Most Inspirational Moment
Looking out from Mt.Nebo over the River Jordan, Jericho (I may be particularly ignorant, but it had not occurred to me that Jericho might still exist), the Dead Sea and the Occupied Territories - Biblical and modern history in one astonishing, totally unexpected view. Camel riding in Wadi Rum: we feared this might be a bit of a tourist racket, but it was a magical way of seeing the desert, the wonderful motion of the camels, the peace and warmth, it contrasted beautifully with the exciting 4x4 trip the previous evening. Petra: the first view of the Treasury from the Siq. It's a classic, of course, but genuinely awe-inspiring. Petra, full stop! Oh, and the best char-grilled lamb I have ever tasted!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Danny was superb. His knowledge and passion for his country and history shone throughout the trip. He is one of life's fixers and worked hard to make life easy for us, sorting the tricky issue of tipping in a country where it is ubiquitous, lunch meal packs and evening meals, including a really special Bedouin cave dinner and a traditional Jordanian feast. He saved us all a lot of money, giving us very firm instructions about how much to pay for things! The final afternoon trip when he took us round the 'old' Amman was unexpected, enlightening and a real departure from the standard tourist trail. We loved it, and the local street-food delicacies to which he introduced us. He went the extra mile all week, organising extras such as Little Petra, not on the itinerary but well worth a visit and arranged the organised outings and free time perfectly so that we never felt nannied or abandoned! He was fun to be with but completely professional, a rather difficult balance to achieve. Danny really showed how invaluable an experienced local guide is. Exodus should hang on to him!
Advice for Potential Travellers
We needed everything from fleeces, waterproof jackets and walking boots to shorts and sun hats and not necessarily when we expected. Sitting in the open-topped 4x4 trip in Wadi Rum was bitterly cold - take a hooded, windproof top and wear trousers. The Red Sea, too, was, literally, breathtakingly cold after jumping off the boat where we had been basking in the sun. I teased my husband, who feels the cold, mercilessly for taking a shortie wetsuit, but he really could not have gone in the Dead or Red Seas without it at this time of year (March-April) and only wished he'd taken a full wetsuit and I’d have loved the shortie!
Do go on the boat trip at Aquaba. Only a handful of our group went on this lovely outing, with all our transport and lunch arranged, a posh boat, sunbathing and visiting two snorkelling sites. Not everyone swam, but everyone had a great afternoon. Comparing notes afterwards, those that chose the beach option had a lot more hassle and, overall, it cost the same as the boat trip.
It really is worth taking walking boots for Petra. You could just walk up and down the valley, but you would miss so much. We covered over 26 miles. Don't worry if you can't manage the rough terrain and steep climbs, you don't have to leave the valley but, if at all possible, explore the hills around. You won't regret it.
