Explore Israel & Jordan
15 days
from Jerusalem to Amman
From
$ 4499
Duration15 days
Step into the ancient world of the Middle East on a two-week journey that combines the highlights of Israel and Jordan. Discover life in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, learn about the differences in Middle Eastern cuisine, explore the Roman ruins of Jerash, ride through the desert on a 4x4, and venture into the awesome and ancient city of Petra. Connect with the past while glimpsing contemporary life in this incredible region.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Upgraded
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Starts in: JerusalemPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: AmmanAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Jerusalem
We highly recommend booking a pre-night in Jerusalem to recover from jet lag and relax as this is a fast paced trip with little free time.
Its important to remember that hospitality expectations can vary greatly from what you are used to in your home Country. The point of travel is to open yourself up to cultural differences and new experiences; practice patience and keep an open mind.
Its important to remember that hospitality expectations can vary greatly from what you are used to in your home Country. The point of travel is to open yourself up to cultural differences and new experiences; practice patience and keep an open mind.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Day 2: Jerusalem
Lectures are included to provide context to different viewpoints and the wide range of cultural differences within Israel. As everything in Israel relates directly or indirectly to vastly different Political and Spiritual opinions, its important to keep an open mind and see these interactions as learning experiences.
Take a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, visiting key sites including the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, and the Al Aqsa Mosque. Continue to the Western Wall, visit Hurva Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter then walk through the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This afternoon, visit the Mount of Olives for stunning views of Jerusalem. Later, enjoy a discussion with a local scholar on conflict and local interfaith issues.
Depending on the time of year and festivals/holidays, the old city can be very crowded with visitors and pilgrims.
While we do visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, we often do not have time to visit the "Tomb of Christ", due to long lineups. Should you wish to spend more time in the Church and visit the Tomb, we recommend doing this on your own in your free time (the church is open in the evenings).
While we do visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, we often do not have time to visit the "Tomb of Christ", due to long lineups. Should you wish to spend more time in the Church and visit the Tomb, we recommend doing this on your own in your free time (the church is open in the evenings).
Meals: B
Day 3: Jerusalem
This morning, visit the Yad Vashem Memorial to learn about the Holocaust and its ramifications. Continue to the famed Israel Museum to view the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the greatest archaeological finds of the past century. After, opt to walk through the museum’s state-of-the-art archaeological exhibition on your own. This evening, join a local Israeli chef on a walking tour of Mahane Yehuda Market, followed by a private cooking class.
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Jerusalem
Spend the day in Bethlehem, beginning with a visit to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. Walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp then head to a local women's project for a demonstration of Palestinian cooking and a local lunch. Visit the accredited Bethlehem Bible College for a lecture on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the Palestinian Christian perspective.
Depending on the time of year and festivals/holidays, Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity can be very crowded with visitors and pilgrims. Access to the grotto is not guaranteed, it is often very crowded with long lines and is closed on some days (without notice).
Meals: B, L
Day 5: Jerusalem/Tiberias
In the Galilee area we stay in a local resort-style hotel which is operated by a Kibbutz.
Start the day with a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Masada with stops at Herod’s Palace, the Bathhouse, and the Synagogue. After that, it’s off for a visit to the Dead Sea before continuing along the Jordan Valley north to the Sea of Galilee. Also enjoy a visit to a local Kibbutz community.
Meals: B, D
Day 6: Tiberias
Start place: Tiberias
Visit the Mt. of Beatitudes, for gorgeous views of the Sea of Galilee and visit the church that was built atop this hill, where Jesus is believed to have delivered his “Sermon on the Mount” speech. Continue to the ruins of Capernaum, where Jesus lived and preached, and where many apostles, including Peter, made their home. Learn about the lives of Israeli Arabs on the way to Nazareth, where we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East.
End place: Tiberias
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Tiberias/Tel Aviv
Start place: Tiberias
Continue to the Mediterranean, visiting the coastal city of Haifa and then south to Caesarea Maritima to see the ruins of Herod’s harbour city. After, continue toward Jaffa, an ancient port city dating back to the Bronze Age. Continue on to the bustling city of Tel Aviv for our last evening.
After a very busy trip, should you wish to enjoy some relaxation and leisure time, we do recommend booking post nights in Tel Aviv,
End place: Tel Aviv
Meals: B
Day 8: Tel Aviv/Amman
Start place: Tel Aviv
You will have one CEO in Israel and one in Jordan. In this case you will be transferred to the border and cross over unescorted to Jordan – either on your own or with any other travellers who are continuing on for the Jordan portion of the tour. You will be met on the Jordanian side of the border and transferred to Amman, where there is free time to relax until the welcome meeting with your new CEO in the evening. See the "Detailed Trip Notes" section of the Tour Details page for helpful instructions on crossing the Israeli-Jordanian border.
