Imagine exploring the coast of the Dead Sea, the historical sites of Petra and the Wadi Araba Desert – cycling Jordan is an experience like no other. Travelling on two wheels through this diversely beautiful country is one of the best ways to discover all that Jordan has to offer in one trip, and our guided tours ensure you visit the highlights as well as the lesser-known places.
The Middle East abounds with incredible scenery as well as archaeological gems and fascinating culture. The UNESCO city of Petra will amaze you with its mountainous backdrop where ornate buildings are carved into the red rock, dating back to the 3rd-century BCE. Also known as the Red Rose City, Petra is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, where the traditions of the Middle East mingle with Hellenistic architecture.
Our Jordan cycling holidays also allow you to soak up the country’s natural beauty as you ride among olive groves and dusty desert roads, punctuated by nomadic and hilltop villages. At Exodus we really want you to enjoy immersive experiences and one of the main highlights of our tours is an authentic Bedouin adventure camping beneath the stars in the Wadi Rum Desert. In stark contrast, visit one of Jordan’s vibrant souks where you’ll be absorbed in the sights, sounds and smells that create its intoxicating atmosphere.
On our guided cycling holidays in Jordan, you’ll be accompanied by one of our expert guides who’ll make sure you leave well informed of the culture and traditions. Visit local communities where you’re invited to learn about their way of life and enjoy delicious, locally produced dishes that give you a flavour of the Middle Eastern cuisine.
Take a closer look at the trip below for a more detailed itinerary and description.
Best Ancient Sites to Visit on Jordan Cycling Tours
Petra: The Red Rose City of Petra is one of the most significant UNESCO World Heritage sites you’ll see when cycling Jordan. Undiscovered for centuries, Petra was eventually found by the Nabatean tribe in the 6th-century BCE. When you arrive at Petra you’ll be in total awe of this architectural wonder where elaborate buildings have been carved into the red and yellow sandstone rock. Walk along the Siq, a narrow walkway where a sandstone chasm soars above, which opens to reveal the magnificent Treasury, El Khazneh. As you wander through the houses, tombs and amphitheatre, you’ll learn about how the wealthy citizens once lived in the city. Head up to the High Place of Worship for uninterrupted views over Petra and climb the 800 steps to the religious site of the El Deir monastery.
Jerash: Lying to the north of Amamm, the ancient city of Jerash dates back to the Bronze Age and is famous for its walled Greco-Roman settlement of Gerasa. The well-preserved ruins let you step back to the 2nd-century, and as you walk around the Corinthian columns of the Temple of Artemis and Hadrian’s Arch you can almost hear the sounds of a past Roman civilisation coursing through the ancient ruins. Also known as the Triumphal Arch, Hadrian’s Arch was constructed in AD 129 to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian. To learn more about Jerash and its rich history, visit the Archaeological Museum where you’ll find interesting artefacts that have been recovered from the site over the years.
Madaba: Often overlooked on cycling holidays in Jordan, Madaba is a market town best known as the ‘City of Mosaics’. As the name would suggest, a collection of stunning Byzantine mosaics can be found throughout the city but arguably the most famous is the detailed map that lies on the floor of the Greek Orthodox church of St George. It’s believed the mosaic dates back to the 6th century and its colourful detail depicts a scene from Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Madaba has one of the largest Christian communities in Jordan and the locals gather every Friday before dawn to pray at the church.
Little Petra: Known locally in Jordan as Siq Al Barid (meaning Cold Canyon owing to the tall buildings which block out the sunlight), Little Petra has a rich agricultural past and was once a place for travellers who were visiting Petra with their caravans and camels to replenish their supplies. Within the ancient site there are beautiful buildings carved into the pale rock and just outside the miniature siq stands a classical Nabatean temple. Much quieter and calmer than its bigger sister, Petra, Little Petra is always worth exploring on your Jordan itinerary.
This Jordan adventure was the perfect blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. We cycled through stunning landscapes, from the rose-red canyons of Petra, where ancient wonders appear around every corner, to the vast, cinematic desert of Wadi Rum, under a sky full of stars. Along the way, we enjoyed gems like Aqaba, with its warm Red Sea waters and vibrant coral reefs, and the Dead Sea Resort, where floating in the salt-rich water was the ultimate reset after days of exploration.
The trip was thoughtfully designed, combining active adventure with cultural immersion.
We did this tour after a week in the North doing the golden triangle so it was nice to sample the north and the south of India – they are very different. The cycle routes were fabulous and as were in the main flat within most people’s ability. The tour should be named cycling the backwaters and coast of Kerala as more time is spent in the backwaters than on the coast – not a complaint as the backwaters are fabulous. The night on the houseboat was amazing and the home stay was better than we expected. A great way of seeing the area.
From the day I met Claudio in San Pedro to my last day in Salta.
I have seen so many different landscapes, cycling on so many different roads.
Was great to cycle on a salt lake, in narrow canyons, in a the devils’s throat on a road above 4000m in the middle of the puna among lamas and vicunias, in a forest along lakes or in the middle of vineyards and cactus !
