2024

JEBEL AL-HASH

Hiking

The Bedouins will assure you of this. It is from the top of this mountain that you will have the most beautiful views of Wadi Rum. The mountain at the border of the Reserve and the Saudi border overhangs the beautiful Wadi Sabit, away from the tourist agitation. There are several trails to the summit, from easy to more difficult. Therefore, the hike is suitable for all levels of fitness and agility. The ascent is on a stony path. Bring good shoes. Count on 3 hours of hiking with photo breaks.

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 Wadi Rum
2024

JEBEL UMM AD-DAMI

Hiking

Jebel Umm ad-Dami lies on the edge of Wadi Rum and the border with Saudi Arabia. Jordan's highest peak reaches an altitude of 1,854 metres. It takes between 1h and 2h30 to get your photo taken, hair blowing in the wind, next to the Jordanian flag planted at the summit. From here, the views over Wadi Rum are spectacular. The mountain-studded desert stretches as far as the eye can see. Few tourists come this far, and you finally have Wadi Rum all to yourself. Umm ad-Dami can be the goal of a multi-day camel trek.

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 Wadi Rum
2024

JORDAN TRAIL : DU WADI RUM A AQABA

Hiking

The Jordan Trail is a hiking trail that runs from north to south in Jordan, from Umm-Qais to Aqaba. The 672 kilometer trail is divided into 9 sections. It follows roads, marked paths, old caravan routes or Bedouin paths used for transhumance. The Jordan Trail is not marked and the presence of a guide is essential, especially for the desert sections. Suitable equipment and good physical condition are necessary.

The last section of the Jordan Trail covers 112 km, divided into 6 stages, through splendid mountainous landscapes and ending in the intense blue of the Red Sea.

Day 1 : Humeima to Jebel Kharazah. 19 km. Medium difficulty. Count 6 hours of walking. The day is dedicated to crossing the vast plateau bordering Wadi Rum. The terrain is flat, with a slight slope at the end of the hike, on a stony ground.

Day 2. From Jebel Kharazah to Shakriya. 16 km. Medium difficulty. Count 6 hours of walking. You leave behind you the stone arch of the Jebel al-Kharazah to reach the mudflats. The massive rocks of Wadi Rum draw their contours. You reach Shakriya, the last village before entering Rum.

Day 3. From Shakriya to Rum Village. 12,1 km. Easy. Count 3 to 4 hours of walking. The day follows the paved road that leads to Rum village, in the heart of the Wadi Rum protected area (entrance fee).

Day 4. From Rum Village to Wadi Waraqa. 20.6 km. Medium difficulty. Count on 5 to 7 hours of walking. You will feel like walking on the moon as you cross the Wadi Rum Protected Area, heading southwest.

Day 5. Wadi Waraqa to Final Camp. 25.9 km. Medium difficulty. Count on 7 to 9 hours of walking. We head west, leaving behind the sandstone cliffs of Rum to reach the brown granite and pink quartz mountains. The day is mainly downhill, before going up on the last 5 kilometers, the most tiring.

Day 6. From Final Camp to Aqaba. 18,4 km. Difficult. Count on 5 to 7 hours of walking. The route may be downhill, but the sand and stone terrain makes it difficult to progress. As you advance, civilization gains ground, with highways and industrial areas. But the Red Sea draws a blue line and you are at the end of the course. Congratulations!

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 Rum Village
2024

JORDAN TRAIL : DE PETRA AU WADI RUM

Hiking

The Jordan Trail is a hiking trail that runs from north to south in Jordan, from Umm-Qais to Aqaba. The 672 kilometer trail is divided into 9 sections. It follows roads, marked paths, old caravan routes or Bedouin paths used for transhumance. The Jordan Trail is not marked and the presence of a guide is essential, especially for the desert sections. Appropriate equipment and a good physical condition are necessary.

The Jordan Trail traverses spectacular landscapes of colored sandstone and limestone mountains. Some sections can be particularly strenuous, but you will be rewarded with chance encounters with Bedouin and beautiful starry nights. The 90.6 km hike is divided into 5 stages.

Day 1: Petra to Gaa' Mriebed. 22.1 km. Difficult. Count 6 to 8 hours of walking. The day starts with the arduous climb to the High Place of Sacrifice in Petra (ticket required). You follow an ancient Roman road, then the Wadi Sabra to reach the mudflat of Gaa' Mriebed.

Day 2. From Gaa' Mriebed to Wadi al-Saif. 14.3 km. Easy. Allow 4 to 5 hours of walking. The day has little difference in altitude and is mostly downhill, except for the last 3 km which are steep. You will spend the night at the foot of a beautiful red and white sandstone cliff.

Day 3. From Wadi al-Saif to Wadi Gseib. 12,3 km. Medium difficulty. Count on 3 to 4 hours and a half of walking. The day begins with a short climb before continuing downhill, sometimes steeply, along the Wadi Al-Saif. The mountains are decorated with ochre and gold. You spend the night on the edge of Wadi Araba.

Day 4. From Wadi Gseib to Wadi Aheimar. 15,6 km. Medium to high difficulty. Count on 5 to 6 hours of walking. You return to the mountains along the Wadi Araba and cross canyons embedded in high cliffs of red sandstone or white chalk. The first sand dunes appear and it is on their soft bed that you will sleep.

Day 5. From Wadi Aheimar to Humeima. 11,5 km. Medium difficulty. Count 4 to 5 hours of walking. The hike takes you from Wadi Araba to the valley of Wadi Rum through beautiful mountain landscapes. You will walk on the bottom of the valley, with a regular ascending slope and on a sandy ground. A final steep descent takes you to the village of Humeima.

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 Petra
2024

BACK DOOR TRAIL

Hiking

This hike from Al-Beidha offers splendid views of the Petra mountains and Wadi Araba, and leads to the monastery (Ed-Deir) of the ancient city. It has recently been signposted and is easier to follow than before. From Al-Beidha to the Visitor Center in Wadi Musa, it takes 13 km and half a day's walk, excluding sightseeing. You can buy your entrance ticket at the ticket office next to the Little Petra parking lot. This is also where you buy your ticket for the shuttle bus. The shuttle leaves you at the foot of the mountain, leaving you only 45 minutes to climb. The hike is not very difficult, as the difference in altitude is fairly slight. It does, however, include some vertiginous cliffside sections.

From the Little Petra parking lot, take the path to the Neolithic village. Descend into the Wadi Siq al-Ghurab and continue south-west for around 1.2 km. When there's only one more mountain in sight, turn left and go around the hill to the right, climbing onto the plateau. Continue in a south-easterly direction. Once you've passed the three boulders, turn right immediately southwards and continue for 450 metres to the end of the small, steeply-sided wadi. Then head south-west, where you'll soon see a sign for the path that climbs steadily up the mountainside and onto cliffs with occasional staircases.

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 Petra
2024

AL-MADRAS TRAIL

Hiking

Count 1.5 km and 1 hour of walking, depending on your pace. Medium difficulty.

This short hike is an opportunity to see some beautiful rock formations and to stay away from the tourist circuits. If you are lucky, you will not see anyone. The trail starts on the left side of the Bab As-Siq path, between the Tomb of the Obelisks and the entrance of the Siq. It does not present any particular difficulties, except that you walk on the rocks. If you take the services of a guide, you can continue to the Treasury.

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 Petra
2024

JEBEL HAROUN TRAIL

Hiking

It is a 4.5 km and 5 to 6 hour walk, depending on your pace.

This hike leads to the tomb of the prophet Aaron, the brother of Moses. You will need to start early to get over the 400m elevation gain to reach the highest peak in Petra at 1329m. The trail starts from Qasr al-Bint and follows the same section as the hike to Umm al-Biyara. It follows the valley floor for most of the way around the mountain. But the last part is particularly difficult. From the top you can see the whole region, from Wadi Araba to Petra.

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 Petra
2024

MAIN TRAIL

Hiking

Count 4.3 km and 2.5 hours for a visit at full speed, at least 5 hours if you take your time. Easy.

