Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

The Kingdom of Jordan is the perfect place to combine a cycling tour with some of the best sites in the Middle East. This bicycle trip takes us through olive groves and hill top villages in the north, while further south we will head along desert roads where the communities are sparse and nomadic and the landscape vast and spectacular. If the cycling alone isn't enough to entice you, perhaps the UNESCO site of Petra, a night under the stars in the Wadi Rum desert or a float in the Dead Sea will tempt you to visit this fascinating country.

On this cycling adventure in Jordan, we use a range of hotels and spend one night in a private Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum – an unforgettable experience. Below are the accommodations we typically use.



Amman: Larsa Hotel (nights 1 and 8)







Our first and final accommodation is usually the Larsa Hotel, around a 30-minute drive from Queen Alia International Airport. Locally rated as a three-star, it has some welcome amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and hot tub. There’s also a restaurant, where we eat breakfast, plus a bar.



Madaba: Black Iris Hotel (night 2)







Run by the Al Sawalha family, the two-star Black Iris is our base in Madaba, well located as it’s just a short walk from the town centre. If you do explore, consider visiting St George's Church, home to a historically significant sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. It's less than 10 minutes' walk away.



Wadi Musa, near Petra: Standard hotel (nights 3-5)







We spend three nights in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra. Demand for rooms near Petra is very high; over the years, we have built relationships with several accommodations, which allows us to secure spots even during peak season. The hotels are simple but well located. Some are within walking distance of the main entrance to the Red Rose City, others are no more than a 10-minute transfer away. Places we stay include Edom Hotel, Petra Plaza, Petra Palace, Amra Palace (above) and La Maison among others.



Aqaba: Lacosta Hotel (night 6)







In the heart of modern Aqaba, the four-star Lacosta Hotel is within easy reach of shops, restaurants and the Red Sea. The rooms come with furniture and beds from the Middle East, while the hotel also has a gym and restaurant.



Wadi Rum: Private Bedouin camp (night 7)







Used exclusively by our groups, this permanent Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum is a highlight for many travellers. We sleep in simple, traditional tents sheltered by rugged stone cliffs and enjoy the warm hospitality of our Bedouin hosts. In the evening, they serve us a zarb dinner, cooked underground in the traditional manner, while the rest of the night is typically spent around the campfire, chatting and sharing an unforgettable experience.



Worth knowing



Single supplements are available for this trip; however, they cannot be guaranteed at Wadi Rum. Please enquire at the time of booking for details and up-to-date prices.

Demand for accommodation in Wadi Musa (Petra) is high; this can create problems with hot water and plumbing. In general, the accommodation is more basic compared to the rest of Jordan.

The star rating in Jordan is quite different to what you may expect at home. Sometimes we use less centrally located hotels in the interests of comfort.