Internationale groepsreis Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

I had a fantastic holiday. Combining cycling and touring works really well. The leader and the fellow travellers were a great bunch. Everything combined really made a memorable trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Petra was truely amazing and everything I expected. Walking along the chasm into Petra was enchanting. The sun light on the rose stone tombs, and walking up to the sacrificial stone in the afternoon when the crowd were gone and enjoying wonderful views. Also, I really enjoyed floating in the Dead Sea.

What did you think of your group leader?

The guide was very knowledgable and personable. He made sure everyone had a fantastic time. We couldn't have had a better leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I took a gel seat. It was brillliant! ....Other people had bags that attached under the seat. A great idea. With the heat you really don't want a day pack. Head torch handy for Wadi Rum ... altho not necessary ... a little luxury. Do some cycling before you go. The cycling was harder than I thought it would be ...although it was fine and no one headed for the van (except someone who was sick). Take lots of snacks. The breakfasts supplied are not good therefore bars/nuts/dried fruit come in very handy. We found glucose energy sweets worked well too.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

On the whole everyone had a wonderful trip. I would totally recommend it. We went in October and brochures mentioned weather would be 27degrees. It was a lot hotter, late 30's. So be prepared for that! The guide said March is best time to do the trip because spring flowers are out. We didn't take a book on Jordan. I wish we had because you get loads of information from the guide but there are no handouts, and it is very difficult to remember everything.

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

A wonderful group of people on the tour enhanced the actual tour itself, providing plenty to see and plenty of discussion.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

watching the sunrise over the wadi rum

What did you think of your group leader?

Hassan was superb, showing excellent knowledge of the sites and even providing great dramatic effect in petra, he made an effort with everyone in the group and even got on a bike for us.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The tour trip advises that there was 10% off road but in fact the cycling is all along tarmac roads of which only a small portion was poor quality. I had taken my road bike with spare cross country tyres for off road but these were not needed. Also they were not expecting me to turn up with my bike at the airport but managed to cope - if any others had turned up with their own bike it would have been interesting so make sure they are aware.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

I really enjoyed the cycling, in spite of the cold wind at times.  I had doubted whether I would keep up (as a 60+er) but was relieved not to be quite the slowest!  The cycling was somewhat stage-managed with a Police 4 WD with flashing lights leading us and stopping the traffic to allow us to pass, a cycling guide at the front of the party and another at the back and lastly the coach behind that, to say nothing of the cycle vehicle which raced up and down our column!  We were cheered on by children on the route as cyclists, especially western female ones, are very rare!  Cycling is obviously not a Jordanian pastime. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walk up to Place of High Sacrifice in Petra and down the other side towards Wadi Faresa - the colours in the rocks were fantastic. Chatting to a lovely Jordanian family on Aqaba public beach on a sunny morning - the little girls were so keen to practise their English.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was very knowledgable about the ancient history of the area and of the recent history and life of the people.  He spoke very good clear English.  A very calm unflappable person who prepared some good lunches and marvellous snacks morning and afternoon.  Most of us went home a few pounds heavier despite all the exercise!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take both cold and warm weather gear.  The temperatures varied widely over the trip.  It was very warm in the Dead Sea area and Aqaba but cold in Petra and most of us were unprepared for this.  Gloves, scarves and warm trousers were needed at times, as well as woolly hats!  Don't expect wide availability of alcohlic drinks.  When available, wine and beer are quite expensive in most places apart from Aqaba.  We found the local wine, St George, to be very palatable.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Jordanian Arabs are very welcoming.  Unlike some of their neighbours, they do not hassle or beg and are so friendly. If you enjoy a mixture of culture, history, fresh air and exercise then this is a holiday for you!

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

This is a great trip which combines excellent cycling with the culture and historical sites of Jordan. Thoroughly recommended for those with a reasonable level of fitness who would like to combine some challenging cycling with the experience of this fascinating country.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Looking out over the vast expanse of the site at Petra and imagining the multitude of people over many thousands of years who had walked the same path.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was excellent and provided a wealth of knowledge of the history of Jordan and of the whole of the middle east. In addition we had a great cycling guide - himself an international cyclist, able to make sure that the various needs and abilities of the group members were all catered for.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do it! Even if you have not done a cycling trip before, providing you have basic bike handling skills and a reasonable level of fitness you will be fine. The trip combines a good mix of up and down hill and exhilarating stretches of fast flat road.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you are interested in exploring new countries but need a reasonable level of exercise and activity when on holiday then this could be the trip for you.

