A Week in Jordan

We had the most incredible private family tour in Jordan from 20th – 28th September 2025 with a group of 12, and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everything was exceptionally well organized, and the whole journey flowed smoothly from start to finish. Our host Abdullah was outstanding — warm, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. He was with us every step of the way, always making sure we were comfortable, while also giving us plenty of free time to explore and enjoy things at our own pace. That balance made the trip feel relaxed yet rich with experiences. Traveling with 12 family members could have been complicated, but with Abdullah, it was effortless. The hotels were first-class throughout — clean, modern, and very comfortable. Each one felt like the perfect place to recharge after an adventurous day. The itinerary was perfectly paced and covered the very best of Jordan: Amman – We started in the capital, exploring its history, culture, and vibrant city life. Jerash – The ancient Roman ruins were breathtaking and gave us a real sense of Jordan’s heritage. Madaba & Mount Nebo – The mosaics and biblical history were fascinating, and the views were unforgettable. Petra – Truly the highlight of the trip! Walking through the Siq and seeing the Treasury for the first time was magical. Exploring the vast site at our own pace made it even more special. Wadi Rum – The desert landscapes were surreal. Our jeep tour and time under the stars in the desert were unforgettable family moments. Aqaba – We enjoyed time by the Red Sea, relaxing and soaking up the sunshine. The Dead Sea – Floating in the salt water was an incredible experience and the perfect way to unwind at the end of the trip. Every stop was memorable, and having Abdullah to guide us with insight and care made it all the more meaningful. Jordan is a spectacular country, but what made this trip truly exceptional was the personal touch, flexibility, and hospitality we experienced. It felt like so much more than just a tour — it was a family adventure filled with warmth, learning, and unforgettable memories.

The trip started out as a bit of a disaster as Royal Jordanian airways had to divert to Cairo, due to the current situation between Israel and Iran. That couldn’t be helped . Upon arrival in Amman 12 later, we were met by an Exodus rep. Because time had been lost there was a lot of catching up to be done. Out tour guide Mikhled had made some very sensible decisions , and although it had been a very long 36hours, from leaving home, we went straight to some of the most wonderful sights as soon as we got to the hotel. So in fact, we didn’t miss out on anything because of the diversion. The hotels were clean, friendly and catered for all our needs. They were centrally located too. The distance between some locations was a lot, but the coaches were air conditioned and lots of stops on the journeys. There was only 8people on the trip, and it was great, as everyone got along really well. Evening meals were not included, however Mikhled, gave us lots of options . being a vegetarian was a bit hit and miss at times, but the starters made up for the main meal. Mikhled took us to some family homes for dinner, and that was very special. Petra , the main attraction was very quiet due to the “Middle East” situation, which made it all the more enjoyable . It was very hot, so not being busy was ideal. Lots of free time on both days there . Mikhled never rushed us. The Dead Sea wa amazing, if not a little weird. It certainly needed to be done. A half day of relaxing at The Red Sea was welcomed. The holiday Inn was amazing, I had the luxury of a “Sea View” room, which was amazing . Bethany beyond The Jordan was very special to me, however slightly marred by the Military , carrying firearms in such a holy place. Understandably, as Israel was a stones throw away, but it did ruin it for me.

