Jordan

Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea

Guided Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

$2,845 P.P.

SAVE ON 2025 EARLY SEASON ESCAPES

Book before 17 November 2024 to get $125 off your tour departing on 15/03/2025 & 26/04/2025. Apply promo code FYR2025.

BOOK NOW
An incredible cycling journey through Jordan that takes you from Amman to Wadi Rum via the Dead Sea and Petra. During your time in this mesmerizing country you’ll marvel at its iconic Crusader Castles, be taken back to biblical times with tales of the ‘Promised Land’, spend time learning about Bedouin culture and their traditional hospitality and enjoy some of the tastiest food on the planet.
We have invested significant time in identifying a local team that shares our desire to deliver a high quality, sustainable and spectacular holiday experience. Our guides' passion for the highlights of Jordan is contagious and ensures that your time there will be incredibly rewarding.
The accommodation includes perfectly placed small hotels (close to the major sites) and Bedouin camps where you’ll be able to star gaze to your hearts content. During your time on the bike you’ll enjoy a variety of terrain (none of which is too daunting) from well-packed 4x4 tracks and dirt roads to smooth asphalt. All these have been woven together to provide fun days in the saddle that are interspersed with historic sites and breathtaking views.
After time in the Jordanian capital of Amman, with its stunning ancient Citadel and Roman Amphitheatre, colonnaded streets and temples, our cycling starts in the national park just north of the capital. Here amongst the pine trees we enjoy an afternoon exploring woodland trails.
From the spiritual site of Mount Nebo with its views across to the ‘Promised Land' our cycling continues across the Madaba Plateau to a superb viewpoint overlooking the Dead Sea before a fun road descent to the earth’s lowest point. Our day ends with time floating in its salty waters where we can also cover ourselves in rejuvenating mud for a do-it-yourself spa treatment. From Karak with its imposing Crusader Castle, the next day is an undulating off-road route via Tanour Dam that ends at Wadi Hasa affording superb views of its impressive castle.
From Shobak our cycling route is one to really savour as we follow the King’s Highway - an ancient route linking Madaba with Petra to Siq Al Barid (Little Petra). Thought to have served as a re-supply post for camel caravans visiting Petra, it’s a great place to wander around at the end the day.
Set amongst huge red rock formations our accommodation is a few pedal strokes away at a Bedouin Camp where in the evening we’ll be treated to a real Bedouin feast cooked the traditional way. Next day we have a fully guided day at one of Modern Seven Wonders of the World - the Red Rose City of Petra. As well as the Treasury and other popular sites we also have time to take in some hidden treasures, such as the monastery which is reached by way of around 800 steps.

Highlights

  • Exploring Petra – The Rose Red City
  • Cycling Jordan’s forests, deserts & dramatic canyons
  • Desert star gazing in the dramatic Wadi Rum
  • Dead Sea dipping and your very own DIY spa treatment
  • Bedouin hospitality and feasting on delicious local food
  • Crusader Castles & the historic cities of Amman & Jersah

Back to Top

Itinerary

Day 1
Departure for Jordan
Non Riding Day

From your chosen departure airport you’ll be arriving into Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) – often late in the evening. On arrival you’ll be met by the Saddle Skedaddle guide/representative who will transfer you to your accommodation in Amman. (Transfer approx 30 Minutes – 1 Hour, depending on arrival time and traffic)

Amman is one of the oldest cities in the world, inhabited since the bronze age and is growing into a modern city, while retaining its character and history. Depending on your flight arrival time, you may have free time to explore a little on your own.

Overnight in Amman

Day 2
Amman - Jerash - Amman
8 Miles / 13 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 260 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 260 Metres Approx.

Suitably rested and following breakfast we enjoy a tour of the old city of Amman, visiting the ancient Citadel and Roman Amphitheatre, two of the most important archaeological sites in the city. After the city tour we leave Amman and head north to one of Jordan’s National Parks on the border of Balqa and Jerash. This is a quiet, isolated area but the array of wide dirt roads is well worth a visit. Well maintained trails sweeping through hills covered by pine trees makes it a perfect introduction to riding in Jordan and whilst not long in duration, the ride will give you a chance to familiarise yourself with the bikes and get ready for the days ahead.