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

This is a fabulous way to see Jordan since it's such a small country and you can drive through it in a matter of days. I never imagined desert scenery could be so spectacular!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

On foot, it was coming to the end of the siqq to see the sun beaming through and the Treasury on the other side; it was a truly Indiana Jones moment! On the bike, it was the huge descent from Mount Nebo toward the Dead Sea, breaking around each hairpin and flying at about 30 mph on the straightaways. Both were awesome!

What did you think of your group leader?

Very knowlegeable guide and great cyclist. He made sure that the most fit got a great workout and the least fit enjoyed the cycling at their own pace. He never made anyone feel out of place, regardless of their ability.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Drink loads of water! I never had any pain or soreness because I drank a good 3 litres a day. And I'm not much of a cyclist.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

This was really a sight-seeing holiday with some cycling. but Jordan is so spectacular that the balance was right.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting Petra was special, but cycling to Wadi Rum and sleeping in the desert rate very high.

What did you think of your group leader?

Paul was very friendly and efficient and looked after the group well. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The continued confusion over the volcanic ash stretched everybody's patience. Paul was not equipped to deal with this kind of crisis and more backup and information from Exodus in London would have been helpful. We do appreciate that the situation was unique and difficult for everyone.

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

A fantastically varied destination for a relaxed cycling holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The cycling was such a joy. Vast rolling desert, downhill bias and fun, fun, fun. Petra was spectacular.

What did you think of your group leader?

Great!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do this trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The cycling is very moderate. It is not a trip for someone wanting a hardcore workout. It is leisurely cycling to enjoy the country and get you to interesting places.  

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

Staggering scenery, fantastic cycling and Jawdropping Petra.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

too many to mention but the 4th and 5th days cycling were special.   We cycled through landscape on a scale i could not have imagined.  Petra and Wadi Rum were hardly a chore either!

What did you think of your group leader?

There were 2.  Paul on Bike and Iad for the historical details.    Both suffered in our groups original estimation because of a mix up at the airport (no-one with Visa's to meet us) but once that was out of the way they both went out of their way to make the holiday enjoyable for us.  I was very impressed with them both. The one suggestion i would make to make integration easier would be for them to eat with the group.  

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The trip notes encourage you not to wear cycling shorts but Paul (the bike guide) wore them throughout.   He assured me wearing a vest/halterneck was fine and it was on all of the cycling/Petra days.  That said, i would be rather more sensible in towns and in the evening. A sun hat is essential.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go for it!

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

Had a great time, the group were a nice bunch, we were fed and watered well,scenery was fantastic!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visit to Petra was fantastic and the trip back to the treasury at night was a wonderful experience, also sleeping under the stars at wadi rum Bedouin camp watching shooting stars was something I will never forget. Completing the 60k stretch of the cycle was an achievement for me personally, infact the whole part of the cycling was as I wondered if I could do it and although I wasn't the fastest I did it.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our cycle leader was very pleasant, our tour leader also very nice, took us to some really good places to eat and knew his stuff on the history of the area.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This was a very different trip, Jordan is poor and some things are a bit rough around the edges, but the people were friendly enough and I had a good time. If you haven't done any cycling or preparation this is not for you, we always had back up but you need to be prepared to be on your own a bit if you are a little slower than the rest of the group, I was nevered worried though.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Cycling shorts are a must and gel seat, warm sleeping bag for the desert and warm clothes as it gets very cold at night, (all depends on when you are travelling). If you don't like meze, lamb or pitta bread then you need to supplement your food somehow, I loved the food but others may not, energy bars and chocolate might be a good idea to bring. You need at least £250 for food, tips and the daily lunch kitty, boat trip and night visit to Petra whilst away, its expensive but you don't need money for much else really unless you want camel rides etc. I would like to have seen a cycle guide at the back of the group as well as at the front as one day we did have a bit of a mix up with directions and the support vehicle had to leave us to catch the other cyclists who had taken the wrong turn. The support vehicles needed more repair kits on board as we had four punctures in one day and not enough repair kits this meant one of us had to finish the day on the support coach. Would have liked a larger vehicle for the longer parts of the journey by coach as it was quite cramped with all our stuff and didn't make for a comfortable ride. Quite a few of us had upset stomachs at some stage in the trip, nothing too bad but its worth a few supplies to help.

