Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the sun set on the Nile. Having a beautiful lunch on one of the sailboats, again on the Nile. Having an early morning Turkish coffee in Luxor before the market opened and watching the world wake up. Getting a kiss on the cheek from a little girl who was fixated with my earrings and her mother and I laughing about how focussed the little one was. Seeing the new library in Alexandria, and seeing an amazing dedication to learning and hope for the future.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As mentioned above, I found our group leader to be very informed, adaptable to the group's requests, patient with all the different attitudes, caring and solicitous even when tour participants were ungracious. She managed it all with grace and professionalism. I saw amazing sites and got explanations I never would have on my own. She went above and beyond to create an interesting experience and provide fulsome explanations of what we were seeing. I found Nadia to be extremely knowledgeable about heiroglyphics and Egyptian history and generally a joy to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring lots of Egyptian pounds in small denominations (10s and 20s). Recognize that while you may agree to pricing when shopping or taking a cab, you will likely be asked aggressively for more. Stand your ground and get out of the cab/shop quickly. Be aware that air and ground pollution is extreme and bring wipes. Be aware that climbing in and out of pyramids is for people in shape and if you attempt it, the space is very small and you will be holding up hundreds of people if you can't move quickly. And please respect the culture. Look around you. Neither men nor women are wearing shorts or skimpy tops. Cover up.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery in Wadi Rum closely followed by Petra.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ab (Abdullah) was excellent: extremely knowledgeable, courteous, and with a great sense of humour. He was always approachable and understanding - nothing was too much trouble for him. Despite the unscheduled changes on our trip (a flooded hotel and an overnight change in law re cycling trips), he worked through these issues, communicating regularly, and we completed all the activities we were scheduled to do, albeit in a different order. He was incredibly hardworking and never seemed to be "off-duty". He was in every sense a true professional. For us, he made the trip and is a credit to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As a couple we only spent 450JD (we didn't really buy any souvenirs as none of them really interested us and a lot of it was very similar). Our 3/4 season sleeping bags were unnecessary for Wadi Rum, just a liner or lightweight sleeping bag would have been sufficient when we were there in late October - check temperatures before you go for an idea. We didn't use that many of our own snacks as our guide was great at providing these and it was something different everyday. You don't need your own bike repair kit as the team mechanic is following behind you. As others have mentioned there isn't a huge variety in the food, but there is plenty to eat. Remember to take a water bottle, the one disappointing thing about Jordan is the amount of plastic rubbish you see littering the sides of the roads. Finally the cycling was more ascent and descent than we had anticipated from the trip notes. The cycle at Wadi Rum is flat, the rest isn't!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved Petra, so much to see there. The climb to the High Sacrifice was a little tough but so worth it for the view. Wadi Rum was wonderful, very peaceful and lying on the sand seeing the starry night sky was fabulous. Our penultimate night group dinner in Aqaba was fabulous and really should be the last night as dinner at the Holiday Inn on the last night was disappointing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed Aziz was incredible. He kept us on track, informed us of our times, places we were visiting and was a fountain of knowledge in all the places we visited. A kind and caring tour leader who made sure we were all happy, fed and watered. I would thoroughly recommend a tour with him as your guide. Our driver was patient and helpful throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Arrive a day early in Amman, as the flight on Royal Jordanian gets in very late. That would give you time to acclimatise and settle in. Don’t expect everything to work like clockwork. The Middle East does not operate that way...but you will achieve everything you have been promised. Just relax and enjoy every moment of this great journey.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved Petra, so much to see there. The climb to the High Sacrifice was a little tough but so worth it for the view. Wadi Rum was wonderful, very peaceful and lying on the sand seeing the starry night sky was fabulous. Our penultimate night group dinner in Aqaba was fabulous and really should be the last night as dinner at the Holiday Inn on the last night was disappointing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed Aziz was incredible. He kept us on track, informed us of our times, places we were visiting and was a fountain of knowledge in all the places we visited. A kind and caring tour leader who made sure we were all happy, fed and watered. I would thoroughly recommend a tour with him as your guide. Our driver was patient and helpful throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Arrive a day early in Amman, as the flight on Royal Jordanian gets in very late. That would give you time to acclimatise and settle in. Don’t expect everything to work like clockwork. The Middle East does not operate that way...but you will achieve everything you have been promised. Just relax and enjoy every moment of this great journey.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyday was different the rain forest , Shira Plateau, Lava Tower etc. The most fun day was the great Barranco wall which looks steep but completely doable. On summit night I was excited, apprehensive and just wanted to get to the top however I knew it would be a very long day reaching Uhuru Peak .As soon as day break comes you get this burst of extra energy! Reaching Uhuru Peak was just the best moment!

