Profile photo for Lena Sluga
11581 messages

Lena Sluga

When I was 18, I decided to leave Germany for Australia. After a few years of globetrotting, I moved to Jordan. During my first time in this beautiful country, I lived and worked in Aqaba. But as it gets pretty hot there, I decided to relocate to Amman, the quirky capital of Jordan. I love living in this city, as there is way more to discover than what's written in travel guides. In my free time, I like to travel through Jordan myself, trying to find places off the beaten track, which I like to integrate into my itineraries.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Every change I get, I travel through Jordan to revisit places and keep myself up to date. I specialise in hiking and adventure holidays, responsible tourism as well as trips that involve getting to know the local Jordanian cuisine. All itineraries I make are customized. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"I love travelling and I have travelled all my life. Eventually, I ended up studying Tourism Management, with the aim of turning my passion into a career. I came to Jordan on what was supposed to be a 6 months internship, fell in love with this amazing country and decided to stay. Ever since, I have been working in Jordan's tourism industry."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Working on a music festival in Malawi was definitely one of the most unique experiences, as well as sitting on a beach in Thailand!"

Lena is part of the following groups: Jordan Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Lena

A memorable trip that was worth the wait
Jordan | May 18 - May 27, 2023

M
Mikkel B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on May 29, 2023
This trip was delayed for 3 years, due to Covid, but it was worth the wait! The organisation by the Kimkim team, the suggested itinerary and the help, advice and support from our guide, Emad, all contributed to a fantastic trip. Our plan had been to see the obvious sights of Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, but, as suggested, we also saw wonderful historical sites at Jerash, Mount Nebo, Kerak, Ajloun and elsewhere. Our accommodation ranged from large chain hotels to Bedouin camps, but it... Read more

This trip was delayed for 3 years, due to Covid, but it was worth the wait! The organisation by the Kimkim team, the suggested itinerary and the help, advice and support from our guide, Emad, all contributed to a fantastic trip. Our plan had been to see the obvious sights of Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, but, as suggested, we also saw wonderful historical sites at Jerash, Mount Nebo, Kerak, Ajloun and elsewhere. Our accommodation ranged from large chain hotels to Bedouin camps, but it was all well-organised and without any hitches.

We were happy to go along with any minor changes of plan suggested by Emad, as his knowledge and patience were extremely welcome; we never felt we were being forced into anything, and every small suggestion turned out to be worthwhile, including a walking tour of the souks of Amman and lunch at the institution that is Hashem’s houmus and felafel restaurant.

Hotel Reviews
La Locanda Boutique Hotel
Amman

A quirky boutique hotel with a welcoming bar and restaurant attached. A great place to spend our first 2 nights in Jordan

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Old Village Resort
Wadi Musa

As the name suggests, this was a former village converted into a large, well-designed and luxurious hotel. Our room was spacious and comfortable and the outdoor pool was very welcoming after a day of walking around the wonderful ruins of Petra

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hike from Little Petra to Petra
Hike from Little Petra to Petra
Jordan

I’m really glad we did this hike through “the back door” into Petra first, as we travelled through the entire site, ending with the Treasury, before returning the next day from the main entrance and seeing the main sights from a different angle. It felt really special coming into the old city from the lesser used side first and I would recommend this to anyone.

Quality of Experience
Transport
Take the shuttle to get to the start
2 hour jeep tour in Wadi Rum
2 hour jeep tour in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum

2 hours barely touches the surface of Wadi Rum, but Mohammed, our driver, knew where to take us to see some spectacular sights, including the Seven Pillars, the location of filming of several films, and a large camel caravan heading off into the desert

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lena Sluga

Excellent Trip, in Both Planning and Execution
Jordan | Feb 29 - Mar 4, 2020

John
John D.
Farmington, CT | Reviewed on Mar 06, 2020
Our local specialist, Lena, was very impressive. She created an itinerary that perfectly met our objectives, and gave knowledgeable answers to all of my questions. After we finalized the plan and paid for the trip, she continued to provide assistance via email as we prepared for our Jordan adventure. Our drivers, Jamal the first day and Medhet the other four days, were very professional and accommodating. They always arrived on time (early, in fact) to pick us up, and were eager to help in... Read more

Our local specialist, Lena, was very impressive. She created an itinerary that perfectly met our objectives, and gave knowledgeable answers to all of my questions. After we finalized the plan and paid for the trip, she continued to provide assistance via email as we prepared for our Jordan adventure.

Our drivers, Jamal the first day and Medhet the other four days, were very professional and accommodating. They always arrived on time (early, in fact) to pick us up, and were eager to help in any way possible. In fact, when I left my phone in Medhet's car one evening, he made a special trip to our hotel to return it that night.

