Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers  

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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

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Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Reviews

Liam Curran

Reviewed November 2015

Excellent sights let down by poor guide and hotels.

This was my second time in Jordan. I’d previously done this tour on a bike with Exodus but this time I was on 50 seater coach. There were 20 people on the tour and it didn’t really feel like the “small group” holiday experience I usually get and expect from an Exodus trip. The sights are amazing, Jaresh, Dead Sea, Petra and the boat in Aqaba are real highlights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the long climb to the Monastery in Petra. You'll need to be fit and if you're not get training!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Awful. We were always late and then rushing to fit everything in each day. Poor communication on what we were doing each day and what to expect. On the day we went to the Dead Sea we didn't arrive until about 4pm and it got dark at 5pm It meant the whole experience was very rushed and disappointing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It gets COLD in the desert at night in November. Be prepared!

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Liam for his review, although we are sorry that he was disappointed with aspects of the trip’s leadership; we are currently assessing the performance of the tour leader on this departure so that we can ensure he lives up to our high expectations.

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Martin Bigg

Reviewed November 2015

An amazing week packed with great experiences

History, culture, tradition, wildlife, real-life, unique experiences and fun all packed into 9 days

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking down the track and through the gorge into Petra. Seeing the amazing colors of the rocks and the way they had been carved before a glimpse, then the full splendor of the Treasury. But it then gets even better with the royal tombs and the evolving walk and climb to the monastery. And then even better with the climb to the place of sacrifice and the return round the back away from the visitors. Not to mention, swimming with fish in the Red Sea, floating in the Dead Sea, riding a camel in Wadi Rum and the other world heritage sites.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very competent and knowledgeable with the right balance between leadership and choice of activities. He adjusted and responded well to the group and helped make it a memorable experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Jordan is a great country with a range of very interesting places to visit and experiences. They are relatively close to each other and therefore can be visited together in a single trip without excessive travel. It is a young and ambitious country which works hard to attract and look after its visitors. There is something well worth seeing and doing for everyone here.

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Reviewed November 2015

A week in Jordan

If you want to see Petra this is a good trip as you get 2 days to really explore

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra- it is beyond words. So much more to the site than just the Treasury. Make sure you climb the 800 steps to the Monastery, it is really worth it. Also the climb up to the Place of High Sacrifice and then the walk through to the valley- this takes you "behind" the main site of Petra.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable but he does need to loosen up a little- very strict on timings when there was no need to be, making it feel a bit rushed sometimes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not into diving/snorkelling then the day in Aqaba can be tedious as there is nothing else to do there, so make sure you take a book to read. On the last day get dropped off in Downtown Amman to wander the shops (souks)- make the effort to say hello and thankyou in Arabic and you will be rewarded with warm welcomes and mint tea from the shopkeepers. I was given a keyring from a shopkeeper as a present when I bought a small item from him- I think they are so glad to see people as tourist traffic is down.

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Eileen Bigg

Reviewed November 2015

Jordan from top to bottom

A packed week covering ancient history and modern-day culture

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking down the winding Siq on the way to Petra, past wonderful coloured rock formations, until we were confronted by the Treasury

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great fun, very attentive, pre-empted every situation

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take earplugs (to muffle the early morning call to prayer) and a universal bathplug. And be prepared for lots of walking in Petra - the site is bigger than you think.

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James Newcomb

Reviewed November 2015

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Activities were very good, and our guide was able to offer much in the way of useful guidance/information. However, don’t set your expectations too high, with respect to the three star hotels that Exodus will select. Our experience, not least in Amman, was that hotels were poor in terms of bathroom facilities and electrics and, in some cases, breakfast arrangements were not great either. This aspect of the holiday was generally disappointing and below prior standards experienced on Exodus trips. Finally, my wife’s baggage did not arrive in Amman (left at Heathrow) and although this was not a direct fault of Exodus, their representative in Jordan asked my wife to pay $100 to have the bag brought to Petra. It had arrived on the Royal Jordanian flight the evening following our arrival, but no one got it to us prior to leaving the hotel in Amman, for Petra.. She refused to pay the $100 and the bag did eventually arrive in Petra – free of charge – on day three.

Most Inspirational Moment

The two days in Petra - not least the High Places walk on day two.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Generally very good, though at times communication could have been sharper.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ask Exodus what hotels they will be booking you into and think very carefully about any stay at Le Vendome in Amman. I would not return to it if asked to.

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Steve Goodwin

Reviewed October 2015

An excellent week in Jordan.

