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Home , Geography of Jordan, Swimming

Taste of The Bike Trail

The Jordan Bike Trail is a long-distance, mixed-track route connecting the length of Jordan from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba and the Red in the south. The aim of the trail is to connect the diverse ; and allow riders to see many hidden treasures of this wonderful Kingdom, meet local people, and experience the delights of the food and hospitality.

We cycle along three sections of the Jordan Bike Trail allowing us to experience top sights – the , , and - and the “real Jordan” – in the rural countryside, small villages, and city centers outside of . Experience true Arab hospitality along the trail, meet locals who offer us tea, and ride alongside numerous shepherds in Jordan, their flock, and of course, their dogs.

We end the trip with a jeep tour through Wadi Rum and and in the .

Challenge Rating: 4 - Vigorous (Must be physically fit; activity experience preferred; 5-8 hours activity/day)

Participants should be comfortable riding on a variety of surfaces including trails and paved and unpaved/gravel and rocky roads that may include vehicle traffic. Participants should have experience that includes shifting gears, braking, riding in groups, and riding safety on both paved and unpaved, uneven gravel and rocky surfaces uphill and downhill.

Highlights • Cycle the best MTB/touring routes to the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum • Relax at the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth and a natural wonder • Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum • Boat, swim, and in the Red Sea

Day 1 - Wednesday, March 27 - Arrive in Amman, Jordan anytime and transfer to the hotel. No meals included. Accommodation and transfer included for hosted buyer and media delegates only.

Day 2 – March 28 - Amman - Visit Mount Nebo - Cycle Fayha to Dead Sea - Dead Sea

We will pick you up from Amman Hotel at 8 AM and start with a transfer to visit Mount Nebo, where Moses looked across the Promised Land before he died. (Driving distance is around 1 Hour). After the visit we will have another short, appx. 20 minutes, transfer to near the village of Fayha, to avoid busy traffic of Madaba. The cycling route starts by heading south on quiet roads across the plains of the Madaba . The terrain includes road, dirt track, rocky paths and gravel roads - a good mix for a warm up ride. The cycling route passes by Panorama view point, where lunch will be served by a local family from Mukawir village. After lunch descend to Dead Sea Highway and keep biking along the sea to your hotel.

Later this day you will have an opportunity to float in the salty of the Dead Sea, relax by the pool or experience the various treatments in the spa.

Cycling Info: 41,5Km, +368, -1521, Max Grade: 8,5%, Avg. Grade: -0,9%. Terrain: 42% Off-road, 58% On-road.

Overnight at the Dead Sea - Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea – Twin share – Wi-Fi in rooms

Lunch – Local Cooked Meal Dinner - Hotel

Day 3 – March 29: Dead Sea – Shobak – Cycle Shobak to Little Petra – Little Petra

Today we start with quite long transfer on to visit Shobak Castle, the first of the series of Crusader Castles built in Jordan; which was constructed by Baldwin I in 1115 and only surrendered in 1189 to the Great Salahdin. (Driving distance is around 2,5 Hours)

From Shobak we cycle off-road on a mixture of dirt tracks and roads to Little Petra. This stage of Jordan Bike Trail is stated as one of the most epic ones. The route contours around the mountains of Dana and Petra with great views across the Jordan . Lunch boxes to be served on our way by a local family from Petra. Finish the ride with a visit to Little Petra. Then cycle to your overnight camp hidden in the rocks and enjoy the hospitality of the Bedouins at Ammarin Bedouin camp, which is a part of Jordan Meaningful Travel Map.

Cycling Info: 40,1Km, +839, -1282, Max Grade: 15,3%, Avg. Grade: 1,4%. Terrain: 54% Off-road, 46% On-road.

Overnight in Little Petra – Ammarin Bedouin Camp – Twin share (Wi-Fi in central location – possible weak signal)

Breakfast – Hotel Lunch – Lunch Box Dinner – Bedouin Camp

Day 3 – March 30 - Little Petra - Full day Petra visit – Petra

After breakfast in the camp, we drive for appx. 10 minutes to the Petra Visitor Centre. Now one of Modern Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is known by many names, a master piece half as old as time, the Red Rose city. Marvel at the beauty of the ‘Lost City’, only recently re- discovered by the outside world. Walk through the Siq and be astounded as you reach the magnificent Treasury, the entrance guarding the ancient Nabatean city. Then continue into the city, viewing the amphitheater, exploring its many caves and tombs. After lunch 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 high place of sacrifice or Jebel Khubtha and the view overlooking the Treasury from above.

