early start on day 2 at Petra. Do have a torch and wet wipes for the camp - it gets dark very early and the loo block, where you won’t want to spend too long, is a bit of a walk away! Do make sure you not only have your swimming costumes but also your water shoes for the private beach at Aquaba - the sand is far more uncomfortable here than at the Dead Sea. Is there anything else you would like to add? If you plan to spend an additional day in Amman, before or at the end of the tour, be aware that we get an awful lot done in the last afternoon namely the Jordan Museum (Dead Sea Scrolls), the Roman theatre plus 2 little museums, the Citadel, a rush through the downtown market and lunch at Hashem’s. We found Darat-al-funun (Little House of the Arts) just north of Downtown - it’s a very small art centre with peaceful, shady terraces where you can have iced coffees, smoothies etc and walk through the gardens to the ruins of a Byzantine church. You could also have a more leisurely walk around the market, stopping to buy figs, dates or some of the wonderful selection of nuts! From there walk to Rainbow Street (do ask for directions, Jordanians are very kind and will try very hard to help). Have lunch at [email protected] which is in a street off Rainbow Street, near the bottom. It has a lovely terrace cafe and despite its name, we were the only tourists!(apparently very lively at night). There’s nothing too special about Rainbow Street by day, but the gift shops offer you the chance to buy better souvenirs without the pressure of the sales staff you get at the regular stops during the trip. If this is your first Exodus trip be aware that there is no such thing as a lie-in! However, it is a wonderful chance to find out about this wonderful country - you’ll love it!
Reviewed April 2018 J John Trip: A Week in Jordan Comprehensive The guide was informative and well organised. We visited all the key sites in the week and had time to explore. Not a lot of time to relax, but the emphasis was on visiting the sites of special interest. There were two afternoons with opportunities to sit, by the Dead and Red Seas. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Petra and Jerash. Both places were huge and had so much to explore. The time available was insufficient to familiarise oneself with the area properly. What did you think of your group leader? He was polite, efficient and friendly. He knew the areas well and how to get the most out of the time available. He also organised a couple of unscheduled treats for us - a picnic and an evening meal under the stars. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don’t be surprised by early starts and having to keep to a schedule. A rucksack or light handbag is essential for day time use.
Reviewed April 2018 Megan Benton Trip: A Week in Jordan An excellent tour of a fascinating country We had a wonderful week in Jordan. The country has so much to offer in terms of history, geography, geology, natural environment, culture and food, not to mention sunshine. The tour was well designed, generally giving enough time for us to enjoy each part of the tour, and the logistics were very good - meals, accommodation, transport, tickets, etc. were well organised. The food was excellent! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The walk to the high place above Petra was amazing not just for the view from the top, but also for the beautiful and strange rock formations and colours all along the way and the surprises - tombs, views, etc. - around every corner. (Also, there were not many souvenir shops along the route, compared to along the Monastry walk.) The sunset and sunrise at Wadi Rum were also really special. What did you think of your group leader? The group leader, Samer, was outstanding. One of us has done six or so similar group-based tours with this company and others, and Samer is the best guide he's had. His English is excellent, his knowledge of his country is deep and broad, and his friendly, unflappable disposition was much appreciated. The two coach drivers were also excellent, considering some of the awkward manoeuvres needed at times! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I would advise potential travellers to go to Jordan! Also, I would advise them to start to get to know others on the tour sooner rather than later - we really enjoyed our companions. Is there anything else you would like to add? We would have liked to see more of Wadi Rum. We had some time in the morning at Wadi Rum to explore the desert a little on foot, but we would have liked to see more of the area by 4x4. Little Petra was interesting, but we would have preferred more time in Wadi Rum instead.
Reviewed April 2018 Anthony Chewter Trip: A Week in Jordan A week in Jordan What a wonderful country, full of Eastern promise. The people were lovely and did not annoy us as we passed so many little shops. The country was clean and the hotels of a very good standard, a little bit more expensive then we first though it was going to be, but it is a fairly rich country so prices are on the higher side. The Dead sea, Mount Nebo, Wadi Rum, Aqaba were all fabulous but Petra was something else, amazing place and so much bigger than we thought it was going to be. Brilliant week and made even nicer by the fact we had 16 companions from 4 different countries, no smokers no moaners just wonderfully friendly people who were there to enjoy this amazing country. Thanks to all of you. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Petra, truly a wonder of the world What did you think of your group leader? Somer new his bible and history to the point it was sometimes way over my head, but he always made it sound interesting, truly a gentleman. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take more money than you initially think of. Is there anything else you would like to add? GO,GO,GO
Reviewed March 2018 Val Lee Trip: A Week in Jordan A week in Jordan A brilliant holiday starting in Amman visiting Jerash which is a huge site full of archeology. Petra another huge site and the walk down the Siq full of interest and then the Treasury comes into view. Climbed up to the Monastery spending all day in Petra. Best was the walk up to the High Sacrifice place. Night visit very disappointing, a bit of a lead balloon after the walk down. Hotel in Petra in a fantastic position but dirty and breakfast not good having to avoid chipped cups etc. The view from Mount Nebo over the Promised Land and all the mosaics wonderful. Loved Wadi Rum, the food, stars and camels. Aqaba interesting and snorkelling good. If it would be possible to fly home from Aqaba it would save the long but not unpleasant drive back to Amman in the tired bus with broken seats and dirty interior. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Wadi Rum - loved it. But the walk over the tops in Petra brilliant - job to choose. What did you think of your group leader? Omar extremely knowledgeable especially in Petra his home town and really did his best for us. Very helpful but he did repeat things a little too much. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read the trip notes. Cover up against the sun and enjoy the experiences you will surely have Is there anything else you would like to add? Wadi Rum. I did a bit of a litter pick - everyone should do it! Sad to see the rubbish in places.
