cycle Jordan at a glance trip highlights

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "cycle Jordan at a glance trip highlights"

Curtis Wilcox
5 years ago
Views:

actionchallenge in This sensational cycle challenge takes us back in time to biblical sites, Crusader castles, the Dead Sea and the ancient city of Petra.

We cycle along isolated sunbaked roads from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea, with the domes of Jerusalem and Bethlehem glinting in the distance.

scenery, unchanged for thousands of years. Visiting Petra is the highlight of our trip.

Our first impression will be built upon the magnificent treasury before we climb the steps of this ancient city, worn down by centuries of use, to Petra s awe-inspiring Monastery.

We sit together around the campfire, share a BBQ dinner and watch for shooting stars in the desert night sky.

at a glance Activity: Cycling - Touring Location: - Red Sea Duration: 9 days / 6 days cycling Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 327 km Group size: 15-25 trip highlights Explore the city of

1 actionchallenge in This sensational cycle challenge takes us back in time to biblical sites, Crusader castles, the Dead Sea and the ancient city of Petra. It s a fantastic week break in the warmth of an historic and welcoming land. We cycle along isolated sunbaked roads from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea, with the domes of Jerusalem and Bethlehem glinting in the distance. We speed downhill to the lowest point on earth for a float in the Dead Sea, witness the might of the Shoubak Crusader castle and cycle across the Edom plateau through stunning desert scenery, unchanged for thousands of years. Visiting Petra is the highlight of our trip. This 2,000 year old site, carved into the rock face, was once a thriving city at the centre of the ancient silk and spice routes. Our first impression will be built upon the magnificent treasury before we climb the steps of this ancient city, worn down by centuries of use, to Petra s awe-inspiring Monastery. No trip to would be complete without a night in the desert spent at a traditional Bedouin camp. We sit together around the campfire, share a BBQ dinner and watch for shooting stars in the desert night sky. We toast the archaeological beauty of, the shimmering heat of the ride and the new friends we ve made with a celebratory dinner in Aqaba on the shores of the Red Sea. at a glance Activity: Cycling - Touring Location: - Red Sea Duration: 9 days / 6 days cycling Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 327 km Group size: trip highlights Explore the city of Madaba and Mount Debo Float in the salty waters of the dead sea Cycle through Maai n mountains Witness the grandeur of the Rose City of Petra Enjoy snorkelling in the Red Sea Spend a night under the stars in a Bedouin tent Visit the 12th century crusader castle of Shoubak Action Challenge have been leading inspirational team adventures across the world for individuals, private groups, charities and corporate clients since Our trips enable people to experience the world s most exhilarating locations, often in aid of charity. At the heart of every challenge is team spirit and fulfilment; together we take on once-in-a-lifetime adventures, achieve formidable goals and forge friendships for life.

If you are raising money for a charity, we will sort out all the formalities so you can concentrate on your own preparation and fundraising.

2 introduction This fully-inclusive adventure to will begin as soon as you register! You will receive a challenge pack including a training guide, kit list and discounts for all the essentials you may need. If you are raising money for a charity, we will sort out all the formalities so you can concentrate on your own preparation and fundraising. We offer pre-challenge briefings to prepare you for this tough and demanding trip. On the day of departure you will meet your group and Action Challenge leader at the airport in London. Whether you re joining the challenge on your own or with others, you will instantly be made to feel welcome. As a team we will board our flight to Amman, ready to take on and the cycling adventure of a lifetime! brief itinerary Please visit our website for more details All inclusive trip cost from 1,679 Initial 299 deposit to sign up Three payment options available Please visit our website for more details Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Depart London Explore Madaba Dead Sea - Shoubak castle Cycle to Wadi Musa Cycle to Petra Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Petra to Roberts Rock Cycle to Aqaba Explore Aqaba Arrive in London what s included International flights Action Challenge cycle guide Full support team, including local guides UK medic High quality bike hire All accommodation All meals, except in free time Airline taxes Treated drinking water All transfers in local vehicles National Park entrance fees Celebration dinner Invitation to a challenge briefing in London Fitness and training guide Discounts from UK retailers Reduced rates at Nomad Travel Clinics and Masta Health We will be cycling distances between 30km and 105km per day. Although on some days much of the terrain is flat, other days involve both uphill and downhill sections, so you will need a good level of stamina and endurance to ensure that you make the most out of the challenge and enjoy the ride! Why not stay on after the challenge and explore some more of s highlights? The best time to visit is during the month of September. Temperatures during the Summer can be very high and even during these autumn months temperatures can range from 28 C to 40 C during the day. At night the temperature drops considerably, especially in areas high above sea level such as Petra and Amman, so warm clothes are advised.

