3 independent reviews for Family tour of Jordan
Reviews for Family tour of Jordan
Saba Syed review 25 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I have just returned from a seven night trip to Jordan. It was my first time and I was traveling alone with just my 11 year old son, so a bit nervous about how to organise the itinerary. Luckily, Responsible Travel put me in touch with this tour company and it was a smooth experience beginning to end, since the moment Shireen got in touch. She designed an itinerary that included everything I wanted to see, was patient with my questions and gave me the assurances I needed. From the moment we were about to depart from London, having received a text from Shireen, to the time we left, we felt very cared for and looked after. From being greeted at the airport by Ahmad who fast tracked us through passport control, to all the excursions, hotel bookings, transfers, and handovers to other drivers/guides, everything ran like clockwork, no doubt due to the behind the scenes work that went on to coordinate and organise. All the drivers and guides were friendly, knowledgable and hospitable. Mohammed Ali in particular, who met us at the airport and was with us for almost the entire time was fantastic; enthusiastic, patient, attentive and thoughtful – going the extra mile always. He has a lot of knowledge on all aspects of Jordan, was good company on the sometimes-long drives, really looked after us and I felt totally safe in his hands. We had a packed schedule, but it was well planned and we never felt rushed, mostly due to Mohammed's quiet command of the schedule. There were loads of personal little touches and detours, to see views or things that we wouldn't have realised existed. Petra was amazing, especially due to Moath our guide, who was very efficient, knowledgeable and helpful, and he gave extra tips for navigating the site and its people. My son and I enjoyed the Wadi Rum overnight stay and trip the most. Even though it was really cold at night, Rahayeb Camp is very comfortable, the sunrise camel ride was awesome and the jeep tour with all the stops and ending with a barbecued lunch was incredible – just be prepared to do a lot of walking and climbing, it’s totally worth it. One thing though, the jeep tour was the only excursion in the entire week that didn’t run quite to time, we were late getting to lunch by a couple of hours (this bit had been outsourced by the tour company). Having said that, it was still an unforgettable day.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book your trip with this operator - it's the ONLY way to go. They were amazing, very responsive, personable, knowledgeable and spot on. Ask for Mohammed Ali Helalat as your driver and you'll be well looked after. He's brilliant, very experienced, attentive, has tons of local knowledge and goes out of his way to deliver a trip tailored for you. Another tip - always have some cash on you for tips. Pretty much everything was catered for by the tour fee, so having small notes in my pocket wasn't something I had planned for, but wish I had.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - it's a local tour company, employing local people and working with local orgs - no big corporations in sight. They are eco conscious too, we were given water bottles to use instead of plastic bottles on arrival by Mohammed Ali. All the tour stops were at local places, and would benefit them directly. Including one of the mosaic making organisation in Madaba, who employ people with special needs.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Jordan is a magical place, with immense natural beauty, incredible history and warm, friendly people and I feel lucky to have experienced it, especially because of the tour company staff. They are more than happy to welcome you by taking your hand and lovingly guide you through their incredibly country. It was a wonderful trip and I enjoyed every minute of it. I hope Jordan can deal with left luggage, because I definitely left a piece of my heart there. #heartJORDANJerry King review 7 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting Petra was amazing! The country seemed extremely safe and we wandered around Aqaba for hours at night feeling safer than we do in our local town Weston-Super-Mare!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Plan carefully your itinerary, some of the transfers eat into you daylight hours with careful route planning this could be minimised.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes the local economy benefits from tourism and they are extremely friendly and welcoming indicating to me that they understand and appreciate the contribution it makes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a great time, the local agent did our itinerary which ran like clockwork. Jordan is a warm friendly and very welcoming destination with much to see and learn about we would recommend it to anyone.Jenny Jenkins review 1 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting Petra.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you're in good health/happy with hiking - recommend min 2 days at Petra (ask for a guided walk on day 2 through some of the other wadis to get to Petra/or go to Little Petra - supposed to be v good too), and a full day in Wadi Rum. Movenpick hotels are fabulous (the one opposite entrance at Petra v recommended for location). Sinai Divers (esp dive instructor John & wife Tracey) in the Tala Bay Movenpick resort is strongly recommended. For Red Sea diving (steer clear of Camel Divers). Eating better, and cheaper, if you go into Aqaba at night rather than stay in Tala bay.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - supported guides and local drivers. Guides talked to us about conservation issues, esp Bedouin degrading some of the tombs in Petra; the overall water shortages & drop in Dead Sea level. Depressing to see the amount of plastic litter, especially around Amman.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5/5 - thank you to Areej at the tour company - she was helpful and polite when we needed them (couple of times the drivers turned up late; there was a mistake over provision of picnic lunches one day, which meant I paid). All the drivers and guides were polite, welcoming and great company.Holiday Reviews
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