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

This was a month packed into a week - fantastic scenery, plenty of ruins (and a few wrecks by the end of the week), a really dedicated support team, good hotels and on balance more downhill than up. Rest of the Group weren't so bad either! Would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone wanting to see the best of Jordan in a relatively short space of time.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Looking down on the Treasury in Petra after Moyiad's magical mystery tour to the high places of Petra. Don't miss it - not many of the millions of visitors to Petra get that view without the crowds.

What did you think of your group leader?

Moyiad knows everything there is to know about Jordan and looked after us all brilliantly - but if you prefer to know what is on the agenda for the day (or the menu in the evenings), you'll need to pump him for information. He can even tell you where the good bars are, which is the sort of inside knowledge you need in Jordan. As for Paul - excellent cycle guide and perfect English but did seem to get strangely confused between "big hill" and "little hill".

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

1. When Paul says don't go too fast downhill, especially round the hairpin bends - take note. 2. Try to book onto a trip alongside a couple of paramedics and a pharmacist. They come in very handy. 3. Take earplugs for that peaceful night sleeping under the stars in the middle of the desert. There are no walls to block out the snores of your fellow travellers.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you are vaguely considering this trip, don't  - just get on and book it. Get in a bit of practice before you go to get up those "little hills" - and take a gel saddle cover.

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

Not too challenging cycling, good bunch of people, and I never knew deserts came in so many varieties.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Riding a camel in Wadi Rum. It's a fiction that they are grumpy, though they do make some astonishing noises. As you ride along, they turn their long neck towards you and bat their eyelashes. Quite charming. Petra is just astonishing. Completely bizarre, unbelievable place, with still functioning water supply system from 2000 years ago. It has the atmosphere of a festival, with kohl-eyed Bedouin trying to lure you into their tea-tents with bizarrely Cockney chat. It's worth going to the night time opening - a bit cheesy, but still beautiful, and we did see a shooting star over the Siq.

What did you think of your group leader?

Moayaad was lovely, intelligent and thoughtful. He's not very keen on discussing plans in advance though - which meant that on the first day, we ended up all traipsing round a Roman site in cycling shorts, and, later in the week, some of us missed out on a great hike, because it was done as a spur of the moment thing. Paul the cycling guide was a laugh. His definition of 'flat' was very different from ours.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't expect much down-time on this trip! You pack a lot into the trip, which is great. Avoid the touristy restaurants in Wadi Musa - grab a kebab by the roundabout in town instead. Jordan is not particularly cheap, but a great country to visit. Get there a day or two early if you can, and relax in Madaba, otherwise you have about 6 hours between arrival and being up for breakfast and cycling. From Madaba, you can take a day trip to the hot waterfalls at Hammamat Main, which are wonderful. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The camping in the desert is a sort of Bedouin B and B - not quite the wilderness experience you might imagine! They even had a generator and fluorescent lights, which wrecked the atmosphere for a while. But a very jolly bunch of people, who soon turned things into a dance party.

A Wonder of a Holiday!

I got back from Jordan just over a month ago now and still get a buzz from thinking about all the memories and looking through the photos. There is nothing that I would have changed about this holiday! It was my 1st Exodus holiday and it certainly will not be my last! In fact, I've already booked up for the Highlights of Northern India trip in October! The group of people on the trip were fantastic, the tour/cycle guides were 2nd to none. Couldn't recommend this trip more! Please see YouTube link below... Just a short video I compiled with some of the photos when I got back, hope you enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOIKEX2-49c

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Couldn't pick one in particular. I remember how we all felt during the day at the Dead Sea (day 3?) and I think we all secretly felt that nothing could match that day, but they all certainly did! Out on a yacht in the middle of the Red Sea snorkelling, some scuba diving too.. Sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum, the endless hours you can spend trekking around the lost city of Petra.. Too many to mention

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader, Ala, was very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable and could answer any question we threw at him. He kept referring to Jordan as "in my country..." so you could tell how proud he was to be Jordanian and how happy he was to be taking us around his country! Johnny (our driver) and Laith (bike mechanic) were very approachable, friendly blokes too. Nothing was too much trouble for them. A special mention however must go to our cycle guide, Abid (sp)!! Arabian cycling champion.. Abid is a character that, if you have the honour of meeting him, you certainly will not forget him! Anybody who was on this holiday (and I'm sure on others with Abid as the cycle guide) will agree that he was the cherry on top of the cake...and more! One of the most likeable blokes I have ever met and it was such a shame to say goodbye at the end of the holiday. I can't vouch for any other cycle guides on this trip (I'm sure they're all great) but Abid was something very very special and we couldn't have been luckier to have met him

