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!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

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.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

326 Reviews

4.6 out of 5

Reviewed June 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

We have both travelled a lot, usually independently and outside Europe, but this is possibly the best one-week holiday either of us has been on. The itinerary is perfect for that length of time, as it incorporates iconic sights such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea; Jordan is an extremely welcoming and friendly country – all the more remarkable when you consider its neighbours; and the trip was outstandingly well run with a brilliant guide who was very knowledgeable and passionate about his country.

Most Inspirational Moment

We've been wanting to visit Petra for a long time, and the Treasury (the rock-hewn facade that everyone associates with the site) is absolutely stunning, however many pictures you may have seen before. However, we never realised how extensive the site is, and it is full of some of the most amazing man-made structures. The Monastery may be a long, steep and hot walk, but is well worth it, as is the second day hike to take a bird's eye view of Petra. Camping out under the stars at Wadi Rum was very memorable, but to add something that isn't always mentioned, we both enjoyed the boat trip from Aqaba and the surprisingly impressive reefs for snorkelling

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny was outstanding, and I'm fairly sure that everyone in our group felt the same, even if they don't get round to writing a review. He was extremely warm, friendly and approachable, and nothing was too much trouble. He has clearly been running the trip for some time as it went like clockwork, but Danny was still keen and enthusiastic to tell us about his great country and to make sure that everyone had a wonderful holiday. We had a great group and everyone got on really well, but I'm sure part of that was down to Danny's skill as a leader, making everyone feel welcome and included, and sorting out any minor problems almost before they occurred.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will receive plenty of warning about this at the time, but it's worth bearing in mind how long, tiring and potentially expensive the days in Petra can be. Going from the gate to the furthest extent, at the Monastery, is a very long way - and then you have to come back again! There is transport on offer, but it is broken down into stages, so if you didn't feel like walking at all, you would have to take a horse, then horse-drawn 'rickshaw', camel and finally donkey up the steps. The horse is included in the ticket price, but the operators still push hard for as big a tip as they can get. All the others are negotiable, but it could end up expensive if you don't bargain hard, and the heat means you end up climbing on that camel when you vowed you would never need one.

Reviewed June 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

What a whirlwind, fabulous, amazing trip, made all the more special by a truly fab bunch of people and an enthusiastic group leader that was Danny, not to forget Sadam who was also great. Brilliant trip – you will not regret it

Most Inspirational Moment

I thinking Petra has to be the icing on the cake for me. The normal walk down through the siq is lovely and when you turn the last corner and treasury is in front of you, you will be amazed. Make sure you do the not so well advertised route to see the Treasury from above. You have to walk past the kings tombs then start the climb straight up but you will be rewarded for your efforts with a fabulous view of the Treasury from above. The monastery and the high place of sacrifice are a must. Rather than walk up the steps to the high place of sacrifice Danny & Sadam took us on a walk through the hills, it was a great climb and only taxing in places. We arrived at the same place but it was much more interesting. We also got another fabulous look at the Treasury from above, looking down from yet another vantage point – which is a little hairy but good once you have done it. Everything was much easier when mountain goat Sadam was acting as a fall breaker. If you can do it get someone to take out via the canyon and not the siq. This was an amazing afternoon and yet another adventure, which has spurred me on to do more climbing. There are a few places where we definitely needed the help of the local guy, but definitely worth it for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny was excellent and made the trip – his knowledge was exceptional and he genuinely wanted us to have a great time. Sadam the tourist policeman got involved and walked with us everywhere lending a much need handed when trying to get up steps etc. in Petra. They joined us in the evening and recommended places to eat and drink and Danny is most excellent at tying the jordanian scarfs. 5 stars ***** :-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Jordanian people are very welcoming and I never once felt uneasy. Snacks and drinks are expensive in my opinion in the tourist areas - but exceptionally cheap when you hit places like Madaba and other non-tourist villages/towns. If I had to be critical I'd say the hotels were just Okay. Breakfast was not great (no fruit at all) - but it wasn't enough of an issue to even contemplate moaning. The hotels we were in, tended to have British plugs. Some of our group had issues with air con - it was about 36 degrees so we were hot at night. Only one bite received, that was in the Bedouin camp. Strange how there are no bugs! - Take some Deet for the camp and have a quick spray up.

Reviewed June 2012

A WEEK OF DISCOVERING ANOTHER WORLD

A brief yet unforgettable journey into another land, a different way of life, and almost another time. Meeting the Bedouin people who remain untouched by greed for wealth despite daily contact with masses of humanity, and manage to remain happy and hospitable despite living such hard lives in inhospitable terrain, was quite a moving experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing 800 - odd steps up a steep cliff face in Petra, feeling exhausted and out of breath upon reaching the top, turning around fully and then discovering the massive stunning facade of El-Deir! A prize worth the hard climb uphill.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable, capable, kind, socially very responsible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of spares for photographic equipment or electronic equipment in general. It is hard to come by and ridiculously expensive in Jordan.

Reviewed June 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

This was a unforgettable holiday, leaded by a master in guiding, a great introduction into a country rich in history. The tour encompassed both archaeology, history, scenery, and culture, Jordan is one of best places I have ever visited.

Most Inspirational Moment

The desert in Wadi Rum.Stopping for a tea break along "The Jordanian Grand Canyon" and having our first Bedouin Whisky Party as Danny called it. FLoating in the Dead Sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was just brilliant, extremly knowlegable, very professional also very well-organized, Danny have made our tour so special with his skills, his art or presentation of the subjects, he also looked after us very well & we felt so safe with him and most of the time made us feel very special, I was also surprised how Danny acted very professionally toward some of the ladies in our group that were keen on him, well, I also thought that Danny was a charming person & in my opinion he is number one middle east, in which, he did not like to be called that way, truly fantastic person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it, you will never regret it.

