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Cycle through the spectacular desert scenery of Jordan and visit the most impressive historical can UNESCO sites.
After an initial briefing, we transfer by bus for approximately 45 minutes to the ancient city of Jerash. Known in Roman times as Gerasa, Jerash is one of the best preserved examples of a Roman provincial town in the Middle East. It is a vast site with incredible ruins that enable you to almost visualise Roman life there, from the dramatic chariot racing to imagining the trading and bartering that went on along the colonnaded streets. After a good couple of hours absorbing the atmosphere of this incredible site we get back on the bus for a short transfer to the beginning of our ride, having lunch en route. When we arrive we will be introduced to the cycling team and our bikes. This afternoon we will cycle for approximately 3 and a half hours through the foothills of the Jordan Rift Valley. This is the most fertile region of Jordan and also the most populated. We will wind our way down quiet roads and through small villages taking in the landscapes of this region. The cycling is on good roads and much of the time you will be descending. In places there may be some loose gravel that you will need to watch out for and there is one fairly long ascent. You will be briefed about the ride before you set off and the support vehicles will always be on hand. At the end of the ride we will leave the bikes for the day and transfer to Madaba, the 'city of mosaics'. The bus journey will take approximately 2 hours. There are a number of nice restaurants in Madaba for you to choose from as well as coffee and sweet shops for those of you that want to try your first mouth-watering taste of baklava. * *
Distance in Km: 42
Distance in Miles: 26
This morning we will wake up in Madaba, the 'City of the Mosaics'. Madaba is the most important Christian centre in Jordan and is famous for its Byzantine era mosaics. The most important of these is the 6th Century mosaic of Jerusalem and the Holy Land that covers the floor of the Greek Orthodox church of St. George. This morning we will have the opportunity to observe the mosaic and marvel at its detail and natural colour. We will then have a very short transfer to take us out of the centre of town where we will be reunited with our bikes. Today's ride starts with a 7km mild ascent up Mt Nebo. We will take a pit stop at the top of Mt Nebo, reputedly the burial place of Moses but certainly the site for a spectacular view over the valley below. From here it's a fantastic descent to the shores of the Dead Sea. Parts of this descent are quite steep but support will be at hand and you can take your time. We follow the coast on a smooth tarmac surface to Suwaima where we can change and take a float in the famous waters. After a shower, it's back on the bus for the long drive south (approx. 3 hours) along the Kings Highway towards Petra. In many places the route is spectacular and there will be a couple of stops to admire the view on the way.
Distance in Km: 45
Distance in Miles: 28
We now have two full days to explore Petra. Petra the 'Rose-red city, half as old as time', was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Burckhardt made his great discovery in 1812. The Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the 6th Century BC, founded Petra. Building at Petra began in the 3rd Century BC and continued through the Roman period, financed by taxes levied on the desert caravans. Two features of Petra are unique: firstly, it is a city made defensible by being built down a series of chasms, rather than on a hilltop; and secondly, it is built directly into the rock - beautiful red and yellow sandstone carved into the most impressive facades which glow in the brilliant sunlight. During our time in Petra we will have the opportunity to explore the site from all angles. We will walk down the narrow Siq with the sandstone chasm rising 80m to either side of us and revealing El Khazneh, the Treasury as we reach its end. Set in stunning sandstone mountains there will also be an opportunity to explore the higher caves and the 'high place of sacrifice' giving a fantastic panorama of the whole site. At ground level we will pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens, and the amphitheatre. A long walk beyond the centre is El Deir, the Monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn. The Monastery is set in a more remote location of the site and we will have to climb around 800 steps to reach it, but it is well worth it.* *
In the morning we cycle to the north of the main city to Little Petra and the Siq Al-Barid. A classical temple stands guard outside the miniature siq, which is believed to have been an important suburb to the city of Petra itself. The narrow file, only some 350m long, is crammed with triclinia, water channels and cisterns. Of particular note are the remains of painted frescoes on plaster dating from the 1st Century AD, which are to be found in one of the biclinia.
