Compare Cycle Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum by Intrepid Travel vs Jordan's nature reserves by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 2,690 | $ 5,168 |
| Price Per Day | $ 299 | $ 345 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
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. |
A crossroads for millennia, Jordan has faced endless waves of invaders, from ancient Romans to Ottomans and European crusaders. In their wake, these empires have left ornate churches, crusader castles and desert citadels, as well as the lost city of Petra. Our specialists return, time and again, to find the best ways to explore this timeless land. We can help you get away from the crowds at Petra, hike through the wind-carved wadis (valleys) of the Dana Nature Reserve, camp out under the desert stars or sip coffee with Bedouins. |
Day 1 Amman
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.
Day 2 Jerash, Dead Sea, and Madaba
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.
Day 3 Mount Nebo & Shobak
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.
Day 4 Little Petra & Bedouin Camp
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.
Day 5 Petra
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.
Day 6 Wadi Araba & Aqaba
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.
Day 7 Wadi Rum
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.
Day 8 Disi Mud Flats & Madaba
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.
Day 9 Madaba
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.
Day 1 : Amman
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Amman. On arrival in Amman, you're met by your private driver, who transports you to your hotel. The journey should take around 45 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions and where you're staying. Once you've check in you're free to relax or begin your exploration of Jordan's capital city.
Day 2 : Amman
After a morning at leisure you will be picked up from your hotel and driven north for a tour of the impressive Roman sites of Jerash and the crusader castle at Ajloun with your local guide. You will also visit the Dhibbeen Forest, before returning to Amman.
Day 3 : Amman
Today you will have a full day excursion to three of the desert castles, and time to explore the Azraq wetlands.
Day 4 : Ajloun Nature Reserve
Travel to Ajloun Nature Reserve today, stopping en route at the town of Salt, Wadi Al-Seer and Qasr Al Abd.
Day 5 : Petra
After exploring the Nature Reserve, walking along the Village Orchards Trail, you will be met and transferred to Petra.
Day 6 : Petra
Today you will enjoy a guided tour of Petra. Your private guide will be with you for around two to three hours, after which you have some time to explore further on your own. Although it is probably the highlight of your holiday, bring your walking shoes and be prepared for an inspiring but energetic day! This evening you will visit Petra Kitchen, which is an informal cookery night. You can have as much or as little involvement as you want, and the food is fantastic!
Day 7 : Petra
One day is never enough to fully take in the wonders of Petra, so you have an extra day to explore under your own steam.
Day 8 : Wadi Rum
Today you travel from Petra to Wadi Rum. On arrival you will have a jeep tour of the area, and you will spend the night in a traditional Bedouin style desert camp. A traditional meal will be included this evening.
Day 9 : Aqaba
This morning you will drive to Tala Bay, Aqaba. You have the rest of the day to enjoy beside the Red Sea.
Day 10 : Aqaba
Day at leisure.
Day 11 : Dana Nature Reserve
After breakfast you will be met and driven to Dana Nature Reserve. On arrival you will have the day at leisure to explore the area. You will stay in the simple Dana Guesthouse tonight.
Day 12 : Dana Nature Reserve
This morning you will set off on a walk from Dana Guesthouse to the other end of Wadi Dana with your guide, taking roughly five hours. A simple lunch box is included, which you can stop off to enjoy on route. You will spend tonight in the beautiful, isolated Feynan Lodge.
Day 13 : The Dead Sea
After a morning at leisure you will be met and driven to the Dead Sea, via the Siq trail at Wadi Mujib, where you can marvel at the spectacular canyon scenery and colours.
Day 14 : The Dead Sea
You have the day free to relax by the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. A visit wouldn't be complete without spending time floating almost weightless on the water, famous for its high salinity levels.
Day 15 : International return flight
An early start for the transfer to Amman Airport in time for your flight home to your destination. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
