Current as of: April 18, 2024 - 19:55
Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Jordan
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 9 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MXW
- Carbon Footprint: 36kg CO2e
Trip 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 bicycle 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.
At a Glance
- Three nights four-star, four nights comfortable hotels, one night private desert camp
- Five days cycling with full vehicle support
- Group normally five to 18 plus local leader. Minimum age: 16 years old
- 95 percent quiet paved roads, five percent gravel and sandy roads
- Mainly flat with some steep climbs and hot temperatures
Highlights
- Cycle through spectacular desert scenery
- Visit the Unesco-listed site of Petra
- Camp under the stars in Wadi Rum
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
- Five days of cycling
- Average 28mi (45km) per day
- 100 percent 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 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 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 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. The leader always accompanies anyone doing this option. 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.
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.
Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 10 March-10 April 2024 and 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 18
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Amman
- End City: Amman
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Amman; transfer to hotel
Our flight usually arrives in Amman, capital of Jordan, late tonight or very early in the morning tomorrow. We’ll catch our transfer to the hotel and head straight to bed.
Accommodation: Larsa Hotel (or similar)
Start Amman
Welcome to Amman, the capital of Jordan, where our adventure begins. There are free transfers to the hotel from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for all customers today. Please note, transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Accommodation: Larsa Hotel (or similar)
Visit Jerash; ride/drive through olive groves and villages to Madaba
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 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)
Petra via Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea
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
Explore the fascinating Unesco-listed city of Petra
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
Cycle to Little Petra
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
Ride via Wadi Araba to Aqaba on the Red Sea
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)
Free morning; drive/ride to Wadi Rum
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
Jeep safari; drive to Amman
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)
Transfer to airport; fly to London
Transfer to airport, fly to London.
End Amman
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.
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
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)
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)
Run by the Al Sawalha 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: Standard hotel (nights 3-5)
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 simple but 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)
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)
Used exclusively by our groups, this permanent Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum is a highlight for many travellers. We sleep in simple, 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.
Single supplement from USD 375
Food & Drink
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.
Transport
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 two vehicles for the group. In Wadi Rum, we use Bedouin four-wheel drive vehicles. These Bedouin vehicles are not up to the 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.
Weather & Seasonality
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.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
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.
Full joining 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.
Location start: Amman
Location end: Amman
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Day sack
- Lightweight walking boots/shoes for Petra
- Sports bottle with wide top (not plastic) for water refills from large containers
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear for the Red and Dead Sea
- Insect repellent for the night at the desert camp
- Torch for desert camp
- Appropriate footwear for the Dead Sea as parts are rocky underfoot
- Cycling shoes and clothes
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, Jordan is a Muslim country and so modest dress is required on this trip when visiting holy sites, and rural areas (ie legs, shoulders and upper arms 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.
Please try to bring no more than one main piece of luggage per person. On occasion luggage may be transported separately to the vehicle the group travels in.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Optional Equipment
- 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.
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Trek FX 1.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
Practical Information
Passport
It is essential that we have your full passport details at least 30 days before the start of your trip. This has to be supplied in advance to the tourism police to obtain cycling permits. Without it, we cannot guarantee your place on the tour.
Visa
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.
Vaccinations and Health
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.
The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.
Local Time
Jordan's time zone: Asia/Amman (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
Jordan's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), D (three round pins), F (two round pins), G (three rectangular pins, UK standard), and J (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Jordan's currency: Jordanian dinar (JOD)
ATM Availability
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at Amman airport. Here you will find both ATMs and a currency exchange desk. ATMs can also be found in the major towns and cities, such as Madaba, Petra, Aqaba and Amman. However, ATMs may not accept all cards, so please bring some cash to change if possible. Your leader can advise on changing money and ATMs. Larger shops in the cities may take credit cards, but do not rely on this. We suggest taking some money in cash (sterling, euros or US dollars) with a mix of denominations. Changing Travellers Cheques in Jordan can be quite difficult as very few places now accept these. If you do wish to take them, we advise using those issued by either Thomas Cook or American Express, as you may find others even more difficult to change. Small denominations are useful for times when you want to change a small amount of money outside the major towns or cities.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
We would advise a budget of around 400 dinars (US$560) to cover everything, including all food and optional excursions. At the beginning of the week, the leader will suggest that he collects 20-25 dinars per person to provide snacks and juice during the cycling, extra water and five 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 dinars (US$14) per person.
- 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 – approximately 17 dinars (US$24) per person. Please note, this is not possible every evening and it can get crowded.
- Turkish bath in Petra: 22 dinars (US$31) per person.
- 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 20min and will be 20 dinars (US$28) per person.
- Archeological site at Madaba: 2 dinars (US$3) per person.
- Amman entry fees: Citadel 3 dinars (US$4.20) per person, theatre 2 dinars (US$3) per person, King Abdulla Mosque 2 dinars (US$3) per person.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work with Exodus. However, while tipping may not be common in your home country, in Jordan it is part of the culture and is generally expected within tourism and many other areas of Jordanian life. We have given guidance in US dollars below, but tipping is best done in the local currency (Jordanian dinars).
For tipping your bike leader, mechanic, driver, hotel staff and other local staff, we recommend the use of a tipping kitty. Your leader can advise on the amount, as a guide, expect it to be US$60 for this trip. This kitty can 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. If preferred, however, the leader can manage this for the group. The kitty is there to ease confusion and embarrassment by not knowing how much or how little to tip.
Most clients also wish to tip their Tour Leader and as a guide we suggest US$40 per person for this trip. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the week in an envelope. The amount is at your discretion and our suggested amount is to be used as a guideline only.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
- The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this helps to benefit the surrounding community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
- This trip stays one night in Wadi Rum desert at the Exodus Private camp which is owned and managed by a local Bedouin family. This not only provides a source of income for the family but is a wonderful opportunity for our guests to interact with local people and share aspects of their traditions.
- In Wadi Rum we also do a jeep safari which provides another source of income for local people.
- This tour encourages guests to visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- On this trip we visit 8 national heritage sites and the entrance fees included generates income which is used for the upkeep and development of these important monuments and nature parks.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- In Petra we do not recommend that guests ride horses or mules as we are not convinced their treatment is in line with industry-leading animal welfare guidelines.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles.
- It is standard practise in Jordan to distribute left-over restaurant food to people in need.
- Where possible on this trip paper bags are used as an alternative to single-use plastics.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally-sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- The Exodus Private camp in Wadi Rum uses solar power.
- This trip favours locally-owned and run accommodation.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
- Cultural respect:
- Some Jordanians especially women and the elderly object to being photographed so please ask first.
- Jordanians are very proud of their country and can be offended if you take pictures of anything ‘negative’ or suggestive of poverty. Photography in military zones and strategic areas like public buildings is prohibited.
- Handshaking is only between members of the same sex.
- It’s polite to use only your right hand when eating something without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone else.
- It is common practice to remove one’s shoes before entering a mosque or someone’s home and you should tuck them under if sitting on the floor. It is respectful for women to cover their heads with a scarf when entering a mosque. Please note many mosques are not open for tourist visits.
- Generally men’s and women’s clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee.
- During the holy month of Ramadan Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours. Even chewing gum is considered haram. (forbidden). Although foreigners are not expected to follow these practises it is respectful to be discrete and not eat, drink, or smoke in general public.
- Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels in Jordan.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.