Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

Name: Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (146 reviews)

146 reviews

Activity

Cycling

Overview

Discover the highlights of Jordan by bike

The Kingdom of Jordan is the perfect place to combine a cycling tour with some of the best sites in the Middle East. This biking trip takes us through olive groves and hilltop villages in the north, while further south we head along desert roads where the communities are sparse and nomadic and the landscape vast and spectacular. If the cycling alone isn’t enough to entice you, perhaps the Unesco-badged Petra, a night under the stars in the Wadi Rum desert, or a float in the Dead Sea will tempt you to visit this fascinating country.

Key Information

Trip Code: MXW
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Jordan
Carbon Footprint: 36kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Arrival and departure transfers
Local bike hire

5 days of Cycling

Pace:

Moderate: 8mph-10mph (13kph-16kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; 95 percent paved, 5 percent gravel and sand
Mainly flat with some steep climbs and hot temperatures

Day 2: 32 km / 19.9 miles
Day 3: 27 km / 16.8 miles
Day 5: 18.5 km / 11.2 miles
Day 6: 48 km / 29.8 miles
Day 7: 28 km / 17.4 miles

Highlights

Visit Jordan’s highlights by bike, the most immersive way to explore this kingdom of culture

Cycle through ever-changing landscapes: olive groves, villages and desert roads

Sleep under the stars in our private Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum

Explore the unmissable site of Petra, a New Wonder of the World

Swim, snorkel or relax at a beach on the Red Sea

Itinerary

First Destination: Amman
Next Destination: Amman

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Amman
Next Destination: Amman

Welcome to Amman, Jordan’s vibrant capital, where your adventure begins. Complimentary transfers are provided today from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) to our start hotel. As many flights arrive later in the evening, no activities are scheduled today, allowing you time to get some rest for the experiences ahead.

Want more time in Amman? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Larsa Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast, say salaam (hi) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

After this 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 races to the everyday bartering along the colonnaded streets. After a couple of hours absorbing the atmosphere of this incredible site, we return to 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 3hr 30min through the foothills of the Jordan Rift Valley. This is the most fertile region in the country and also the most populated. We will wind our way down quiet roads and through small villages taking in the landscapes. 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 two hours. There are several nice restaurants in Madaba, plus cafes and shops selling excellent baklava.

Accommodation: Black Iris Hotel (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we will wake up in Madaba, the City of the Mosaics. Madaba is the most important Christian centre in Jordan and best-known for its Byzantine mosaics. The most important of these is the sixth-century mosaic of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, which covers the floor of the Greek Orthodox church of St George. This morning we can marvel at its detail and natural colour. We then have a short transfer out of the town centre to be reunited with our bikes.

Today’s ride starts with a 4.3mi (7km) mild ascent up Mount Nebo, reputedly the burial site of Moses. We take a pitstop at the top 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, paved surface to Suwaima where we can change and take a float in the waters. After a shower, it’s back on the bus for the long drive south (approximately three 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.

Accommodation: Standard hotel – see accommodation section for more detail

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

The so-called Red Rose City was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. It was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the sixth century BCE. Building at Petra began in the third century BCE 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. Secondly, it is built directly into the rock – beautiful red-and-yellow sandstone carved into the most impressive facades, which glow in the 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, where a sandstone chasm rises 260ft (80m) either side of us and reveals El Khazneh (the Treasury) as we reach its end. There will also be an opportunity to explore the higher caves and the High Place of Sacrifice for a fantastic panorama of the whole site. At ground level, we 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 there is the option to climb around 800 steps to reach it, but it is well worth it.

Accommodation: Standard hotel – see accommodation section for more detail

Meals included:Breakfast

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 1,148ft (350m) long, is crammed with triclinia, water channels and cisterns. Of particular note are the remains of painted frescoes on plaster dating from the first century CE, which are to be found in one of the biclinia. Overnight in Petra.

Accommodation: Standard hotel – see accommodation section for more detail

Meals included:Breakfast

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 paved surfaces 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 is 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, 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 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.