After sampling some tasty local delicacies over lunch we continue our journey north to Jerash, the best example of a Roman provincial city in the whole of the Middle East. Here we’ll see the spectacular Forum, Roman colonnaded street and the temples of Nymphaeum and Artemis. Later this afternoon we’ll travel the 1 hour journey back to our hotel in Amman.

Overnight: Amman

Day 3
Ajloun - Mount Nebo - The Dead Sea
24 Miles / 39 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 410 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 410 Metres Approx.

Our transfer for the first part of the day (1hr) takes us to Mount Nebo. It’s here on the windswept summit that Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land of Canaan – a land he was himself forbidden to enter and where now on a clear day you can see the very same panorama: The Dead Sea, the Jordan River Valley, Jericho, Bethlehem and the distant hills of Jerusalem.

The Moses Memorial Church is perched on the summit and well worth a quick visit for its magnificent mosaics. It is the centre piece of a small hilltop complex dominated by the Brazen Serpent Monument, an enigmatic serpentine cross created by Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni.

After the visit and so as to avoid the busy traffic of Madaba we have another short transfer (20 minutes) to Fayha from where we begin cycling.

Heading south we are soon on quiet roads as we head across the Madaba plateau on a mix of on-road and off-road with the terrain including well-packed dirt tracks, rocky paths and gravel roads. Our lunch today is pre-prepared picnic boxes made by a local family and we’ll stop enroute at a wonderful viewpoint that affords us superb views down to the shimmering waters of the Dead Sea and Israel to the West.

After lunch we’ve a fun road descent down the ‘Mukakir Bends’ all the way down to the Dead Sea Highway. From here it’s an undulating ride beside the Dead Sea (the world’s lowest point) to one of the waterfront resorts. Here it’s time to switch from your cycle shorts to your swimmers for the unforgettable experience of floating in the super salty waters of the Dead Sea. It’s a relaxed end to the day with plenty of time to give yourself a spa treatment and cover yourself head to toe in reinvigorating Dead Sea mud and then chill-out by the pool.

Overnight: Dead Sea

Day 4
Karak – Wadi Hasa - Shobak
26 Miles / 42 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 540 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 540 Metres Approx.

We start the day with a transfer south to Karak where we visit its impressive Crusader Castle. Due of its position east of the Dead Sea, Karak Castle was able to control bedouin herders as well as the trade routes from Damascus to Egypt and Mecca and stands as a testament to these times as well as providing an impressive insight into the architectural and military skills of the Crusaders.

Our cycling starts today on the outskirts of Karak and we are soon passing through rural countryside areas with great views all around. It’s an undulating off-road route that ends with a superb downhill to the ‘King’s Highway’ (the ancient route linking Madaba with Petra and nowadays a little-used road) via Tanour Dam. Lunch today is a specially prepared picnic spread where we can sample an array of home-coooked favourites. We end our ride at Wadi Hasa, an area that is intensely used by farmers who use the water from the Wadi for irrigation. Our final destination today is in Shobak which we reach by support vehicle (1.5hrs) with our lovely accommodation situated a short distance from Shobak Castle.

Overnight: Shobak

Day 5
Shobak - Little Petra
24 Miles / 38 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 600 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 600 Metres Approx.

Cycling straight from the hotel our first port of call is the impressive Shobak Castle, the first of the series of Crusader Castles built in Jordan. Sitting atop Royal Mountain and despite being less complete than its sister fortification at Karak it is especially imposing.

From the castle we cycle on-road following King’s Highway all the way to Siq Al Barid; colloquially known as Little Petra. This whole area was once a thriving community in Nabatean times and is thought to have served as a trading suburb and re-supply post for camel caravans visiting Petra. It’s a great place to wander around at the end of the day and gives a nice insight and introduction to your time at Petra tomorrow.

