Dead Sea Circuit by Road Bike

Day 1 Jerusalem Arrival

Welcome to Jerusalem, the 'Holy City', where the intertwined histories of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam converge to create a storied, spiritually charged, and diverse urban landscape. We meet at our tour hotel in the afternoon for a bike fitting, trip briefing and welcome dinner. Airport transfers are not included but can be arranged at additional cost.

YMCA Three Arches Hotel
Dinner

Day 2 Jerusalem - Ein Bokek

We transfer out of Jerusalem by vehicle to avoid the busy traffic. We begin riding from the Good Samaritan Museum, an Ottoman era traveler’s Inn converted into a historical learning center. Almost immediately we start whizzing downhill, flanked on either side by the barren, rocky outcrops that sprawl across the Judean Desert. Within the first 20 km of the ride we are cycling to depths of 400 meters below sea level as we reach the northern shore of the Dead Sea. This is the lowest point on the earth’s land surface - let that sink in (quite literally!) as we continue riding along the Dead Sea’s scenic western shoreline, with sweeping views over the calm waters. Our ride ends in the coastal resort town of Ein Bokek where we highly recommend you go out for a serene float in the Dead Sea’s buoyant waters and indulge in a mud spa.

Oasis Spa Club Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 88km
+641m
-1276m

Day 3 Ein Bokek - Masada - Hatzeva

We begin the day with an off-saddle exploration of Masada Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Israel’s top attractions. This ancient fortification, perched atop a cliff overlooking the Dead Sea, has a setting as dramatic as the events that took place here when the Romans laid siege to Masada in the first century. We reach the top via cable car and, after coming back down again, begin today’s ride. The first 45 km lead us to the southern edge of the Dead Sea from where we veer into the Arava Desert, surrounded by an endless expanse of sun-scorched terrain, punctuated by the occasional resilient desert flora. As we are now ascending from the lowest point on the earth’s land surface, we have got some climbing to do! We end the ride in Hatzeva, a cooperative agricultural community showcasing how Israelis have tamed the unforgiving desert to grow food. In the afternoon we can go for a leisurely walk along the “Peace Trail”, a nature trail along the Israeli-Jordanian border.

Hatzeva Field School
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 76km
+780m
-603m

Day 4 Hatzeva - Yeruham

Get ready for a day of sustained climbing as we conquer the Scorpion’s Ascent, which connects the Arava valley with the highlands of the Central Negev desert. This precipitous series of hairpin bends has been in use for millenia, from spice route trade caravans to Roman legionnaires and British colonial expeditions. Nowadays the road is paved, which is good news for us cyclists looking for a challenge! The twisting climbs won’t be easy but well worth the effort with stunning views over the silent, desert landscape. Once we’ve reached the top, we’ll cycle through desert highlands towards Makhtesh Gadol, a massive, circular erosion crater with steep, rugged walls. Our ride ends nearby in the sleepy town of Yeruham where we spend the night.

Desert Iris Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 63km
+1243m
-611m

Day 5 Yeruham - Mitzpe Ramon

Today’s ride takes us through the vast expanse of the Negev Desert with plenty of climbing to keep our legs busy. Ensconced in the stark beauty of the Negev we cycle south, along the way passing by Sde Boker, a kibbutz (a settlers cooperative) best known as the retirement home of Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion. We then skirt along the rim of the Makhtesh Ramon, the world’s largest erosion crater and a truly spectacular sight to behold. Overlooking the crater is the town of Mitzpe Ramon where we end our ride and spend the night. Take a wander through the town’s Spice Route Quarter, a Bohemian hive of galleries, boutiques, bakeries and eateries. With plenty of restaurants to choose from, dinner is on your own tonight.

Ramon Suites
Breakfast, Lunch
Ride 61km
+862m
-518m

Day 6 Mitzpe Ramon - Kibbutz Ketura

Today has us descending back down from the highlands of the Negev into the Arava Valley. We begin by cycling along more of Maktesh Ramon’s rim, getting a fuller view of the crater’s diverse rock forms with their fantastic red and yellow hues. The remainder of the ride is a steady traverse across the arid wilderness, ultimately leading to the green oasis of Kibbutz Ketura. Nestled in the heart of the Arava Valley, this kibbutz is a thriving collective community known for its commitment to agriculture, sustainability, and environmental research. There is even a microbrewery, and if you are interested you can enjoy a beer tasting with these pioneering desert brewers (at additional cost to be paid on the spot).

Kibbutz Ketura Guest House
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 101km
+936m
-1666m

Day 7 Kibbutz Ketura - Aqaba

We ride to the southern tip of Israel, a small wedge of land bordered by Egypt to the west and Jordan to the east. After a short vehicle transfer to the starting point, we initially ride through the flat desert for around 25 km, after which the climbs start to pick up as we head into more mountainous terrain. Scenic views over the area’s distinctive red-colored canyons abound and we say goodbye to Israel with a thrilling 10 km descent into the border town of Eilat. We’ll cross the border and, on the other side, the Jordanian team will welcome us. We ride an easy 10 km into Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city, located on the northern shores of the Gulf of Aqaba which connects to the Red Sea. We enjoy a Jordanian welcome dinner.

Bratus Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 87km
+945m
-1334m

Day 8 Aqaba Free Day

A well deserved free day in Aqaba, Jordan’s window to the Red Rea. Explore the downtown markets and head down to the beach to swim, snorkel or even scuba dive to admire the multi-colored coral reefs and sea life under the clear blue waters. Lunch is on your own today.

Bratus Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 Aqaba - Wadi Rum

With our legs rested from the previous day, we embark north from Aquaba to discover Wadi Rum, often dubbed the "Valley of the Moon". This surreal landscape of colossal sandstone and granite massifs jutting majestically out of the desert floor provide a truly otherworldly backdrop to today’s ride. After a short vehicle transfer from Aqaba we arrive at the northern edge of Wadi Rum, where we saddle up and cycle as far as the paved road takes us before fading into the sand! The going is not too tough, enabling us to fully appreciate the splendor of the red-hued cliffs amidst the vast, golden desert plains. We hop in the vehicle for a short transfer to a unique and comfortable desert camp where we’ll spend the night. While the camp is modern, we’ll witness the lifestyle of the nomadic Bedouin who have been traversing these lands for millennia. In the afternoon, we trade our bikes for a 4x4 jeep, taking us deep into the UNESCO World Heritage listed valley as we rip across sand dunes and gorges. We return to our camp for a good night’s rest under the stars.

SunCity Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 48km
+332m
-288m

Day 10 Wadi Rum - Wadi Araba - Petra

We begin with a one hour transfer to the desert plateau of western Jordan. Though we are at elevations of 1,500 above sea level the riding for the first 60 km is mostly flat with some gentle gradients. We cycle across this vast, barren land, passing through occasional villages and towns where we are sure to get the attention of curious local onlookers! We will be riding on a section of the so-called “King’s Highway”, a historic route that spanned much of the Middle East, bearing the memories of Nabatean trade caravans, Mecca-bound Muslim pilgrims and crusaders on their quest to conquer the Holy Land. After 60 km we break for lunch and then have a long and fantastic downhill blitz to the valley floor of Wadi Araba. There’s some steep curves to navigate so we’ll go at a methodical pace, enjoying the breeze and the expansive views. After the ride’s end we hop in the vehicle and transfer around 1.5 hours back along the same road we just came darting down. We arrive at our accommodation near Petra, Jordan’s crown jewel, which we explore the following day.

Little Petra Bedouin Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 97km
+1331m
-2905m

Day 11 Petra Exploration

Today is off the bikes as we explore Petra. This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a marvel of rock-cut architecture built by the Nabataean civilization more than 2,000 years ago. It's unique location, hidden within narrow sandstone canyons, provided natural protection and contributed to its flourishing as a wealthy and culturally diverse city. In the morning, with our guide at the helm, we enter through a narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs and discover Petra’s iconic treasury, tombs, theaters, temples and colonnaded streets. After lunch, you can continue to discover more of the ancient city on your own - options include ascending to the “Monastery” for stunning views across the Jordan Valley, taking the scenic back road to the High Place of Sacrifice, or climbing Jabal Khubtha for a unique perspective on the iconic Treasury below. We end the day with a three hour transfer to Madaba, “The City of Mosaics”, from where we will continue cycling the next day. .

Aitch Boutique Hotel Madaba
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Madaba - Mount Nebo - Dead Sea

We begin with a short transfer from Madaba to the holy Mount Nebo, the place where Moses is believed to have beheld the Promised Land before his passing. Here, we'll bask in the sweeping views, reaching far into neighboring Israel, and explore the hallowed grounds. Among its treasures lie the remains of a an early Christian church adorned with intricate mosaic floors depicting biblical narratives. We then set off on our bikes to reach our old, salty, friend, the Dead Sea! It is an undulating ride across the fertile Madaba plain where we’ll encounter olive groves and wheat fields. After around 45 km, we enjoy a serpentine downhill to the eastern shores of the Dead Sea and skirt along the coast-hugging road to our resort for the night. Feel free to enjoy another float and mud bath to celebrate our return to the world’s saltiest lake!

Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 77km
+894m
-1949m

Day 13 Dead Sea - Jericho - Jerusalem

We bid farewell to Jordan with a leisurely morning ride through the desert and farmlands north of the Dead Sea. Upon reaching the Allenby/King Hussein Border, we cross back into Israel and ride 13 km to the ancient Palestinian city of Jericho, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited urban centers. From the legendary Walls of Jericho to the mosaic-adorned Hisham's Palace, the city is steeped in rich history. We’ll do some exploring and enjoy lunch in the lively town center before transferring to Jerusalem. We’ll check into our hotel and reconvene in the evening for a farewell dinner.

YMCA Three Arches Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 35km
+377m
-127m

Day 14 Jerusalem Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and feel free to stay until check-out time. Depending on your plans, head to the airport for your onward flight or continue your stay in Israel. Airport transfers are not included, but can be arranged at additional cost.

Breakfast

Disclaimer: 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.