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.

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144 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Wendy van Gelder

Reviewed October 2014

Petra & Wadi Rum by bike

I loved every second of this trip. I was with a fabulous group of people – only 7 of us in total but it was the perfect number. We all got on really well and had some great fun moments.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the Siq into Petra and snorkelling in the Red Sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Sami was extremely good fun. His knowledge of the area was fantastic and we learnt a lot when we toured the various sites. His restaurant recommendations for our evening meals were perfect. Everything was planned to perfection and we did not have to think for ourselves at all for the whole week. Our cycle leader was Abid and he was a member of the Jordanian National Cycle team. However, he was happy to slow his pace down for us (well me really!).

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is classed as moderate but there were some quite steep climbs and some amazingly fast downhills. I have not done road biking for quite a few years and only do spin classes now. However, there were many stops so you were never left behind the group as they would wait while you catch up and the bus and mechanic's truck were always close by and available if need be.

Dayle Hammond

Reviewed July 2014

A Wonder of a Holiday!

I got back from Jordan just over a month ago now and still get a buzz from thinking about all the memories and looking through the photos. There is nothing that I would have changed about this holiday!

It was my 1st Exodus holiday and it certainly will not be my last! In fact, I’ve already booked up for the Highlights of Northern India trip in October!

The group of people on the trip were fantastic, the tour/cycle guides were 2nd to none. Couldn’t recommend this trip more!

Please see YouTube link below… Just a short video I compiled with some of the photos when I got back, hope you enjoy it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Couldn't pick one in particular. I remember how we all felt during the day at the Dead Sea (day 3?) and I think we all secretly felt that nothing could match that day, but they all certainly did! Out on a yacht in the middle of the Red Sea snorkelling, some scuba diving too.. Sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum, the endless hours you can spend trekking around the lost city of Petra.. Too many to mention

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Ala, was very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable and could answer any question we threw at him. He kept referring to Jordan as "in my country..." so you could tell how proud he was to be Jordanian and how happy he was to be taking us around his country! Johnny (our driver) and Laith (bike mechanic) were very approachable, friendly blokes too. Nothing was too much trouble for them. A special mention however must go to our cycle guide, Abid (sp)!! Arabian cycling champion.. Abid is a character that, if you have the honour of meeting him, you certainly will not forget him! Anybody who was on this holiday (and I'm sure on others with Abid as the cycle guide) will agree that he was the cherry on top of the cake...and more! One of the most likeable blokes I have ever met and it was such a shame to say goodbye at the end of the holiday. I can't vouch for any other cycle guides on this trip (I'm sure they're all great) but Abid was something very very special and we couldn't have been luckier to have met him

Advice for Potential Travellers

Carry a certain amount of low denomination currency as much as you can, and put it in a separate pocket out of your wallet/purse. Last thing you want is for locals (in Petra particularly) to see that you have a weeks worth of money on you. Don't worry, it is perfectly safe, but they will be cheeky and expect a bigger tip from you. If you give them a couple of dinar from your pocket where you only have a few notes, it looks a lot better than from a wad of cash that you have for the whole week. Don't let that put you off though, I've never been to a place where I have felt as safe as I did in Jordan, genuinely!

Patricia Bassett

Reviewed July 2014

Satisfying experience

It was a very last minute booking and I was really interested in the cycling. Not that I’m a good cyclist but I thought an active holiday would be fun and expected to see much more of the country passing by at a slow pace.
In reality we went at quite fast pace through the villages – maybe next time a walking holiday!
But the experiences were unforgettable. The landscapes first and foremost, the food, the companionship – everything was a feast for the senses. Most of all the night in Wadi Rum in a Bedouin Camp was unforgettable as was our exploring ‘off the beaten track’ in the vast site of Petra.
Full credit to Exodus for a well run holiday and thanks to our fantastic guide, Danny.
Jordan is one of those places that merits more than one visit. I will be back!

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra, Wadi Rum - hard to decide...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Knowledgable, fun and a great person to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can rain and it can even snow in Jordan. It did while we were there. Unlikely you will experience the weather we did, but be prepared!

Reviewed July 2014

Petra and Wadi Rum cycle

it was a wonderul trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra by candle light

Thoughts on Group Leader

he was great

Advice for Potential Travellers

Jane Dudman

Reviewed June 2014

Petra & Wadi Rum by bike

Great trip to a fascinating country of contrasts, amazing landscapes and historical interest, with a wonderful bunch of fellow travellers, who really made the trip special.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several, including sitting out in the desert in the dark, identifying the stars and planets above us. Petra was amazing, especially after we'd managed to climb the 900 steps up to the monastery and then on up to the teashop perched high on the hillside. Very special place to sit for a while. Next day, the walk through canyons to the viewpoint looking down on the treasury was inspiring. I also loved the full day cycling through the gorgeous, quiet landscape. Snorkelling in the Red Sea was brilliant, too. Camel riding at dawn was good fun and afterwards it was great to just sit and watch the camel train padding off quietly into the desert.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sami was hugely knowledgeable about the geography, history and culture of the country, which made it a fascinating and informative trip. At his best when imparting that knowledge, particularly in Jerash and Madaba. Laid on excellent snacks and lunches every day and I enjoyed all the restaurants he recommended.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of anti-mosquito repellent for the night in the desert. When in Petra, go to the Sanabel bakery - the mini baklava that Sami bought from there were brilliant when were were scrambling up to get the view down onto the treasury. If you go snorkelling in the Red Sea, don't forget to put plenty of suntan lotion on the back of your legs! Mint tea was lovely everywhere, but even better was the grass-coloured lemon mint drink - delicious!

Jonathan Grix

Reviewed April 2014

A wonderful trip

A great holiday, tiring in parts, that gives a wonderful insight into Jordan. You cover the whole country and pack a lot into this trip with all of the major tourist sites covered. The cycling was relatively easy with a couple of days of long descents (with a few uphill sections thrown in!).

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was more magical than we ever expected – A long time on our hit list and to finally see the Treasury and the rest of Petra was amazing. Sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum and Jerash were almost as special. In fact none of the sights on this trip failed to be inspiring!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He did his job – not one of the best ones we have had and he needed to be clearer with his briefings. The cycling guide and mechanic were good and looked after us on one of the tricky downhill descents.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for two very tiring days at Petra and expect to walk approx. 20kms each day – the two climbs up to the Monastery and Place of Sacrifice are worth the effort. If on the last night in Amman the guide suggests you go to Tawaheen Al-Hawa restaurant (also known as Wind Mills) don’t bother. The place is like a canteen with busses of tourist groups and no alcohol. Also your guide might advise that the cheapest place to buy Dead Sea products is at the shop where you stop to bathe in the Dead Sea – it’s not, the cheapest place is at the airport on your way home.

Reviewed January 2014

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

Quite simply an amazing holiday. Jordan and it’s people are beautiful and welcoming. The tour is very well organised and makes sure you see the highlights of Jordan in a short time as well as having time to get a feel of the country, especially when on the bike. The cycling is breathtaking and scenery peaceful and inspiring.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was simply awe inspiring. You could walk four hours and still not be tired of the amazing sights. Make sure you bring you camera. I found the best time to take pictures of the treasury was at the end of the day when the light which richer and fewer tourists around. Close runners up: star gazing in the wadi rum by night and floating on the Dead Sea, a surreal but fun experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was Danny. He was very passionate and knowledgeable about his country and was a wonderful host. He got the right balance between organising us, encouraging us on the longer rides, and having a laugh. Best bit was him dancing by the ride soda along with hour mechanic!

Advice for Potential Travellers

For female cyclists, definitely bring a gel saddle cover! And if you're going in the winter having cycling sleeves is an easy way to adjust your temperature but make sure you take your thermals for at night, especially if you feel the cold easily. And buy the kohl in Petra (for your eyes); it's nothing like the stuff you get back here. Oh an no duty free on Royal Jordania airline, so make sure you use up all you Jordan money at the airport before you leave.

Reviewed January 2014

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

Great trip – go and book it!

Most Inspirational Moment

This trip was just as described. There was so much packed in in just one week, so we saw all the best bits of Jordan. The cycling isnt that onerous, really just an add on to the other sightseeing, although Jordan can be quite hilly! Often the bus took us to high points so that most of the cycling was downhill. On our tirp (dec - Jan) it was pretty cold at the higher places, so do make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes and some decent gloves. These were needed at Wadi Rum as well. No-body had their own bike - the rental bikes were OK but it may be worth checking that they definitely have one assigned to you before departing, as in my case they thought I was bringing my own!Petra and Jerash are fabulous - be prepared for quite a bit of walking in Petra, its a big place!Hotels were variable in quality, but to be fair that was made clear in the trip details. Food was generally great, with plenty of snacks on the cycling days. You wont loose any weight!In summary, a great trip. Jordan is a wonderfully scenic place and you will see lots of it in just one week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pretty good!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just pack according to the season

Reviewed December 2013

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

I was expecting this to be a jolly good holiday – and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Packed with variety, there was cycling and culture a-plenty and the scenery that we cycled through was stunning.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking out into the silent desert as the sun was rising, watching it light up all rocky outcrops and sandy plains, bathing them in a golden orange glow. The later, riding through the desert on camels.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Full of passion for his country, with a great depth of knowledge on its history and culture, all of which he was very eager to share with us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring Jordanian money with you - if you bring sterling or dollars you have to keep changing it through the guide - good rate, but more convenient to have your own money ready. The desert in November wasn't all that cold at night, but bring jumpers anyway.If you go to the Turkish Bath "Bring your personal things" means "Bring your swimming things"!!Do NOT open your eyes in the Dead Sea!!!

Reviewed November 2013

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

An excellent trip for those who want to have some exercise as well as seeing the sights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was above expectation, and we needed the 2 days to explore it. Wadi Rum was a wonderful desert experience - I recommend sleeping under the stars and getting up for sunrise.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was knowledgeable; the cycling leaders (members of the Jordanian Triathlon team) were fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother taking cycling snacks from the UK. We were asked to contribute to a group kitty for purchasing snacks (which were very good). The kitty also covered purchase of bottled water for the entire trip.It's worth taking a gel seat cover in case your saddle isn't comfortable.

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