As developers of the trail, we possess extensive knowledge of the best cycling routes across the country.
Tour Highlights:
Arrive at Amman Airport, where you will be greeted and assisted with immigration before transferring to your hotel in Amman. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Amman has been thriving since the Bronze Age. While the city is rapidly modernizing, it retains much of its historical charm.
Depending on your flight’s arrival time, you may have some free time to explore the city on your own.
Overnight in Amman.
After breakfast, meet your guide and biking crew at 8 AM in the hotel lobby. Depart from Amman and head north to Jerash, one of the most important and well-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. After exploring Jerash, drive to Anjara to begin the first cycling leg of your tour.
Today's cycling route starts at the edge of Anjara and passes through the abandoned village of Sarabees before descending into Wadi Mahmoud. The trail then winds through a wooded valley before heading west, leading to a long descent into Wadi Zarqa and the Zarqa River. As you descend, enjoy the breathtaking views. In biblical times, this river was known as the Jabbok River, where Jacob famously wrestled with God. After crossing the river, return to Amman.
In the evening, we will gather for dinner to review the itinerary and details for the entire trip.
Cycling Info: 30.3 km; +572m; -1604m; Max grade: 16.1%; Avg grade: -1.6%. Overnight in Amman.
Begin your day with a transfer south to the city of Karak, where you’ll visit Karak Castle, an ancient Crusader fortress. The city of Karak was once the capital of Moab, and the castle dominates the skyline, offering insights into the architectural and military prowess of the Crusaders.
After exploring the castle, start cycling just outside Karak. This section of the ride passes through rural countryside and then races downhill along the King’s Highway, passing the Tanour Dam. Upon reaching Wadi Hasa, transfer to Dana Nature Reserve for the night.
Time permitting, your guide will take you on a sunset tour around the village upon reaching Dana Reserve.
Cycling Info: 44.4 km; +689m; -1259m; Max grade: 17.3%; Avg grade: 2.0%. Overnight in Dana Nature Reserve.
After a short transfer from Dana, visit Shobak Castle, the first in a series of Crusader castles built in Jordan by Baldwin I in 1115. The castle held out until it surrendered to the great Salahdin in 1189.
From Shobak, cycle off-road along a mixture of dirt tracks and roads toward Little Petra. This stage of the Jordan Bike Trail is one of the most epic, contouring around the mountains of Dana and Petra with stunning views across the Jordan Valley. Enjoy a lunch prepared by a local family from Petra on the way. End the day with a visit to Little Petra, followed by a short ride to your overnight camp nestled among the rocks, where you’ll experience the hospitality of the Bedouins.
Cycling Info: 46.2 km; +945m; -1255m; Max grade: 16.4%; Avg grade: 1.1%. Overnight in Little Petra.
After breakfast, leave Little Petra and head to the renowned red rose city of Petra. Enter the city through a 1 km-long narrow gorge flanked by cliffs towering 80 meters high. Marvel at the dazzling colors and formations of the rocks before arriving at the stunning Treasury, carved directly into the sandstone. Spend the day exploring this incredible World Heritage site, which includes hundreds of elaborately rock-cut tombs, a Roman-style theatre, temples, sacrificial altars, and colonnaded streets.
Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant inside the site.
Overnight in Petra.
After breakfast, take a short transfer past the small town of Rajif, situated atop a large hill near Petra. Today’s ride features a long off-road descent towards Wadi Rum. Lunch will be served en route by a local Bedouin family.
Upon arrival in Wadi Rum, your guide will take you on a two-hour sunset jeep tour through the desert. Enjoy the Bedouins' hospitality and sleep under the stars in Wadi Rum.
Cycling Info: 48.7 km; +335m; -1029m; Max grade: 14.0%; Avg grade: -1.4%. Optional extension: 42.0 km; +374m; -256m; Max grade: 6.3%; Avg grade: -0.1% (time permitting). Overnight at Wadi Rum Camp.
Cycle between the sandstone mountains on desert sands, winding your way through the largest Wadi in Jordan until you reach the Desert Highway. From there, enjoy a final descent to the Red Sea. Upon arrival in Aqaba, take a well-deserved dip in the sea and spend the evening at your leisure.
The biking crew will conclude their service here.
Cycling Info: 55.9 km; +211m; -1140m; Max grade: 5.9%; Avg grade: -1.4% Overnight in Aqaba.
Spend the morning enjoying the Red Sea, then, at 10:30 AM, transfer to the Dead Sea. Relax and unwind by floating in the salty waters or resting by the pool. You may also pamper yourself with a spa treatment of your choice.
Overnight at the Dead Sea.
After breakfast, you will be individually transferred from the Dead Sea to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman for your departure flight. End of services.