Accommodation: Lacosta Hotel (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

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 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 Lawrence of Arabia (1962) were shot. Tonight we will experience Bedouin hospitality with a traditional meal, sweet tea and desert camping in goat-hair tents. 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.

Accommodation: private Bedouin camp

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we take a 4×4 into the desert for around two hours. Following lunch, surrounded by the vastness of the desert and towering rocky outcrops, we transfer back to Amman, a journey of approximately four hours with a stop en route.

Accommodation: Larsa Hotel (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

Breakfast marks our final meal, an excellent chance to reminisce about an adventure packed with excitement. To make your return journey home easier, there’s a free shared transfer back to the airport.

Alternatively speak to your sales representative about our range of extensions, including time at the Dead Sea.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Call us on 1 844 260 1517

Book Your Flights With Us

Window or aisle? Premium seat with extra legroom? Adding a stopover en route? We’ll sort the flights that fit your plans. With access to thousands of routes - major airlines and regional gems alike, we’ll help you fly from your preferred airport, at times that suit you. Secure your flights and trip together and enjoy peace of mind knowing everything's organized with one team here to help if plans change.

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Accommodation

Hotels and a Bedouin desert camp

On this cycling adventure in Jordan, we use a range of hotels and spend one night in a private Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum – an unforgettable experience. Below are the accommodations we typically use.

Amman: Larsa Hotel (nights 1 and 8)

Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

Our first and final accommodation is usually the Larsa Hotel, around a 30-minute drive from Queen Alia International Airport. Locally rated as a three-star, it has some welcome amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and hot tub. There’s also a restaurant, where we eat breakfast, plus a bar.

Madaba: Black Iris Hotel (night 2)

Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

Run by the Twal family, the two-star Black Iris is our base in Madaba, well located as it’s just a short walk from the town centre. If you do explore, consider visiting St George’s Church, home to a historically significant sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. It’s less than 10 minutes’ walk away.

Wadi Musa, near Petra: Hotel (nights 3-5)

Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

We spend three nights in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra. Demand for rooms near Petra is very high; over the years, we have built relationships with several accommodations, which allows us to secure spots even during peak season. The hotels are well located. Some are within walking distance of the main entrance to the Red Rose City, others are no more than a 10-minute transfer away. Places we stay include Edom Hotel, Petra Plaza, Petra Palace, Amra Palace (above) and La Maison among others.

Aqaba: Lacosta Hotel (night 6)

Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

In the heart of modern Aqaba, the four-star Lacosta Hotel is within easy reach of shops, restaurants and the Red Sea. The rooms come with furniture and beds from the Middle East, while the hotel also has a gym and restaurant.

Wadi Rum: Private Bedouin camp (night 7)

Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

Used exclusively by our groups, this permanent Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum is a highlight for many travellers. We sleep in traditional tents sheltered by rugged stone cliffs and enjoy the warm hospitality of our Bedouin hosts. In the evening, they serve us a zarb dinner, cooked underground in the traditional manner, while the rest of the night is typically spent around the campfire, chatting and sharing an unforgettable experience.

Worth knowing

Single supplements are available for this trip; however, they cannot be guaranteed at Wadi Rum. Please enquire at the time of booking for details and up-to-date prices.
Demand for accommodation in Wadi Musa (Petra) is high; this can create problems with hot water and plumbing. In general, the accommodation is more basic compared to the rest of Jordan.
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.

Extend Your Trip

Exclusive Add-ons

Jordan Dead Sea Hotels

Floating effortlessly in mineral-rich waters framed by dramatic desert landscapes, the Dead Sea is one of the world’s most unique natural wonders. Extra nights here give you time to relax, enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the sea and unwind in a truly memorable setting. Here are a few of our favourite hotels to inspire your stay:

Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea: This luxurious resort along the shores of the Dead Sea features cascading infinity pools, private beach access and elegant rooms inspired by ancient Mesopotamian design. With excellent dining and a world-class spa, it offers a refined and indulgent retreat.