Our accommodation is a few pedal strokes away at our Bedouin Camp. Set amongst huge red rock formations our time here gives you a chance to taste a way of life that is centuries old. In the evening we’ll be treated to a real Bedouin feast cooked the traditional way, hear a tale or two from our hosts and be able to do a spot of campfire stargazing.

Overnight: Little Petra

Day 6
Petra Full Day Visit
Non Riding Day
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

No trip to Jordan would be complete without a visit to one of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World; the Red Rose city of Petra. With this in mind we take an early breakfast in order to make the very most of our time in this incredible place. Tickets collected and accompanied by our knowledgeable English-speaking guide we set off. The narrow Siq leads us to the beating heart of this ancient site and you’ll be astounded as you reach the magnificent Treasury with its intricately carved façade and the entrance guarding this ancient Nabatean city.

The site is vast and contains hundreds of elaborated rock-cut tombs, a treasury, Roman-style theatres, temples, sacrificial altars and colonnaded streets with amazing sights appearing around each and every corner. Lunch is taken at a restaurant in the site and in the afternoon there is time to explore off the beaten path where many tourists don’t tread and visit some of the hidden treasures of Petra, such as the Monastery (reached by way of around 800 steps) or take a walk to Jebel Khubtha to take in an incredible view overlooking the Treasury.

Later in the day we return to our accommodation in Little Petra for another delicious evening meal.

Overnight: Little Petra

Day 7
Petra to Wadi Rum - Sunset Jeep Tour
26 Miles / 42 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 350 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 350 Metres Approx.

Back on our bikes our cycling today starts from the small town of Rajif. Situated at 1575m (5,160ft) this is the high point of the area and ensures a downward emphasis for the majority of the ride. It’s a wonderful day on the bike as we ride through an incredible desert landscape towards Wadi Rum.

At Rum Village we will meet our Bedouin host and transfer by 4WD into the heart of the Wadi Rum. Our accommodation (as with Little Petra) is a Bedouin camp set in a beautifully tranquil location in this World Heritage Site. Once settled in and refreshed with some local tea and lunch we set off on a sunset jeep safari (2hrs) around Wadi Rum’s valleys, canyons, dunes and deserts. It’s a place of ancient rock inscriptions, majestic mountain views, narrow gorges and breathtaking desert scenery. At each stop you have the opportunity to hike and scramble and explore these amazing sites. Back at camp it’s time to enjoy a desert sunset and to enjoy a well-deserved Zarb – a traditional Bedouin dish of vegetables and meat cooked beneath a campfire. The starscape above Wadi Rum is particularly special and there’s no better way to end what will have been an incredible day with some star gazing

Overnight: Wadi Rum

Day 8
Departure
Non Riding Day
  • Meals: Breakfast

Depart from Wadi Rum and transfer north to Amman and its Queen Alia International Airport (3.5 hours) for onward departures.

Back to Top

The Cycling

Terrain

The cycling on this trip will be on a mix of 4×4 width dirt roads and tarmac roads (with little traffic).

Due to the natural nature of Jordan there will be sections of soft sand along the way. This is especially true on Day 7 when we head to Wadi Rum but there is very little that should be considered as technical.

There may also be sections on trails, unpaved/gravel and rocky roads. With this in mind some experience of riding a mountain bike is recommended.

