Jordan Cycling Adventure
8 days, Amman to Dead Sea
Itinerary
Day 1Amman
Arrive at any time.
After learning more about the tour and plans for the following day, choose to head out for an optional dinner at a local restaurant with the CEO and traveling companions.
Amman is a very big city and there is not one central area to stay - hotels are spread out across various neighbourhoods within the city. For this reason, to move around the city in your free time, you will have to take a taxi, please feel free to ask your CEO for recommendations and assistance.
Please check the hotel notice board for more information on the location of this meeting or ask at reception. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to this meeting, as you will be required to fill out some important pre-trip admin documents.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Amman
Travel to visit Jerash today for a guided tour of this remarkably, well-preserved Roman archaeological site outside of Italy. Enjoy lunch at a G Adventures-supported cafe where you will prepare your own traditional Jordanian meal with a lively group of women who run the cafe and are seeking financial independence. From here, drive to the Wasfi Al Tal Forest for your first cycling excursion of the trip. The forest is characterized by its dense woodlands, rugged trails, and varied terrain, making it ideal for both novice and experienced riders. Return to Amman for the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Jerash Guided Visit
Take a step back in time visiting Jerash, one of the most well-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy. Wander amid its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains, and city walls pierced by towers and gates – all in exceptional condition.
Your G for Good Moment: Beit Khayrat Souf Cooking Class & Lunch
Part of the G Adventures for Good program, Beit Khayrat Souf is a women-run cafe with the purpose of training and employing women to gain their own financial independence. Women manage the cafe and lead cooking classes on site. Enjoy one such cooking class during today's visit and learn how to make a traditional Jordanian meal before gathering together to eat a lunch of your efforts; an ideal way to connect with the local community .
Cycling in Wasfi Al Tal Forest
Wasfi Al Tal Forest, located in Jordan, offers an exhilarating mountain biking experience through its picturesque landscapes. The forest is characterized by its dense woodlands, rugged trails, and varied terrain, making it ideal for both novice and experienced riders. Navigate the trails and encounter a mix of steep climbs, fast descents, and technical sections to challenge your skills. The forest's paths provide a safe yet thrilling ride, with opportunities to pause and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Amman/Wādī Ḑānā
Drive to Mt. Nebo in the morning to see the historic site that is believed by many to be the location of Moses' death. Then travel to Madaba to see some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world. From here the group will enjoy some cycling and a quick visit to Mukawir Fortess before continuing on to Dana to spend the night.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. The drive time includes stops along the route.
Mt Nebo Visit
Visit Mount Nebo, a historic site believed by many to be the location of Moses' death and has thus been a centre for pilgrimage since the earliest Christian times. Reach to the summit (817m or 2,680 ft), and be rewarded with views of the stunning surrounding countryside and Israel in the distance.
Madaba Mosaics Guided Tour
Explore Madaba’s long history on this guided tour, including its role as the centre of early Christianity. See some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world, including the famous sixth-century mosaic map of the Middle East. Tour churches, the Archaeological Park, and the local museum that's housed in several old Madaba residences.
Cycling from Madaba to Mukawir
Cycle from Madaba to Mukawir where there is a fortified palace that overlooks the iconic Dead Sea. The route is along scenic backroads with some dirt road sections. You will pedal along the King's Highway, a historic trade route. The final section involves a narrow, hilly road to the fortress. There will beautiful views along the way of the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley.
Visit Mukawir Fortess
Enjoy a visit to Mukawir, also known as Machaerus, a fortified palace that overlooks the iconic Dead Sea. Visitors can still explore the Roman baths and castle walls. Historically, this fortress is believed to be the place where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed by Hero Antipas. The site continues to be a profound religious and historical place.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Wādī Ḑānā/Petra
After breakfast the group will leave the magnificent scenery of the Dana mountains and cycle until reaching Petra. Stop for an included packed lunch along the ride. Upon arrival there will be free time to relax and rest or you could book the optional Petra by night experience. Dinner will be on your own this evening.
Cycle from Wadi Dana to Petra
Enjoy the scenic beauty and challenging ride between Wadi Dana and Petra. Cycle past desert landscapes with strenuous climbs before some relieving descents. Observe local Bedouin culture and while this is a physically demanding cycling route, it is also incredibly rewarding to be out in the beauty of Jordan's landscapes.
Free Time
Enjoy free time this evening to get settled. Choose to book the optional Petra by night activity for a unique introduction to this iconic structure.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Petra at Night
To visit Petra during daylight is an awe-inspiring experience; but to experience it at night by the light of 1,800 candles is truly an out-of-this-world experience! Walk through the Siq to the Khazneh following a candle-lit path and enjoy the haunting music of the Bedouin at the Treasury.
