Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to Petra was the highlight of the holiday. Out guide, Zahair, lined us up in the siq - the narrow canyon leading to the ancient city, and with two paces to the left the wonderful iconic Treasury building was revealed in brilliant sunshine, in stark contrast to the dim and dark siq.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - wore his heart on his sleeve when it came to Jordanian history and the country of Jordan

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go and enjoy it. It's a busy trip with little rest but very enjoyable

Most Inspirational Moment

Sleeping in the desert and taking early morning shower in middle of such an amazing place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was so well informed and made sure we had all we needed - including good advise re how to cope with the hot temperatures. "Warm water not cold!"

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not be put off by where Jordan is - close to the troubles. You get absolutely no sense of this when u r there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the canyon at Petra and slowly having the treasury revealed to us. It's stunning every time you walk past it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wael was an amazing guide! Friendly with an infectious laugh. A lot of local and historical knowledge and he knew exactly how to get the most out of our trip. He even gave us great advice about visiting the capital (which we did on our own time outside of this trip). I was genuinely sad to say goodbye to him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Talk to people! We didn't meet a single unfriendly person in Jordan. Everyone was wonderful and happy to talk.

Most Inspirational Moment

A few highlights - seeing the Treasury at Petra for the first time, cycling through breathtaking desert landscapes, sleeping outside in the desert, and an encounter with a camel...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair was wonderful. He had an astonishing depth of knowledge and a real passion for the history of his country. He was kind, thoughtful, well organised and had a never-ending bank of stories to draw on. He introduced himself to us as a storyteller and he certainly proved himself on that front! His sense of humour was infectious and most of all he really seemed to care deeply that we should have the best time possible while he was looking after us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes say that the cycling is mainly flat; I'd say this is wildly inaccurate! The distances are short but those hills are steep. Having been on other trips graded the same as this one I would say this one could be graded higher, if the distances were slightly longer (for me, there wasn't quite enough cycling and a bit too much stopping and starting). Jordan was more expensive than I thought it would be. I took the amount of money suggested in the trip notes and had to be very careful I didn't overspend. I bought nothing extra beyond food and drinks and only just had enough money. The trip notes also advise not to wear lycra but everyone in our group, including the bike leader, wore lycra and this was not a problem at all.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many inspirational moments in Jordan, -Visiting the ancient roman city of Jerash was such a treat for the group after which we got on our bikes.... -The cycle to Mount Nebo was a lovely ride, spotting Jerusalem and the dome of the rock was very special. -Visiting the city of Petra was an incredible moment (long one – we spend the whole day walking the ruin city) -Cycling to the dead sea and floating about it was another highlight -Petra by night is probably the highlight of this trip and a must do (although not included you can pay for your ticket 17JD) -Spending the day in Aqaba on the boat was another highlight organised for us by our leader, after which you cycle to Wadi rum and take a camel ride to see the sunset or sunrise (by choice). -Spending the night in the desert camp in Wadi rum (out of this world) with the beautiful and generous Bedouins who are such proud people. The desert of Wadi rum is like out of another planet and the 4x4 drive was so much fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group Leader Zuhair was a big highlight for us, the whole group really loved him, he was so funny and very attentive to our needs, cared for us and looked after us like his babies. He has so much knowledge of his country and was full of stories. Zuhair went above and beyond to make the trip comfortable fun, entertaining and educational for all of us. Thank you Zuhair

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice is to pack properly, this trip is truly a multi activity one, so packing well is essential (Cycling, walking/hiking (in Petra), evening wear for dinner and walking around, swim/beachwear for the Dead sea, Red sea and hotel pools, also a good idea to pack clothes for generally hanging out like in the desert of Wadi Rum). Also, I didn't pack my sleeping bag and I never needed it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Aproaching the 'first dessert of my live' on a bike

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sammy has a great sense of humor. He also has a great way of collecting extra money for himself ; he asks 50euro per person for 'snacks' on the way. In this way he earns 30 euro per person. 30x16members = 480euro in a week. Comes with an extra 30euro 'tips' per person. Camel ride in the dessert was 4 times!! more expensive that was is seen as official. Guess who's getting the profit. Exotical : Sammy is a great fan of the sharia and explains this with passion why the istallation of this system shouls happen as quickly as possible. The walking led by Sammy in Petra, was perfect and impossible without him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow the leader , but don't be afraid to take own initiative. Going to the center of the capital for exemple. Instead of going to 'the best restaurant of jordan' , where Sammy gets some ....

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to Petra and trying to visualise what it was like so many years ago. Taken by surprise by the size of the site which is not 'developed' and there is a need to use different muscles in the legs (as opposed to cycling) to get around most of the site as there are many steps.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wael H. was very well organised and led from the front. His English is very good and he is very conversant on cultural topics in Jordan. The tour from a transportation and logistics perspective was seamless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not worry about any security issues as the party does have a friendly tourist policemen in attendance and the Jordanian people are hospitable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on wadi farasi trial in petra with a new temple or ruin around every corner, there to be discovered

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very passionate about archaeology which was infectious and keen to show us his country

Advice for Potential Travellers

In winter bring an extra jumper , as it can get colder than you'd expect in the mountains and north of the country

Most Inspirational Moment

....night under the stars in wadi Rum

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

..walking on the Hejaz railway..

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

...do it all