Although the cycling distances are not too lengthy you may be cycling in hot conditions and the terrain is undulating and there will be some ascents / ‘cheeky climbs’ and decent descents most days.

cycling-saddle-skedaddle-jordan-adventures-guided.jpg

Cycling Adventures Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 3 : Moderate

Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day

For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness

May include some steeper, cheeky climbs

Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc)

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Although you may not cycle everyday, you do keep yourself relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on your bike at the weekend. Your preference is perhaps for flatter terrain but you don’t mind tackling some hills, and the occasional steep climb if you can take it at your own pace. For those happy to tackle some ups and downs, and possibly some sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc) we’d recommend our grade 3 trips. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 3 holiday to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

Back to Top

Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $500 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
30/11/2024 Contact Us
Return Date
07/12/2024
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,845.00
Start Date
* 15/03/2025
Return Date
22/03/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$3,020.00
Start Date
* 26/04/2025
Return Date
03/05/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$3,020.00
Start Date
18/10/2025
Return Date
25/10/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$3,020.00
Start Date
29/11/2025
Return Date
06/12/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$3,020.00
*

Late Availability

We want you to know which tours are coming up soon, so you don’t miss out! If a trip has this symbol beside it, it means you don’t have long to snap up your place.

SAVE ON 2025 EARLY SEASON ESCAPES! Book before 17 November 2024 to get $125 off your tour departing on 15/03/2025. Apply the promo code FYR2025 when you book. Your discount will be applied once your booking is confirmed.SAVE ON 2025 EARLY SEASON ESCAPES! Book before 17 November 2024 to get $125 off your tour departing on 26/04/2025. Apply the promo code FYR2025 when you book. Your discount will be applied once your booking is confirmed.

Whats Included Tick

A) Hotel accommodation Twin/double rooms, ensuite – Days 1, 2, 3 and 4

B) Bedouin Camp Two person tents with 2 single beds, ensuite – Days 5, 6 and 7

C) Meals as itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

D) Water and snacks on cycling and non cycling days

E) Full tour service – guides, support vehicle(s) etc.

F) Group airport transfer on scheduled arrival and departure days – Amman Airport (AMM)

G) Entry to all sites mentioned in the itinerary

H) Petra Full Day visit including English speaking guide (Day 6)

I) Sunset Jeep Safari Wadi Rum (Day 7)

J) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Flights and associated costs for travelling with a bike

B) Bike rental (available if required)

C) Bar bills/alcoholic drinks, hotel refreshments etc.

D) Tips for guides

E) Entry Visa

F) Travel insurance

G) Personal clothing and equipment

H) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival and departure days

Back to Top

Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel Options

Your tour starts in Amman, the capital of Jordan, following arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) which is located 35 Kms (20 miles) south of Amman.

Group airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday and both the arrival and return transfer will be co-ordinated with the group flight schedule.

Direct flights operate from many global hub airports. From North America these include Chicago and JFK. Other popular itineraries include flying via Istanbul or London.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to ensure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to make sure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers.

Please note If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the scheduled transfer windows, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

Accommodation

During this trip we spend 4 nights in modern well-appointed hotels where the accommodation is arranged on a twin-share basis with en suite facilities.

We also stay at 2 Bedouin camps, at Little Petra your accommodation consists of two-person tents that have single beds and ensuite facilities and a similar set up at Sun City camp in Wadi Rum.

As with all of our trips we aim to use accommodation which showcases the style and hospitality of the area you are visiting. We always have comfort and convenience in mind when selecting such places.

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available for hire. For this trip they are generally Scott Aspect 740 aluminium mountain bikes with 27.5 wheels and specifications usually as follows: Hardtail (front suspension) with Santour fork and Deore/Alivio groupsets, wide-range gears and hydraulic disc brakes.

We pleased to now be able to offer e-mtbs on this tour. Our partner are proud to be the first operator in Jordan to be offering e-bikes and we‘re excited to be able to offer these bikes to our customers! These bikes are Trek Powerfly 5 (2022 model). A hardtail with RockShox fork and Deore XT/Deore groupset, equipped with Bosch Performance CX 250W 85Nm mid-drive motor and Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh battery. Available in S, M and L sizes, 153-166cm, 161-175cm and 174-188cm respectively.

We have a limited number so please let us know at the time of booking if you’d like an e-bike and we’ll do our best to secure one for you.

Back to Top

News, Reviews & Stories

Reviews

2

You May Also Like...

Back to Top