Our 5-day tour included Al Maghtas on the Jordan River (the baptism site of Jesus), the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, and Jerash. Petra was the most amazing and impressive attraction, but we would highly recommend visiting all of them. In particular, Jerash was much larger and more interesting than we had anticipated, so it was a special treat to go there on our last day and carry that memory home with us.

If we were planning the trip again, I think we would want to spend 2 days at Petra (making a total of 6 days in Jordan). The extra day at Petra would allow time to explore more of this very extensive site, and also permit spending more time in the museum at Petra, which is by far the best museum we have seen in our visits to Middle Eastern and African countries.

Local specialist: Lena Sluga
Lena
Lena Sluga
Local specialist in Amman | Replied on Mar 08, 2020

Hi John,

Thanks for the lovely feedback, it was my pleasure planning the trip with you. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed your time here in Jordan as well as how the trip was laid out.

I will pass on your compliments to the drivers as well :)

Thanks for travelling with In2Jordan, and all the best!
Lena

8 nights in Jordan and Israel
Israel | Feb 14 - Feb 21, 2020

Danielle
Danielle B.
Rosemead, CA | Reviewed on Mar 01, 2020
First of all, I want to say thank you to Lena for sticking with us! We took months to plan and finalize our trip, and she was with us through it all, changing our itinerary multiple times and answering our seemingly endless questions promptly! Jordan was full of natural beauty and we LOVED our hike in Dana and our guide Mohammed. Will never forget having Bedouin tea and freshly warmed pitas with him over lunch. Equally lovely was Wadi Rum. Aicha Camp was gorgeous (and they upgraded us to... Read more

First of all, I want to say thank you to Lena for sticking with us! We took months to plan and finalize our trip, and she was with us through it all, changing our itinerary multiple times and answering our seemingly endless questions promptly!

Jordan was full of natural beauty and we LOVED our hike in Dana and our guide Mohammed. Will never forget having Bedouin tea and freshly warmed pitas with him over lunch. Equally lovely was Wadi Rum. Aicha Camp was gorgeous (and they upgraded us to a panoramic tent - superb!), and our driver on our Jeep tour, Adam, was wonderful. We loved our driver for the first portion of our Jordan trip, Hasan. Always on time and very kind! The only thing I wish we had done differently is make sure that we had transportation arranged for our day at Petra, as our hotel was a bit off the main Tourism Street (Petra Quattro). It was easy to hire our own guide for Petra at the Visitor's Center, but I'm sure Lena could have arranged this for us in advance had we wanted! I also want to note that we loved our cooking lesson at Beit Sitti in Amman our first evening!

Lena was very helpful in prepping us on what to expect during the border crossing at King Hussein Bridge. We were a little nervous, but it went smoothly and our driver Awas was waiting for us on the other side.

Jerusalem was an overwhelming city, but we had the most wondeful guide two days in a row for it and Bethlehem (I loved that we got the same guide as it really allowed you to make a connection). Ibrahim was one of my favorite tour guides ever, anywhere. If I am back in Jerusalem, I know who I am calling. He even checked in on us a few days later to make sure we were okay and ask if he could help us with anything more! The location of our hotel was pretty great too (Gloria on Latin Patriarchate Street near Jaffa Gate). It was definitely older (the dining area is currently being remodeled), but the location makes that worth it.

I thought the price we paid for the trip was quite fair, and appreciated the flexibility Lena showed in booking everything for us.

Thank you again for an unforgettable trip!

Local specialist: Lena Sluga
Lena
Lena Sluga
Local specialist in Amman | Replied on Mar 02, 2020

Hi Danielle,

Thanks a lot for the feedback, I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip! It was very nice for me working alongside with you for the past couple of months, and I'm happy that you had the trip you wanted in the end.

I've passed on your wonderful feedback to all the relevant parties (Mohammed, Ibrahim...), they are all very happy to hear :)

All the best for the future,

Lena

A Memorable trip to a welcoming country.
Jordan | Feb 12 - Feb 17, 2020

M
Marilee J.
Durango, CO | Reviewed on Feb 21, 2020
In response to your request:
As to my Rami, He was great and I recommend him without reservation. As to Wadi Rum, worth it and am glad that i went. Petra, Town Seasons Hotel, a great place, one that you want to keep. the Jerash trip was really a delight. The only down side, my guide in Petra, Gul. He knew his history but I had been under the impression that he would be with me for 3 hours: he was not. After 2 hours and 15 minutes he told me I could find my way, and he left. Not what I...
Read more