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Carry a certain amount of low denomination currency as much as you can, and put it in a separate pocket out of your wallet/purse. Last thing you want is for locals (in Petra particularly) to see that you have a weeks worth of money on you. Don't worry, it is perfectly safe, but they will be cheeky and expect a bigger tip from you. If you give them a couple of dinar from your pocket where you only have a few notes, it looks a lot better than from a wad of cash that you have for the whole week. Don't let that put you off though, I've never been to a place where I have felt as safe as I did in Jordan, genuinely!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Safest place I've ever felt was in Jordan. And this being a country that is surrounded by areas that are only in the news for war and trouble. We walked through towns late at night and locals were passing us and taking the time to simply say "welcome to Jordan"... something that seems so simple, but when was the last time you saw/heard that on a regular basis? Very very hospitable people. A pleasure of a holiday, would certainly recommend Jordan to anyone with a sense of adventure, and this holiday covers it all!

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

I managed to pick off three items on my bucket list: swim/float in Dead Sea, visit Petra and see the terrain Lawrence and the arab army crossed to Aqaba.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many inspirational moments but the best has to seeing Petra's Treasury opening up as we walked through the gorge.

What did you think of your group leader?

Moayad was great.  He took care of our every needs and had an in-depth knowledge of all the sites we visited.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a good camera to capture the fantastic scenery.  In fact, learn how to use your camera beforehand so as not to be disapointed.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I love a holiday where someone else makes the decisions, leaving me to take in the holiday experience.

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

An excellent way to see the country, every day was something newa nd something exciting! Did a lot with a great bunch of people and had an excellent guide!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Its hard to beat seeing the Treasury for the first time but I think getting up for sunrise int he desert just about topped it!

What did you think of your group leader?

Very knowledgeable and really good with the group.  Both the main leader and the cycle guide were excellent in explaining what we we doing and where we were going.  A lot to see and a lot of information was given wherever we were, but without it becoming noring or toomuch!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just stop thinking about going on this holiday and book it! Oh and maybe wiat for it to get a bit cooler, cycling in 30+ was quite a challenge!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The only change I would make to the holiday would be to include more meals in the price - as it was we did a kitty which worked really well as we didn't have to bother with getting food for every day, but it would have been easier if all this was done up front.  Other than that a very well organised holiday with plenty of happy memories!

PETRA AND WADI RUM BY BIKE

Not the best cycling trip I've ever been on, but still one of the best holidays!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

So many... Petra from the Siq, Petra from above, snorkling in the red sea, the night under the stars in Wadi Rum. Even the dead sea won me over eventually. Did I mention Petra? It really is inspirational, so much more than I ever expected, and a must-see. But almost as great was the suprising variety of other sites/attractions to see in Jordan with Wadi Rum right up there near the top of my 'natural wonders' list.

What did you think of your group leader?

Khaled was an inspiration. So passionate and knowledgable about his country it couldn't fail to rub off on the group. And a fantastic sense of humour... so long as he wasn't too far away from his pipe. Paul kept the bikes (and us) running smoothly.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This isn't a hard-core cycling trip. It's all on-road, the rental bikes aren't up to much (adequate for the job but nowt special) and you don't cover any great distances (this coming from a very keen cyclist though). If you're relatively new to cycling or just fancy a fairly leisurely, but still active, way to see Jordan then this is the perfect trip. It is nice that you get the chance to combine cycling with a little hiking and other activities. I think the trip length is about right to take in a good amount of what Jordan has to offer. Do take some warm clothes if your going in spring or later in the year and a warm sleeping bag for Wadi Rum - I didn't and froze but on the plus side was the first up to witness the sunrise.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Petra alone makes Jordan worth the trip. Combine that with Wadi Rum and all the other sites, great guides and company, and some cycling - and you have a winning formula. Highly recommended.

PETRA AND WADI RUM BY BIKE

Great group, great guides and amazing places!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Where to begin...the dead sea...weird but strangely brilliant fun!  Petra...amazing!  Standing on the high place of sacrifice looking down the valleys to see the great expanse that this ancient civilisation carved out of rock is mind-blowing.  Then came Wadi Rum...it's not just that Laurence of Arabia hid out here, it's the grandure of everything you lay your eyes on during the day and night.  WOW, that was a big word! Then we had the camels...now everyone has lead me to believe that camels are horrible creatures that bite and spit and everything in between.  They're not!  The camels that we rode in Wadi rum were very cool and it was a really enjoyable experience.  Camels are FUN and don't let anyone tell you they're not!

What did you think of your group leader?

He paid me 1 dinar to say he was amazing so here it goes...Khalid was an amazing guide!  He truely loves his country and this makes him an exceptional guide.  He had an brilliant knowledge of Jordan's history and easily conveyed this to us.  Every day was nicely planned and if we asked for something...he would easily and quietly do it, such as getting us to Wadi Rum in time for sunset. We also had a cycling guide, Paul, who kept us on the straight and narrow (most of the time) when cycling.  It was amazing the detail that he knew on the cycling parts of the trip!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

As with any cycling trips, take padded shorts and/or saddle.  This is a great trip that mixes cycling with some hiking.  Wrap up warm for wadi rum.  While it's hot in the sun it gets kinda cold in the canyon where the camp is...but then again, that was in March.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The one change that I'd make to the trip was we didn't get to see the ancient city of Jerash.  On the first day we drove right through it but didn't stop.  We all thought that we'd cycle back through it.  Most people in the group agreed with this and we told Khalid and Paul when they asked for comments.  They immediately discussed changing the itinerary to include Jerash!!  YAY for the next groups...but just incase...give a little mention to the guides about it... ;)

Petra and Wadi Rum by Bike

A varied and interesting holiday - just the right balance of activity, culture and fun, and all in a country that is welcoming, safe and friendly. Great scenery.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Petra. It's so much more than I expected having read about it and seen pictures of it. Ok, it can get a bit crowded with other tourists and tacky with all the touts but with not too much effort you find quieter places.

What did you think of your group leader?

Among the best. Wael was efficient, helpful, extremely knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. Our cycling leader was also excellent.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Your hands will be gripping those bars on those downhills (which are great if you like that kind of thing), so take a decent, padded pair of summer cycling mitts. Allow for a generous budget - enjoy yourself!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Jordan cycle

Amazing trip. Petra was so interesting and our guide helped us understand all the history. Jordan was very welcoming and not the dangerous place everyone, including me, thought it would be.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sleeping in the desert and taking early morning shower in middle of such an amazing place.

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was so well informed and made sure we had all we needed - including good advise re how to cope with the hot temperatures. "Warm water not cold!"

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do not be put off by where Jordan is - close to the troubles. You get absolutely no sense of this when u r there.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Loved it and working in next trip already.

Amazingly well put together and supported holiday

An amazing trip from end to end. It had everything! Great food, great biking, great people and most of all great scenery.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking through the canyon at Petra and slowly having the treasury revealed to us. It's stunning every time you walk past it.

What did you think of your group leader?

Wael was an amazing guide! Friendly with an infectious laugh. A lot of local and historical knowledge and he knew exactly how to get the most out of our trip. He even gave us great advice about visiting the capital (which we did on our own time outside of this trip). I was genuinely sad to say goodbye to him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Talk to people! We didn't meet a single unfriendly person in Jordan. Everyone was wonderful and happy to talk.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Petra and Wadi Rum by Bike -

Excellent biking. More km would have been even better

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Aproaching the 'first dessert of my live' on a bike

What did you think of your group leader?

Sammy has a great sense of humor. He also has a great way of collecting extra money for himself ; he asks 50euro per person for 'snacks' on the way. In this way he earns 30 euro per person. 30x16members = 480euro in a week. Comes with an extra 30euro 'tips' per person. Camel ride in the dessert was 4 times!! more expensive that was is seen as official. Guess who's getting the profit. Exotical : Sammy is a great fan of the sharia and explains this with passion why the istallation of this system shouls happen as quickly as possible. The walking led by Sammy in Petra, was perfect and impossible without him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Follow the leader , but don't be afraid to take own initiative. Going to the center of the capital for exemple. Instead of going to 'the best restaurant of jordan' , where Sammy gets some ....

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It is not so cheap , but believe me , the experience is absolutely worth it. And I am not a rich person