3 itinerary DAY 1 - Amman We depart on a flight bound for the ian capital of Amman. Arriving in the evening we meet our local guide and transfer an hour south to our hotel in the town of Madaba, close to the Dead Sea. Meals: D Accom: Hotel DAY 2 - Madaba - The Dead Sea After breakfast we have our bike fitting before getting into the saddle for the first time. We then set off to explore Madaba, including the famous mosaic map in Madaba Church and Mount Nebo. On a clear day there is a breathtaking view across the Valley and the Dead Sea, to the domes of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. From Madaba, our route takes us downhill past Bedouin settlements to the edge of the Dead Sea. Here we enjoy a late lunch and a float in the sea at the lowest point on earth. We return to our hotel for a second night in Madaba. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Hotel Distance: 50 km DAY 3 - The Dead Sea - Kerak After a short transfer, we pick up the cycling where we left off the previous day. The route is mainly flat as we explore the Maai'n Mountains by bike, with the Judean Desert visible on the far shores to the west. After lunch we join the main road to Wadi Moujeb where we visit the famous Waterfall Canyon. At the end of our ride we transfer by bus to the 12th century Crusader Castle of Kerak, a fortress that once held great strategic importance due to its high elevation (1,330m) above the plateau. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Distance: 32 km DAY 4 - Dana - Shoubak - Little Petra - Wadi Musa The Dana Nature Reserve stretches over the ancient Edom (red) plateau and is a spectacular blend of mountain and desert landscape with an extraordinary botanical diversity. As we cycle along this unique terrain we may catch glimpses of wild animals such as the Nubian Ibex, Golden Jackal or Red Fox. First we make our way to the village of Shawbak with its impressive Crusader Castle Montreal. We continue down a spectacular downhill stretch to reach the mysterious Nabatean city of Baidah (also known as Little Petra). The final leg of our journey today is to Wadi Musa, the modern day town located by the entrance to the ancient city of Petra. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Hotel Distance: 70 km Breakfast each morning will be in our hotel whilst lunches will be en-route. Evening meals will be at the hotel or a local restaurant, except in free time. These meals are likely to include local foods such as flat bread and humus, falafel, lentils and various meats and fish. We can cater for all dietary requirements if informed in advance. Five nights in comfortable 2/3* hotels along the ride. Two nights camping All accommodation is on a twin/tripleshare, single-sex basis and we will pair you with someone of a similar age, where possible. If you wish to share a room with someone you are travelling with, please specify this on your registration form. If you decide that you would like to have your own room on the challenge, we can accommodate this in the majority of places. Insurance - approximately 60 Tourist Visa Vaccinations - up-to-date on boosters. Tips for local staff - recommended amount 30 Airline fuel surcharge / supplement as applied by airlines. Please note that this is capped at a maximum of 150.

DAY 5 - Petra Today is perhaps the highlight of our challenge as we make our way along the narrow gap in the towering cliffs into the Lost City of Petra.

It prospered for many centuries, with a population of around 25,000 at the height of its power. This stunning ancient city lay forgotten by the world for 1,000 years before being rediscovered in 1812.

4 DAY 5 - Petra Today is perhaps the highlight of our challenge as we make our way along the narrow gap in the towering cliffs into the Lost City of Petra. Built more than 2,000 years ago, Petra was a strategic centre for the old silk and spice routes that criss-crossed the Middle East, Asia and Africa. It prospered for many centuries, with a population of around 25,000 at the height of its power. This stunning ancient city lay forgotten by the world for 1,000 years before being rediscovered in The city s houses and monuments are hewn out of the valley s sandstone cliffs veined with shades of red, purple and pink giving it its warm glow. On arrival in Petra we see the magnificent treasurey, Petra s most awe-inspiring monument. Tonight we stay in the comfort of a hotel in nearby Wadi Musa. A kit list will be sent to you on receipt of registration. Many everyday items can be used on this challenge, and we offer a kit hire service to keep costs down. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Hotel DAY 6 - Petra - Dilagha - Roberts Rock After a short transfer out of Wadi Musa we begin a fantastic cycle into the Arava Valley. The valley is part of the Great Rift Valley, the huge fault that runs from Turkey and Syria in the North to the great lakes of Kenya in the South. We ride downhill along a narrow winding road passing many Bedouin camps. A steep uphill climb brings us to our lunch stop where we are rewarded with views across the sprawling valley. After a picnic lunch, we have an exhilarating steep descent into the valley through striking desert scenery. Our destination is the Bedouin camp at Roberts Rock a real highlight of the trip with a BBQ dinner, a campfire under the stars and a night spent in traditional Bedouin Tents. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Distance: 70 km DAY 7 - Roberts Rock - Aqaba From Roberts Rock we cycle 8km to the road that intersects the Arava valley from north to south. Heading south, we follow a tarmac road to s most southerly city, Aqaba. Our route takes us through the lowest part of the valley with the granite mountains of Edom to the east and the limestone hills of Israel to the west. We know our challenge is nearly complete when the shimmering Red Sea comes into view up ahead. Tonight we toast our achievement with a celebratory dinner together. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Hotel Distance: 105 km DAY 8 - Depart Amman If you are planning on travelling to before the challenge or wish to organise your own flights, we do offer a land only option, with a significant discount off the trip price. You will be required to meet your group at the hotel on day two of the itinerary. Alcoholic drinks Drinks and food outside of meals, other than water Personal kit / equipment Airline fuel surcharge / supplement as applied by airlines. Please note that this is capped at a maximum of 150. This morning we have a little free time to rest on the beach, enjoy snorkelling in the Red Sea or souvenir hunt in Aqaba s markets. This afternoon we transfer back to Amman for our flight back to the UK. Meals: B DAY 9 - Arrive UK We arrive back in the UK after a fantastic trip.

