Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea Tour by Intrepid Travel

9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

14 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Amman, Jordan

Ends

Madaba, Jordan

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.

Itinerary

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.

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.

included:6 Days Included Bicycle Hire

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

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 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:Jerash - Roman ruins, Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Dead sea

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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.

included:Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Mt Nebo to Mukawir, Mt Nebo - Entrance fee

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

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.

included:Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Shobak to Petra, Petra - Little Petra

accommodation:Bedouin Camp

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

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.

included:Petra - Guided tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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.

included:Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Little Petra Camp to Wadi Araba

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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.

included:Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Wadi Rum, Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour

accommodation:Bedouin Camp

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

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.

included:Guided cycling - Disi mud flats

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

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.

meals:1 Breakfast

Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Desert camp (2 nights)

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches

Transport

Bicycle (optional e-bike on request), Support Vehicle, Minivan, Jeep

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

6 Days Included Bicycle HireJerash - Roman ruinsGuided & vehicle-supported cycling - Dead seaGuided & vehicle-supported cycling - Mt Nebo to MukawirMt Nebo - Entrance feeGuided & vehicle-supported cycling - Shobak to PetraPetra - Little PetraPetra - Guided tourGuided & vehicle-supported cycling - Little Petra Camp to Wadi ArabaGuided & vehicle-supported cycling - Wadi RumWadi Rum - Desert Jeep tourGuided cycling - Disi mud flats

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a PremierThis travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.6 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 161 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 98+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 806 customer reviews from

&quot;&quot;

Great booking process; easy form to fill in online and got help as soon as I needed it via email

8 hours ago

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights