Jordan Mountain Biking - Dead 2 Red

9 Days / 8 Nights

From USD $2185

Guided Group

Challenging

  • Bike from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea
  • Spectacular desert tracks and scenic backroads 
  • 6 days cycling with 100% vehicle support 
  • Free day to explore Petra 
  • Camp out Bedouin style in Wadi Rum
  • Ride down to the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth
  • Group size 6 to 14

NO MEALS INCLUDED

Rendezvous at the group hotel in Madaba. Two group transfers will be arranged from Amman Airport to the hotel in Madaba. These transfers will meet the arrival of the Royal Jordanian and British Airways flights from the UK and will normally depart from the airport at around 2300 hours on Day 1 of the trip itinerary and 0100 hours of Day 2 of the trip itinerary. Our representative will accompany the group on the 30 minute journey to the hotel.

DISTANCE / DURATION: 68KM (42 MILES) / 6 TO 7 HOURS RIDING INCLUDING STOPS
TOTAL ASCENT 1090M / TOTAL DESCENT 1070M
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

After breakfast this morning, we have time to assemble our bikes before setting off on the first stage of our unique mountain biking journey. Bike bags and boxes will be left in storage at the hotel for those bringing their own bikes. Riding straight from our hotel, we follow quiet back roads leading westwards to Mount Nebo. Reputedly the place from which Moses viewed the 'promised land', Mount Nebo does offer a fantastic view across the Dead Sea and the Jordan River to the West Bank. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the holy city of Jerusalem, some 45 kilometres away. Heading south from Mount Nebo, we follow a minor road between isolated farms to the village of Main, then join the 'King's Highway' (an ancient route linking Madaba with Petra, which is actually a little-used local road). After just a few kilometres, we drop off onto a dirt track and follow this to Libb, where we meet a narrow and hilly road that takes us back westwards to the ruins of King Herod's palace, where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. We stop off at this viewpoint and enjoy another striking panorama across the Dead Sea. The day's ride ends at the nearby village of Mukawir, where we stay in simple 'homestay' accommodation run by the village cooperative. Whilst this homestay is basic, the food is great, there are minimal facilities including a hot shower and there are 4 sleeping rooms which will be shared appropriately by the group. There really is no alternative accommodation in this area and being able to take our dinner with a local family does allow us a fascinating glimpse into life in a Jordanian household.

DISTANCE / DURATION: 89KM (56 MILES) / 9 HOURS RIDING INCLUDING STOPS
TOTAL ASCENT 1890M / TOTAL DESCENT 1620M
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Mukawir is at around 800 metres and the start of today's ride will take us rapidly down to the lowest point on earth, on the banks of the Dead Sea, at an amazing elevation of 400 metres BELOW SEA LEVEL. We will have an early start and make this descent on a minor road with little traffic. Cycling along the shores of the Dead Sea, we arrive at the Mujib Nature Reserve and have the opportunity to take a dip and test theincredible buoyancy of the salty waters (10 times as salty as normal seawater). The Jordan River flows into this vast inland sea, but it has no outlet and this factor, together with a high rate of evaporation, is responsible for the extreme saltiness and lack of animal or plant life. After our swim, we can take a shower, before continuing our ride southwards beside the sea for around 20 kilometres. Reaching a junction, we turn off to begin the challenging 25 kilometre climb back up onto the Eastern Plateau at an altitude of over 900 metres. If you don't want to tackle this amazing 1300 metre ascent, the support vehicle is on hand. Arriving at Karak, we should just have time to visit the magnificent Crusader fortress before checking into our hotel. Situated in a commanding position on the King's Highway, this fort is an excellent example of 12th century Crusader architecture.

