Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the hills/mountains around Petra was my most inspirational moment(s). If you can manage the 800+ steps to the Monastery, it's well worth the effort. The cafe there sells wonderful orange and pomegranate juice to refresh and cool after the long climb. There are two viewpoints farther up the mountain - go to them both. The one overlooking the canyon will welcome you with a free cup of mint tea, the other one has a great view of the monastery. The following day we climbed steps at the other end of the valley, up to the High Place of Sacrifice. From there we walked along the undulating ridge back to the restaurant bar at the start of the siq. It's on this walk you'll find some interesting rock specimens.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were blessed to have Wael as our guide. He was FANTASTIC, AMAZING, HAPPY, KNOWLEDGEABLE. He said we made his heart smile because we were like one big family and always happy. In truth it was him that made our hearts smile with his unending patience and generosity. Nothing was too much for him. I have strict food restrictions in my diet and he monitored every restaurant and cafe to ensure they complied. He even gave me a card in Arabic to give to restaurants and shops in case I was buying when he was not there with me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Before going, I was concerned about the unrest in the Middle East, but I needn't have been. There was no sign, anywhere, that Jordan is being pulled into the troubles. They have what are termed 'Tourist Police' and we had one such policeman with us at all times - more to ease our passage through towns and border controls, than for protection. I wouldn't hesitate to go again.

Most Inspirational Moment

My first view of Petra was unforgettable - the rich pinks and red of the rocks, the narrow chasm you walk through to get there, the extraordinary carving and architecture and the sheer awe-inspiring size of it. It’s certainly worth several days exploration. But the jeep ride across Wadi Rum was if anything even more exciting and the night at the Bedouin camp with the brilliant stars and moon above and the fire in the middle of the stone circle was unforgettable. And just the endless expanses of desert as we drove along.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wa’el was full of enthusiasm and jollity and humour. A different guide would have made the trip entirely different. He was full of information on everything and also ran the trip with a firm hand and made sure we all turned up on time. I appreciated that he gave us a lot fo free time at Petra. He was also very responsive to the demands of the group. We asked for more local food and he found it for us and also gave us extra time in Amman for shopping which involved making last minute changes to the schedule.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go now! Jordan is entirely safe and incredibly welcoming. At one point I was walking alone down a back street in Aqaba and saw a group of blokes who I thought (as a lone female) looked a little dodgy. Then they all gave me huge grins and shouted out, ‘Welcome to Jordan!’ Because people are nervous not many tourists are visiting so this is an extraordinary chance to have Petra to yourself. In practical terms I was glad of my sleeping bag in the Bedouin camp. The weather was incredibly varied - very cool in the evening in Petra, surprisingly warm in the Bedouin camp and very hot in Aqaba.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two - reaching the end of the Siq at Petra and getting that first glimpse of the Treasury and spending time in the amazing desert landscape at Wadi Rum

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wael, our group leader, was great fun and could definitely never be accused of not talking enough! He was very knowledgeable and clearly proud of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be put off by turmoil in other countries surrounding Jordan; the Jordanian people are peaceful and friendly and we never felt threatened or intimidated at any time. On another note, don't forget your mosquito spray for the desert; I was bitten several times!