Thoughts on Group Leader

I can not praise our guides enough . Head guide - Julian (J.T.) was so professional, so kind and patient setting a sensible pace to allow us to acclimatise. Absolutely first class chap. Assistant guides- David and Hance equally as professional . I felt safe at all times on our journey. They all gave quiet and kind words of encouragement all the way. They never stop smiling and making things seem easy! I shall never forget them . Not forgetting our superb cook Trophin providing the food which would give us the energy we needed each day . Excellent porridge ! The wonderful porters and assistant guides Rikado Trophin and Arnold Thomas. Julius I thank you for also always being there! All the way to the top!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The most important thing is to follow the pace the guides set they are so experienced and everyone will tell you poly poly and that’s exactly what to do to give yourself more of a chance of acclimatising and reaching the summit . Don’t forget your nail brush ! I did ! Keep your head down especially on summit day this was the advice I was given ‘don’t look up’!! Just keep plodding . Have fun , you will love it and carry those memories forever.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Caminito del Rey. A brilliant day, but all walks were scenic, interesting and full of interest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael is a star. Loves Spain and the culture. Gave great info about flora and fauna and willing to go the extra mile to keep everything interesting and relevant. A top Exodus leader and we have done over 30 trips with the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is rural Spain, not the seaside. You really get to see home people live and enjoy the country.

Most Inspirational Moment

This was a great area for some serious walking, summits, views and scenery. Even the vehicle transfers to and from the start of the walks were interesting. The demanding two day walk with an overnight stay at the comfortable refuge was a great experience along with the strenuous summit of Monte Cusana.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was a very good and knowledgeable guide who had a great passion for the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather was very kind to us in early September and we walked mainly in t-shirts, but we did have one wet afternoon when it absolutely poured, so take decent waterproofs and proper boots. There are problems with ticks in this area so it is important to check yourself at the end of each walk. We found a few! For the challenging departure you need to be fit otherwise you will hold the group back. Take good boots, poles and ideally a hydration system (Camelbak) as you get through plenty of water, and refills are not always available on the route. Although the overnight refuge was more 'posher' than some, you still need to take earplugs, eye shades, towel and a red bulb head torch. The food is excellent and plentiful and there is hot water, showers and proper toilets! All in all, a good experience and the thought of a refuge should not put you off booking this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several, but the second day of walking took us to some high mountains in a National Park, with gorgeous views, a wealth of wildlife and the opportunity to walk on an original Roman road. The final walk, starting from the Cortijo, was also very enjoyable and a little more challenging than the others. The Caminito del Rey is also not to be missed, and the leisurely tapas lunch in a local village on the first Sunday was a great way of getting to know your fellow travellers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walk at Gubeiko and Juankou are great!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jack: touristy leader, good English, does not follow itinerary - lunch is more important than hike.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not go on this trip if you want an all off the beaten holiday. Day 2-3-7 are a real disappointment. There is no real experience of local life in villages. Hikes are often just strolls and much shorter than stated in the itinerary.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra. Walk to the High Place and then around the back of Petra is excellent, and easier than The Monastery walk the day before. Floating in the Dead Sea is fun. Good hotels, but often dry so bring some drinks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good leader, lots of historical knowledge

Advice for Potential Travellers

When you go to the desert camp you can only take a small bag. Take a torch. You don’t need too much money, there’s not much to buy. Visit the Cave Bar near the reception in Petra (oldest bar in the world), and go to the rooftop bar in the Hilton in Aquaba for good views.