Cycle Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum
Experience Overview
From the shores of the Dead Sea to the top of ancient Petra, Jordan is a country as rich in surreal landscapes as it is in natural charm. Places such as the ruins of ancient Jerash seem so perfectly preserved, it’s almost as if they froze in time; Mount Nebo, said to once be savoured by Moses as he looked on towards the Promised Land, offers views revered since antiquity; and the deserts around Wadi Rum seem to glow the colour of the earth’s blood. Experience the best that Jordan has to offer as you feel the winds of the desert shift into the breath of the mountain, all the while pedalling from the top of your faithful bike.
Highlights
- Spend a whole day uncovering the majesty and mystery of the world wonder of Petra. The first glimpse of the Treasury from the narrow path of the Siq is simply unforgettable.
- Experience the best weightlessness this side of outer space with an effortless float in the super-salty waters of the Dead Sea
- Hop in a jeep and experience the extraordinary desert scenery of Wadi Rum, a rugged moonscape of huge sandstone mountains
- Meet Bedouin locals, learn about their ways, and sleep under the stars in a far-flung desert camp.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1758
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bicycle (optional e-bike on request),Support Vehicle,Minivan,Jeep
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: EEXC
Starts: Amman, Jordan
Finishes: Madaba, Jordan
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (3), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),Desert camp (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,195 ($355 /day)
Itinerary
Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan, cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in biblical history. Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. Should you require a transfer from the airport, this can be arranged on site for $30 a person, or $15 per person for groups of two or more.
As you don’t spend too much time in Amman, it's worth arriving a day or two early to explore the sights. If you do have time, be sure to head to the citadel, taking in its amazing sweeping views of Amman. The Jordan Museum (home to the Dead Sea Scrolls) and the Roman Theatre are both well worth visiting. After your meeting, head out with your new-found travel pals, and perhaps pick up a coffee from one of the cafes and partner it with an ara’yes – a local-style toastie filled with spiced meat.
Included Activities:
- 6 Days Included Bicycle Hire
Optional Activities:
- Amman - King Abdullah I Mosque (entrance fee) (2 JOD)
- Amman - Roman Theatre (entrance fee) (2 JOD)
- Amman - Jordan Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) (3 JOD)
- Madaba - Al-Maghtas Bethany Baptism site (entrance fee) (12 JOD)
- Amman - Citadel (entrance fee) (3 JOD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart from Amman and travel to Jerash, once one of the grandest Roman cities in the world which currently stands as an excellently preserved insight into Greco-Roman times of old. The city thrived due to its position on the route of spice and incenses trade, reaching its zenith as a favourite of Emperor Hadrian around AD 130. The ancient walled town survives today as a remarkable evocation of life 2000 years ago, offering a striking collection of archways, theatres, public buildings and colonnaded streets. It’s a beautiful place to spend a day exploring.
After exploring the ruins, take a vehicle transfer (approximately 1.5hrs) arrive at Al-Maghtas, the baptismal site of Jesus Christ on the banks of the Jordan River. Take some time to wander this area of incredible spiritual importance before starting your first proper cycle of the trip. Begin cycling at 300 metres below sea level (it's weird, we know) and ride downhill towards the red stone cliffs high above the shores of the shimmering Dead Sea, with Israel in the near distance. It's a short first ride (approx. 30kms) but the terrain is undulating with a couple of short sharp hills to get your lungs working. The amazing views alone make it worthwhile.
Once the ride is done, take some time to wash off the sweat at Amman Beach, lying on the shores of the Dead Sea. The water here is said to have excellent healing properties due to the high salt content, serving as the perfect way to wrap up a big ride. Afterwards, head to Madaba to relax at the hotel for the rest of the evening.
Included Activities:
- Jerash - Roman ruins
- Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Dead sea
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After a drive this morning, arrive at Mount Nebo. This legendary site marks the location where Moses looked across to the Promised Land – this would later serve as the location of his death and subsequent burial.
Begin cycling with a descent into the lands below on a 43 kilometre (28 mile) ride towards Mukawir, the location of the Castle of Herod the Great. This fortified hilltop palace serves as the rumoured site where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed while Herod’s son resided at the site.
Later on in the day transfer to our accommodation overlooking the mighty Shobak Castle.
Included Activities:
- Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Mt Nebo to Mukawir
- Mt Nebo - Entrance fee
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning visit the imposing Shobak Castle, the first of the series of Crusader Castles built in Jordan; which was constructed by Baldwin I in 1115 and only surrendered in 1189 to the Great Salahdin.