DISTANCE / DURATION: 87KM (55 MILES) / 9 HOURS RIDING INCLUDING STOPS
TOTAL ASCENT 1830M / TOTAL DESCENT 1750M
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Today's ride takes us southwards along the Eastern Plateau. After a short transfer away from the traffic of central Karak, we will follow the quiet King's Highway again, passing agricultural fields, ruins and several small villages, until we reach the edge of the Al Hassa Canyon. We will stop to admire the views, before making our descent into this impressive rocky chasm. What goes down, must go up? It's an 800 metre climb back out of the wadi, but we are spurred on by the thought of our picnic lunch and the
chance to rest once the 22 kilometre ascent is over. After lunch, it's back on our bikes for the continuation of our southward ride. We avoid the town of Tafila by contouring around it's east side on minor farm roads and gain height steadily, en route to a high point at around 1600 metres, close to the rocky summit of Jabal Ata'ta. A final descent of 400 metres takes us to the village of Dana (1250m) and our basic but friendly hotel. Here, we are on the edge of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan's largest
reserve area, comprising hundreds of square kilometers of spectacular mountains and wadis along the face of the Great Rift Valley.

DISTANCE / DURATION: 69KM (43 MILES) / 8 HOURS RIDING INCLUDING STOPS
TOTAL ASCENT 1435M / TOTAL DESCENT 1670M
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Dana village has been the home of the Al Ata'ata tribe for 400 years. This morning, we will have the chance to look around this tranquil settlement, before setting off on our bikes towards Shobak Castle. This is another of the great chain of Crusader fortresses, which stretches across Jordan and was built in the year 1115. Beyond the castle, an initial steep climb through small villages leads us to an excellent off-road track that contours around the edge of the Eastern Plateau and provides us with magnificent views down to the desert of Wadi Araba. Regaining the King's Road, we cruise down to Wadi Musa (the ‘Valley of Moses') which is the little town that acts as a gateway to the 'Rose-Red City' of Petra. Here, we check in at a comfortable hotel for 2 nights.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

You have a full day (off the bikes) to explore ancient Petra, accompanied for the morning (2-3 hours) by an expert English-speaking guide and then free to wander round the ruins on your own. An early start helps you to get ahead of the mass of tourists and walk through the quiet, atmospheric slot canyon or siq that leads down towards the city. After the long twilight of the siq the sunlit façade of the Treasury is a stunning sight, no matter how many times you've seen it reproduced on film. From the postcards, you'd think this was what you'd come to see. But it's just the beginning. Petra is a vast archaeological site, most of it still unexcavated; you could spend days exploring the ruins and still not see it all. It was built by the Nabataeans, an Arab tribe who began as tent-dwelling Bedouin but soon came to dominate the most lucrative trade of the ancient world: incense. They used the money to create this city and to build an empire that extended from the Red Sea to Damascus. They also absorbed architectural ideas from Egypt, from the Babylonians, and from the Greek cities of the Mediterranean, using them to create the hybrid culture that you see in these ruins. The Temple of the Winged Lions, the High Place of Sacrifice, the Roman theatre, the Garden Tomb, the Byzantine church - any one of these monuments would be an archaeological treasure in its own right; in Petra, you can explore them one after another, and find them all set into one of the finest desert landscape in the Middle East.
A packed lunch is provided. We spend a second night at our hotel in Wadi Musa.

DISTANCE / DURATION: 91KM (57 MILES) / 9 HOURS RIDING INCLUDING STOPS
TOTAL ASCENT 600M / TOTAL DESCENT 1160M
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

After breakfast at the hotel, we have a short transfer south on the King's Highway to Rajif (1565m), where we mount up and start the day's ride with a swift descent to the village of Delagha, where we find an off-road track that takes us south-east through an amazing desert landscape (and by way of scattered Bedouin camps) to Al Humaimah. This is an old stopping place on the 'Spice Route', once used by camel caravans. We stop here for lunch and for a rest, then cross the Desert Highway (Jordan's main north-south link) and head out into the desert towards Wadi Rum. On this part of our ride, we will be aware of the changing desert landscape, as the sandstone mountains start to get bigger and even more colourful. We will cross the 5 kilometre-long dry mud flats of Disieh, surrounded by amazing sandstone formations, to finally arrive at Rum Village (950m), between the towering peaks of Jebel Rum and Jebel Um Ishrin. Here, we will meet our Bedouin host and transfer by 4WD into the heart of the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Our overnight accommodation is in a traditional Bedouin camp and we will be able to watch the spectacular desert sunset, before sitting down to enjoy a well-deserved 'zarb', a traditional Bedouin dish of meat and vegetables cooked beneath the embers of the campfire. Wadi Rum has a unique desert landscape, described by T.E. Lawrence as 'vast, echoing and
god-like'. Much of David Lean's movie, Lawrence of Arabia, was filmed in Wadi Rum. Your accommodation is a simple but comfortable Bedouin campsite, with a traditional goat hair tent divided into twin ‘rooms'. There are proper toilets and showers on the site (go easy on the water), as well as shaded seating areas for relaxing and dining.