payment options A REGISTRATION DEPOSIT of 299 (for 2015) is required to secure your place. We offer 2 deposit payment options: OPTION 1: Deposit paid in full, by card at the time of registration.

For this option, a 10 supplement will be charged with the first instalment. ATOL is a scheme that protects you from losing money or being stranded abroad if your travel company collapses.

Once registered, there are 3 PAYMENT OPTIONS to fund the balance of the trip cost. Full details are on our website. 1) SELF FUNDED For anyone who wants to pay for the entire trip themselves.

5 payment options A REGISTRATION DEPOSIT of 299 (for 2015) is required to secure your place. We offer 2 deposit payment options: OPTION 1: Deposit paid in full, by card at the time of registration. OPTION 2: Deposit paid in two 50/50 split payments. The first 50% is paid when you register and the second is charged to your payment card at the end of the following month. For this option, a 10 supplement will be charged with the first instalment. ATOL is a scheme that protects you from losing money or being stranded abroad if your travel company collapses. Action Challenge is 100% ATOL bonded, which provides you with full financial protection. On receipt of your registration fee, you will receive an ATOL certificate explaining your protection. Once registered, there are 3 PAYMENT OPTIONS to fund the balance of the trip cost. Full details are on our website. 1) SELF FUNDED For anyone who wants to pay for the entire trip themselves. It s then completely up to you whether or not you choose to raise any money for a charity of your choice. The total all inclusive cost of this trip is 1,679 (for 2015), which, after you pay the 299 Registration Deposit, leaves a balance of 1,380. This final balance is due for payment 10 weeks before your departure along with any fuel surcharges levied by the airline. 2) SPONSORSHIP FUNDED This is for anyone who wants to take on this challenge and will link it with fundraising a significant sum of money for a charity of their choice. You would have to raise at least 2,800 (for 2015) via sponsorship and donations from friends, family and colleagues, and be confident at the outset that you can achieve this total. Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraising goes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least 2,800 (for 2015), your charity will pay for the balance of your trip costs to Action Challenge. That balance, paid by your charity, is 1,380 (the same as if you were you were Self Funded ) - the charity will retain at least 1,420 to help fund their work. You will have to pay any airline fuel surcharges 10 weeks prior to departure. how to book To book on to this challenge, please visit our website; for a full list of prices and all available dates. private groups If you are a charity, business, school or private group with a minimum of 10 people and fancy your own bespoke trip, please call us on +44(0) or you can send us an to events@actionchallenge.com for more information. 3) MIXED FUNDED A mix of the 2 options above! You pay about half the trip cost yourself, and also fundraise for your charity. They pay the remaining balance of your trip costs. Ideal for anyone who wants to take on the challenge and also fundraise for a charity, BUT is happy to pay a reasonable proportion of the trip cost themselves, which with your registration deposit, is set at a level that covers at least the costs of flights & accommodation; perfect for those who feel more at ease asking for sponsorship in respect to the challenge component of their trip. Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraising goes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least 2,050 (for 2015), your charity will pay a portion of your trip cost to Action Challenge. That balance, paid by your charity, is 805. At the same time, you will be required to pay the remaining balance yourself, which will be a figure of 575 (These two amounts add up to the same as the Self Funded final balance) - the charity will retain at least 1,245 to help fund their work. You will have to pay any airline fuel surcharges 10 weeks prior to Action Challenge UK Ltd United House North Road London N7 9DP United Kingdom

climb Mount Elbrus at a glance trip highlights

climb Mount Elbrus at a glance trip highlights climb actionchallenge on Our ascent of begins in the foothills of the lower Caucasus. Elbrus, an inactive volcano, is one of the famous Seven Summits and, at 5,642 m, is the highest mountain in Europe.