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| Trip Valid: | All year round |
| Duration: | 10 days / 9 nights |
| Activities: | Camping, Cycling, Jeep tour, Sightseeing, Swimming |
| Physical Rating: | Moderate (rating explained) |
| Climbing Rating: | 2A (rating explained)  |
| Group size: | 16 |
Welcome to Terhaal adventures... we hope that you enjoy exploring Jordan's hidden treasures as much as we do. The itinerary attached is correct at the time of printing. However please note that occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to your trip, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. Queen Alia International Airport. Queen Alia International Airport. We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to begin your trip as scheduled, please contact us immediately at one of the following numbers: Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrival We will be welcoming you at the airport and transferring to Madaba where you'll be spending the night. Check-in time at our hotel is typically after 2:00pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed, however if you arrive early, luggage storage is available. Day 1 is arrival day and there are no activities planned other than a group meeting at 6 pm. Overnight in Madaba (Family hotel) (D) Madaba is located 30 kilometers southwest of Amman and is most famous for its exquisite 6th-century mosaics. Its history dates back at least 3500 years.
Day 2: Explore the mosaics of Madaba and visit Mount Nebo, the memorial of Moses, bike to Mukawir and enjoy dinner with a local family After breakfast this morning we'll be gathering at the hotel's lobby go on a short walk downtown to explore the famous mosaic map at St. George church, then off to Mount Nebo where Moses once stood overlooking the Promised Land. We then mount our bikes out of Madaba and cycle 22 km south on semi-flat dirt tracks parallel to Kings' Road before we head west for another 16 km on a hilly narrow road through the villages of Bani Hamida to reach the hill of King Herod's palace remains where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. There we take a short hike to the top of the hill and enjoy a wonderful panorama for the Dead Sea. We then go to the nearby village of Mukawir where we get hosted by a local family over dinner and spend the night in Mukawir village either in the guesthouse (run by the village cooperative) or camping in one of the village's farms. This is part of our responsible tourism programs to support the local communities at the places we visit. Overnight in Mukawir village (Guesthouse or camping in a farm) (B L D) (Bike Ride Rating: 2A) (Bike 38 km) The King's Highway twists and winds its way through the heart of Jordan, connecting Madaba, Karak, Tafileh, Shobak and Petra. The King's Highway is the world's oldest continuously used communication route, and is mentioned early in the Bible. In Numbers 20, Moses requests the king of Edom to allow his people to "travel along the king's highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.
Day 3: Bike from Wadi Al Mujib -the Jordanian Grand Canyon- to the Crusaders castle of Karak This morning we will be transferred to the top of the Mujib Valley avoiding a long and steep climb to reach a breathtaking view of the Wadi Al Mujib - a valley as spectacular and massive as the Grand Canyon. The ride continues from the Eastern Plateau of Al Mujib Valley passing various small villages, agriculture fields and ruins, until we reach Karak. Karak had been a prized possession of a number of civilizations and was the capital of the Crusaders. Dinner and overnight in Karak (Hotel) (B L D) (Bike Ride Rating: 2A ) (Bus transfer 55 km | Bike 46 km) Day 4: Visit the Crusaders castle of Karak cycle from Al Hasa Canyon to Dana Biosphere Reserve The magnificent Crusader fortress of Karak, which made Karak the new capital of the province; superbly situated on the King's Highway where it could control all traffic from north and south and grow rich by the imposition of road-tolls. This castle soars above its valleys and hills like a great ship riding waves of rock; an excellent example of the Crusaders' architectural military genius. After a morning visit to the castle we'll transfer to Al Hasa Canyon, mount our bikes and ride over small agricultural roads and single tracks including various hilly terrains arriving at Dana Biosphere Reserve for a peaceful eco camping experience in Rummana campsite. Overnight in Dana Nature Reserve (eco camp) (B L D) (Bike Ride Rating: 2A) (Bus transfer 44 km | Bike 42 km) Day 4 Winter Alternative Plan: Overnight in Dana Nature Reserve/ Feynan (eco lodge) (B L D) (Bike Ride Rating: 2A) (Bike 39 km | Bus transfer 98 km) Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve, covering some 320 square kilometers of spectacular mountains and wadis along the face of the Great Rift Valley. From scorching sand dunes in the west to cool mountain tops in the east, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is home to a great variety of wildlife. There are plants and animals characteristic of true desert, of Mediterranean forests and of the dry plains of Russia. In fact, Dana is really a melting pot of species from three continents: Europe, Africa and Asia. The Dana Village area, overlooking the scenic Wadi Dana, has been occupied since about 4000 BC. Archaeological evidence indicates that Palaeolithic, Egyptian, Nabatean, and Roman civilisations have been drawn to the area by the fertile soil, water springs, and strategic location. Today, Dana Village is inhabited mostly by clans of the "Al Ata'ata" tribe, which settled in the area during the Ottoman period, about four hundred years ago, and built the present village. Over the years, many of the families in Dana Village have moved to the nearby village of Qadissiya, in search of better jobs, schools, and