DISTANCE / DURATION: 52KM (32 MILES) / 3 TO 4 HOURS RIDING INCLUDING STOPS
TOTAL ASCENT 95M / TOTAL DESCENT 10200M
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

After breakfast and time to enjoy morning in the desert, we will start our last ride of the trip at the foot of the peak of Al Qattar. Crossing the western edge of the Wadi Rum reserve, we bike on hard desert trails with areas of soft sand, which can be challenging. After a couple of hours we reach a tarmac road that soon takes us to the main road that we follow into Aqaba. We bike right to the edge of the sea to mark the completion of this very special journey. We have a quick lunch at a popular local hangout in the town, then head to Aqaba's South Beach to spend a couple of hours in a beach resort by the Red Sea. Whether you'd like to swim, snorkel or just relax on beach with a cold drink in hand, the choice is yours. After a shower and change, in the late afternoon, we transfer back to the group hotel in Madaba, where we will repack our bikes for the journey home.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

A transfer will be provided from your hotel to AMM Airport - a 30 minute drive.

If you wish to extend your trip (for example, enjoy an extra day or two in Aqaba) please let us know and we'll be glad to assist.

We wish you a safe homeward journey and hope to see you again in Jordan soon.

Start Date End Date Seats left Availability Price
Sat 08 Mar 2025 Sun 16 Mar 2025 7+ Place Left $2250
Sat 22 Mar 2025 Sun 30 Mar 2025 7+ Place Left $2250
Sat 05 Apr 2025 Sun 13 Apr 2025 7+ Place Left $2250
Sat 03 May 2025 Sun 11 May 2025 7+ Place Left $2250
Sat 27 Sep 2025 Sun 05 Oct 2025 7+ Place Left $2250
Sat 18 Oct 2025 Sun 26 Oct 2025 7+ Place Left $2250
Sat 01 Nov 2025 Sun 09 Nov 2025 7+ Place Left $2250
Sat 08 Nov 2025 Sun 16 Nov 2025 7+ Place Left $2250
Sat 22 Nov 2025 Sun 30 Nov 2025 7+ Place Left $2250
Fri 26 Dec 2025 Sat 03 Jan 2026 7+ Place Left $2320

What's included

A locally based English speaking bike guide
Timed Amman Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the trip
One or more support vehicles and drivers
A specialist local guide in Petra
Entrance fees to Karak Castle / Petra / Wadi Rum / Aqaba beach
All accommodation as detailed under 'trip details'
All meals
Complimentary water, juice and snacks throughout the rides

 

What's not included

Flights
Travel insurance
Visas
Tips for the guide and local support crew
Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc
Bike hire in case you are not bringing your own bike: available upon availability for US$120
Tents single accommodation: not available
Hotels single accommodation: available on request for a supplement of US$245 - includes 6 nights hotel

Jordan Mountain Biking - Dead 2 Red

Trip Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Group Size : 14

Physical Rating :

Challenging : These trips are physically demanding and best suited for strong people with high endurance levels. Days can be long, often along difficult trails, in remote regions. Canyoning trips may include several abseils (rappels) and extensive climbs/hikes through steep terrains. Biking trips will have support vehicles nearby, but sometimes without one. travelers may be required to carry a backpack.

Welcome to Terhaal Adventures. We've designed these journeys to help you explore the very best of Jordan. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about the trip. We're here to help. Enjoy!


Itinerary Disclaimer

The holiday itinerary set out below offers a good overview of the trip, but should be taken as a general guide only. We're continually improving these tours, and it's possible we will adjust the itinerary to take advantage of new opportunities or to avoid adverse weather or difficulties with transportation. We recommend that you print out a copy of the trip details a couple of days prior to departure, in case there have been any changes that may affect your plans.

