Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly to Amman. Transfer to hotel for bike fitting, dinner & O/N.
Day 2: Zarka/ Azraq. Early morning rise & transfer to the outskirts of Amman for the start of the ride. We head east into the desert & through the “Desert Castle Loop”. Most of the castles in this area were built around the seventeenth century, although two, including the one in Azraq, date back to Roman times. We will get a real feeling of being in the heart of the desert as we cycle on a more southerly route towards Saudi Arabia. There should be time to visit the unique thirteenth century castle built out of black basalt which was used by Lawrence of Arabia as his head quarters during the Arab revolt against the Turks. Our overnight stop will be the Azraq guest house.
Day 3: Azraq/ Jiza. Today our direction is westward as we make our way from the desert to the more fertile plains. Today’s cycling is mainly on roads. Our first port of call is Qasr Amra (little castle), the best preserved of all the desert castles. Just a little further along the road is Qasr Al-Kharanah which is stuck in the middle of the plain. The reasonfor building is unclear although one explanation is that it served as a stopping station for the first Islamic leaders. We continue to our overnight stop at Jiza just south of Amman airport.
Day 4: Amman/ Madaba/ Mt.Nebo/ Dead Sea/ Rest House. We cycle past some of the most interesting sites on our way to the Dead Sea. First Madaba, which has the famous mosaic made around 560 AD depicting the Map of Palestine & lower Egypt. Clearly still visible are the Nile river, the Dead Sa & Jerusalem. It was made from over two million pieces. We continue to Mount Nebo, where tradition has it that God showed Moses the promised Land into which he was never destined to enter, from there we cycle down hill about 32 km to our night spot on the shores of the Dead Sea.
Day 5: Dead Sea/ Kerak/ Dana Nature Reserve. We start along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea catching glimpses of Mount Nebo, the most reserved site in Jordan. From here Moses saw (but never entered) the Promised Land. We continue cycling south with views of Massada Fortress on the Israeli side of the Dead Sea and the towering Edom Mountains in Jordan. After around 60km we turn east for tough 24 km climb to the 12th century Crusadr castle of Krak. Time permitting we will have a short tour of the castle. Transfer of 2.1/2 hour the Dana National Park for overnight in camp.
Day 6: Dana Nature Reserve/ Shawbak/ Petra. The Dana Nature Reserve stretches over the ancient Edom (red) plateau. A spectacular blend of mountain & desert landscape with an extraordinary botanical diversity. As you cycle along this unique terrain you will quite likely catch glimpses of wild animals such as the Nubian Ibex, Golden Jackal or Red Fox and a variety of unusual subtropical plants & trees. First we make our way to the village of Shawbak with its impressive Crusader Castle Montreal. Continue along the cliffs below which lay sprawled the Araba Valley and the Dead Sea Rift, finally reaching our ultimate destination the mysterious Nabatean capital Petra, hidden deep inside the Edom (red) valleys.
Day 7: Today indeed rather special. A half full day to the ancient city of Petra, followed by transfer to Wadi Rum for two hours jeep tour, then continue to Aqaba for O/N.
Day 8: Free Day In Aqaba. Free day in Aqaba for relaxing & any optional activity. Dinner & O/N hotel in Aqaba.
Day 9: Free Day In Aqaba. Free day in Aqaba for relaxing & any optional activity. Dinner & O/N hotel in Aqaba.
Day 10: Farewell To Jordan. Transfer to Airport. Departure.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Meet and assist and transfer upon arrival and departure
- Visa to Jordan
- Two 4WD escort for supplies and or emergencies
- English speaking guide throughout
- All cooking and camping equipment
- F/B basis upon arrival and departure
- Entrance fees throughout Program
- Transportation
- Accommodation in 3 Stars hotel.
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Jordan
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