Distance in Km: 20
Distance in Miles: 12
It's an early start today to avoid the heat for our first real desert experience. After a short transfer to Tayba village, we begin riding mostly on tarmac to Ar-Rajif. The road cuts through traditional Bedouin territory and is a seasonal stop for the nomadic shepherds of south Jordan so the chance of a local 'tea break' are high! The road is in a good state of repair, with some sections having been recently resurfaced. However, parts are quite heavily potholed and there is a chance that sand and stones have blown across the road and make for a loose surface on top of the tarmac, so care should be taken. We head into the desert and follow the road down to Gharandal via Dilagha to Wadi Araba. There are a few ascents and descents on today's ride and it is our longest and hardest day of riding. However, it is also the most spectacular and rewarding. The road takes you on an amazing journey through the desert and makes for a very satisfying day of riding. This day is all about the cycling allowing us to immerse ourselves in the landscape. After our desert crossing, it's a short drive to Aqaba on the Red Sea.
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
This morning we have free time to lounge on the beach, swim, or snorkel. The transport and entrance to one of the private beaches is included in your trip. The hire of snorkelling equipment is extra to be paid on the day. In the early afternoon we will transfer out of town for around 45 minutes and then we will get on the bikes for the last time. This ride will take us into the Wadi Rum on a relatively flat desert road. The desert scenery today is quite different to that experienced yesterday and will evoke a sense of more recent history than what we have been experiencing until now. This is where Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War and also where sections of the film of 'Lawrence' were shot. Tonight we will experience Bedouin hospitality with a traditional meal, sweet tea and camping out in goat-hair tents in the desert. We will be able to contemplate our week of adventure as we gaze up at the star-lit sky, warmed by a fire. If you like you can pull your mattress outside and sleep under the stars.
Distance in Km: 25
Distance in Miles: 15
After breakfast we take a 4x4 drive vehicle into the area for around 2 hours for a desert adventure. Following lunch, surrounded by the vastness of the desert and towering rocky outcrops, we transfer back to Amman, a journey of approx. 4 hours with a stop en route. *Standard Hotel*
* 7 nights in a mixture of comfortable and 4 -star hotels plus 1 night
camping in Wadi Rum
* 5 days cycling with full vehicle support
* Group normally 5 to 18 plus local leader. Min age 16
* 95% quiet tarmac roads, 5% gravel and sandy roads
* Mainly flat with some steep climbs and hot temperatures
All breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner in Wadi Rum are included.
Whilst 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 'mezze'
style meal. A mezze meal is made up of lots of small dishes which are eaten
as a starter before a larger main course. It is a great way to taste lots of
different foods from the area in one sitting. These allow fast service and a
good quality of food for the group and usually cost 10-15 JOD pp. Allow about
£190-230 (approx. US$300-370) to cover these meals. If you are vegetarian,
please note that main meals are limited in choice; however mezze is almost
always available in restaurants and is a good, filling option. There is also
a good choice of seafood available when 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.
* 7 nights in a mixture of comfortable and 4 -star hotels plus 1 night
camping in Wadi Rum
* 5 days cycling with full vehicle support
* Group normally 5 to 18 plus local leader. Min age 16
* 95% quiet tarmac roads, 5% gravel and sandy roads
* Mainly flat with some steep climbs and hot temperatures
This trip is classified road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). 5 days cycling,
average 45km/day (28 miles), 100% vehicle support.
Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our
website for more information on classification and grading
The tour centres on the Jordan Valley using mostly tarmac roads which are
generally in a good state of repair, with some pot-holed sections. The first
two riding days involve several descents on tarmac 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 will be able to 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 will
be able to 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 any one doing this option.
Whilst camping in Wadi Rum please be aware that although the campsite does
have plumbed toilets and showers it is 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 of the
itinerary are still included and site visits are of the same duration.
During the winter months Jordan can experience some low temperatures so it is
really important that you are adequately equipped for the cycling and the
night in the desert during this time. Conversely, during the summer months it
can get very hot and you will need to ensure that 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.