Most Inspirational Moment

Personally, standing on top of Mount Nebo looking out over the wilderness the Israelites had to negotiate on their way out from Egypt. The sites at Jerash and Little Petra were also so much more than expected - and, of course Petra itself was amazing. The mountain ranges are awesome - so vast - and it felt like stepping back in time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember that Jordan is a "dry" country so be prepared to pay high prices for alcohol when it is available. Good walking shoes with grip soles are necessary for Petra especially if you intend to do the "High Places" walk on day 2 (for which you need a reasonable head for heights as well as a good fitness level). I think we walked about 9 miles on day 1 in Petra. The cost of Petra by night was 17 dinar not 12 as stated in trip notes - this is quite expensive for what it is but a nice experience all the same. Don't expect much by way of "local entertainment" during the evening there. Go down a bit later than advertised and you will get a lovely quiet walk down to the site otherwise you will be walking with dozens of others and the atmosphere is lost. A packed lunch was organised for us on day 1 in Petra - us ladies certainly only needed half of it so just order 1 between 2. Save space in your luggage and don't take a towel - you can get one at the Dead Sea and on the Red Sea boats. Don't expect to be in a remote/totally natural place at the Dead Sea. You access the beach through a commercialised pool area which you can then use after your dip. Use insect repellent if you intend to sleep out at Wadi Rum - I was bitten 14 times on my face alone. Most of us didn't bother with sleeping bags although we weren't offered any at the camp. Plenty of layers and 2 thick blankets (provided) were adequate. Star watching isn't that great - there is light pollution from the camp which has lights on all night. Better viewing from home actually. Don't expect to be miles from anywhere at Wadi Rum - it only took minutes to drive back to the bus in the morning. Eating out in Jordan is not "cheap" as in other Middle Eastern countries so you will need spending money as recommended to cover this.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wandering around Petra taking in the amazing sites, camel riding in the desert, floating in the Dead Sea and going snorkelling in the Red Sea. From a cultural perspective, the mosaics in Jordan especially Madaba are unique and beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khalid was excellent - very knowledge, extremely helpful, amusing and very friendly. Very well organised and was aware of all the groups needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fun! Fun! Fun! To get to some of the temples of Petra, the ground is uneven and steep (such as walking up to the Monastery and view point over the Treasury) but there is the option to skip these but just be aware. I am not a good swimmer but was able to go snorkelling as I was given a divers life jacket (no chance of sinking) and always had an instructor with me to 'drag' me around the fantastic coral so don't let your swimming ability put you off.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hike in the back country around Petra.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sammy is an excellent group leader who looked after us well. His knowledge of Jordan is very good and he obviously loves his home. If I had to make one observation it would be that he had been working non stop for months (7 days a week) and I think had got a bit jaded and in need of a holiday himself! Ramadan was coming up so I hope he got his rest.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get ready for impressive sights, heat, interesting food, no alcohol (well, limited) some long bus rides, dust. But if you haven't been to Jordan do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved trekking over the craggy hills to approach the treasury in Petra from above! (Optional) Also had a great meal out in a Bedouin cave!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khalid was very sensitive to the groups wishes. He arranged some tasty meals out but advised those who wanted to make their own arrangements. He was happy to talk frankly about regional politics. He is clearly proud of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get to Jordan now, its a nation you have to see but the regional politics may make it harder in the future.If going to Petra at night do it before you see it by day…it doubles the wonder!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the remote desert in Wadi Rum, not meeting another sole for days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Salah, was great. He had great English. He did walk a bit too fast..it wasn't a problem fitness wise as I'm fit but It would have been nice to stop for more pictures...he literally was way out in front every day, never looking back, on his own up front.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had been worried about our safety on the trip due to Jordan's close proximity to Syria but I felt entirely safe. I didn't get any bother at all unlike when I went to Tunisia and Egypt. I would thoroughly recommend the Jordan trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first glimpse of the Treasury in Petra Climbing to The Monastery in Petra Climbing the The High Place in Petra The Dead Sea- fun Spending the night in the Wadi Rum Relaxing boat trip on Red Sea

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saleh was an excellent exceptional leader. He has a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for his country. He is kind, caring and approachable and really there was nothing that he didn't do for us. Anything that was aked of him he did and more. He also was extreamly quick, efficient and compassionate in getting a member of the group beck to the UK when she had to return due to a family crisis.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring good walking shoes for Petra (boots in my opinion not necessary) - you have two full days of walking and if you choose to two climbs up 900 odd steps. Make sure you drink enough water in Petra. Maybe bring a packed lunch with you into Petra - there are places to eat available but not a lot of choice and not cheap either. You can get a packed lunch in there but it's not great. It is cold in the Wadi Rum but amazing - you can ask for a sleeping bag but the blankets are warm- I brough a liner and pillow case and thermals and was fine. Surprisingly there were showers there too. I spent about £300 and did not buy anything but did do the optional boat ride and Petra by Night add ons. Most people brought currency with them but ATM's are available in some places

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing to the monastery in Petra. A tough climb and an awesome view. Watching the sun rise in the desert. The sunset was fantastic, the starlit night was frighteningly vast, and the sunrise the next day worth getting up for Snorkelling in the Red Sea - what a lovely relaxing way to spend the afternoon away from the sand and mountains for a bit. Watching my daughter climb to the top of a sand dune as I struggled along behind!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled is a very busy person. He has a role with the ministry of guides which means that he was on the telephone an awful lot and I felt he was somewhat distracted during the week. There was a one-hour strike on the first Petra visit day by all the guides. However, I was impressed by the way he almost ran up and down the boulders when he took as round the back of Petra on the second day to visit the high place!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not over-pack. Jordan does not require great formality in wear, You will need decent shoes for the Petra walks for 2 days - I had good quality trainers, or lightweight walking shoes, Do not expect to be in the middle of nowhere for your stay in the desert. You will be able to walk to another camp or to the road from your site