The information in this document does not form part of the contract between the client and Terhaal Adventures.


Quick Facts

Riding duration: 6 days
Riding distance: 450 Km (230 miles): 30% off-road, 100% vehicle supported
Max altitude: 1700 m
Group size: 6 -14
Accommodation: 6 nights hotels, 1 night homestay, 1 night bedouin campsite
Meal plan: all meals included
Physical rating: challenging, but don't be intimidated as it is fully supported and can opt out any part.


Meeting Point

Amman - Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). A transfer will be provided from the airport to our hotel in Madaba - a 30 minute drive.


Finishing Point

Amman - Queen Alia International Airport.
A transfer will be provided from Madaba to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) - a 30 minute drive.

If you wish to plan an extension for your trip, please let us know and we'll be glad to assist.


Arrival Complications

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:
+962(0)77 751 5919
+962(0)79 879 5680


Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN MADABA

NO MEALS INCLUDED

Rendezvous at the group hotel in Madaba. Two group transfers will be arranged from Amman Airport to the hotel in Madaba. These transfers will meet the arrival of the Royal Jordanian and British Airways flights from the UK and will normally depart from the airport at around 2300 hours on Day 1 of the trip itinerary and 0100 hours of Day 2 of the trip itinerary. Our representative will accompany the group on the 30 minute journey to the hotel.

Day 2 : VIA MOUNT NEBO TO MUKAWIR

DISTANCE / DURATION: 68KM (42 MILES) / 6 TO 7 HOURS RIDING INCLUDING STOPS
TOTAL ASCENT 1090M / TOTAL DESCENT 1070M
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

After breakfast this morning, we have time to assemble our bikes before setting off on the first stage of our unique mountain biking journey. Bike bags and boxes will be left in storage at the hotel for those bringing their own bikes. Riding straight from our hotel, we follow quiet back roads leading westwards to Mount Nebo. Reputedly the place from which Moses viewed the 'promised land', Mount Nebo does offer a fantastic view across the Dead Sea and the Jordan River to the West Bank. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the holy city of Jerusalem, some 45 kilometres away. Heading south from Mount Nebo, we follow a minor road between isolated farms to the village of Main, then join the 'King's Highway' (an ancient route linking Madaba with Petra, which is actually a little-used local road). After just a few kilometres, we drop off onto a dirt track and follow this to Libb, where we meet a narrow and hilly road that takes us back westwards to the ruins of King Herod's palace, where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. We stop off at this viewpoint and enjoy another striking panorama across the Dead Sea. The day's ride ends at the nearby village of Mukawir, where we stay in simple 'homestay' accommodation run by the village cooperative. Whilst this homestay is basic, the food is great, there are minimal facilities including a hot shower and there are 4 sleeping rooms which will be shared appropriately by the group. There really is no alternative accommodation in this area and being able to take our dinner with a local family does allow us a fascinating glimpse into life in a Jordanian household.

Day 3 : THE DEAD SEA AND KARAK CASTLE

DISTANCE / DURATION: 89KM (56 MILES) / 9 HOURS RIDING INCLUDING STOPS
TOTAL ASCENT 1890M / TOTAL DESCENT 1620M
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Mukawir is at around 800 metres and the start of today's ride will take us rapidly down to the lowest point on earth, on the banks of the Dead Sea, at an amazing elevation of 400 metres BELOW SEA LEVEL. We will have an early start and make this descent on a minor road with little traffic. Cycling along the shores of the Dead Sea, we arrive at the Mujib Nature Reserve and have the opportunity to take a dip and test theincredible buoyancy of the salty waters (10 times as salty as normal seawater). The Jordan River flows into this vast inland sea, but it has no outlet and this factor, together with a high rate of evaporation, is responsible for the extreme saltiness and lack of animal or plant life. After our swim, we can take a shower, before continuing our ride southwards beside the sea for around 20 kilometres. Reaching a junction, we turn off to begin the challenging 25 kilometre climb back up onto the Eastern Plateau at an altitude of over 900 metres. If you don't want to tackle this amazing 1300 metre ascent, the support vehicle is on hand. Arriving at Karak, we should just have time to visit the magnificent Crusader fortress before checking into our hotel. Situated in a commanding position on the King's Highway, this fort is an excellent example of 12th century Crusader architecture.

