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  4. Cycle Jordan for Good: A ride with Intrepid's founder

Ride through deserts, roads and mountains on a journey through Jordan’s ever-changing landscapes

Since Intrepid Travel’s humble beginnings in 1989, Geoff Manchester has helped lead the company’s purpose initiatives for decades. Now he wants to lead you on the cycling trip of a lifetime through the best that Jordan has to offer. Limited spots are available for this discounted trip, so travellers must commit to raising AU $2,000 for The Intrepid Foundation to secure their place.

From the shores of the Dead Sea to the top of the ‘Rose City’ of Petra, Jordan is a country as rich in surreal landscapes as it is in archaeological fame. Take a ride through ancient history as you wander the perfectly preserved ruins of Jerash and experience the ridge of Mount Nebo, which promises views of Bethlehem and Jerusalem on a clear day. Between vibrant sands and prehistoric rock formations, it’s no surprise Wadi Rum evokes comparisons to Mars. The views may be extraterrestrial, but raising money for an important cause before you go will keep you grounded.

€1 deposit now on

Book a trip by 30 September and you’ll only pay a €1 deposit to secure your spot.

Terms & Conditions
Start
Madaba, Jordan
Finish
Madaba, Jordan
Destination
Jordan
Style
Original
Theme
Active Adventures, Cycling
Code
EEXCM
Physical rating
Ages
Min 16
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Enjoy a breath-taking ride with purpose alongside one of Intrepid Travel’s founders, Geoff Manchester. The trip price is discounted, the experience certainly isn’t.

  • Give back to communities around the world before departure by fundraising for The Intrepid Foundation: the not-for-profit arm of Intrepid Travel.

  • Spend a whole day uncovering the majesty and mystery of the world wonder of Petra. The first glimpse of the Treasury from the narrow path of the Siq is simply unforgettable.

  • Experience the best weightlessness this side of outer space with an effortless float in the Dead Sea’s super-salty waters.

  • Hop in a jeep and experience the extraordinary desert scenery of Wadi Rum: a rugged moonscape of huge sandstone mountains

  • Meet Bedouin locals, learn about their ways, and sleep under the stars in a far-flung desert camp.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Before departure, travellers need to fundraise a minimum of AU $2,000 (1100 GBP, 1250 EUR, 1400 USD, 1800 CAD and 2150 NZD) for The Intrepid Foundation. See https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/cycle-jordan-for-good for further details.

  • To complete this trip, it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.

  • On this trip, a single leader rides with the group while another drives the support vehicle – acting as a back marker where needed. Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path), your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back marker.

  • There is quite a bit of walking involved in visiting Jordan's historic sites, especially in Petra and Wadi Rum, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Most of the time there is no shade so remember to bring a hat, sun protection, and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.

  • Winters can get quite cool, so if you're visiting at this time, don't forget to pack some warmer layers too.

  • The desert camp in Wadi Rum is basic but incredibly memorable. There are tents and shared western bathroom facilities. Please be aware that while the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night and warm clothes and a sleeping bag is highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months.

Map of Cycle Jordan for Good: A ride with Intrepid's founder including Jordan
Cycle through Jordan with Intrepid travel
Take in the view at Wadi Rum, Jordan
Cycle through Jordan with Intrepid travel
The stunning city of Petra at night, Jordan
Cycle through Jordan with Intrepid travel
Cycle through Jordan with Intrepid travel
Cycle through Jordan with Intrepid travel
Cycle through Jordan with Intrepid travel

Itinerary
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Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan, cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in biblical history. Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. Should you require a transfer from the airport, this can be arranged on site for $30 a person, or $15 per person for groups of two or more.

Madaba is renowned for it’s Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the famous 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St George's Church. Other mosaic masterpieces found within churches and the Archaeological Museum depict a rampant profusion of flora and fauna, as well as scenes from mythology and daily life. Literally hundreds of other mosaics from the 5th to 7th centuries are scattered throughout Madaba’s churches and homes. You might want to arrive early to explore these ancient treasures, as there isn’t a lot of time spent in Madaba.

No riding today
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Depart from Madaba and travel to Jerash, once one of the grandest Roman cities in the world which currently stands as an excellently preserved insight into Greco-Roman times of old. The city thrived due to its position on the route of spice and incenses trade, reaching its zenith as a favourite of Emperor Hadrian around AD 130. The ancient walled town survives today as a remarkable evocation of life 2000 years ago, offering a striking collection of archways, theatres, public buildings and colonnaded streets. It’s a beautiful place to spend a day exploring.

After exploring the ruins, head towards the Dead Sea for the first proper cycle of the trip. Begin your cycling at 400 metres below sea level (it's weird, we know) and ride under the red stone cliffs high above the shores of the shimmering Dead Sea, with Israel in the near distance, to Amman Beach. It's a short first ride (approx. 30kms) but the terrain is undulating with a couple of short sharp hills to get your lungs working. The amazing views alone make it worthwhile.

Once the group reaches their destination, take some time to wash off the sweat at Amman Beach, lying on the shores of the Dead Sea. The water here is said to have excellent healing properties due to the high salt content, serving as the perfect way to wrap up a big ride. Afterwards, head back to Madaba to relax at the hotel for the rest of the evening.