A highlight tour of some of Jordan's best sites and an insight into Jordanian life. This was my first trip to a proper "middle eastern" country which is a part of the world we hear much about, some people say it's this or it's that, but to actually see it and experience it yourself is so enlightening. Jordan was great, as I mention later, it is safe and welcoming for us visitors. I never saw or had even a slight inkling of something untoward happening. This trip obviously involves a fair bit of travelling around from one location to another. Our bus/coach was very good, high quality, comfortable with good aircon! We were a group of 16 in what much have been around a 50 seat coach, so there was plenty of space for everyone which made travel comfortable. I appeciated that. The itinery is good for a one week trip, everywhere we went was worthwhile. Our guide Mikhled managed our time at each location well and I never felt rushed. We have plenty of time at Petra which may be the main attraction for many people visiting Jordan. It got very hot here and you cover a surprsing amound of ground walking around what is a very large site. While I agree with Exodus's assessment that overall this is an Easy/Moderate activity level trip. The first day at Petra can perhaps push the boundaries of that for some people. Mikhled gave us a great tour of the main parts of Petra and at the conclusion of this told us we had free time to explore by ourselves and we would meet back at the hotel at a given time.The hotel was very conveniently close to the main entrance, a few hundred metres. Mikhled often gave a guided tour of a location and then allowed us free time afterwards. That was good. Most dinners (Tea! I'm a northerner) are not included in this trip. Most evenings our guide Mikhled offered the group the option of joining him to dine at a local restaurant. There was no compulsion to do this, you are free to do your own thing but most of the time the group dined together. I liked the food in Jordan. Herbed and spiced chicken, lamb and beef featured heavily but not hot spices. We were treated to some Jordanian specialities like "Upside down". As Exodus mention, seafood is the main fare in Aqaba on the Red Sea but there are plenty of other choices if that's not your thing. Exodus also mention the famous "Zarb" at the Wadi Rum desert camp. This was indeed excellent and probably my single favourite meal of the trip. The trip comes to a relaxing end at the Holiday Inn Dead Sea resort. Nice hotel, unlike any Holiday Inn I've stayed at before. There's an optional trip to Bethany Beyand the Jordan. I'm not religious but still went there. There is still some history to see and an interesting border between Jordan and Israel down the middle of the River Jordan. Floating in the Dead Sea was a one of those experiences you've got to tick off. It was a good and slightly strange experience, the water is weird!

Friends were apprehensive about me going to Jordan but it felt one of the safest places I've ever been. We saw no evidence of the conflict in the Middle East! We were also in Petra during the recent flash floods, we were well informed about the history of them, the forecast for that day and what would happen in the event of one. It was our free day there, I and several of the group walked out during the flood, whereas some were transported out. No panic, no mass evacuation, calmly organised with expert people and specialised vehicles on hand but not needed. Don't have any doubts about going, just go! We were met at Amman by an Exodus rep who was so well organised. Kept us together, organised our visas and whisked us past long queues and onto our coach within a few minutes. He also saw us off on departure day and waited till we were all ready to go through the security checks. (Unfortunately I can't remember his name) The people of Jordan are wonderful. You do get people trying to sell to you but they do take No as an answer and leave you alone. The youth of Jordan are so polite and offered me help wherever I was. We had a very comfortable 32 seater coach for the 16 of us, very roomy, air conditioned and had Wi-Fi. Wahim, the driver was excellent, safe, confident, coach was always cleaned and he was dressed immaculatly every day of the tour.

I'd never felt more looked after on a group tour. Great mix of learning and leisure. A perfect intro to Jordan for our age group.

Petra was breathtaking, and the walking was manageable for my age. Very well guided. Everyone felt included and valued.

A wonderful week in Jordan. I would highly recommend this trip. Despite what is going on in other Middle Eastern countries, Jordan felt safe and it was clear that Jordan was struggling with a lack of tourists. The trip took us to such varied places in Jordan itself and I really enjoyed the mix. The group got on well and for anyone who is younger reading this - not everyone in an Exodus trip is over 60.

Jordan was nothing sort of spectacular, offering a balance between culture, history, religion and leisure. It certainly is a trip that has to be done at least once in your life.

Visiting Jordan, especially Petra has been on my bucket list for some time. What an amazing country which didn’t disappoint. This started from the earliest moments of flying out there and speaking to Jordanians on the flight I was touched and humbled by their kindness and friendliness. It was my first organised trip and I was somewhat anxious about what to expect, but the people in my group were super. I havent laughed so much in such a long time. It is a full on itinerary but we were looked after so well and given many opportunities to really embrace the authenticity of the country, from visiting the stunning historical sites to walking through the city streets at night and soaking up the spices and culture of the many markets. We had a very comfortable coach with plenty of space for us all and a very safe and careful driver. It was one of the best holidays I have ever had and I am so glad and grateful to have had this wonderful opportunity.