Reviewed June 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Most Inspirational Moment

The desert in Wadi Rum.Stopping for a tea break along "The Jordanian Grand Canyon" and having our first Bedouin Whisky Party as Danny called it. FLoating in the Dead Sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it, you will never regret it.

Reviewed June 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A superbly balanced trip with a fantastic guide. Wonderful people and far exceeded expectations. I had images of Petra being overwhelmed with people but it was surprisingly quiet (sadly due to the drop in tourism) I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Most Inspirational Moment

Even with a crowd of gabbling Italian teenagers the moment when you exit the Siq and come face to face with the Treasury at Petra really is quite something. That said it was surpassed on the second day when Khalid took us on a long walk over the top, away from everybody, before suddenly finding yourself looking down a rocky abyss into the Treasury.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Possibly the best tour leader I've had, Khalid was faultless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I've travelled a lot and love the Middle East but had put Jordan down the list as I thought it would be something of a tourist trap. In part the Syrian situation has led to a decrease in tourism which is sad for the local economy. The benefit is that the sites are a lot more free of bus parties than normal. Highly recommended from me! Jerash and Petra are stunning. Wadi Rum is big enough to hide the legions of tourists and make you feel like you have the desert to yourself. The Dead Sea is an experience not to be missed if not the most delightful place. Always plenty to do and to see, wonderful people, great food and runs like clockwork.

Reviewed June 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A fantastic trip – lots to do and see, and all packed in to a week. A fascinating mix of history, geography and culture. In King Abdullah’s words, Jordan is in a ‘rough neighbourhood’, but please do not let this put you off. Jordan is a peaceful and safe haven in this difficult area, and at no time did we experience any problems. The people are very friendly, welcoming and helpful, and I have rarely felt safer in a big city or tourist attraction.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Treasury for the first time was amazing and photographs can not prepare you for the real thing. The night in Wadi Rum was also fantastic and we were looked after very well. I also really enjoyed floating in the Dead Sea and being coated in black mud - a real group bonding experience!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny was a fantastic group leader - very knowledgeable, extremely well-organised, and friendly and caring. He made sure that everything ran smoothly, down to getting up early to buy tickets to Petra so that we did not have to wait in a queue. Nothing was too much trouble and he took a personal interest in each and everyone of us. His love of his country was obvious and he went out of his way to show us aspects of his country that tourists often miss - for example, taking us to a local bakery and fruit market to buy a picnic. His knowledge of the history of the area was incredible and he told lots of good stories. He also seems to know all the best places to eat!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good footwear as there is a fair amount of walking over stony dusty ground. Lightweight cotton clothes, with a light fleece for evenings.

Reviewed June 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

I loved every minute of the trip to this fascinating country, which has culture, archeological highlights and plenty of mixed activity involved. The fact that our group of mixed ages, from 23 years old to late 70’s, bonded so well, added to the enjoyment.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping in the Wadi Rum and sleeping under the stars, was the most magical time for me. But visiting Petra, which I hadn't realised was so vast, was also an amazing experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled was one of the most interesting, kind and experienced guides I've encountered on my travels. His love and knowledge of his country was very evident and he happily shared this with us. His dry sense of humour also went down well with the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for plenty of hiking in Petra, if you want to make the most of it. There is so much to take in.Absorb the culture and enjoy the food, it is wonderful.The only minor problem I had, was trying to drink the strong sweetened tea (mint or otherwise) that is customary in Jordan. Unsweetened weak tea, are not words Jordanians seem to understand!Traffic can be chaotic in Amman, so leave plenty of time to get to the airport at end of trip. Some taxi drivers smoke when driving, not pleasant for us non smokers, even if the windows are wound down.

Reviewed May 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Excellent trip…a holiday full of excitement and wonder! Jordan is a fantastic country with breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, welcoming people and tasty food! The week in Jordan will definitely stay with me for a long time to come.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention and amazingly all packed into one week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled did a fantastic job with the group, ably assisted by Sadam the tourist policeman and Kamal our driver. They all took great care of the group both from a professional viewpoint with the day to day activities, but also from the social aspect, they were more than happy to join in!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are thinking of going...JUST GO! Nothing to be worried about regarding safety. It is really a fantastic country!

Reviewed May 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A fascinating trip, packed with plenty of history and culture, blended well with some beautiful scenery and a healthy dose of exercise and relaxation. Being able to see ancient settlements, Roman ruins and crusader forts alongside mountains, vast desert and coral reefs in such a short time ensures there’s something for everyone and plenty of surprises.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Treasury at Petra (even for the tenth time), rounding the corner to the Monastery at Petra after the hike up, and watching the sun set and stars emerge round the camp fire in the awe-inspiring Wadi Rum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled was fantastic - his knowledge of the history and cultures of Jordan seemed endless and his enthusiasm to share his country was infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was worried about how my relatively low fitness levels would impact my ability to enjoy Petra, but the more strenuous walks/hikes (hundreds of steps or steep uneven paths) aren't too bad and are either taken at the pace most suitable for the group or are optional with plenty of time to do them at your own pace (or not at all if you choose). Hotter temperatures could make the walks more challenging (it was mid-high 20's Celsius when I went), but many are sheltered by canyon walls in parts at least. In short, as long as you are reasonably active, there's no need to worry or go on a big fitness drive before going on this trip.

Prev 1 … 25 26 27 28 29 … 33 Next