My wife and I recently returned from “A Week in Jordan” and our first holiday with Exodus. Any apprehension we had before travelling to this part of the world was quickly forgotten due to the warm welcome we received everywhere. Jordan is a wonderful country to visit with it’s amazing sites both man made and natural.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our most inspirational moment amongst so many must have been the time spent in Petra. Nothing can prepare you for the dramatic setting of this long lost city. Wadi Rum came a close second.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Sami, a very well educated, highly knowledgable and enthusiastic guide was not only great fun with a wicked sense of humour but also easy to talk to about the current problems facing Jordan's neighbours.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although this trip is graded a "2", to make the most of this week, you need to be fitter than the average person as it is a very full-on experience with very little spare time to relax.

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Jon Mc

Reviewed October 2015

Far far exceeded (already high) expectations

A week in Jordan gives you time to see the main places in a truly amazing country. Guide was really good and knowledgably and the itinerary superb

Most Inspirational Moment

Floating in the Dead Sea..... First sight of the Treasury at Petra..... Walks around Petra (we were quite active and did around 40km over two days in Petra - its huge - walks not that tough if you are relatively fit).... The sunset in Wadi Rum...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ala - our group leader was brilliant. kept us moving, never too pushy to get moving, good advice on where to eat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

People in Jordan are very friendly, and in particular the people trying to sell you stuff are not in any way pushy (something I was worried about after having been to Egypt). You may see some comments on tips and this was no issue. The Trip Notes suggest forming a kitty (as does the guide) and GBP10 for the week did it. I would defo advise to go on the boat trip in Aquba - really relaxing and nice way to spend a day and three hectic ones in Petra and Wadi Rum

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Lesley Shane

Reviewed October 2015

A week in jordan

First of all… Don’t listen to friends and relatives who may be concerned about your going off to the Middle East. Jordan feels extremely safe, the Jordanians are understandably proud of their neutral stance in the Middle East and are welcoming and friendly. and yes, they rely on tourism which is seriously down given the current situation in its neighbouring countries.
Having got that out of the way I highly recommend this trip, it is very rushed as there is a lot to see in a scant week, if you can I would strongly urge you to go a day early so you have a chance to see some of Amman, or stay a day later for the same reason. there is so much we did not have time to do.
The highlight of course is Petra and this trip is set up so you have your tour leader introducing you to Petra on day one and on day two you are free to explore on your own. brilliant.
You do need a fairly high degree of mobility if you plan to hike up to the Monastery or the High Places both of which are a must. You can go up by donkey but that looked even scarier than going on foot! But there is plenty to do in the Valley floor if you cannot hike up these incredible mountains.
Did the snorkelling trip in Aqaba and it was a highlight amongst many highlights. The crew on the boat were helpful, experienced, friendly and good cooks! I cannot imagine it could be better on a beach or wandering around the noisy town. It was a perfect end to our very full week. My only regret is that we did not have more time in Amman to explore the brand new Museum and monuments other than the Citadel and to have a bit of time for shopping. We did manage to get about an hour on Rainbow street which was worthwhile but re were several other handicraft shops recommended in the various guides to Jordan and we simply did not have the time.
I would actually urge Exodus to schedule a Fridday evening departure and this give you a 8 days in Jordan.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well it is hard to pick one out above the others but I think for me the climb up to the Monastery in Petra was probably the most inspirational and then of course there was sleeping out under the stars in Wadi Rum and the camel ride to watch the sunrise also in Wadi Rum. Just being in Petra and absorbing the amazing buildings and sandstone cliffs and the play of sun and shadows on those incredibly beautiful rocks and mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ala was really well informed and happy to answer any questions be they political or otherwise. He could advise us on restaurants, on prices for donkey rides, horse rides, whether to take camel rides or not; he adapted to our requests, we enjoyed having lunch on the run and so he would stop at the best Shwarma shops, recommend the best baclava shops for our souvenirs to take home. He recommended in which order to do the hard hikes in Petra and recommended a particular interesting jewellery shop in Petra. Nothing was too much trouble for him to arrange and because he accommodated everyone we were perhaps a little delayed by one or two members of the group spending more time shopping than others.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be fit.... The hike up to Monastery and High Place is hard going, specially in the heat. You can never have enough water with you and while it is readily available everywhere it is very expensive when purchased from restaurants...2jdr whereas if you buy in bulk at a supermarket it is down to .50jdr. Not many restaurants serve wine and beer so if you like a tipple or two make sure you bring it with you from Duty Free. Or buy beer from a supermarket, it is possible. Any shopping for handicrafts that you want to do should be done in Petra as no time in Amman although there are good shops at the airport but to me it is not quite the same as buying locally. I suggest an agreement be made on day one in Petra that any shopping be done on the second day when you are on your own. That way the group can get the most benefit from having the group leader with you to explain all the sights and options. Take a packed lunch with you to Petra both days, the hotel in Petra did not mind if you took extra from the breakfast buffet. Definitely have a pomegranate juice or two and a daily lemon mint juice!