Hiking Distance: 10-20 Km (various options to explore)

Overnight in Petra – Petra Palace – Twin share – Wi-Fi in rooms

Breakfast – Bedouin Camp Lunch – Local Restaurant Dinner - Hotel

Day 4 – March 31 - Petra - Cycle Rajif towards Wadi Rum - Sunset Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum After breakfast, take a short transfer to just past the small town of Rajif at the top of the large hill after Petra. Today's ride is a long descent off- road towards Wadi Rum. Lunch will be served by local Bedouin family on our way. Upon arrival your guide will take you for a 2-hour sunset jeep tour through the . Enjoy the hospitality of the Bedouins and sleep under the stars in Wadi Rum.

Cycling Info: 48,7 Km; +335m; -1029m;

Max grade: 14,0%; Avg grade: -1,4%.

Overnight in Wadi Rum – Milky Way Camp – Twin share (Wi-Fi in central location – possible weak signal)

Breakfast – Hotel Lunch – Local Cooked Meal Dinner – Bedouin Camp

Day 5: April 1 - Wadi Rum - Aqaba - Snorkeling in Aqaba After breakfast you will be transferred to Aqaba. We have a more relaxed final day, with a boat ride into the , with views across to Egypt, /Palestine and . We’ll have opportunities to swim and snorkel from the boat, to explore the coral and see the myriad of colors of the Red Sea fish. We drop you off at your hotel in Aqaba by 4:00pm.

Breakfast – Wadi Rum Lunch – BBQ on Boat

Accommodation Summary Day 1: Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea – Twin share – Wi-Fi in rooms Day 2: Ammarin Bedouin Camp – Twin share (Wi-Fi in central location – possible weak signal) Day 3: Petra Palace –Twin share – Wi-Fi in rooms Day 4: Milky Way Camp – Twin share (Wi-Fi in central location – possible weak signal)

Accommodation Detailed: Day 1: Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea – Twin share – Wi-Fi in rooms

This Holiday Inn Resort, on the edge of the Dead Sea, offers luxurious facilities including a private beach area. Each room features flat-screen TVs and free internet. Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea is set in a lush garden and has an expansive outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers. There is also a sauna and hot tub in the hotel’s health club. Guests can unwind with a relaxing massage treatment. The resort has 3 restaurants and bars, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty steak house and a beach bar. Guests can benefit from Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea’s room service.

Day 2: Ammarin Bedouin Camp – Single Tents (Wi-Fi in central location – possible weak signal)

At The Ammarin Bedouin Camp they work on combining history, nature, heritage, and culture in one of the most beautiful areas in Jordan. At the camp they offer activities especially for their guests to bring them closer to the nature and history of the area as well as the local inhabitants of this important location. The activities vary from making your own Rababa (A traditional instrument), to learning the Bedouins traditional dance.

Day 3: Petra Palace – Twin Share – Wi-Fi in rooms

Petra Palace Hotel is located near the entrance of Petra. It features 2 outdoor swimming pools with sun terrace. The hotel has a steam bath where sauna and massage services are offered.

Day 4: Milky Way Camp – Twin shared tents (Wi-Fi in central location – possible weak signal) Located in the heart of the Wadi Rum Protected Area, the Milky Way Ecolodge offers unparalleled comfort on this site as well as breathtaking views of the desert.

Size: 4-12 People Price per person (non-hosted delegates): $1000 Inclusions Exclusions • Accommodations as noted in the itinerary • Flights • All food and • Travel/Medical/Evacuation Insurance • Tour guide as well to give insight into history • Departure taxes (Jordan $15 pp at land borders). and politics of the country whilst you walk Airport tax is usually included on air-tickets. • by A/C bus • Tips to driver & guides • Hardtail mountain bikes • Visa to Jordan -Purchase the Jordan Pass - • Helmet Wanderer - includes your Jordan entry visa and entrance to Petra (1-day pass). (NOTE: JTB will provide the Jordan Pass at no cost to hosted delegates)

Weather Temperatures in Jordan can be hot and with little rain. The average temperature in March is 21°C/70°F, with highs reaching 27°C/80°F and lows around 14°C /57°C at night. The high temperatures may feel hotter in the sun all day. While the chance of rain is small in March, it is still important to be prepared with a proper rain and wind proof jacket. Layering is important for protection from the sun and cool nights.

Things to Consider Jordan is an Islamic nation and tends to be quite conservative, so you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered. Long can be worn during , though we generally recommend lightweight hiking trousers to keep the sun off. A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a sun hat essential. Loose, lightweight, long is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot . For your luggage, we recommend large rucksacks/backpacks or soft duffle bags that can be locked. Your luggage will be transported by vehicle to our accommodation each night.