The Main Trail starts at the Visitors' Center, crosses the Lower As-Siq, the Siq, the Street of Façades, the Street of Colonnades and the Great Temple, to the Temenos and Qasr al-Bint. The hiking trail slopes gently downwards in one direction and is dotted with an impressive number of remains, including the famous Treasury. The Main Trail provides an introduction to the intricacies of Nabatean architecture and an appreciation of the grandeur of the ancient capital.

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 Petra
2024

AL-KHUBTHA TRAIL

Hiking

Allow 1.7 km and 2 to 3.5 hours with visits. Difficult.

This trail runs alongside the Royal Tombs for a flat, easy section, then dips to the right into the mountains. It begins with a long flight of steps. The path is stony and steep, requiring good footwear. Halfway up, admire the view of the amphitheater and the center of the ancient city. Once at the summit, the effort is worth it. The views over the Treasury are fantastic. Be careful not to get too close to the cliff, as there have been fatal accidents.

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 Petra
2024

AD-DEIR TRAIL

Hiking

Count 1,6 kilometer and 45 minutes to 2 hours of ascent, with the visits. Difficult. The path to the Monastery starts from The Basin restaurant. If the climb is not technically difficult, it is tiring. There are 850 steps to climb. This is the same path that the Nabateans used 2,000 years ago. Take regular breaks to enjoy the views of the Al-Khubtha jebel and the Petra cirque. There are a few tombs along the way that are worth a look, including the Triclinium of the Lions.

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 Petra
2024

SABRA TRAIL

Hiking

Count 6 km and 4 hours of hiking. Medium difficulty.

This long hike takes a full day round trip. It starts from Qasr al-Bint, runs along Jebel al-Habis and into Wadi Sabra, until it reaches an oasis. It is of moderate difficulty, with little difference in altitude, but the last part is tiring, as the path follows the sand bed. Just before reaching the narrow valley, you will pass the ruins of a theatre, an acropolis and Roman baths which have not yet been excavated. They are slightly higher up on the left.

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 Petra
2024

JORDAN TRAIL : DE KERAK A DANA

Hiking

The Jordan Trail is a hiking trail that runs from north to south in Jordan, from Umm-Qais to Aqaba. The 672 kilometer trail is divided into 9 sections. It follows roads, marked paths, old caravan routes or Bedouin paths used for transhumance. The Jordan Trail is not marked and the presence of a guide is essential, especially for the desert sections. Appropriate equipment and a good physical condition are necessary.

The Jordan Trail starts at Kerak Castle and runs through the lands once occupied by the Crusaders, who left many remains of castles and fortifications. The trail covers 83.2 km, divided into 4 stages, between valleys and hills, cultivated plains and limestone plateaus. The arrival is in Dana, a village perched on the edge of the most beautiful nature reserve in the country. Overnight stay in camps.

Day 1: Kerak to Tor al-Taboun. 27,1 km. Easy. Allow 8 hours of walking. The hike includes two short climbs at km 4 and 20. The rest is flat or downhill. The country trails pass through pleasant landscapes framed by limestone cliffs and the abandoned village of Ainun. Remember to turn around at the start of the walk to get some nice pictures of the castle. Overnight in a wilderness campground.

Day 2. From Tor al-Taraboun to Karaka. 21 km. Medium difficulty. Count 6 to 7 hours of walking. A path goes down to the bottom of the canyon of Wadi Hasa. You cross the stream, the palm grove and gardens and take a break at the hot springs of Burbeita. Then follows a long climb of 10 km to reach the jebel al-Gazaleh. You will go down the southern slope to the village of Karaka. Overnight in a wilderness campsite.

Day 3. From Karaka to Ma'tan. 20,9 km. Medium difficulty. Count on 8 hours of walking. You walk through the countryside on flat ground until you reach the small town of Ais. Then the path climbs up the hillside through olive groves to reach the plateau of Ain al-Beida. A short, steep descent leads you to the village of Ma'tan, perched on a cliff.