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Geraldine Waite

Reviewed October 2015

A Week in Jordan

I missed day 1 since I arrived on the morning of day 1 too late to take part.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was laid back, which was good. He was interesting and informative. He did not need to eat through the day so he didn't think we needed to!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have lunch about your person. The days are long, either in the coach or on the various sightseeing trips.

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Martin Jacobs

Reviewed September 2015

Astounding and revelatory

When we told our friends and relatives we were going to Jordan there were generally the sort of intakes of breath you hear from a car mechanic who is about to tell you you need a new engine. ‘Isn’t that a bit risky?’ etc etc etc plus dodgy jokes about being chained to radiators and youtube executions. Well, if you’re thinking about this trip then the first thing to do is scratch those worries from your mind. Jordan feels safe and stable. Everyone we met was fiercely proud of its independent moderate stance amidst the political and internecine chaos and strife that surrounds it. The population is literate, charming, welcoming and wryly humorous. Walking the streets of Amman is largely a hassle free experience – in comparison, say, with the in-your-face onslaught of somewhere like Marrakech. But right now the Jordanian tourist industry is suffering with people scared to go to the region, so Jordan desperately needs visitors – and all the more reason to go. Support their economy and get to see amazing sights which are hardly crowded at all.
So, this trip. We’ve done five Exodus tours, and enjoyed all of them in different ways, but this is right up there with the very best. It’s a tightly packed itinerary – at the golden centre of which is two and a half days in and around Petra. A lot of tours settle for a day or even just a few hours, but after the first gobsmacking day exploring the main Petra site itself, Exodus offer a day’s hike around the High places surrounding the Petra gorge. This is a very special experience indeed – we saw only two other tourists during the whole high places hike! Although I’d read that Petra was spectacular, and I’m a bit of an old cynic, the place far exceeded expectations. No one can be disappointed by experiencing this extraordinary place.
But there’s more to Jordan than Petra – it’s a week crammed with breathtaking landscapes, a rich and varied archaeological history, and accessible cuisine, and a night in a spectacular desert. Oh yes, and there’s snorkelling in the Red Sea, and floating in the Dead Sea too.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this holiday to anyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra is the centrepiece of the trip, of course, but when a group of us hired a Bedouin driver to take us deep in to Wadi Rum to spend an hour lying on the sand staring up at a glittering Milky Way in the deafening silence of the Desert night, that felt pretty unique.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair is a true character. You couldn't hope for a harder working group leader. He's knowledgeable - and full of amazing stories (a lot of which end in death and disaster) - and dryly funny too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Soooo... having waxed lyrical about Petra, and the hike around the high places, I think it's worth warning anyone with mobility issues that these two days are quite demanding. A couple of people in our group battled with sheer amount of walking in heat on these days, plus the number of steps and slightly rocky ascents and descents. If you struggle with your knees, then you might find some of this stuff a challenge. But, please, Exodus, don't ever cut this bit out of the tour - it's definitely part of what makes this week so special. If you're reasonably fit, you'll be fine! My other caveat is that one of the optional extras suggested by the trip notes is to see Petra By Night. This, for my wife and I, was the only real disappointment. It should be a very atmospheric experience - with the Siq and Grand Treasury lit by thousands of candles, but any whiff of atmosphere was destroyed by the number of people who - having forked out for a candle lit experience - brought their bright LED torches, and thought it would be cool to fire off their flash guns every ten seconds. Seriously, unless it's a very quiet time of year, I'd honestly recommend skipping this quite pricy add-on. Having got stung with this optional extra, we were a bit wary about forking out on a snorkelling boat trip on the Red Sea, recommended to us by Zuhair.... but we're so glad we did, because under Captain Muhammed Leddawi the whole group had an absolutely magical day on the coast around Aqaba. Snorkelling newbies were tutored patiently and safely so they could get a look at the rainbow fish nibbling on the reef below, and the crew knocked up a delicious barbecue on the boat - one of the best meal we ate on the whole trip. And price was far less than had we stayed on shore, paying for access to a private beach and paying resort prices for food in a restaurant. Lastly, don't expect fantastic Hotel accommodation. The hotels are absolutely fine, but they're nothing special. However this really doesn't matter, because the week is so full of activity, you barely spend any time in them anyway.

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