THE ANCIENT WORLD – JORDAN AND SYRIA Once again we have esablished a route of Jordan that is unique. We also do not rush the tour and by giving added days to the tour over most other companies, you get to enjoy more of Jordans history, gifts and desert solitude. This is not a tour that should ever be rushed. We do not ever drive like most tours and actually see, hear and feel all of Jordan, never missing its true heart beat. 
The Route JORDAN After spending a day exploring Amman’s citadel and remarkable Roman theatre, our Jordan ride begins with a short ride to the ancient city of Jerash – one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Jerash’s spectacular entrance through the South Gate, long pillared walkways and imposing Oval Plaza is sure to impress. After a few hours exploring Jerash we ride through beautiful pine-forest and olive groves to Ajlun. Here you will find the Castle of Ajlun or Qalaat Errabadh (Arabic for "Hilltop Castle"), from which there is a splendid view westwards into the Jordan Valley. From Ajlun our next days ride us back towards Aman[circling around it] and into Madaba or the City Of Mosaics on the 5,000 year old Kings Highway. Some of the pieces located in its many churches, hold up to 2 million pieces. Following day head towards the Dead Sea passing through Mount Nebo, where csits an ancient 4th century church and the site of Moses biblical 10 Comandments. Religious or not this is a spectacular ancient church with an incredible view over the promised land. At rides end you’ll have the opportunity to float in the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the lowest exposed point on the Earth’s surface and its exceptionally high salinity makes for a very unique swimming experience. Our night is spent camping in a stunning walled canyon where a short walk will take you to a picturesque waterfall.  The next mornings ride takes place along the beautiful Dead Sea Highway. In the afternoon your fitness will be tested during the uphill climb[remember you are at the lowest spot on earth] into the charming town of Karak. Karak is best known for its impressive castle with its commanding position almost 1000 meters above the Dead Sea Valley. Here we stay for the nite. From Karak our journey on the 5,000 year old Kings Highway begins again. The long and stunning downhill through Wadi Hasa will more than make-up for the previous day’s uphill slog. Our destination is the Dana Nature Reserve. The Reserve was established in 1993 in southern Jordan and covers 320-square kilometers. It embraces two major biogeographical zones and four distinct vegetation zones and contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes, ranging from wooded highlands and rocky slopes to gravel plains and sand dunes. It also supports a wide variety of wildlife, including many rare species of plants and animals such as the Ibex. Here we bed down at an established camp in the Reserve were you will have the opportunity to enjoy the trails and stunning sunset.
From Dana its due south towards Petra, passing by many small settlements along the way where you’ll experience rural Jordanian life in the raw. Once we reach Petra, you will have a free day to explore this absolutely remarkable area, Petra and its rock-carved structures are overwhelming. The ancient Nubians carved this city and became the major hub for camel caravans stopping for water collected by an ingenious system. Gold in the desert to these traders. From sunrise to sunset, you’ll be busy taking photos and exploring this wonderful site.
Next on our agenda is a ride to Wadi Rum and its incredible desert vistas. It is definitely one of the most spectacular natural environments in the Middle East. Much of the epic Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here. The fascinating and thrilling ride into Wadi Rum will be something that you won’t soon forget. In Wadi Rum, we will be camping at a Bedouin camp for two nights. This will give you an opportunity to take advantage of true Bedouin hospitality and sleep under a sky filled with more stars than anything you’ve seen before. Our stay in Wadi Rum also includes jeep tour that will get you up close and personal with this mountainous desert landscape.
Our last days ride takes us out of Wadi Rum and into Aqaba. Aqaba plays host to the Red Sea at the southern tip of the country. Aqaba is where you will find some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving along its unspoiled coral reefs. You will have a full day to take advantage of this wonderful underwater world and eat all the hummus you can stomach. From Aqaba we drive back to Amman to say farewell to those not continuing on to Syria.
If you liked what Jordan had to offer, wait till you see Syria. If time and budget permit, we highly recommend joining us in this vibrant Middle East country. Our first destination is Bosra and its old-world charm. Bosra is an extremely ancient city where the oldest Islamic still-standing square minarets are found. The most interesting part of the city today is the famous Roman theatre built in the second century AD, which seats 15 thousand spectators, and is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.
From Bosra we make our way through the Syrian Desert towards the phenomenal Palmyra. The Palmyra ruins are some of the most stunning in the world and cover an area of 6-square kilometres. You will need the full day we give you to adequately explore the beauty of the remaining architecture such as Baal-Shamin Temple, Bel Temple, Arch of Triumph, the Amphitheatre, the Baths, the Straight Street, the Congress Council and the Cemeteries. Wait till you see the sunset from the hilltop castle!
Hama and its ancient water wheels are next on the agenda. Hama is a little city on the Orontes River and is home to several water wheels (some of which are up to 20 meters in diameter) - used for a couple of thousand years to irrigate the surrounding valleys. We will also be visiting the unique Beehive houses and ancient ruins of Apamea. Our final destination is the bustling city of Damascus. In Damascus you will have plenty of time to explore the “old-city” and its charming coffee houses, vibrant shops and splendid architecture.
From Damascus we make our way back to Amman for the departure home. THE ROAD Our route uses fully paved roads and for the most part they are in good condition. Road bikes can be used on this tour. If you are bringing a mountain bike it is recommended that you use slick tires. ACCOMODATION A combination of picturesque camping and clean hotels will be used in Jordan. Syria is strictly hotels with the exception of one night in Bosra. RATING There are several hilly sections in Jordan with one real long climb. It is recommended that you begin this tour with some conditioning and biking experience. Jordan is not all flat desert riding. The riding in Syria is a lot less challenging and is mostly flat. Our selected tour dates are chosen to ensure that you are not riding through extreme desert heat. TRIP LENGTH Jordan – 13 days DATES 2009 Jordan – April 15th – April 27th or March 30 - April 12
Special tour dates can be arranged for groups of six or more. PRICE $2150 Canadian Funds for Jordan only Rates are based on double hotel room occupancy. WHAT’S INCLUDED Hotels, entrance fees to sites, jeep tour in Wadi Rum, support trucks, guides, cook, water, local fresh fruit and meals/snacks during camping. And always – first drink on arrival. Specific menus for vegetarians can be arranged but please let us know in advance. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED Flight to and from Amman, food while using hotels, alcohol, visas. SPECIAL NOTE Jordan and Syria are very peaceful countries and there is no hostility expressed towards foreigners. In fact, we consider Jordan and Syria safer for traveling than North America or Europe. Jordan and Syria are rich in history, culture and are home to some of the world’s great archaeological sites. There are no terrorists running around looking to cause trouble. If you would like to book your Jordan and Syria adventure or would like to obtain more information on this exciting trip please contact Off Beat Roads.
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