In response to your request:
As to my Rami, He was great and I recommend him without reservation. As to Wadi Rum, worth it and am glad that i went. Petra, Town Seasons Hotel, a great place, one that you want to keep. the Jerash trip was really a delight. The only down side, my guide in Petra, Gul. He knew his history but I had been under the impression that he would be with me for 3 hours: he was not. After 2 hours and 15 minutes he told me I could find my way, and he left. Not what I expected.
I did the Jordan Museum on my last day, took a taxi. You should tell visitors not to miss the exhibition 1001 Inventions, currently there. It is a not miss.
Marilee Jantzer White

Local specialist: Lena Sluga
Lena
Lena Sluga
Local specialist in Amman | Replied on Feb 23, 2020

Hi Marilee,
Thanks for taking the time to give some feedback! I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed your time here in Jordan, and I will pass on the feedback to the relevant parties.
All the best,
Lena

Bucket list trip to Petra
Jordan | Feb 1 - Feb 7, 2020

James
James D.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Feb 13, 2020

We had a stunning trip to Jordon and our visit to Petra, our KimKim specialist Lena put together exactly what we wanted and her communication and responses were first class. Haytham was our local tour guide and we can really recommend him and his company. Over all it was a great trip and hugely enjoyed. Thanks to everyone involved

Local specialist: Lena Sluga
Lena
Lena Sluga
Local specialist in Amman | Replied on Feb 14, 2020

Hi James,

Thanks a lot for your feedback, I'm happy that you enjoyed your time here in Jordan! I'll pass on the compliments to Haytham!

All the best,
Lena

I never met Lena. During planning she was v...
Jordan | Jan 27 - Feb 1, 2020

S
Stanley H.
New Bern, NC | Reviewed on Feb 09, 2020
I never met Lena. During planning she was very helpful and responsive in answering questions. I do not know where in the process there was break down in communications. Lena was given the details of arrival - 2 separate flights. airlines and arrival times for the party of 7. The first flight to arrive had no one to meet them. They sat 3 hrs before the arrival of the remainder of us. The person who met the second group paperwork was based on all arriving together on the later flight... Read more

I never met Lena. During planning she was very helpful and responsive in answering questions. I do not know where in the process there was break down in communications. Lena was given the details of arrival - 2 separate flights. airlines and arrival times for the party of 7. The first flight to arrive had no one to meet them. They sat 3 hrs before the arrival of the remainder of us. The person who met the second group paperwork was based on all arriving together on the later flight but was asking where the first 2 were as he couldn't find them. He was very anxious and thus confusing us. Our tour guide Hassan was the worst guide all 7 of us have ever had. All of us have been traveling throughout Europe, Asia, Canada and Australia for many tears.

Local specialist: Lena Sluga

Lena was amazing at helping us to plan our trip
Jordan | Dec 14 - Dec 24, 2019

K
Karen M.
Romania | Reviewed on Jan 01, 2020

Lena was amazing at helping us to plan a trip that perfectly fit our family's needs and budget. A fabulous trip to Jordan with so much diversity. We will recommend to our family and friends.

Local specialist: Lena Sluga
Lena
Lena Sluga
Local specialist in Amman | Replied on Jan 02, 2020

Hi Karen,
Great to hear that you enjoyed your time here in Jordan, and that I could make the trip planning easier for you!
All the best,
Lena

Lena is an amazing trip organiser!
Jordan | Nov 27 - Nov 29, 2019

E
Erin R.
Australia | Reviewed on Dec 07, 2019

Lena is an amazing trip organiser!

We worked closely together to create the perfect 3 day tour beginning in Amman and finishing in Aqaba. Lena is an amazing communicator and made sure all of our requests were met.
After I stuffed up some of the dates, Lena was quick to re-book everything smoothly without too many excess costs - seriously amazing!
We had a fantastic time in Jordan thanks to Lena and the convenience of Kim Kim personalized tours.
Great value, great service... I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Local specialist: Lena Sluga
Lena
Lena Sluga
Local specialist in Amman | Replied on Dec 07, 2019

Hi Erin,

It was really my pleasure planning this trip with such a lovely person like you. I'm happy that we noticed the mix up with the dates before, so luckily things could be fixed. Great that you enjoyed your time here in Jordan, I'll pass the compliments on to the team! :)

All the best,
Lena

Our driver in Jordan was Hassan, but I don't ...
Jordan | Sep 25 - Oct 6, 2019

K
Kim M.
Jackson, WY | Reviewed on Oct 29, 2019
Our driver in Jordan was Hassan, but I don't know his last name, He was an excellent driver and a thoroughly nice fellow. Our driver in Israel was also very nice and accommodating, even walking us through the exciting towns of Caesarea and Akko - his name was Rami, but again, I don't know his last name. I'd recommend both of them. Our guide in Jerusalem was called Jacob, but he also has a Palestinian name. Fantastic, and super knowledgeable about all the places we went. I have his name to... Read more

Our driver in Jordan was Hassan, but I don't know his last name, He was an excellent driver and a thoroughly nice fellow. Our driver in Israel was also very nice and accommodating, even walking us through the exciting towns of Caesarea and Akko - his name was Rami, but again, I don't know his last name. I'd recommend both of them. Our guide in Jerusalem was called Jacob, but he also has a Palestinian name. Fantastic, and super knowledgeable about all the places we went. I have his name to recommend to anyone I know who will be coming to Jordan.