Marriott Dead Sea: Perched on a hillside overlooking the Dead Sea, this stylish resort combines modern comfort with sweeping panoramic views. Multiple pools, a private beach area and a well-equipped spa make it a relaxing base in an extraordinary location.

Mövenpick Dead Sea: Designed to resemble a traditional village, this welcoming resort sits directly on the Dead Sea shoreline and is surrounded by lush gardens. With a wide range of dining options, a large spa and easy access to the water, it’s ideal for a restorative and comfortable stay.

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.

Essential Information

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Five days of cycling
Average 28mi (45km) per day
100 percent vehicle support

Cycling: The tour centres on the Jordan Valley using mostly paved roads, which are generally in a good state of repair, with some pot-holed sections. The first two riding days involve several descents on paved 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 can 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 reasonably good 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.

E-bikes: E-bikes are available on request for a fee payable prior departure.

Petra: To do the optional 850 steps up to the Monastery or the climb up to the High Place of Sacrifice you should have a reasonably good level of fitness. Your tour leader can 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. While camping in Wadi Rum, please be aware that the plumbed toilets and showers are 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 are still included and site visits are of the same duration.

Climate: During winter, Jordan can experience low temperatures so it is really important you are adequately equipped for the cycling and the night in the desert during this time. During summer it can get very hot and you will need to ensure 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.

Key information

Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm, there are no activities planned for Day 1 of this trip. Our welcome briefing takes place on the morning of Day 2.
Airport: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 30 to 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements; however, the recommended vaccinations are polio, tetanus, typhoid. The Travel Health Pro website also recommends having a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.

Jordan

Visas are required by most nationalities and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport.

We will arrange a free visa (usually 40 Jordanian dinars) for travellers booking a tour and any pre-tour arrangements through us, provided we receive full passport and flight details at least two weeks before arrival.

You will need to pay for the visa if we do not have these details two weeks before arrival or you are making your own pre-tour arrangements (ie extra nights before the tour that are not booked through Exodus).

Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. They will be carrying an Exodus sign.

All breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner in Wadi Rum are included. While 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 meze-style meal. A meze is made of lots of small dishes, eaten as a starter before a larger main course – a great way to taste lots of different regional foods in one sitting. These allow fast service and a good quality of food for the group and usually cost 10-15 Jordanian dinars per person. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice; however meze is almost always available in restaurants and is a good, filling option. There is also a good choice of seafood available 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.

Alcohol is available in Jordan, but not widely. Many hotels do not sell alcohol but will often allow it to be brought in from elsewhere. It is best to plan ahead if you’ll want a drink, your tour leader will be able to tell you what’s possible and may be able to arrange a stop at a supermarket or liquor store (depending on location). In Petra, the unique Cave Bar in Petra Guesthouse is open to the public. A less expensive option is the bar in the Petra Palace Hotel which is also open to all.

Spring and autumn are very popular in Jordan as it is cooler, around 24C (75C) in the day and down to 8C (46F) 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 32C (90F) in Amman. Jerash temperatures are the same.

Wadi Rum on average in summer is around 30C (86F) though it can get as high as 40C (104C). At night it is usually around 30C (86F). In winter, it is much cooler and can get as low as 10C (50F) during the day. In the evening it is around freezing point. 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 14C (57F) in winter up to highs around 37C (99F) in summer months. The water temperature however doesn’t drop below 20C (68F). 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.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

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Karabo Motaung

Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

Discover the highlights of Jordan by bike

Key Information

What's Included

5 days of Cycling

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Book Your Flights With Us

Accommodation

Hotels and a Bedouin desert camp

Extend Your Trip

Jordan Dead Sea Hotels

Essential Information

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Jordan

Reviews

A Trip That Exceeded Every Expectation

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good Trip with variety

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

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Beautiful Country, lovely people and an adventure

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fantastic trip - highly recommended

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Fantastic trip - highly recommended

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

A ride through Jordans countryside and history

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Outstanding holiday

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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AMAZING!

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Advice for Potential Travellers

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Jordan Exceeded Expectations

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Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Cycling in Jordan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

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