*Please note Ramadan runs from 23 April to 23 May 2020.* Ramadan is a special
time to visit Jordan as it is one of the most important times on the Muslim
calendar. Each evening the streets empty while people return home to break
the fast and then there is an air of festivity every evening. Our leaders and
drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips however
please be aware their energy levels may be slightly lower. Tourist sites are
still open although closing times may be earlier than usual. Your leader will
know how the timings for each day need to be adapted in order to still
experience all the inclusions on this trip. Restaurants may close during the
day and this is also accounted for in planning meal arrangements for your
group. Shops are usually open though their hours may vary and they will
definitely be closed during the breaking of the fast. To fully enjoy your
holiday experience at this unique time of year we suggest patience and
flexibility. (In fact these are useful at any time of year on any overseas
holiday.)
Hotels, Camping & Chalets
We spend 2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Amman, 1 night in a standard hotel in
Madaba, 3 nights in a standard hotel in Petra, 1 night in a 4-star hotel in
Aqaba. We also have one night in a desert camp in Wadi Rum. The private camp
is for the sole use of the Exodus group and offers an unforgettable
experience.
Throughout the tour the hotels have en suite facilities and air
conditioning. Some hotels have more facilities than others however it is
always good to keep in mind that the star rating in Jordan is quite different
to what you may expect at home. Sometimes we use less centrally located
hotels in the interests of comfort. Accommodation in Petra is limited and
demands on the infrastructure are high; this creates occasional problems with
hot water and general plumbing for all hotels. In general, the hotels in
Petra are older style and more basic in comparison with the rest of Jordan.
At the Wadi Rum camp there are traditional style tents equipped with basic
beds, sheets and blankets. There are plumbed toilets and basins, and simple
shower facilities with (limited) hot water.
Single supplements are available for this trip however cannot be guaranteed
at Wadi Rum. Please enquire at the time of booking for details and up-to-date
prices.
All breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner in Wadi Rum are included.
Whilst 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 'mezze'
style meal. A mezze meal is made up of lots of small dishes which are eaten
as a starter before a larger main course. It is a great way to taste lots of
different foods from the area in one sitting. These allow fast service and a
good quality of food for the group and usually cost 10-15 JOD pp. Allow about
£190-230 (approx. US$300-370) to cover these meals. If you are vegetarian,
please note that main meals are limited in choice; however mezze is almost
always available in restaurants and is a good, filling option. There is also
a good choice of seafood available when 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.
The support vehicle will carry all your luggage and personal belongings. The
vehicle will follow the riders all of the time, allowing you to cycle as much
or as little as you like. For most of this trip we use one air-conditioned
mini or midi bus depending on group size, with local drivers. These will
sometimes be four-wheel drive and occasionally we will use 2 vehicles for the
group. In Wadi Rum, we use Bedouin four-wheel drive vehicles. These Bedouin
4X4 vehicles are not up to standards we are used to in the UK. As there are
no other vehicles available and as we are not travelling by road we feel that
they are adequate for the job.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 9 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Royal Jordanian Airlines
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your
agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings.
Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until
approximately two weeks before departure.
Those on the group flight will be met before immigration by an Airport
Co‐ordinator who will collect your passport to get it stamped with the
group visa. Please be aware in high season this process may be subject to
delays. The Airport Co‐ordinator will be holding an Exodus sign, please
make yourself known to him. You will then be directed to the baggage
collection point and then to the arrivals hall where your group leader will
meet you. It is at this point that the Airport Coordinator will return
the passports.
Easy Jet offer low cost flights from London Gatwick to Amman. If you would
like to make use of this service and would like us to book any pre or post
tour accommodation for you, please contact our Customer Operations team.
**Travelling land only: 9 days starting and ending in Amman**
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Amman in the evening of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
*Free Transfers*
Exodus offers FREE arrival transfers on all flights for both Land Only and
Flight Inclusive clients. To receive this free transfer Land Only clients
must arrive on the trip start date or have booked pre-tour accommodation at
the start hotel. Exodus must receive full flight details in advance. Unless
specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour)
hotel; transfers to other hotels in the same city may attract an extra
charge. Transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same
flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times. Detailed instructions
including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final
Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before
departure or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel
agent.
Spring and autumn are very popular in Jordan as it is cooler, around 24ºC in
the day and down to 8ºC 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 32ºC in Amman.
Jerash temperatures are the same.