Ride - approx. 30kms/19 miles, undulating with 2 significant climbs early in the ride, approx. 330m/1080ft of total elevation gain
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerash - Roman ruins
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After a drive this morning, arrive at Mount Nebo. This legendary site marks the location where Moses looked across to the Promised Land – this would later serve as the location of his death and subsequent burial. Begin your cycling with a descent into the lands below on a 43 kilometre (28 mile) ride towards Mukawir, the location of the Castle of Herod the Great. This fortified hilltop palace serves as the rumoured site where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed while Herod’s son resided at the site.

Later on in the day transfer to Dana, a scenic town sitting on the edge of the gorge of Wadi Dana. After a brief stop to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the valley continue on to our accommodation overlooking the mighty Shobak Castle.

Ride - approx. 43 kms/28 miles, frequently undulating, with approx. 650m/2130ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Begin the day with a visit to the imposing 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.

From Shobak, continue on as you cycle off road for 15 kilometres (9 miles) on a mixture of dirt tracks and roads towards Little Petra. The route, stretching for 46 kilometres (29 miles), contours around the mountains of Dana and Petra while offering great views across the Jordan Valley. The last part of the ride is a thrill as you descend 9km down a good quality but winding road all the way down to Little Petra itself, then cycle to the Seven Wonders camp hiding within the rocks. As you prepare for an overnight stay, the comfort and the hospitality of the Bedouins provides a more than welcome finish to a big day on and off the road.

Ride - approx. 46kms/29 miles, undulating at the start then a long climb after 20kms, finishing with a 10km descent, with approx. 1030m/3380ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Bedouin camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Shobak - Shobak Castle
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Leave the camp at Little Petra and head towards Petra's visitor’s centre for a full day of exploration. Enter the city through the narrow gorge, lying flanked by towering cliffs of dazzling, colourful rocks. Once arriving at Petra, explore the hundreds of elaborate rock-cut tombs, the treasury, Roman-style theatres, temples, sacrificial altars and colonnaded streets before continuing on to explore the city’s amphitheatre, multiple caves and tombs.

If you’re feeling courageous, perhaps avoid the crowds to visit the monastery, the Khubtha Mountain or the High Place of Sacrifice. To explore this area, take a steep climb up ancient Nabataean steps to a point near the summit of Al Khubtha to enjoy a magnificent panorama overlooking the treasury before descending to Petra’s main entrance. Alternatively, continue on and hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice to enjoy more spectacular views over the rocky desert terrain. At this point, the option to push past 800 steps offers the reward of the stunning monastery, lying carved and exposed in a rock face.

Ride - no included ride today
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Petra - Guided tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Leave the Nabataean city and drive back to Little Petra, where the next cycling adventure begins. Enjoy a stunning 45 kilometre descent, dropping around 1200 metres (4000ft) on a little-used winding country road through the dry mountains of Wadi Araba into the lush greenery of the Jordan Valley. The views on the way down are stunning! To avoid the busy traffic on the Kings Highway we re-board our vehicle and drive into Aqaba.

Ride - approx. 45kms/28 miles, constant downhill, with approx. 90m/300ft of elevation gain
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After spending the night in Aqaba, enjoy a free morning at the beach before departing from the city and the shores of the Red Sea and continue on to the mountains. Transit by vehicle (approx. 30 mins) along the famed Desert highway, then cycle alongside the ancient Hejaz Railway en route to Wadi Rum.

Upon arrival at Wadi Rum, enjoy a late lunch before hopping in a jeep and departing for a 3 hour safari across the sandy canyons and mountains in the area, Take in the spectacle of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom rock formation before stopping to watch the sun set. As the night rolls in, enjoy a camp dinner with the Bedouin hosts by the fire over a cup of locally brewed tea. Take one last look at the endless star-scape above before tucking into your tent for the night.

Ride - approx. 29kms/18 miles, very gradual uphill, with approx. 265m/870ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Bedouin camp (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Say goodbye to your newfound Bedouin friends and travel to Q'disi. After arriving at Q'disi, embark on a 42 kilometre (25 mile) ride around the local salt flats, taking a break to recharge with lunch along the way. After taking in the haunting landscapes, transfer back to Madaba for the final overnight stay of the trip – perhaps sharing a dinner with your group to reminisce on the journey just passed.

Ride - approx. 42kms/26 miles, flat, with less than 100m/330ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This trip comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time before noon.

No included riding today
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Bicycle, Support Vehicle, Jeep

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Desert camp (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Jerash - Roman ruins
  • Shobak - Shobak Castle
  • Petra - Guided tour

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. To qualify for this trip you must fundraise a minimum of AUD$2000, tracked through the Intrepid Foundation. See https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/cycle-jordan-for-good for further details.
2. A single supplement is available on this trip with exception of Day 4 (Bedouin Camp) and Day 7 (Wadi Rum).
3. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so as we can organise a suitable sized bike.
4. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. We are unable to hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home.
5. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back marker.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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