From Shobak, continue on as you cycle on road towards Little Petra. The route, stretching for 38 kilometres (23 miles), contours around the mountains of Dana and Petra while offering great views across the Jordan Valley. The last part of the ride is a thrill as you descend 9km down a good quality but winding road all the way down to Little Petra itself, then cycle to our camp hiding within the rocks. As you prepare for an overnight stay, the comfort and the hospitality of the Bedouins provides a more than welcome finish to a big day on and off the road.
Included Activities:
- Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Shobak to Petra
- Petra - Little Petra
Accommodation:
- Bedouin Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave the camp at Little Petra and head towards Petra's visitor’s centre for a full day of exploration off the bike. Enter the city through the narrow gorge, lying flanked by towering cliffs of dazzling, colourful rocks. Once arriving at Petra, explore the hundreds of elaborate rock-cut tombs, the treasury, Roman-style theatres, temples, sacrificial altars and colonnaded streets before continuing on to explore the city’s amphitheatre, multiple caves and tombs.
If you’re feeling courageous, perhaps avoid the crowds to visit the monastery, the Khubtha Mountain or the High Place of Sacrifice. To explore this area, take a steep climb up ancient Nabataean steps to a point near the summit of Al Khubtha to enjoy a magnificent panorama overlooking the treasury before descending to Petra’s main entrance. Alternatively, continue on and hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice to enjoy more spectacular views over the rocky desert terrain. At this point, the option to push past 800 steps offers the reward of the stunning monastery, lying carved and exposed in a rock face.
Included Activities:
- Petra - Guided tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave the Nabataean city and drive back to Little Petra, where the next cycling adventure begins. Enjoy a stunning 45 kilometre descent, dropping around 1200 metres (4000ft) on a little-used winding country road through the dry mountains of Wadi Araba into the lush greenery of the Jordan Valley. The views on the way down are stunning! To avoid the busy traffic on the Kings Highway we re-board our vehicle and drive into Aqaba.
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Aqaba - perhaps take an optional shuttle and spend at a private beach Red Sea.
Included Activities:
- Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Little Petra Camp to Wadi Araba
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After spending the night in Aqaba, leave early and continue on to the mountains. Transit by vehicle (approx. 30 mins) then cycle alongside the ancient Hejaz Railway en route to Wadi Rum.
Upon arrival at Wadi Rum, enjoy a late lunch before hopping in a jeep and departing for a 3 hour safari across the sandy canyons and mountains in the area, Take in the spectacle of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom rock formation before returning to camp to watch the sun set. As the night rolls in, enjoy a camp dinner with the Bedouin hosts by the fire over a cup of locally brewed tea. Take one last look at the endless star-scape above before tucking into your tent for the night.
Included Activities:
- Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Wadi Rum
- Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
Accommodation:
- Bedouin Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to your newfound Bedouin friends and travel to Disi. After arriving at Disi, embark on a 37 kilometre (23 mile) ride around the local (dry!) mud flats. After taking in the haunting landscapes, enjoy lunch then transfer back to Madaba for the final overnight stay of the trip – perhaps sharing a dinner with your group to reminisce on the journey just passed.
Included Activities:
- Guided cycling - Disi mud flats
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This trip comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time before noon.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Jan - Traveled, February 2024
An excellent trip that has something for everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Joanne - Traveled, November 2023
The Intrepid bike trip I Jordan was amazing. It was a great way to see parts of the country you otherwise wouldn't see. Furat was a knowledgeable and fun guide who looked after us well and made everything comfortable for us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Simon - Traveled, November 2023
Totally unforgettable experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
Jane - Traveled, November 2023
Jordan surprised me in its beauty, history and the warm genuine welcome of the Jordanian people. Each day on the trip was epic and I can't recommend the country and the intrepid tour enough. I will certainly be booking another trip as soon as possible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Christopher - Traveled, October 2023
Cycling Jordan is a trip you'll never forget. The ancient wonders of this country are mind blowing. If you love culture shock as I do then do this trip. Our guide, Furat, was knowledgable and helpful. Pay attention to the physical rating and be prepared.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Rupert - Traveled, October 2023
What a trip! Jordan was everything we hoped for and more. The cycling allowed us to feel totally immersed in this great country, with such welcoming people. Two things made this possible. Our group leader Wally was a star and the group of 16 like minded travellers so much fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Dean - Traveled, September 2023
Intrepid combines reasonable prices with exceptionally interesting trips and excellent service. I have taken two different cycling group trips and both have been among my most enjoyable vacations. On both I have met interesting and enjoyable people and learned a great deal about the countries I visited including pleasant interactions with their citizens..