Wadi Rum on average in summer is around 30ºC though it can get as high as
40ºC. At night it is usually around 10ºC cooler. In winter it is much
cooler and can get as low as 10ºC during the day. In the evening it is
around OºC . 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 14ºC in winter
up to high 30s in summer months. The water temperature however doesn’t drop
below 20ºC.
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.
Day sack
Lightweight walking boots/shoes for the High Places in Petra
Cycling shoes and clothes
Water bottle
Sunhat
Sun cream
Insect repellent for the night at the desert camp
Torch for desert camp
You will encounter a range of temperatures on these trips; in spring and
autumn the days are generally quite hot (very hot in July and August), the
nights are cool in the desert. Light cotton clothing is suitable for daytime
use, but you may need a sweater, and for departures from the end of September
onwards you should also bring a warm jacket.
Please note that Jordan is a Muslim country and so modest dress is required
on this trip when visiting holy sites, and rural areas (i.e. legs, shoulders
and upper arms to be covered). In the larger cities and more popular
destinations this is not necessary. Please note it is fine to wear lycra
cycling gear although for modesty you might like to wear a pair of light
shorts over the top.
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the
recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing
only one piece of checked baggage.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
Travel towel for one night at desert camp
Sleeping bag/liner for extra comfort for the night spent in the desert
(please note that the basic bedding is already provided including sheets and
blankets).
Cycling Gear
A supply of your favourite energy bars or drink powder.
Inner tubes (unless hiring a bike locally)
If you are hiring a bike, and have access to the following, we suggest you
bring: mini-pump, tyre levers, small universal bike tool. Having these to
hand will aid speedy roadside repairs for simple issues such as punctures or
saddle adjustment, when the leader or support vehicle are not close by. If
you are not confident making your own repairs, rest assured that support will
be close at hand.
*Local Bike Details: *Trek FX 2 hybrid bikes. Lightweight with 24 speeds and
wide range of gearing.
*Discount for bringing your own bike:** *£90.
Including all food and optional excursions we would advise you take between
£300-350 (approx. US$480-560) to cover everything.
At the beginning of the week the leader will suggest that he collects 20-25JD
per person to provide snacks and juice during the cycling, extra water and 5
lunches that are not included. This is often the best way to do this so you
don't need to worry about trying to find shops to buy things yourself.
However, there is absolutely no obligation, so if you would prefer to bring
your own snacks or arrange this yourself then please let the leader know.
*Optional Excursions* (approximate costs, depending on group sizes)
There are various excursions possible on this trip ‐ the leader
will provide more details on arrival. Please note that all prices
are subject to change.
*Jerash Entry fees:* 10 JOD pp.
*Petra by night:* Follow the trail from the Siq to the Treasury
in candlelight where you will be offered tea and traditional music by the
local Bedouins approx. 17 JOD pp. Please note this is not possible every
evening and it can get crowded.
*Turkish bath in Petra: * 22 JOD pp.
*Camel rides in Wadi Rum:* camel rides provided by the local Bedouins will
be possible on the morning of Day 8. A trek from the camp to the local
village will take approximately 1hr 20 and will be 20 JOD pp.
*Archaeological site at Madaba:* 2 JOD pp.
*Amman Entry fees:* Citadel 3 JOD pp, Theatre 2 JOD pp, King Abdulla
Mosque 2 JOD.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Tipping
is at your discretion for both the leader and the local staff. However,
tipping in Jordan is part of the culture that has developed with tourism due
to the low income of most people.
During the week if you wish to tip local people at restaurants etc. we have
found it useful for the group to have a kitty for tipping. Your leader will
be able to advise you on the amount, but as a guide expect it to be 10-15JOD
per person for the week. This kitty will be placed in the hands of one of the
group members to look after and the leader will advise where it is
appropriate to tip. The kitty is there to ease confusion and embarrassment by
not knowing how much or how little to tip. If you do not wish to join in on
the group kitty, do not feel pressured.
Many clients also wish to tip their leaders and driver at the end of the
trip. We suggest approximately 15JOD per person divided equally between the
driver, bike leader and bike mechanic and around 20JOD per person for your
leader. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of
the week with three separate envelopes (one for the leader, one for the bike
team and one for the driver). This is completely at your own discretion and
to be used as a guideline only.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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