The hotels were all fine, the best ones being in Jerusalem and Haifa. That said, the food in general in Jordan and Israel was not fabulous. Maybe we should have asked for better hotels, but that is certainly not your fault. We realize that hotels have to consider that their guests come from all over the world and it's impossible to please everyone. The best restaurant in Jordan was the one Hassan took us to in Jerash, owned by someone he knew. It was lovely with fountains and a great menu. The food in Wadi Rum at the place we stayed was also good. The neighborhood in Haifa was delightful and lots of good restaurants nearby, I wish we'd spent another day there. Next time...

I will certainly recommend your company if I have any friends who are traveling to your region. I also see that you do tours in other parts of the world, too, and will keep that in mind for the future, as I still plan on traveling even after both of us got sick and had such a long, agonizing trip home with lots of layovers, etc. Again, not your fault, just bad luck. Thanks again for your kind and helpful suggestions and we have great memories of Jerash, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Dana,and of course Petra. Our guides at Dana and Petra back door were also excellent. Your country has so much history and stark beauty I think your tourism numbers will improve. Jordan seemed very safe while being surrounded by turmoil in all directions. Good luck in the future, and thanks again, Lena!

Sincerely,
Kim and Bob McGregor

Local specialist: Lena Sluga
Lena
Lena Sluga
Local specialist in Amman | Replied on Oct 29, 2019

Hi Kim & Bob,

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! I'm glad that you had a good time here and enjoyed the company of the guides, I have passed your compliments on to them. About the food in the hotels, good to know, I think that local restaurants serve food that is a lot more delicious, so that is something I can mention more of in my future itineraries :)

Thank you for travelling with In2Jordan, and I wish you many more memorable trips!

All the best, Lena

Everything was terrific, Lena did an excellent job planning this, cooking lesson with Nesreen Ali!
Jordan | Oct 15 - Oct 20, 2019

D
David H.
Miami Beach, FL | Reviewed on Oct 22, 2019
Everything was terrific, Lena did an excellent job planning this, the accommodations, food, people, experiences were all terrific. Everyone went over and above the call of duty. We loved our drivers Ziad Qaryti and Ahmad Alsuwi and Osama Manaseer! My wife and I had an excellent down to earth, home cooking lesson experience with Nesreen Ali, Osama's wife with their family in their home. Sherrin's review of the cooking lesson is below: "My cooking lesson was an A+ !
It was a pleasure to have...
Read more

Everything was terrific, Lena did an excellent job planning this, the accommodations, food, people, experiences were all terrific. Everyone went over and above the call of duty. We loved our drivers Ziad Qaryti and Ahmad Alsuwi and Osama Manaseer! My wife and I had an excellent down to earth, home cooking lesson experience with Nesreen Ali, Osama's wife with their family in their home. Sherrin's review of the cooking lesson is below:

"My cooking lesson was an A+ !
It was a pleasure to have dinner with Nesreen and Osama and their beautiful, sweet children. They provided not just a generous and warm example of Jordanian hospitality, but also an enjoyable loving, family experience. I learned how to cook traditional Maglouba with Nesreen who is a force of nature with a stunning smile. She exudes joy, happiness and the essence of motherhood. My cooking lesson was decorated with cardamom brewed coffee, family experiences and Arabic lessons. Eight year old Zain smiled shyly and helped when asked to and one and a half year old mischief maker Cadi (whose name means white flower on the mountain) pushed the kitchen chair around, walked around in my shoes and enjoyed herself dancing while mommy sang and clapped. Dave and I had a priceless experience and I learned to watch Nesreen’s left hand fold and tuck the parsley and mint as she chopped and about a new vegetable Jarjeel, water lettuce! I recommend this cooking lesson experience highly." Sherrin Bernstein

Local specialist: Lena Sluga
Lena
Lena Sluga
Local specialist in Amman | Replied on Oct 22, 2019

Hi David & Sherrin,

I have to say, I am honestly thrilled about your feedback, especially about the cooking class! Thanks for taking the time to write in such detail! I've passed everything on to Osama and his family, as well as the compliments for the drivers, who are all equally thrilled to hear.

Thank you for travelling with In2Jordan and I wish you many more fantastic trips to come!
All the best,
Lena