Cycling We provide: • Scott Hard tail 27.5” (Scott Aspect 740) (if you want to bring your own, you can) • Helmet • Bike Water bottle

We will have a support truck with us for most sections, so you can leave personal items on the truck and they will be accessible through the day.

Note: Participants should be comfortable riding on a variety of surfaces including trails and paved and unpaved/gravel and rocky roads that may include vehicle traffic. Participants should have mountain biking experience that includes shifting gears, braking, riding in groups, and riding safety on both paved and unpaved, uneven gravel and rocky surfaces uphill and downhill.

Packing List: Luggage: Assorted Personal Items:  Medium to large duffle or rolling soft-sided  Water bottles - 1 liter/1 quart x 3 (3 liters luggage (no wheels/handle) total) and/or hydration bladder  Luggage lock  Dry bag for camera & other essentials that  Packing cubes/stuff sacks/dry sacks cannot get wet/dusty  Day pack – 15-20 liters  Sunblock and lip balm with SPF  Sun hat Clothing:  Sunglasses  Casual clothing/shoes for travel and city  Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, wear (lightweight, easily washable) toothbrush, hand sanitizer, small travel  Light rain/windproof jacket towel, etc.)  Mid-weight fleece/softshell  Personal first aid kit, medications, blister  T-shirts prevention/treatment kit  Long sleeve shirt with collar  Women: Tampons – difficult to obtain in  Hiking pants rural areas  Underwear/sports bra (quick drying)  Toilet Kit: Toilet paper, Ziplock bags (at least  Sleepwear one for clean TP, one for dirty TP), wet  Warm hat (for chilly evenings in the desert) wipes, hand sanitizer (You must pack out all  Thin buff/neck scarf toilet paper of out the wilderness.)  Swimwear Insect repellant  Alarm Clock Footwear:  Camera/memory cards/battery  Charging not possible at wilderness camps  Hiking shoes

 Hiking socks, synthetic or wool Optional:  Shoes/sandals for camp/boat in Aqaba o Snacks - Dates, fruits, or candy bars

(energy for the trail) Cycling:

 Stiff-soled cycling shoes (your hiking shoes Don’t forget! can work if stiff enough)  Passport (for ID checks en route)  Base-layer - short sleeve cycling top (x 2-3)  Jordan Pass -Explorer- includes your entry  Long sleeved cycling top (x 1) or sun sleeves visa and entrance to Petra and Wadi Rum.  Regular biking gloves (JTB covers cost for hosted delegates)  Padded cycling shorts (x 2-3)  Travel/Medical/Evacuation insurance  Eyewear - Biking sunglasses  Air tickets  Lightweight wind jacket  Health requirements arranged

 Money - cash/debit cards/credit cards

Cancellation Policy: https://www.experiencejordan.com/terms-conditions/

For Groups 10+ people & Set Departures: 31+ Days before the trip – 75% refund 30 – 1 Days before the trip – no refund If paying by credit card directly through the office, there is an additional 6% charge to cover the credit card company commission costs, which we still pay even when providing a refund.

If paying by Paypal, there are no additional Paypal charges if the refund is requested within 2 months of the original payment. After this period the refund amount will be sent through paypal, but the customer will have to pay the normal paypal charges to receive this payment.

Refund Policy: If you cancel your trip and qualify for a refund, as per the cancellation policy above, we will process the refund within 1 week of agreement to the refund. The money will normally be refunded by the same method the payment was made, unless mutually agreed by both parties to transfer the refund by a different method.

Why Choose Experience Jordan: We hope you love this itinerary! We want you to know we do more than just offer unique experiences in Jordan. So here are our top 5 reasons to book with us.

1. Our attention to details will make your trip smooth and easy and ensure that you won't miss out on any fun adventures along the way.

2. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in whatever your chosen activity is, whether you are sightseeing, hiking, biking, or any combo of the above. 3. Our deep love of Jordan means that we want to share with you what makes Jordan an amazing place to be by showing you the "real" Jordan beyond what tourists typically see and experience.

4. Our heart for the communities we interact with will allow you to interact with Jordanians and learn about what makes Jordanians unique in the .

5. Our passion for you our honored guests. Our goal is for you to finish your time in Jordan with unforgettable memories, amazing photos and stories, and full bellies. Because when you visit Jordan, you are family.

But don't just take our word for it. Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor!