Since biblical times Israel and Jordan have been alluring destinations, long attracting visitors. Carved out of the desert by prophets, kings, crusaders and pilgrims, the Holy Land offers many sacred splendours, but also diverse experiences and a rich tapestry of cultures. Bike from Israel to Jordan and back and delve into astounding ancient civilisations, historic relics, impressive religious sites and exquisite natural beauty.
View more: Road
Tours in: IsraelJordanMulti-Country
DestinationsIsrael, Jordan
Tour MeetsJerusalem
Fly in toBen Gurion International Airport
Group Size2-16 riders
SpiceRoads jerseyWater bottleSupport vehicleGuide(s)Meals (as indicated)AccommodationSnacks and drinks
International flightsDomestic flightsAirport pick upAirport drop offVisa feesAlcoholTips
You will cycle a total of 749 km on paved roads in 10 cycling days. The arid desert landscape will reveal a myriad of colours and shapes as we circumnavigate the Dead Sea. There are some moderate climbs to truly appreciate the natural splendours, building up to the Scorpion Ascent and the hills of Jordan, where the distances are lower for a more manageable ride. Accommodation varies from hostels to kibbutzs to a luxury Bedouin camp to a Dead Sea resort.
Suitability: The tour can be enjoyed by anyone with reasonably good physical condition. As is always the case, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the riding. However, just in case, an air-conditioned bus travels behind the group for support.
Biking Conditions: We ride between 28 and 100 km each day for a total of 749 km in 10 cycling days. The roads are all tarmac and in relatively good condition with occasional challenging ups and thrilling downs, which makes it all the more exciting and adventurous!
We meet at our Jerusalem hotel at 6 pm for a trip briefing and then head out for dinner together to mark the beginning of our adventure. Optional: If you arrive a day early, we offer a morning bike and walking tour of Jerusalem. Cycle through the modern city to the Tayelet viewing platform, the Old Train Station, Government Hill, Valley of the Cross, and Machane Yehuda produce market. Then walk through the Old City; visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and get a rooftop view of the Dome of the Rock. After lunch, exit the Old City through the Jaffa Gate. Please contact us for more information.
Ibis City Center
DinnerDepart Jerusalem through the quiet Sabbath streets and start your descent to the lowest point on earth – the Dead Sea. Leaving the European climate of Jerusalem, you will quickly feel the temperature change as we enter the arid Judean Desert. We pass the Inn of the Good Samaritan and see the impressive Masada plateau in the distance. Just before we finish our ride for the day we will cycle below the hilltop fortress of Masada, Our overall descending ride will end at the shore of the Dead Sea.
Prima Oasis Dead Sea HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 117km
+831m
-1900mWe have an early morning excursion up to the fort of Masada, returning via cable car for a late breakfast. We hit the road, biking south along the Dead Sea, below the hilltop fortress of Masada, on the Peace Trail on the Israeli-Jordanian border. Impressive desert agriculture is on show as we cycle past Dead Sea evaporation pools, the Dead Sea Works, and reservoirs that irrigate the fields of the Arava Desert. The mountains of Edom are also in view today. The first half of our day will be nice and easy, but the second half will be a gradual grind uphill. We overnight at a research station popular with bird watchers.
Hatseva Field SchoolBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 71km+809m-626mWe have an easy 20-km warm-up before we begin climbing out of the Arava Desert up the winding Scorpion's Ascent. The Romans built the ascent in the late 1st century when they controlled the Middle East. Under British control, the ascent was slightly rebuilt, and it has since been paved. The views from the summit’s stunning silence of the desert landscape are spectacular. We continue cycling through the Makhtesh Gadol, a large crater and one of five makhteshim (a closed, steep rock valley) in Israel and only seven in the world. We overnight in the sleepy town of Yeruham at a hotel that established on a combination Zionist and social-economical vision – a substantial part of the hotel’s revenue is to be invested in the local community, towards the development of its education and economy.
Hotel DrachimBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 53km+1100m-533mRiding through the Negev Desert, we have more of an ascending than descending day. We leave on the main desert road and pass Sde Boker, a kibbutz best known as the retirement home of Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion. Cycling on the edge of the Makhtesh Ramon, the world's largest at 40 km long, 2-10 km wide, and 500 m deep. The desert road takes us to our overnight in Mitzpe Ramon. Take a wander through the Spice Route Quarter, the old industrial zone of Mitzpe Ramon, now a hive of cute boutiques, bakeries, restaurants, and even a jazz club.
Ramon SuitesBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 56km+718m-362mCycling through the Makhtesh Ramon note the diversity of rocks, their fantastic red and yellow colours and their many different naturally formed shapes. Finally, a descending day as we ride out of the Negev Desert and back down to the Arava Valley. We overnight at the green oasis of Kibbutz Ketora, established in 1973. This ideological community is based on collective living and an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Kibbutz KetoraBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 100km+902m-1634mA short transfer to the start of today's ride, then a day of gains and losses. We have a very gradual ascent, 500 mover 40 km, and then lose 800 m over 30 km as we reach the border town of Eilat. Here we cross into Jordan. Once through the border formalities, we cycle to Aqaba’s city centre and our hotel.
Captain's HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 76km+833m-1223mEnjoy the day exploring the Red Sea shore and town. We can assist in arranging a boat tour if you would like to spend the day snorkelling.
Captain's HotelBreakfast, DinnerWe transfer out of Aqaba to avoid a busy road and a climb and start our cycling at the entrance of Wadi Rum Desert, also known as the Valley of the Moon. Cut into sandstone and granite rock, it is Jordan's largest Wadi, or valley. Shots of Wadi Rum in “Lawrence of Arabia” kick-started Jordan's tourism industry, but you may also recognize it from “Red Planet” and “The Martian”. We follow a quiet road and arrive in time for lunch at the Bedouin camp where we will also overnight. As skinny bike tires don't do well in the sand, a jeep will drive us through the reserve. Enjoy a night of Bedouin hospitality.
Milky Way Bedouin CampBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 47km+358m-323mAfter a night in the desert, we'll rise early from our Bedouin camp to transfer to the start of our ride on the Jordan's highest road, at over 1,500 meters above sea level. We'll cruise through the King's Highway all the way to the town of Wadi Musa, the home of iconic Petra. The first part of our road will be predominantly flat, riding along the plateau, with some gentle gradients, but with fantastic views of the surrounding desert. We'll then continue cycling towards Wadi Araba, passing through small Jordanian towns as we cruise down a long descent into the Jordan Rift Valley. We'll finish our ride just a few kilometers from the Israeli border, before transferring to our accommodation for the night in Petra.
La Maison Petra HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 99km+1450m-1190mTime off the bikes to explore by foot the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra. In the morning, you will be guided through the ancient city, one of the new Wonders of the World. We stroll through the colonnaded street, where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, you have a few hours to explore on your own, with options including ascending to the Monastery and beyond to superb views across the Jordan Valley or taking the back route to the High Place of Sacrifice or ascending Jebel Khubtha, to view the Treasury from above. After taking our fill of Petra, we'll take a break from the desert sun and jump into the van for a transfer to the start of the next day's ride, the town of Madaba.
Madaba 1880 HotelBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRise early to visit Mount Nebo, where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land, according to the Hebrew Bible. Today, excavated ruins of an ancient church and monastery are preserved, along with unique mosaics. We'll peruse this fascinating site, and it's sweeping views, before getting back on the bikes for an exciting ride. After a day off the bikes, today's ride is a bit more challenging, with undulating terrain through the Madaba plain. After a fun serpentine just outside of the town of Mukawer, we'll have a flat section before a steep climb followed by a scenic road, all the way down to the northeast corner of the Dead Sea, where we'll end our ride. This afternoon be sure to head down to the sea's edge for a unique float in the hypersalinic waters!
Holiday Inn Dead SeaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 104km+1793m-3249mA short 30-km ride on a flat road will take us to the Allenby Border Crossing. Here we follow procedures to cross back to Israel. Once through all the formalities, we are back on the bikes to Jericho for lunch. Considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, Jericho is of great archaeological importance. We transfer to Jerusalem after lunch and meet up in the evening to celebrate the end of our ride.
Ibis City CenterBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 28km+190m-189mThe tour ends after breakfast.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. The bikes are Specialised Allez road bikes or similar. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is in good mechanical order.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
No vaccinations are needed.
The optimal months to visit Jordan is March – May, and Sept- Nov when the temperature is comfortably warm, not scorching. The heat will hit in summer from June – September, when temperatures can rise up to 40 C, and lots of water and sun cream is a must! However, it's dry heat rather than humid. December – February is winter time; snow and rain can be found throughout the country along with short days and freezing nights. It is also regarded as a quiet time for visiting.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Middle Eastern cuisine is a highlight of this tour in both Israel and Jordan. Popular everyday snacks include hummus, falafel, baba ghanioush, tabbouleh, olives and pita bread. Israel continues to adapt, elements of various styles, but also incorporating local agricultural products such as avocado. As Jordan is one of the largest producers of olives in the world, olive oil is the main cooking oil. Jordanian cuisine ranges from baking, sauteeing and grilling of meats to stuffing of vegetables – leaves and eggplants. Also common is roasting or preparing foods with special sauces. In Southern Jordan a specialty and delicacy of the area that you will get to enjoy is the Zarbs, which is prepared in a submerged oven called a taboon.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously, especially in a desert environment. Cold water, some energy-restoring soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. But you may also want to bring electrolyte in powder or tablet form. Alcoholic drinks are available in Israel everywhere but only in hotels in Jordan. Alcohol is NOT included in the tour price.
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra liras for possible incidentals that might arise. It is always wise to have some paper currency in case of ATM absence or credit card problems. This will save you a lot of unnecessary worries. It is also customary to tip local tour guides and drivers; however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive.
The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the currency of Jordan. ATMs are available in Amman and Aqaba. The use of credit cards; American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners club are accepted at some hotels, however, it is recommended to have some cash at hand.
Overall, the level of petty crime is much less than in most Western countries. However, take the usual precautions about avoiding rowdy political demonstrations, not flashing money around and being aware of pickpockets in crowded places.
Please be advised there is a departure tax of 105 Israeli New Shekels, to be paid at the land border crossing into Jordan. 105 NIS is roughly 30 USD.
No vaccinations are needed.
The most popular time to travel to Israel and Jordan is in the late spring and fall, when the weather is warm but not oppressively hot, and fairly dry. Summer brings extreme heat, especially in July and August when temperatures can rise up to 40 C. In the fall daytime temperatures are very pleasant; around 15-25 C degrees in most of the country, though they are usually higher around the Dead and Red Seas. Jerusalem will be in the 5-10 C degrees range in the evening. There is a chance of rain towards the end of the year.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Middle Eastern cuisine is a highlight of this tour in both Israel and Jordan. Popular everyday snacks include hummus, falafel, baba ghanioush, tabbouleh, olives and pita bread. Israel continues to adapt, elements of various styles, but also incorporating local agricultural products such as avocado. As Jordan is one of the largest producers of olives in the world, olive oil is the main cooking oil. Jordanian cuisine ranges from baking, sauteeing and grilling of meats to stuffing of vegetables – leaves and egglants. Also common is roasting or preparing foods with special sauces. In Southern Jordan a specialty and delicacy of the area that you will get to enjoy is the Zarbs, which is prepared in a submerged oven called a taboon.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously, especially in a desert environment. Cold water, some energy-restoring soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. But you may also want to bring electrolyte in powder or tablet form. Alcoholic drinks are available in Israel everywhere but only in hotels in Jordan. Alcohol is NOT included in the tour price.
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra liras for possible incidentals that might arise. It is always wise to have some paper currency in case of ATM absence or credit card problems. This will save you a lot of unnecessary worries. It is also customary to tip local tour guides and drivers; however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive.
Israel's curency is the New Israel Shekel (NIS). ATMs give standard rates and are available in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in heavily touristed areas, but there are few in other cities so it is reccommended to have some shekels on hand before departing Jerusalem.
Overall, the level of petty crime is much less than in most Western countries. However, take the usual precautions about avoiding rowdy political demonstrations, not flashing money around and being aware of pickpockets in crowded places.
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:
Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.
You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.
From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).
If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.
We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.
The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.
In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.
The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.
If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).
If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).
Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.
If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.
The information in this document is given in good faith, and covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on this trip. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, however, we will always do our best to adhere to this original itinerary
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