Petra and Wadi Rum by Bike

Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan.

Enjoy a free day to explore Jordan's thrilling capital. Perhaps admire the cityscape from the lofty Roman Theatre or watch the world go by in a cool Shmeisani cafe bar.

Hotel (1 nt)

This morning we'll have an initial briefing. We will be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

After the briefing we transfer out of town towards Jerash to avoid the traffic and start cycling. We cycle through the foothills of the Rift Valley and olive groves.

The ruins of Jerash were re-discovered in 1806 and continue to be one of Jordan's most amazing sites. One of the best examples of a Roman city in the Middle East, the ancient walled town that survives today is a remarkable evocation of life 2,000 years ago.

Later we head on to Madaba, 'the City of Mosaics'. The city, best known for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, is home to the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

Ride approx. 42 km

We leave the hotel this morning on two wheels and cycle on tarmac to Mt Nebo, reputedly the burial place of Moses but certainly the site for a spectacular view over the valley below. From here it's a fantastic descent to the shores of the Dead Sea. We follow the 'coast' on a smooth tarmac surface to Suwaima where we can change and take a float in the famous waters. After a shower it's back in the vehicle for the long drive south along the Kings Highway towards Petra, one of the world's most outstanding ancient cities. Ride approx. 45km

We then have two full days to explore Petra.

Hewn out of the rose-coloured rock face, the ancient Nabataean city of Petra is one of the Middle East's most spectacular destinations, and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

The site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was discovered by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer. It was once described as 'a rose-red city half as old as time' in a sonnet by John William Burgon and UNESCO has described it as 'one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage.' In 1985, Petra was designated a World Heritage site. So you know you are in for an amazing experience here. It's difficult to determine exactly when the history of Petra began. Evidence suggests the Horites, probably cave-dwellers, inhabited the area, lending their traditional habits such burying the dead and offering worship in half-excavated caves to the next wave of inhabitants - the Nabataeans.Evidence of the earliest Nabataean settlement is also sketchy. Some of the characteristics of the site appear partly Egyptian and partly Greek in style. Strangely, few inscriptions have been found at Petra making dating the civilization a real challenge for historians. We do know the Nabataean settlement doesn't go back farther than the 6th century BC.In 106 AD, Petra was absorbed into the Roman Empire and the native dynasty came to an end but continued to flourish for a century after. Eventually the building of tombs ended and trade moved away from Petra, which fell into steady decline over the centuries. Over time many of the tombs' treasures were stolen by treasure hunters and their glory and whereabouts are unknown. According to Arab tradition, Petra is the location where Moses struck a rock with his staff and water came forth.

Please note that when entering Petra as a group a complimentary horse ride is included in the ticket price from the entrance point of Petra down to the Siq. Intrepid recommends passengers do not take this option due to the safety and insurance liability involved.

After walking down the Siq, the narrow chasm, which is the only entrance to the city, we come out directly in front of El Khazneh, the Treasury. Continuing to the centre of the city, 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 façade topped by a huge urn. On the morning of day 5 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 would appear to have been an important suburb to the city of Petra itself. The narrow file - only some 350 m long - is crammed with tombs, temples, triclinia, houses, water channels and cisterns; of particular note are the remains of painted frescoes on plaster dating from the 1st century AD, which are to be found in one of the biclinia. Ride approx. 20 kmOn one of the days we take a walk to the 'place of high sacrifice' where few others visit. This can be quite arduous and is not recommended for those who are unsure of their fitness, but the views of the site below are remarkable.

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 tarmac 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' are high! Some parts of the road are unsurfaced. From here we head into the desert and follow the road down to Gharandal via Dilagha to Wadi Araba. The road may be sandy and a little gravelly so extra care should be taken. After our desert crossing it's a short drive to Aqaba on the Red Sea. Ride approx. 62 km

Hotel (1 nt)

This morning we have free time to lounge on the beach, swim, or go snorkelling. Your leader will be able to advise you on which are the best private beaches to visit as the public beaches generally do not have as many facilities. In the early afternoon it's a short transfer out of town to avoid the main climb and traffic, before we start our cycle into the spectacular scenery of Wadi Rum. 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 of 'Lawrence' were shot.

Wadi Rum is full of weird and beautiful lunar-like rock formations. Traces of ancient civilisations can be seen in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the Wadi Rum area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. The most enduring monuments in Wadi Rum, however, are those carved by nature - the natural rock bridges, towering rose-coloured sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks.

We sleep under the stars tonight enjoying the silence of the desert, at a semi permanent campsite.

Ride approx. 30 km

After breakfast we take a 4x4 drive vehicle far into the area for a desert adventure. Following lunch surrounded by the vastness of the desert and towering rocky outcrops we transfer back to Amman, a journey of approx. 4 hours with a stop en route.

The following day is departure day. There are no activities planned for this day and you may depart at any time.