This trip was everything I hoped it would be and had been on my bucket list for some time. And it is almost impossible to put into words. I have been lucky enough to travel with Exodus on numerous occasions, and this trip is one of the best I have ever been on. I was lucky enough to be with a wonderful group of people as well. The itinerary is perfectly thought through - from the historical sights of Amman and Jerash to the walking at Petra to the occasions to relax (especially at the Red Sea and the Dead Sea.) Jordan is a stunning country; rich in culture and history with extraordinary landscapes. From the grandeur of Petra to the serenity of the Wadi Rum to the relaxation of the Dead Sea. Jordan really is the total package. The people of Jordan are amongst the friendliest in the world, and need us as tourists right now. If you are wondering whether it is safe - IT IS! The transport used was very comfortable with WiFi, charging points and air conditioning on the coach. (Our driver was also great - felt very safe with him at the wheel.)

This has been on my bucket list for some time and it did not disappoint. The variety of each day made it feel like so much more than just a week. Petra was even better than I imagined but every location held its magic. Ayyad our guide was superb and so knowledgeable about his country and its history and went above and beyond to give us a memorable trip. Despite all the troubles in neighbouring countries, I never once felt unsafe and in fact with so few tourists, the Jordanians need our support with tourist areas being so quiet (though great as nowhere was crowded and the people are just lovely - everyone was so welcoming wherever we went) It was lovely to end the week at the dead sea and being able to use the lovely facilities at the hotel. After such a busy week, getting a few hours by one of the pools was much needed as well as a float in the famous dead sea.

I loved my visit to Jordan, I feel enriched by the opportunities offered in this itinerary. To experience some of the grandness of Petra, the timelessness of Wadi Rum and the warm hospitality from hoteliers and local families who cooked delicious food.

I loved Jordan. I loved all of it. Such ancient land with complex history, there were moments where it felt like time itself was staring at you. Petra is magnificent; Wadi Rum calms the mind; the river Jordan nourishes the spirit; and local people's hospitality warms the heart.

This really was a wonderful trip. So much packed into just one week - you'll see all the main sights and more: Jerash - incredible; Petra - stunning; Wadi Rum - breathtaking. Make sure you opt for the meal with the local family in Wadi Musa; that for me was one of the highlights of the trip.

Jordan is everything I expected and more, sadly for the country tourism is down but that was good for us who had the sights practically to ourselves - and what sights they are. Marvellous country, the history and architecture- so enthusiastically brought to life by Muayed, the people, the food. Absolutely fabulous!

This was a wonderful trip of a lifetime! Because of the unstable political situation in the Middle East I was unsure whether to go or not but I was so pleased that I decided not to cancel. Jordan is so full of history and sites of religious significance and the people so friendly and welcoming. Ahmad, our guide was wonderful and obviously proud of his country, he not only showed us the unforgettable historic sights but also explained the culture of its people, introducing us to many of his ‘cousins’ who offered us very interesting insights into the foods and locally produced goods available! The added bonus of traveling when we did was that there were very few other tourists at the major sites, for obvious reasons, including Petra.

It is difficult to sum up what was so wonderful about this holiday. We spent a week experiencing the history and people of this lovely country under the enthusiastic expert and entertaining guidance of our guide Muayad. The itinerary was packed with so much, including the stunning archaeological sites in Amman, Jerash and Petra and stayed in the camp in Wadi Rum. We also met local families who cooked national dishes for us and it was a delight to talk with them in their own homes. Every day brought new adventures and delights.

We spent a week travel around this beautiful country and learnt an incredible amount.

This was my first holiday with Exodus, and what an amazing experience! From the very first moment when we walked around Amman and ate freshly cooked falafel in freshly cooked bread for lunch - our adventure started. The incredible sights, the sounds, the overwhelmingly hospitable people, the fascinating history - every day was different and a new adventure.

Jordan and Petra in particular has been on my bucket list for a while and this trip did not disappoint. I was blessed to be a part of a small group and we all got on so well, I couldn't have asked for a better experience.