Jordan Local culture Trips

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.

This was a full on bucket list trip for myself and my family and it did not disappoint in any way. We got to see all the incredible sites of Jordan such as Petra and the Dead Sea and then a number of others we had no expectations of, such as Jerash, which we found absolutely fascinating. It was a very busy trip - especially as we went on all the extra excursions that we could and I would highly recommend it. The people were incredibly friendly and our guide and driver were incredible.

Jordan Multisport did not disappoint. From a fabulous CEO to so many great experiences across Jordan. Of course, we were excited to see Petra, but our top reason for selecting this trip was Wadi Rum and that was far and away our favorite at the end of the trip as well. In the process of having so much fun, we also learned a great deal about Jordan as well as Jordan in context with its region. We are grateful to have had the experience AND to have returned home with such a better understanding of that region.

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.