Day 4. From Ma'tan to Dana. 15,5 km. Difficult. Count on 5 hours of walking. A very steep descent leads you into the Ma'tan canyon. From there, the day is spent in uninterrupted ascent through roads and tracks for 4x4 and small trails difficult to find. You reach the Dana plateau and admire the canyon plunging down to the Wadi Araba.

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 Kérak
2024

JORDAN TRAIL : DE WADI ZARQA MA'IN A KERAK

Hiking

The Jordan Trail is a hiking trail that runs from north to south in Jordan, from Umm-Qais to Aqaba. The 672 kilometer trail is divided into 9 sections. It follows roads, marked paths, old caravan routes or Bedouin paths used for transhumance. The Jordan Trail is not marked and the presence of a guide is essential, especially for the desert sections. Appropriate equipment and good physical condition are required.

The Jordan Trail starts from Wadi Zarqa. You can be dropped off by a pick-up truck 1 km from the starting point. The 75 km hike will lead you to the splendid Kerak Castle, located on the Kings' Road. It crosses three canyons, including the splendid Wadi Mujib. Some portions are particularly difficult. Nights in camp.

Day 1: Wadi Zarqa to Wadi Hidan. 17,2 km. Difficult. Count on 6 hours of walking. The first half of the route follows the ridge lines uphill. You will enjoy some beautiful views of the Dead Sea and Palestine. You follow the road from Mukawir to Madaba for a few hundred meters, before descending to Wadi Hidan, an impressive gorge.

Day 2. From Wadi Hidan to Wadi Mujib. 14,9 km. Difficult. Count 7 hours of walking. This day is the most difficult. You climb for the first 6 km to reach a plateau that you cross following the ridge. You reach a lookout tower of the RSCN and embrace both the Hidan and Mujib canyons. You continue along the ridge line, heading northeast, and then take a shepherd's path down into Wadi Mujib. Be careful, some parts are extremely steep.

Day 3. From Wadi Mujib to Majdalein. 20.1 km. Difficult. Count 7 hours of walking. The climb up the other side of Wadi Mujib is long and difficult, with some very steep sections. From the top of the canyon and the plateau of Faq'a, the view is again impressive. You cross the plateau to the south, following parts of the old Roman road to Majdelein, on the edge of Wadi ibn Hammad.

Day 4. From Majdalein to Kerak. 22.8 km. Medium difficulty. Allow 8 hours of walking. The first 15 kilometers consist in crossing a plateau, on a false flat. Once in Rakin, the path descends steeply to reach Wadi Tawaheen with beautiful views of Kerak castle.

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 Ma'in Hot Springs
2024

JORDAN TRAIL : DE DANA A PETRA

Hiking

The Jordan Trail is a hiking trail that runs from north to south in Jordan, from Umm-Qais to Aqaba. The 672 kilometer trail is divided into 9 sections. It follows roads, marked paths, old caravan routes or Bedouin paths used for transhumance. The Jordan Trail is not marked and the presence of a guide is essential, especially for the desert sections. Appropriate equipment and a good physical condition are necessary.

The Jordan Trail, which leads from Dana Nature Reserve to the ancient Nabatean capital of Petra, is regularly included in the Top 10 most beautiful hikes in the world. Its 84.5 km cross splendid canyons, rub shoulders with majestic mountains and end up in the mysterious Petra, well hidden between the pink sandstone cliffs. Nights in bivouac or camp.

Day 1: From Dana to Wadi Malaga. 23,5 km. Medium difficulty. Count 6 to 8 hours of walking. On the way down to the Dana Valley, you will visit the oldest copper mines in the world. The Feynan Ecolodge is the last point where you can get drinking water. Remember to pay for your entrance to the Reserve before starting the day.

Day 2. Wadi Malaga to Ras al-Feid. 13.7 km. Difficult. Allow 5 to 7 hours of walking. You will walk along ancient donkey and camel trails and the old road from Bir al-Saba to Shobak used by pilgrims during the Crusades. The day ends at the edge of Wadi Feid, the last watering place before Little Petra.