Day 4 : VIA WADI HASA TO DANA RESERVE

DISTANCE / DURATION: 87KM (55 MILES) / 9 HOURS RIDING INCLUDING STOPS
TOTAL ASCENT 1830M / TOTAL DESCENT 1750M
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Today's ride takes us southwards along the Eastern Plateau. After a short transfer away from the traffic of central Karak, we will follow the quiet King's Highway again, passing agricultural fields, ruins and several small villages, until we reach the edge of the Al Hassa Canyon. We will stop to admire the views, before making our descent into this impressive rocky chasm. What goes down, must go up? It's an 800 metre climb back out of the wadi, but we are spurred on by the thought of our picnic lunch and the
chance to rest once the 22 kilometre ascent is over. After lunch, it's back on our bikes for the continuation of our southward ride. We avoid the town of Tafila by contouring around it's east side on minor farm roads and gain height steadily, en route to a high point at around 1600 metres, close to the rocky summit of Jabal Ata'ta. A final descent of 400 metres takes us to the village of Dana (1250m) and our basic but friendly hotel. Here, we are on the edge of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan's largest
reserve area, comprising hundreds of square kilometers of spectacular mountains and wadis along the face of the Great Rift Valley.

Day 5 : OFF ROAD ON THE EASTERN PLATEAU, THEN DOWN TO WADI MUSA

DISTANCE / DURATION: 69KM (43 MILES) / 8 HOURS RIDING INCLUDING STOPS
TOTAL ASCENT 1435M / TOTAL DESCENT 1670M
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Dana village has been the home of the Al Ata'ata tribe for 400 years. This morning, we will have the chance to look around this tranquil settlement, before setting off on our bikes towards Shobak Castle. This is another of the great chain of Crusader fortresses, which stretches across Jordan and was built in the year 1115. Beyond the castle, an initial steep climb through small villages leads us to an excellent off-road track that contours around the edge of the Eastern Plateau and provides us with magnificent views down to the desert of Wadi Araba. Regaining the King's Road, we cruise down to Wadi Musa (the ‘Valley of Moses') which is the little town that acts as a gateway to the 'Rose-Red City' of Petra. Here, we check in at a comfortable hotel for 2 nights.

Day 6 : PETRA SIGHTSEEING

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

You have a full day (off the bikes) to explore ancient Petra, accompanied for the morning (2-3 hours) by an expert English-speaking guide and then free to wander round the ruins on your own. An early start helps you to get ahead of the mass of tourists and walk through the quiet, atmospheric slot canyon or siq that leads down towards the city. After the long twilight of the siq the sunlit façade of the Treasury is a stunning sight, no matter how many times you've seen it reproduced on film. From the postcards, you'd think this was what you'd come to see. But it's just the beginning. Petra is a vast archaeological site, most of it still unexcavated; you could spend days exploring the ruins and still not see it all. It was built by the Nabataeans, an Arab tribe who began as tent-dwelling Bedouin but soon came to dominate the most lucrative trade of the ancient world: incense. They used the money to create this city and to build an empire that extended from the Red Sea to Damascus. They also absorbed architectural ideas from Egypt, from the Babylonians, and from the Greek cities of the Mediterranean, using them to create the hybrid culture that you see in these ruins. The Temple of the Winged Lions, the High Place of Sacrifice, the Roman theatre, the Garden Tomb, the Byzantine church - any one of these monuments would be an archaeological treasure in its own right; in Petra, you can explore them one after another, and find them all set into one of the finest desert landscape in the Middle East.
A packed lunch is provided. We spend a second night at our hotel in Wadi Musa.

