Enjoy the highlight of Jordan by bike. Jordan is the perfect place to combine a cycling tour with some of the best archaeological sites in the Middle East. This bicycle trip takes us through juniper and hilltop villages in the north, while further south we head along desert roads. follow at same routs the ancient king’s way, following the footsteps at Roman and Nabateans caravans. This tour is punctuated by UNESCO badged site Petra. And a night under the embroidered sky with infinite stars at Wadi-Rum desert. In addition, floats at Dead Sea water, float at for relaxing and curing. 

HIGHLIGHTS

•  Cycle through spectacular desert scenery
•  Visit the UNESCO-listed site of Petra
• Camp under the stars in Wadi Rum
•  Float at Dead Sea

KEY INFORMATION

•  Three nights four-star, four nights comfortable hotels, one-night private desert camp
•  Five days cycling with full vehicle support
•  Food and beverage provided along the five days cycling (included the price)
•  Group normally five to 18 plus local leader. Minimum age: 16 years old
•  95 percent quiet paved roads, five percent gravel and sandy roads
•  Mainly flat with some steep climbs and hot temperatures
• Countries visited: Jordan

WHAT'S INCLUDED

•  All breakfasts, five lunches and two dinners
•  All accommodation
•  All transport and listed activities
•  Supporting vehicle mechanic
•  Tour leader throughout (local)
•  Arrival and departure transfers
•  Local bike hire

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

•  Travel insurance
•  Single accommodation (available on request)
•  Visas or vaccinations
•  Tips

5 Days of Cycling

Pace: Moderate: 6 mph-8 mph

Terrain: Low altitude; 90 percent paved, 10 percent gravel and sand

Day 2:    45 km

Day 3:   42 km

Day 5:   23 km

Day 6:   55 km

Day 7:   25 km

Essential Info

Visa

Jordan

Visas are required by most nationalities and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport.

We will arrange a free visa (usually 40 Jordanian dinars, 60 US. Dollar) for travellers booking a tour and any pre-tour arrangements through us, provided we receive full passport and flight details at least two weeks before arrival.in addition, we need insurance details, next of kin, name and phone number and any medical conditions or food allergies.

You will need to pay for the visa if we do not have these details two weeks before arrival or you are making your own pre-tour arrangements (ie extra nights before the tour that are not booked through Exodus).

A Travel Declaration form needs to be completed before travel and may be requested at check-in or on arrival in Jordan: https://www.gateway2jordan.gov.jo/form/

Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. They will be carrying an Exodus sign.

Vaccination

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements; however, the recommended vaccinations are polio, tetanus, typhoid. The Travel Health Pro website also recommends having a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner in Wadi Rum are included and one dinner in Petra. While staying in hotels we usually eat in local restaurants and on some occasions the leader will take those who wish to a restaurant for a meze-style meal. A meze is made of lots of small dishes, eaten as a starter before a larger main course – a great way to taste lots of different regional foods in one sitting. These allow fast service and a good quality of food for the group and usually cost 10-15 Jordanian dinars per person (15-20 US. Dollar). If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice; however, meze is almost always available in restaurants and is a good, filling option. There is also a good choice of seafood available at the Red Sea. Meals are nearly always served with bread or in wraps so we recommend bringing some of your own snacks if your diet is more limited.

Alcohol is available in Jordan, but not widely. Many hotels do not sell alcohol but will often allow it to be brought in from elsewhere. It is best to plan ahead if you’ll want a drink, your tour leader will be able to tell you what’s possible and may be able to arrange a stop at a supermarket or liquor store (depending on location). In Petra, the unique Cave Bar in Petra Guesthouse is open to the public and Petra Palace bar. A less expensive option is the bar in the Petra Palace Hotel which is also open to all.

Weather

Spring and autumn are very popular in Jordan as it is cooler, around 24C (75F)  in the day and down to 8C (46F) at night. Rain is more likely, however, protracted bad weather is unlikely. It is hot and dry, but not unpleasant, throughout Jordan in the summer. Daytime maximum temperatures are around 32C (90F) in Amman. Jerash temperatures are the same.