Reviewed February 2018 David Collins Trip: A Week in Jordan A week in Jordan An interesting week with plenty of cultural experiences and great scenery. Our guide Zahair was full of local knowledge and a great ambassador of Jordan. The highlight was definitly the two full days in Petra. Early wind and rain had resulted in Petra being closed until late morning with a warning of flash floods. In the end all was well and our group enjoyed seeing the monastery, the high point of sacrifice, the Siq and lots of tombs and caves. Wadi rum was great but the Bedouin camp was a bit of an ordeal but rescued by the great evening meal. Lack of sleeping bags and vertually no running water made for a primitive and unpleasant wake up call in the morning. Aqaba was warm, the Red Sea had good snorkelling too. The visit to the Dead Sea and seeing Jordan's Grand Canyon was not to be missed. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The two days in Petra, especially the walk on the second day. What did you think of your group leader? Zahair was attentive full of stories and had great local knowledge and a great ambassador for Jordan. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The week in Jordan was very interesting, varied and well worth a visit. However some of the accommodation was very poor and should not be part of the itinerary. Out hotel La Maisson in Petra was one of the worst ones I have stayed in for many a year. The shower cubicle was tiny, it completely flooded the floor when we showered. We had to mop the water up with the hand and bath towels each time. The breakfast was a matter of first come first served. The food was not replenished, tables not cleaned and no clean cutlery. Staff simply disappeared when perople asked them for anything. Our group were all put in the basement underneath the dining room. The noise from scrapping chairs, stamping feet and clanking cutlery began very early and was deafening and annoying. The coach we had all week was very old, pretty smelly and grimy. It broke down on the motorway 50 miles from Petra. The driver tried to fix it but to no avail. We waited 90 plus minutes for a replacement bus. Our driver was left overnight with the old bus. We endured a white knuckle ride to Petra along winding roads and hairpin bends eventually arriving at La Maisson at 9.30pm. Our old bus was repaired and we used it for the remainder of our stay. Is there anything else you would like to add? We have been with Exodus travel twice already, both trips were excellent. Petra was our third trip plus we are booked to climb Macchu Picchu in the summer. The poor accommodation and bus has made me unable to recommend the trip to our friends. These problems were pretty significant and has made the trip poor value for money too. Reply from Exodus Reply from Exodus We would like to thank David for his feedback, although we are sorry that he was disappointed with the accommodation in Petra and the vehicle used for some of the trip. Many parts of La Maison Hotel have now been completely renovated and refurbished since David stayed there. We have spoken to staff at the hotel and reiterated the standards and quality of service that we expect, and we will continue to closely monitor all client feedback we receive about the accommodation and food to ensure that it meeting our expectations. We also regret that one of the vehicles was of a poor standard and broke down on the way to Petra. We have now switched to a different bus supplier and we are making weekly vehicle checks at the new supplier’s depot to ensure this situation does not reoccur. We hope this shows we have taken David’s feedback seriously. Monica Princic – Product Manager for Jordan
Reviewed January 2018 Mavis Williams Trip: A Week in Jordan Brilliant trip in a fabulous country The 8 day tour of Jordan was really enjoyable. The trip encompassed all the incredible sights of Jordan and its rich culture and history. Petra was amazing and a real highlight. The guide was knowledgeable, caring and very enthusiastic. Would really recommend this interesting, varied and enjoyable trip. The group were all like minded people and we all got on very well which was a real bonus. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Visiting Petra and having time to really explore the whole site. It is really amazing. Also the trip was very varied and covered all the highlights of Jordan What did you think of your group leader? Our leader was amazing, very experienced knowledgeable and worked really hard to ensure the whole group enjoyed the trip. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The night in the desert was really good but if you want a sleeping bag book it before the trip. This was not made clear in the trip notes, it makes it easier if you want to sleep outside. Walking boots recommended. Layers for winter as can be cold at night in the desert. Alcohol available but hard to find and can be expensive Is there anything else you would like to add? Very enjoyable trip and an amazing group. Thank you Exodus
Reviewed January 2018 Tracey Lawrence Trip: A Week in Jordan A peaceful nation in the middle east An amazing introduction to the Middle East and Jordan with a fabulous mix of culture and activities across the country. People are really friendly and say 'welcome' all the time. loved the fact you aren't changing hotels every night like some trips. large comfortable coach. Highlight obviously Petra and it didn't disappoint. 2 days of hiking around Petra with every corner another wonderful sight and a view to take your breath away. I also wasn't knowledgeable regards the Roman Sights and they were a fabulous surprise. Dead and Red sea great but abit chilly during Decemeber....so a short dip to say I did it :) What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Petra! ....and an impromptu arranged marriage at Wadi Rum Camp...all for a bit of fun. What did you think of your group leader? very knowledgeable and informative. Full of passion and stories all day every day. Minor constructive comment would be that sometimes it felt like a boot camp especially as his loud voice bellowed at you for dropping back to take photos and he really liked it his way and being centre of attention. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? order a sleeping bag....its free even if you don't want it. take sturdy shoes/boots for Petra...we did over 60,000 steps and near 40km over 2 days according to someone's fitbit! Is there anything else you would like to add? get to like bread, humous, cucumber and tomato....its the staple lunch. Fabulous trip...well organised. Book It!
Reviewed December 2017 James De Souza-Gomes Trip: A Week in Jordan A wonderful experience A varied and interesting itinerary covering the length of the country, with numerous sites of historic and biblical interest, busy to begin with but more relaxing after Petra. A great introduction to the Middle East and one to change your preceptions of the area, we were always made to feel really welcome in Jordan, 'Welcome to Jordan' was a constant throughout the trip and we never felt unsafe on the tour. Highly recommended, we all came away awe inspired and wondering why more people don't visit. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Petra was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip with so much to see and stunning views at every turn, you could quite easily spend more than the two full days allocated here. Jerash is surprisingly extensive and varied in scale and not unlike Pompeii but without the crowds which made it all the more enjoyable. The Dead Sea was fun, mosaics at Madaba & Mt Nebo great and the views at Wadi Rum lovely. What did you think of your group leader? An enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide who was never short of a story (or two!) to tell, clearly passionate about his country, it's people and history. Did well to manage a large and diverse group. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Ensure you have a comfortable pair of shoes as as there is a lot of walking in Petra but don't let this put you off. The walk to the Monastery involves a lot of steps but is worth the effort as is the Jabal Haroun Trail to view the Treasury from high above. If going in late season be sure to either reserve a sleeping bag for the night at Wadi Rum (BEFORE departure) or take thermals with you. If you're not making use of the beach resort facilities in Aqaba then be aware that the tourist sites are likey to be closed as it's Friday, you can none the less spend a relaxing and enjoyable day exploring Aqaba and watching the locals - we found a great cafe for a lazy lunch. Is there anything else you would like to add? Stating the obvious but read the trip notes beforehand (!), paying attention to the need to reserve a sleeping bag if necessary for the night at Wadi Rum before you leave as they are not available once there. As at time of writing use of the beach resort facilities at Aqaba is now included as part of the trip, there is no boat trip offered. Additional cost for hiring snorkelling equipment & lunch.
Reviewed April 2017 Kathryn Forrester Trip: A Week in Jordan Week in Jordan. The perfect introduction to this fascinating and beautiful county. Only put very good due to the hotel choice in Amman, it was not the one we were expecting and not the quality of the one we had originally been booked into. This was down to the local company not exodus. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Petra, 99% of the group said this was the main reason for going to Jordan, and it certainly lived up to and in most cases exceeded expectations. I loved little Petra a nice little surprise. Floating in the dead sea is an experience not to be missed. We were there around sunset which was beautiful to watch. What did you think of your group leader? Zuhair was the perfect ambassador for Jordan. He was passionate about his country, it's culture and history. He was very knowledgeable and keen to share this with us and other who wanted to listen, this was great. Everywhere we went people knew him and spoke highly of him. He gave us good tips on places to eat, places to visit in our free time and took great care of us all. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Jordan is more expensive than you'd expect. The group meals generally cost around £20 per person. There are other extras that are not so clear in the trip itinerary such as ,camel riding at Wadi Rum, boat trip in Aqaba and 'snacks' on the road trips sections. Although generally less conservative that other middle Eastern countries suitable dress is essential especially in Aqaba, avoid public beaches unless covered suitably. That being said as a single female traveller I had no problems at all, unlike other countries I have travelled in. Is there anything else you would like to add? You need to be fit! Take comfortable shoes for the walking in Petra and a reusable water bottle. Remember its your holiday so don't be afraid to ask the guide for things you want.
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