housing. Feynan, is located in the Araba Valley, within the boundaries of Dana Biosphere Reserve. It was one of the largest copper works in the ancient Near East. Copper production in feynan reached its peak under the Edomites (during the 9-5th centuries BCE) when mining and smelting techniques attained high professional level and probably influenced the economic and political power of the Edomites. Feynan Eco Lodge: Set among the arid mountains of Wadi Araba, the Feynan Eco-lodge forms the western gateway of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and provides a special experience in desert accommodation. The lodge has a unique arabesque desert design and uses environment- friendly technologies, including solar power. At night, most of the lodge will be lit by candles, making it a very romantic destination. Day 5: Bike from Dana to the Shobak Castle and off road on a scenic track to Al Hisheh pinewood and stay in Wadi Musa This morning, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the fascinating nature surrounding the campsite on a self-guided hiking trail before we mount our bikes from Dana and ride south towards Shobak Castle -another castle in the great chain of Crusader fortresses which stretches across Jordan. The stronghold, known as Mount Realis (Montreal), was constructed in 1115 CE by Baldwin I. We then continue biking on a charming off-road track that goes around the edge of the Eastern Plateau and owns magnificent views to the Great Rift Valley. On Kings' Road again, we bike down to Wadi Musa - the Valley of Moses. This little town is just a couple of minutes from the Petra and it is our base for exploring the remarkable rose-hued ruins. Overnight in Wadi Musa (hotel) (B L D) (Bike Ride Rating: 2A) (Bike 52 km) Day 5 Winter Alternative Plan: Overnight in Wadi Musa (hotel) (B L D) (Bike Ride Rating: 2A) (Bike 45 km | Bus transfer 30 km) Day 6: Indulge in history visiting the world wonder city of Petra Overnight in Wadi Musa (hotel) (B D) Petra is one of the world's heritage sites and one of the world's new wonders. An ancient rock city was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. Built around 2,300 years ago, the imposing rose-stone palaces are an impressive testament to the power and influence of the Nabateans, who controlled trade around the area in the 3rd century BC. Petra is surrounded by hills in which tombs have been carved into the pink sandstone. The site includes some 800 structures. The Victorian traveler and poet Dean Burgon gave Petra a description which holds to this day -"Match me such a marvel save in Eastern clime, a rose-red city half as old as time." Yet words can hardly do justice to the magnificence that is Petra. Day 7: Following the ancient Spice Route, ride through the desert from the village of Rajif crossing canyons until we reach the borders of Wadi Rum. This day we are riding across the desert from Petra to Wadi Rum and we will start early morning to avoid the heat. A 25km transfer will take us from Wadi Musa to Al Rajif village above Petra, where, we mount our bikes and head southeast crossing canyons and riding on desert tracks through an amazing desert landscapes passing by scattered Bedouin camps towards Old Humaimah where we stop for a lunch break and rest before we bike further to Al Quweira, cross the Desert Highway and bike further to reach the borders of Rum where we'll camp out. Overnight at the border of Rum (camp out) (B L D) (Bike Ride Rating: 2A) (Bus 25 km | Bike 55 km) Day 8: Bike to Rum village, be dazzled by Wadi Rum on a four wheel drive far into the heart of this majestic desert, and enjoy a feast on Bedouin Zarb dinner and a night under the stars Today we ride into the desert towards Wadi Rum Protected area marking the end of our cycling rides in this program. After watching an enchanting sunset we settle down at our Bedouin campsite and feast on a well-deserved 'Zarb' - a traditional Bedouin dish of meat and vegetables cooked underneath the desert's sand, and a night under the Milky Way. Overnight in Wadi Rum (Bedouin camp) (B L D) (Bike Ride Rating: 2A) (Bike 40 km) Wadi Rum is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in south-west Jordan. It has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times and is dotted with massive rock formations. It is virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. Here, it is the weather and winds that have carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described by T.E. Lawrence as "vast, echoing and god-like". Much of David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia was filmed in Wadi Rum. Day 9: Head all the way down to the lowest spot on earth for an amazing buoyant bath at the Dead Sea After breakfast and a relaxed desert morning we transfer to Aqaba, stop for a quick lunch before driving back north through Wadi Araba all the way to the lowest spot on earth, enjoy the special buoyancy experience at the nature wonder of the Dead Sea-the saltiest lake in the world. We then transfer to Amman where our trip ends. Overnight in Amman (hotel) (B D) The Dead Sea is famous geographically as "the lowest point on earth," lying some 400 meters below sea level. It is 75 kilometers long and from 6 to 16 kilometers wide. It is fed by the Jordan River, but it has no outlet. As its name suggests, the Dead Sea is entirely devoid of plant and animal life. This is due to an extremely high content of salt and other minerals-350 grams of salt per kilogram of water, as compared to about 40 grams in the world's oceans. This concentration is caused by a rapid rate of evaporation. These natural elements give the waters of the Dead Sea certain curative properties, recognized since the days of Herod the Great over 2000 years ago. Day 10: End of program and departure After breakfast the program ends. Typically the check-out time is at noon.
