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.
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.
To complete this trip it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back marker.
There is quite a bit of walking involved in visiting Jordan’s historic sites, especially in Petra and Wadi Rum, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Most of the time there is no shade so remember to bring a hat, sun protection, and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.
Winters can get quite cool, so if you’re visiting at this time, don’t forget to pack some warmer layers too.
The desert camp in Wadi Rum is basic but incredibly memorable. There are tents and shared western bathroom facilities. Please be aware that while the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night and warm clothes and a sleeping bag is highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months.
For those looking to all the riding but with a little less effort an e-bike option is available (on request) on this trip.
No riding today
There are no meals included on this day.
After exploring the ruins, head towards the Dead Sea for the first proper cycle of the trip. Begin your cycling at 400 metres below sea level (it’s weird, we know) and ride under the red stone cliffs high above the shores of the shimmering Dead Sea, with Israel in the near distance, to Amman Beach. 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 group reaches their destination, 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.
Ride – approx. 30kms/19 miles, undulating with 2 significant climbs early in the ride, approx. 330m/1080ft of total elevation gain
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 Dana, a scenic town sitting on the edge of the gorge of Wadi Dana. After a brief stop to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the valley continue on to our accommodation overlooking the mighty Shobak Castle.
Ride – approx. 43 kms/28 miles, frequently undulating, with approx. 650m/2130ft of elevation gain.
From Shobak, continue on as you cycle off road for 15 kilometres (9 miles) on a mixture of dirt tracks and roads towards Little Petra. The route, stretching for 46 kilometres (29 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 the Seven Wonders 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.
Ride – approx. 46kms/29 miles, undulating at the start then a long climb after 20kms, finishing with a 10km descent, with approx. 1030m/3380ft of elevation gain.
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.
Ride – no included ride today
Ride – approx. 45kms/28 miles, constant downhill, with approx. 90m/300ft of elevation gain
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 stopping 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.
Ride – approx. 29kms/18 miles, very gradual uphill, with approx. 265m/870ft of elevation gain.
Ride – approx. 42kms/26 miles, flat, with less than 100m/330ft of elevation gain.
No included riding today