Wadi Rum on average in summer is around 30C (86F) though it can get as high as 40C (104C). At night it is usually around 30C (86F). In winter, it is much cooler and can get as low as 10C (50F) during the day. In the evening it is around freezing point. There are occasions when there is rain or even snow in the desert. If weather conditions require it we may need to modify the itinerary or the camp location for your comfort and safety. Aqaba is very hot when the air is still, but there is usually a breeze. Rain is unusual but possible. The Dead Sea air temperatures vary from around 14C (57F) in winter up to highs around 37C (99F) in summer months. The water temperature however doesn’t drop below 20C (68F). As with many countries in the world, seasons can go on longer than usual so it is advisable to always check the weather of the country you are travelling to a week or two before your trip so you can pack appropriately.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). Five days cycling, average 30mi (47km) per day with 100 percent vehicle support.

The tour centers on the Jordan Valley using mostly paved roads, which are generally in a good state of repair, with some pot-holed sections. The first two riding days involve several descents on paved roads. In places, there may be some loose stones so care needs to be taken. Some of the descents are quite steep, but the leader can assist you if you are not confident and the trip is fully vehicle-supported should you decide you want a day off riding.

The fourth day of cycling is the longest and most challenging in terms of terrain, but it is also the most spectacular. There are several ascents and one reasonably long and quite steep descent. This day is a fantastic day of riding but it is important you have a reasonable level of fitness and keep well hydrated in the warmer months. On the whole, the cycling days are quite short and, other than Day 6, you will not be cycling all day. The trip is well balanced with the cultural sites and these are as much the focus as the cycling. The day in Petra can be long and tiring but well worth the effort.

To do the optional 850 steps up to the Monastery or the climb up to the High Place of Sacrifice you should have a reasonable level of fitness. Your leader can provide you with further advice about these hikes. It is not advisable to do the High Place of Sacrifice if you suffer from vertigo as there are some very steep narrow steps and cliffs. The leader always accompanies anyone doing this option. While camping in Wadi Rum, please be aware that the plumbed toilets and showers are basic and hot water may be limited. Our private Exodus camp is, however, often mentioned as a highlight of the trip for many of our guests. In very rare instances, where local conditions require, we may need to amend the order of the itinerary but we will ensure that all the elements are still included and site visits are of the same duration.

During winter, Jordan can experience low temperatures so it is really important you are adequately equipped for the cycling and the night in the desert during this time. During summer it can get very hot and you will need to ensure you are hydrated and have appropriate sun protection. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please do not hesitate to contact us.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore.

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

• The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
• This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
• The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this helps to benefit the surrounding community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
• This trip stays one night in Wadi Rum desert at Desert Moon Private camp which is owned and managed by a local Bedouin family. This not only provides a source of income for the family but is a wonderful opportunity for our guests to interact with local people and share aspects of their traditions. (Tracking foot prints with an experienced Bedouin man through the Jeep Tour.)
• In Wadi Rum we also do a jeep safari which provides another source of income for local people.
• This tour encourages guests to visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

• By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimize our impact on local resources and the environment.
• On this trip we visit 8 national heritage sites and the entrance fees included generates income which is used for the upkeep and development of these important monuments and nature parks.
• Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing.
• In Petra we do not recommend that guests ride horses or mules as we are not convinced their treatment is in line with industry-leading animal welfare guidelines.
• We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles.
• It is standard practice in Jordan to distribute left-over restaurant food to people in need.
• Where possible on this trip paper bags are used as an alternative to single-use plastics.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

• Read about our climate action, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
• Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally-sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
• The Desert Moon Private camp in Wadi Rum uses solar panels.
• This trip favors locally-owned and run accommodation.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

• Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no litters behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
• Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
• Cultural respect:

• During the holy month of Ramadan Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours. Even chewing gum is considered haram. (forbidden). Although foreigners are not expected to follow these practices it is respectful to be discrete and not eat, drink, or smoke in general public.
• It is common practice to remove one’s shoes before entering a mosque or someone’s home and you should tuck them under if sitting on the floor. It is respectful for women to cover their heads with a scarf when entering a mosque. Please note many mosques are not open for tourist visits.
• Handshaking is only between members of the same sex.

• Some Jordanians especially women and the elderly object to being photographed so please ask first.
• Jordanians are very proud of their country and can be offended if you take pictures of anything ‘negative’ or suggestive of poverty. Photography in military zones and strategic areas like public buildings is prohibited.
• It's polite to use only your right hand when eating something without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone else.
• Generally, men’s and women’s clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee.
• Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels in Jordan.