Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
9 Days
From AUD $3710
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Demanding

Rating


(20 reviews)

Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea

Cycle Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

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.

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

Duration

9 days

Transportation

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

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Amman, Jordan

Finishes

Madaba, Jordan

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Cycling

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

1
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 Activities:

  • 6 Days Included Bicycle Hire

Optional Activities:

  • Amman - King Abdullah I Mosque (entrance fee) (2 JOD)
  • Amman - Roman Theatre (2 JOD)
  • Amman - Jordan Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) (3 JOD)
  • Madaba - Al-Maghtas Bethany Baptism site (entrance fee) (12 JOD)
  • Amman - Citadel (entrance) (3 JOD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
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 Activities:

  • Jerash - Roman ruins
  • Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Dead sea

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
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 Activities:

  • Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Mt Nebo to Mukawir
  • Mt Nebo - Entrance fee

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
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 Activities:

  • Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Shobak to Petra
  • Petra - Little Petra
  • Shobak 'Crusader' Castle

Accommodation:

  • Bedouin Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
5
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 Activities:

  • Petra - Guided tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
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 Activities:

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

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
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 Activities:

  • Guided & vehicle-supported cycling - Wadi Rum
  • Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour

Accommodation:

  • Bedouin Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
8
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 Activities:

  • Guided cycling - Disi mud flats

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
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.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,710
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Feb 2027

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.0
Jan
Traveled, February 2024

02/28/2024

An excellent trip that has something for everyone.

4.0
Joanne
Traveled, November 2023

11/30/2023

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.

Tour Operator

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