Day 3. Ras al-Feid to Little Petra. 22.8 km. Difficult. Count 6 to 8 hours of walking. The progression on a stony and sandy ground is difficult, but you are rewarded with beautiful landscapes and a 360° view from Mount Safaha. Upon arrival in Beidha, you cross the narrow canyon of Little Petra with its Nabatean remains and can also visit the 10,000 year old Neolithic village of Beidha.

Day 4. Little Petra to Petra. 12.6 km. Medium difficulty. Count on 3 to 4 hours of walking. You will have taken care the evening before to go to the Petra Visitors' Center to get a ticket. You enter the ancient Nabatean capital through the Monastery, then descend into Wadi Musa to walk up the Main Trail and the Siq. The day may take longer if you wish to visit the Royal Tombs.

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 Dana
2024

WADI ZARQAA

Hiking

You can just relax in the hot springs, but it is also possible to explore the area on foot along hiking trails. The most spectacular (but not very easy) of these is to the Herod springs, below, on the shores of the Dead Sea, following the course of the Wadi Zarqaa for 8 kilometers and crossing some very impressive narrow gorges. It is highly recommended to take a guide for this trip. You can get more information at the Maeen Hot Springs Hotel or arrange your hike from Madaba.

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 Ma'in Hot Springs
2024

JORDAN TRAIL : DE AS-SALT À MA'IN

Hiking

The Jordan Trail is a hiking trail that runs from north to south in Jordan, from Umm-Qais to Aqaba. The 672 kilometer trail is divided into 9 sections. It follows roads, marked paths, old caravan routes or Bedouin paths used for transhumance. The Jordan Trail is not marked and the presence of a guide is essential, especially for the desert sections. Appropriate equipment and a good physical condition are necessary.

The Jordan Trail starts in the center of As-Salt and leads to the Dead Sea and the Wadi Zarqa Valley. The 94.4 kilometer hike is divided into 4 stages. From the Ottoman city, listed as a World Heritage Site, the route follows the green valley of Iraq al-Amir and then descends into the Jordan Valley. You will leave behind the fertile lands to reach the arid and stony mountains that border the Dead Sea. Overnight stays with local people or camping in the wilderness.

Day 1: As-Salt to Iraq al-Amir. 22.3 km. Difficult. Allow 7 hours of walking. From the center of the city, you follow the direction of the south and the valley. You follow country roads along agricultural properties and the rolling topography that characterizes this area. Upon reaching Iraq al-Amir, be sure to visit the 2nd century Ptolemaic castle.

Day 2. Iraq al-Amir to Husban. 19.5 km. Easy. Allow 5 to 6 hours of walking. As you leave the Wadi Al-Kafrein valley, you get beautiful views of the Jordan Valley and Palestine on your right. You cross the highway that leads from Amman to the Dead Sea and continue to the Husban camp.

Day 3. Husban to Oyoon al-Theeb. 19.8 km. Difficult. Allow 7 to 8 hours of walking. You take dirt roads to walk in the footsteps of Moses. The first part to the springs of Moses is easy, then you start the climb to Mount Nebo. You pass a group of ruined Byzantine churches. From km 10 on, the climb becomes difficult. You are rewarded with beautiful views of the Dead Sea.

Day 4. From Oyoon al-Thee to Wadi Zarqa Ma'in. 21.1 km. Difficult. Allow 7 hours of walking. You cross the Dead Sea plateau over rough terrain for two thirds of the way, then begin a strenuous climb to the road to Ma'in, before descending along the ancient Roman road into the canyon of Wadi Zarqa Ma'in.

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 As-Salt
2024

JORDAN TRAIL : DE UMM-QAIS A AJLOUN

Hiking

The Jordan Trail is a hiking trail that runs from north to south in Jordan, from Umm-Qais to Aqaba. The 672 kilometer trail is divided into 9 sections. It follows roads, marked paths, old caravan routes or Bedouin paths used for transhumance. The Jordan Trail is not marked and the presence of a guide is essential, especially for the desert sections. Appropriate equipment and a good physical condition are necessary.