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2023
Giselle - Traveled, September 2023
Very fun trip, great group of people, awesome guides, and cool biking (but very tiring if you’re not someone with a lot of experience). I felt it was an amazing experience but also quite rushed / go-go-go, so would recommend it to friends who are looking for an action-packed schedule during their vacation. Also would recommend staying an extra few days to rest and explore Madaba/ Amman/ Wadi Mujib. Overall great experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Heather - Traveled, September 2023
Cycling through Jordan is an experience I will never forget. Amazing people, food, sights, and memories. It exceeded all of my expectations!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2023
Richard - Traveled, May 2023
A fantastic cycling trip that took us around Jordan with a capable tour guide crew that meticulously planned every aspect. The cycling rides were the best. Some of the uphills tested us but the rides down the undulating hills were a magical reward. Special thanks to Furat, our guide, his expertise and good humor.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2023
Joseph - Traveled, May 2023
There were so many incredible sights to see in Jordan, from the ancient city of Petra to the stunning desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. And Intrepid with their local guide's knowledge made our cycling experience through the country seamless, they allowed us to see it all up close and personal, while also getting some exercise and fresh air. They also gave us the chance to connect with local people and experience the warmth and hospitality for which Jordan is known. Furat the local guide leader created memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for having a well balanced, local and experienced guide who complimented our well deserved trip, both my wife and I will definitely be using Intrepid again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Clodagh - Traveled, May 2023
Absolutely amazing way to explore Jordan. Nothing beats flying down the hill looking and seeing the vast landscape of little Petra floating one day or floating in the Dead Sea the next. Highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Krisztina - Traveled, May 2024
The trip was an absolutely wonderful (and much-needed) adventure! The combination of historical sightseeing, relaxing on the beach with the physical activity of huffing and puffing through the beautiful landscape of Jordan gave the sense of achievement once the 30-50km ride was behind us. The memory of Little Petra and Wadi Rum opening up in front of us after a long ride still gives me goosebumps! Our guide, Furat was brilliant - his in-depth local knowledge, super friendly (and fun!) personality eased us into the local culture, cuisine and made the trip really enjoyable. The back end support was also impeccable, which gave us the comfort that they were prepared for all. I cannot think of a better way of seeing Jordan than with a bunch of Aussie, Kiwi, US guys and of course Brits doing crazy cycling through the landscape – I have over 1000+ pictures to prove it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2023
Steve - Traveled, May 2023
My trip to Jordan was a brilliant combination of culture and cycling.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Carol - Traveled, May 2023
This is a challenging, informative and stimulating trip, packed with great cycling, tours of amazing cultural heritage sites, all led by the amazing Furat and his wonderful team. I met lovely people and had so much fun - I’ve not laughed so much for ages. Highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Stephen - Traveled, May 2023
This trip exceeded my expectations, (apart from the Signature Hotel in Amman). We were kept fully occupied every day with a good mix of culture, sightseeing, cycling, good food. Snorkelling over a coral reef is worth doing and the early morning camel ride in Wadi Rum is the real deal.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2023
Peter - Traveled, May 2023
Very good trip for an overview of Jordan highlights. Knowledgeable guide, good itinerary and generally acceptable accommodation. Bike quality should be better for terrain. Food and snacks were good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2023
Amy - Traveled, May 2023
Jordan is a fantastic place to explore. The group leader and support crew where friendly and welcoming and gave great insights into Jordan's history and culture. Would 100% recommended this trip to anyone who enjoys cycling and exploring new places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2023
Campbell - Traveled, May 2023
The cycle Jordan tour is an amazing experience. Riding some off-track paths and quieter roads means you get too see a side of Jordan that few tourists do. We also visited the major sites in the itinerary too. Furat our guide was outstanding, and the cycle support was well organised and helpful. The bikes were excellent quality too. And Jordan... what a country!! Great food, amazing charming people and some of the most unique scenery on the planet; and all relatively small travelling distances. A fantastic experience. Thanks Furat!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/29/2023
Russell - Traveled, May 2023
A great trip covering some amazing historical sights. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2023
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