Day 7 : PETRA TO WADI RUM ACROSS THE DESERT

DISTANCE / DURATION: 91KM (57 MILES) / 9 HOURS RIDING INCLUDING STOPS
TOTAL ASCENT 600M / TOTAL DESCENT 1160M
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

After breakfast at the hotel, we have a short transfer south on the King's Highway to Rajif (1565m), where we mount up and start the day's ride with a swift descent to the village of Delagha, where we find an off-road track that takes us south-east through an amazing desert landscape (and by way of scattered Bedouin camps) to Al Humaimah. This is an old stopping place on the 'Spice Route', once used by camel caravans. We stop here for lunch and for a rest, then cross the Desert Highway (Jordan's main north-south link) and head out into the desert towards Wadi Rum. On this part of our ride, we will be aware of the changing desert landscape, as the sandstone mountains start to get bigger and even more colourful. We will cross the 5 kilometre-long dry mud flats of Disieh, surrounded by amazing sandstone formations, to finally arrive at Rum Village (950m), between the towering peaks of Jebel Rum and Jebel Um Ishrin. Here, we will meet our Bedouin host and transfer by 4WD into the heart of the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Our overnight accommodation is in a traditional Bedouin camp and we will be able to watch the spectacular desert sunset, before sitting down to enjoy a well-deserved 'zarb', a traditional Bedouin dish of meat and vegetables cooked beneath the embers of the campfire. Wadi Rum has a unique desert landscape, described by T.E. Lawrence as 'vast, echoing and
god-like'. Much of David Lean's movie, Lawrence of Arabia, was filmed in Wadi Rum. Your accommodation is a simple but comfortable Bedouin campsite, with a traditional goat hair tent divided into twin ‘rooms'. There are proper toilets and showers on the site (go easy on the water), as well as shaded seating areas for relaxing and dining.

Day 8 : BIKE TO AQABA AND THEN RETURN TRANSFER TO MADABA

DISTANCE / DURATION: 52KM (32 MILES) / 3 TO 4 HOURS RIDING INCLUDING STOPS
TOTAL ASCENT 95M / TOTAL DESCENT 10200M
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

After breakfast and time to enjoy morning in the desert, we will start our last ride of the trip at the foot of the peak of Al Qattar. Crossing the western edge of the Wadi Rum reserve, we bike on hard desert trails with areas of soft sand, which can be challenging. After a couple of hours we reach a tarmac road that soon takes us to the main road that we follow into Aqaba. We bike right to the edge of the sea to mark the completion of this very special journey. We have a quick lunch at a popular local hangout in the town, then head to Aqaba's South Beach to spend a couple of hours in a beach resort by the Red Sea. Whether you'd like to swim, snorkel or just relax on beach with a cold drink in hand, the choice is yours. After a shower and change, in the late afternoon, we transfer back to the group hotel in Madaba, where we will repack our bikes for the journey home.

Day 9 : DEPART FROM AMM AIRPORT

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

A transfer will be provided from your hotel to AMM Airport - a 30 minute drive.

If you wish to extend your trip (for example, enjoy an extra day or two in Aqaba) please let us know and we'll be glad to assist.

We wish you a safe homeward journey and hope to see you again in Jordan soon.

What's included

A locally based English speaking bike guide
Timed Amman Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the trip
One or more support vehicles and drivers
A specialist local guide in Petra
Entrance fees to Karak Castle / Petra / Wadi Rum / Aqaba beach
All accommodation as detailed under 'trip details'
All meals
Complimentary water, juice and snacks throughout the rides

 

What's not included

Flights
Travel insurance
Visas
Tips for the guide and local support crew
Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc
Bike hire in case you are not bringing your own bike: available upon availability for US$120
Tents single accommodation: not available
Hotels single accommodation: available on request for a supplement of US$245 - includes 6 nights hotel


Terhaal Cycling Guides

Terhaal's biking tours are fully guided by Anas — our full-time cycling guide. 

Born in Jordan in 1986, Mr. Beltawi is a Chechnyan-Jordanian cyclist. He graduated with a degree in Hotel & Tourism Management from Amman Ahliyyeh University in 2010.

He was member of the Jordanian cycling team, won several cycling races in Jordan between 1998 and 2007

Has been leading local cycling trips since 2004 and has been working full-time with Terhaal since January 2011.
Attended the Technical Course for Cycling Coaches provided by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) in 2007, and the Technical Course for Triathlon Coaches provided by the IOC in 2008.