Single supplement can be requested upon availability and will cost you USD200. Meals Group Size The group size is usually 6 to 12 riders plus the guide. What To Take You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (try to stay around 10 kg /22lb). It is in your own interest as you are expected to carry your own luggage. Suitcases are definitely not recommended for our trips! It is also important that your bags can be locked, as on some buses it may be necessary to store your luggage separately from the group. The smaller your bag is the better, for when it comes to travelling its usually only the smaller bags that will fit into the storage areas. So to get maximum comfort, pack small and light! You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera. … etc, for day walks and day trips. Temperatures in Jordan can be hot and with little rain. This can become extreme towards and during the summer months of May to August. In the months of November to March it can be very cool at night particularly in the desert where night temperatures can drop to 5C or less. Even in the hot months out in the desert it can get cold at night. > Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets etc. Laundry Your tour leader can point out the best places to do your laundry along the trip, but typically you can expect it to be done by the next day. Health It is recommended that all travelers be in good physical health prior to embarking on a Terhaal trip as all our trips are active/adventurous. We also advise all our guests to consult their doctor beforehand. Group leaders reserve the right to exclude any guest from a trip whom they believe may be of an unjustifiable risk to themselves or to the rest of the group without refund. Safety Jordan is generally considered to be a very safe country however we recommend that you bear the following in mind when visiting: Local Culture Jordanians are typically very friendly and welcoming of foreign guests, especially in rural areas and villages, and it is not unknown for a Jordanian to invite a foreigner he has just met into his home. Visas Please make sure to consult your nearest Jordanian embassy for any visa requirement that you may be subject to. Departure tax You will be required to pay a JOD5 Departure Tax upon leaving Jordan (does not apply when exiting by through airports). Money Exchange The Jordanian Dinar is fixed at a rate of JOD 0.709 against USD 1. Spending Money Each traveler has his or her own spending habits and we recommend that you consider yours when allowing for all the daily expenses you will be incurring i.e. drinking, eating, shopping etc. Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD600, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence but it is well worth being prepared! Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number. Emergency Contact In case of an emergency Terhaal's Amman Office can be reached on Your Fellow travelers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part. Responsible Travel We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Jordan is a small country with little natural resources. Water scarcity is a big issue in the region so make sure you adapt a conservative attitude towards water consumption. Along the trip your tour leader will highlight such issues. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make your destinations such special places. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession. Participation form All Terhaal travelers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of travelling with Terhaal. To read the full document, please follow this link http://www.terhaal.com/travel-jordan/adventure/participation-form. Feedback After your trip we hope you will send us your photos and any stories or feedback you may have. We would appreciate it if you could take a couple of minutes to complete our feedback form, just follow this link:http://www.terhaal.com/travel-jordan/feedback-form. Your feedback will not only help us improve, but will also help other travelers make their decisions after reading your feedback/ testimonial. Our blog Our blog, Treks & Trails of Jordan (www.terhaal.com/blog), is a collection of stories posted by a variety of people that reflect the natural, environmental and cultural aspects of Jordan vis-à-vis first hand experiences. Terhaal Adventures Newsletter This is how we keep you updated by our news, reviews and special deals of adventure trips in Jordan. You can subscribe at any page of our website from the left sidebar. | |