Evening excursion – difficult walking through the Siq at night (approx.1hrs there and 1hrs back) on rough unlit ground
Please note - This excursion will take place at night and the walk through the Siq (approx.1hrs there and 1hrs back) is illuminated by a dim light on uneven and uphill surfaces, therefore extreme caution and fitness is required. Torch is required.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Petra
Enjoy a memorable cycle from Petra to Little Petra today. Visit the site that is hidden away in a mountain and contains a number of notable tombs. It offers a glimpse of Petra without the crowds. Then start hiking along the back door trail back to Petra ending at the Monastery. Sit down for a picnic lunch with an incredible view. Later you will have free time in Petra before dinner at your leisure.
Cycle to Little Petra
Enjoy a morning cycling excursion from to Little Petra, the lesser-crowded and impressive ancient site. The route mainly follows flat or gently undulating roads, with a final exhilarating descent into Little Petra. It's a great way to explore the area and pass a morning in the desert.
Little Petra Hike & Guided Visit to Petra
Start today's hike along the back door trail to Petra. You'll visit the often overlooked, but unique and charming Little Petra and then embark along the ancient trail that leads to the back entry into Petra via the Monastery. Sit down for a picnic lunch overlooking the splendor before exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wind through the Siq, a narrow, 1km-long gorge flanked by these soaring sandstone walls standing 80m-high and catch a glimpse of this magnificent creation, the famed treasury of Petra.
Explore in depth with your CEO and get a brief history of the city, one of the greatest attractions in the Middle East. The Nabateans carved this capital from the living rock of the surrounding mountains in Petra. Visit monuments that include the Pharaoh's Castle, the triumphal arch, the amphitheatre, and the monastery.
Free Time
Take advantage of free time to relax in the area and explore a bit on your own.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 6Petra/Wadi Rum
Start the day riding bikes between Rajif and Dlagha. Have lunch on your own here before travelling to Wadi Rum, in the heart of Jordan's desert. Continue by 4x4 to a Bedouin desert camp and enjoy a traditional meal while learning more about the ancient Bedouin culture and history before bunking down under the stars.
Cycle from Rajif to Dlagha
Ride 45km today between two small Jordan towns with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and desert. Challenge yourself and feel the reward of travelling through Jordan off the beaten path.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
4x4 Desert Trip
Head deep into the desert by 4x4 and enjoy the amazing natural beauty and unique landscape on this unforgettable drive. Along the way drive up red sand dunes, view stunning rock formations, and visit ancient sites to view rock art and inscriptions.
Your Local Living Moment: Bedouin Camp Overnight
Stay overnight in the desert, enjoying a traditional meal and learning more about the ancient Bedouin culture. Spend the evening sitting under the stars, around a fire, listening to stories from the Bedouin hosts. If really lucky, they may bring the drums out for some music!
Your accommodation in the desert is in individual cabins that are all attached. Each room contains a bathroom and basic linens are provided, but many travellers prefer to bring a sleep sheet for extra comfort.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 7Wadi Rum/Dead Sea
Hop on bikes and pedal from the visitors centre of Wadi Rum to Dissi Village and along the beautiful mudflats of Wadi Rum with vast open spaces. Enjoy lunch at Al Safi Kitchen featuring a traditional Jordanian meal as a G Adventures-supported community initiative. Travel from here to the Dead Sea where you will have free time to explore, float in the healing waters, and perhaps take a mud bath for the medicinal and therapeutic benefits.
Cycling from Wadi Rum to Disi Village
Cycle from the visitor centre in Wadi Rum to Disi Village. This 20km journey offers travellers a relatively easy terrain mixed with the thrilling off-road cycling of the Wadi Rum mudflats.The route is predominantly flat, making it suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. Pedal through this majestic desert surrounded by vast open spaces, unique rock formations.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop for lunch along the way at a G Adventures-supported community project.
Your G for Good Moment: Al Safi Community Lunch
Stop for lunch at Al Safi Kitchen to enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal. Take a tour of the grounds, taste a delicious meal with the freshest ingredients from Safi’s farms, and learn about how this nonprofit is working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. They also offer equal job opportunities for all members of the local community.
Dead Sea Visit
Discover the legendary healing qualities of the Dead Sea, famous for its unique mineral makeup and salinity. Spot salt chunks drifting by like icebergs on the water’s surface. Take a dip yourself and float like a buoy or cover yourself in the mud along the shore, believed to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. There are showers nearby to wash off after.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 8Dead Sea
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.