The Jordan Trail starts in Umm-Qais, the ancient Roman city of Gadara, located at the crossroads of Syria and Israel. This 80 kilometer hike, divided into four stages, takes you through some of the greenest rural areas of the country. You will walk through olive groves and centuries-old oak forests, pass through ancient ruins, dip in hot springs and finish at the splendid Ajloun castle. Overnight stays are with local people or in hotels.

Day 1: Umm-Qais to Ziglab. 25.5 kilometers. Difficult. Allow 8 hours of walking. From the ancient ruins of Gadara you descend to the Wadi Arab dam and then climb for 6 kilometers to the fertile plateau of Zabda. You spend the night at the Jordan Ecopark, at the foot of the Sharhabeel reservoir.

Day 2. Ziglab to Beit Idis. 22.4 kilometers. Difficult. Allow 8 hours of walking. The route follows the Jordan Valley for a few kilometers before climbing into the green hills. On the way you pass a hot spring, the Greco-Roman ruins of Pella, a pine forest and overlook the beautiful valley of Wadi al-Jirim.

Day 3. From Beit Idis to Rasoun. 15.6 kilometers. Medium difficulty. Count on 4 to 6 hours of walking. You take the road to the east in the direction of Wadi Zubia which crosses a thick forest and see the Roman ruins of Qabla. A long and gentle climb through the forest will lead you to the heights of Rasoun.

Day 4. From Rasoun to Ajloun. 16,9 kilometers. Medium difficulty. Count between 4 and 5 hours of walking. From Rasoun, you cross the beautiful forest of Ajloun passing by the Byzantine church of Tell Mar Elias. The only difficulty of the day is a steep climb of 10% for 2 km. The hike ends at Ajloun castle, which you can visit. The accommodation was not great in Ajloun, so we recommend that you go directly to Irbid or Amman, unless you continue the hike (see Jordan Trail from Ajloun to As-Salt).

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 Umm Qais
2024

JORDAN TRAIL : D'AJLOUN A AS-SALT

Hiking

The Jordan Trail is a hiking trail that runs north to south in Jordan, from Umm-Qais to Aqaba. The 672-kilometer route is divided into nine sections. It follows roads, marked paths, old caravan routes or Bedouin paths used for transhumance. The Jordan Trail is not marked and the presence of a guide is essential, especially for the desert sections. Appropriate equipment and a good physical condition are necessary.

The Jordan Trail starts at Ajloun Castle, an Ayyubid fortress dating from the 12th century, which you will have taken the time to visit. This 62.4 kilometer hike, divided into four stages, reveals a part of Jordan unknown to tourists, between forests, fields and reservoirs. You will cross villages topped with minarets and bell towers, where Muslim and Christian communities live together in harmony. The hike ends in As-Salt, a city with preserved Ottoman architecture and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2021. Overnight stay in local homes or camping.

Day 1: Ajloun to Khirbet al-Souq. 16,2 km. Medium difficulty. Count 5 to 6 hours of walking. The day starts with a rather steep descent to the valley. You climb on the opposite side for 5 kilometers and follow country roads through abandoned villages and olive groves.

Day 2. Khirbet al-Souq to King Talal Dam. 16.2 km. Medium difficulty. Count on 5 to 6 hours of walking. The day starts with a 2 km climb in the Dibbin Forest Reserve to reach a magnificent viewpoint over the small village of Burma and the King Talal Dam. The rest of the hike is downhill on trails and small country roads.

Day 3. King Talal Dam to Rmeimeen. 16.2 km. Medium difficulty. Count 5 to 6 hours of walking. You leave the dam behind and climb to the top of a mountain with beautiful views of the surroundings. You walk along its ridge line before descending to the village of Rmeimeen, with its churches and mosques. On the way, you pass a waterfall and natural pools where you can refresh yourself.

Day 4. From Rmeimeen to As-Salt. 14,6 km. Difficult. Count 6 hours of walking. With the exception of the last kilometer, the day will be a constant climb, on small charming country roads.

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 Ajloun