Taste of the Jordan Bike Trail
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Taste of The Jordan Bike Trail The Jordan Bike Trail is a long-distance, mixed-track cycling route connecting the length of Jordan from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba and the Red Sea in the south. The aim of the trail is to connect the diverse geography of Jordan; 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 Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum - and the “real Jordan” – in the rural countryside, small villages, and city centers outside of Amman. 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 snorkeling and swimming in the Red Sea. 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 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. 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 snorkel 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 plateau. 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 waters 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 valley. 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 desert. 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 Gulf of Aqaba, with views across to Egypt, Israel/Palestine and Saudi Arabia. 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 Arabic 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 water • 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. • Transport 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.