Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was very special. If we have to choose though, the first sight of the Treasury Building in Petra was amazing. In fact all of the ancient city of Petra was beyond our expectations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair was a wonderful leader. He told us stories and about the history of Jordan which were so interesting and enjoyable. He organised lovely snack breaks and took us to very good restaurants. He was extremely supportive with me when my knees were causing problems. He took such pains to point things out to us when we were in Jerash and Petra and was very knowledgeable and answered everyone's questions. A thoroughly nice man. A word also about the Tourist Police Officer, Sami, who accompanied us. He was also very pleasant and helpful and the two of them could not have been better and really made the holiday special. Nothing was too much trouble for either of them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Well first and foremost don't be put off going to Jordan. Everywhere we went we were welcomed and we always felt safe. Take comfortable walking shoes there is some hard walking in Petra, but totally worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to mention only one thing, instead I would highlight my top three: - Exploring Petra. Not just our first (breathtaking) sight of the Treasury, but also walking up the steps to the Monastery and then finding a small cafe with a wonderful view for refreshments at the very top. - The long cycle ride through the desert. There may have been a lot of ups and downs this day, but it was exhilarating to cycle through such beautiful scenery. - The boat trip on the Red Sea, with opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair was a knowledgeable local guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I spent a lot more money than expected on this trip, largely due to the weakening of the exchange rate (I was able to withdraw extra money money quite easily in country). I also chose to partake in most of the optional extras, and I am glad I did as they were all very enjoyable - the boat trip on the Red Sea, the morning camel ride in the desert (so tranquil), and the Turkish bath and massage in Petra. I would recommend that you take hiking shoes (or trainers as a minimum) for the afternoon walk on the second full day in Petra to the Place of High Sacrifice - it was rough going at times. Also, pool shoes would be handy for the trip to the Dead Sea as it was quite uncomfortable walking over the salt deposits to get into the water.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight for me was, of course, the magnificent building called The Treasury in Petra. I suspect that building is the highlight for just about everyone. I always find travelling more inspiring when I can combine the sites with cycling and hiking as the itinerary of this trip allowed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our local group leader was ill-suited to his job, but we didn't let him get in the way of our enjoying the sites, tastes and sounds of Jordan. I think, though, that I was the only one of our group who enjoyed the sound of the call to prayer five times a day, even when it woke me up before dawn.

Most Inspirational Moment

When Zuhair our guide had us line up along the dark, narrow canyon wall in order to witness the dramatic splendor of of the shining facade of the treasury at Petra.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair was everything I could hope for, informative, entertaining and attentive to individual needs. His historical perspective and anecdotal memories helped make our bus rides fly by. After all, we were there to cycle and he made sure we were well fed and hydrated. When one of our group had an accident that called for being checked by medical professionals he was rushed to the hospital nearest our destination and Zuhair kept us apprised and that was appreciated. To our collective relief he was discharged and able to rejoin us and resume that evening.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring extra layers because the temperatures can vary and on the bikes we don't always have access to our main luggage. Personally, I would have had a better experience if I had packed a wetsuit for snorkeling the Red Sea.

Most Inspirational Moment

First glimpse of the Treasury at petra

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable and keen to help wherever possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do see Jordan-it is a safe and welcoming country, and currently visitor numbers are 70% down on earlier years, so you almost have the country to yourself!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cup of mint tea at The Monastery, Petra, after climbing the 800 steps.

Thoughts on Group Leader

very organised - lovely chap always trying to please.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really - just enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

When Tommy turtle swam under our glass bottom boat, so unexpected, other than that the trip was a series of highlights, something new everyday

Thoughts on Group Leader

Weal the group leader was a mine of information as well as a fixer sorting out problems and patching up those that fell off their bikes

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you take some warm cloths and a windproof if going late in the year as although the sun shines all day it can get cold, also I am told November is the rainy season but we didn't see a drop

Most Inspirational Moment

It has to be Petra. It is so much more then The Treasury, which of course is fabulous by itself. However sleeping under the stars in the Wadi Rum and waking up to an amazing sunset was pretty fantastic too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wael is an extremely knowledgeable guy, and has a huge amount of information in his head that he is only too happy to impart. It's a busy schedule and he made sure we were all where we should be when needed!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was warmer than I'd expected for November, but it's still worth having layers (maybe arm warmers) as one or two mornings/descents were a little cool. A 3 season sleeping bag was perfectly ok for sleeping under the stars at Wadi Rum, although there were a few mozzies, so take some repellant (you won't need it anywhere else). Petra covers a much bigger area than I'd expected, take comfy trainers for walking as the footpaths and steps have gravel and sand in places. You'll be walking further than you expect. Petra by Night (candlelight and music) was very atmospheric if you like that kind of thing - and it gave us the chance to walk the Siq in the dark (the candles light it up just enough). The Cave Bar by the entrance to Petra offers beer and cocktails and a chance to sit down after all the walking, it's part of the Crowne Plaza hotel so not cheap. Take a warm jacket to the Cave Dinner, it got quite chilly after a while. Try the Jordanian ice cream, ours were multi-flavour/colour and served up as a flower with petal-like shapes. Have a drink on the rooftop bar of the Doubletree Hilton in Aqaba, great views over the port to the Red Sea. It also has a bar area that serves food at lunchtimes with an open air hot tub. In fact, their room prices were pretty much the same as the hotel we were in so I wonder if Exodus could swap to provide a little more luxury for that night! The Wadi Rum camp has a fridge, as does the bus, if you want to have chilled drinks. And the main tent has electricity for charging gadgets.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra, being able to take time exploring on our own

Thoughts on Group Leader

Weal was very knowledgable & looked after all the needs of the group admirably. Also keen for us to have fun & enjoy our holiday

Advice for Potential Travellers

The cycling is not that flat several hills & some wonderful descents

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra. It's so much more than I expected having read about it and seen pictures of it. Ok, it can get a bit crowded with other tourists and tacky with all the touts but with not too much effort you find quieter places.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Among the best. Wael was efficient, helpful, extremely knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. Our cycling leader was also excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Your hands will be gripping those bars on those downhills (which are great if you like that kind of thing), so take a decent, padded pair of summer cycling mitts. Allow for a generous budget - enjoy yourself!