Has professional road cycling skills, excellent MTB skills and excellent bike maintenance skills

He is a passionate outdoorsman and regularly indulges in hiking and camping trips.

 


Safety

Jordan is generally considered a safe country. There is very little petty crime here, especially in rural areas. However, we recommend you take normal precautions to ensure your safety and that of your belongings, as you would for any other destination. Take good care of your passport, wallet, and other valuables. In crowded streets, keep your bag closed and in front of you. There will be free time during this trip - you can always ask your local guides for their advice about where to go and what to avoid. Please make sure you have adequate footwear and clothing for the hiking trips you will be taking.


Hospitality 

Jordanians are famously friendly and welcoming towards guests, especially in rural areas. It is quite normal for Jordanians to invite foreigners in to drink tea or have a meal in the family home. Meeting the local people in spontaneous encounters of this sort is one of the great pleasures of travelling in Jordan.


Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. Business hours are shortened, including opening hours at all tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours [except in 5-Star Hotels] and many restaurants will be closed. While you definitely need to expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month of Ramadan is a fantastic time to travel to Jordan as you'll be able to participate in the feasting and holiday atmosphere that follows the breaking of the fast as sunset each day. You'll also get to taste special sweets that are only baked for Ramadan. You do not have to fast, and no-one will expect you to; however, you should try to eat and drink discreetly, if possible, rather than in crowded public places.


Visas

Most nationalities are able to obtain a single-entry visa at the airport, at the land borders, or at the port in Aqaba, valid for 14 days and costing JOD 40. However, you should consult the Jordanian embassy in your home country to make sure you are not subject to any special visa requirements.


Departure tax

You will be required to pay a JOD 5 Departure Tax upon leaving Jordan (does not generally apply when exiting through airports, but travellers on some budget airlines may be required to pay it).


Money Exchange

The Jordanian Dinar is fixed at a rate of JOD 0.709 against USD 1.


Spending Money

It is difficult to say how much spending money you should bring as each person is different! However, you'll need some cash for any meals not included in the itinerary, plus snacks, drinks, gifts etc.


Emergency Funds

It is a good idea to have access to extra funds in case of any emergency (urgent healthcare / travel costs etc.). This is highly unlikely, of course, but best to be 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 trip leader. If your insurance is provided through your credit card, your tour leader will require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt or credit card statement) with the 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 -

+962(0)77 751 5919
+962(0)79 879 5680

+962(0)79 778 4433
+962(0)79 5536351

Alternatively you can email emergency@terhaal.com


Your Fellow Travelers

Group trips entail all the pleasures and occassionally 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 group's needs and preferences. Patience and flexibility really help to create a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Please remember that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, please don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and again that the best trips are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Many thanks in advance!


Responsible Travel

We believe in low impact or ‘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, while maximising the positive aspects of the encounter. Jordan is a small country with few natural resources. Water scarcity is a big issue in the region, so please go easy on the water. Terhaal designs these tours in a way that maximizes benefits for local communities. Whenever possible we hire local staff in the areas where we operate, and our guests stay in locally owned hotels. We also include some volunteering activities where appropriate, such helping farmers to harvest their olives. Terhaal also contributes towards efforts that strengthen environmental advocacy and the environmental education of Jordan's children.


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. It is also unsafe to drink alcohol while out hiking / cycling, so please wait until you're back at the hotel to enjoy a drink.

 


Feedback

After your trip we hope you will send us your photos and any stories or feedback you may have. Your feedback not only helps us to improve the trips, but also helps other travelers to decide on the right tour for them. 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/feedback-form 


Our blog

Our blog - ‘Treks & Trails of Jordan' - is a collection of stories posted by a variety of people that reflect the natural, environmental and cultural aspects of Jordan. It is also a great way to give feedback and to share your Jordan experience with others. All you need to do is write one or two paragraphs about your trip with Terhaal, attach some photos if available and send it to us at this email: team[at]terhaal.com
You can find the blog here -
blog.terhaal.com


Single Travelers

Our trips are designed with shared accommodation in mind whereby single travelers are paired with individuals of the same sex in twin shared accommodation. Forced singles are free of charge.
Single accommodation is available on request pending availability.