Transfer to the border and cross over into Jordan. Transfer to Amman and meet your new CEO.
Please remember that Israel and Jordan are very different Countries, in terms of culture, daily way of life and infrastructure. The best part of travel is gaining insight into these difference and keeping an open mind.
Its important to note that transport vehicles in Israel are usually much more modern than in Jordan.
Its important to note that transport vehicles in Israel are usually much more modern than in Jordan.
End place: Amman
Meals: B
Day 9: Amman
Start place: Amman
Take an orientation drive through Amman and visit the National Museum and archaeological site of the Citadel. Continue on to visit Jerash, one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy.
End place: Amman
Meals: B
Day 10: Amman/Wādī Mūsá
Start place: Amman
Depart early today for the long but very interesting drive by way of the King's Highway to Petra. The first stop is Mount Nebo, which is believed by many to be the site of Moses' death and has thus been a centre for pilgrimage since the earliest Christian times.
Visit the town of Madaba, which has some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world. Arrive in the early evening at Wadi Musa, our base for exploring Petra.
Visit the town of Madaba, which has some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world. Arrive in the early evening at Wadi Musa, our base for exploring Petra.
Visit the ancient town of Madaba, famous for its mosaics and churches. Continue to Mt Nebo where we are rewarded with stunning views from the summit. In the evening, enjoy a lecture with a local archaeologist to discuss the importance of Petra, and ongoing excavations at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meals: B
Day 11: Wādī Mūsá
Wind your way through the Siq, a narrow, 1km-long (.6 mi) gorge flanked by soaring 80m-high (262 ft) sandstone walls. Take in the astounding colours and patterns of the rock, and, at the end of this passage, catch your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh, the famed treasury of Petra. Spend the morning exploring this famed site with your guide. The guide will give a brief history of the city, which the Nabateans carved from the living rock of the surrounding mountains. The site is large so please be prepared for a lot of walking over sand and rocks. Pace yourself, stay hydrated and be sure to have proper walking/hiking shoes.
Rise early to visit iconic Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a guided walking tour with your expert CEO, after opt to hike up for magnificent views from the top of the treasury or enjoy free time to explore the site on your own. In the evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner of local specialties.
Meals: B, D
Day 12: Petra/Wadi Rum
After breakfast, drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. Spend the night in a simple, but comfortable desert camp; The authentic goat-wool tent provides a glimpse into traditional Bedouin living. Each tent has ensuite and is outfitted with sheets, pillows, a raised bed, towels, electricity and thick covers against the desert cold. While the accommodation is simple, it is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience.
Continue to Wadi Rum in the heart of Jordan's desertscape. Enjoy lunch at our camp and an exciting 4x4 desert excursion into the desert where we pick the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Return to camp for a traditional Bedouin feast and after take a walk in the desert admiring the night sky with a local Bedouin guide.
November – February: The desert can get very cold after the sun sets and it can be cool during the days. If you are visiting during the winter months you should pack warm comfortable clothing for daytime and especially the evenings (a jacket, hat, gloves and warm pajamas).
September/October & March/April: evenings can still get chilly so you should bring something warm to wear. Daytime is usually warm and comfortable but you can bring a sweater or jacket just in case.
May – August: the weather is very hot during the day and the evenings are usually comfortable and warm. For dinner enjoy a traditional Bedouin dish called Zaarb. This dish is chicken, potatoes, onions and zucchini cooked in an oven/barbeque in the ground under the sand (vegetarian option of rice with potatoes and vegetables also available). Dinners also inc
September/October & March/April: evenings can still get chilly so you should bring something warm to wear. Daytime is usually warm and comfortable but you can bring a sweater or jacket just in case.
May – August: the weather is very hot during the day and the evenings are usually comfortable and warm. For dinner enjoy a traditional Bedouin dish called Zaarb. This dish is chicken, potatoes, onions and zucchini cooked in an oven/barbeque in the ground under the sand (vegetarian option of rice with potatoes and vegetables also available). Dinners also inc
End place: Wadi Rum
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Wadi Rum/Dead Sea
Start place: Wadi Rum
At 423m (1,388 ft) below sea level, the shores of the Dead Sea are at the lowest land elevation on Earth. The sea is named because its salinity is so high (up to nine times that of the world’s oceans) that only a few microorganisms can live in its waters.
Opt to take an early morning camel trek or hot air balloon ride over the desert. Later, continue to the famed Dead Sea. Upon arrival opt to swim and use the natural sea salts and mud as your own personal spa.
End place: Dead Sea
Meals: B, D
Day 14: Dead Sea/Amman
Start place: Dead Sea
Enjoy a visit to the archaeological site of Bethany, thought to be the site where Jesus was baptized. Continue back to Amman and opt to join the CEO for a farewell dinner.
End place: Amman
Meals: B
Day 15: Amman
Start place: Amman
Check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. We also encourage you to book a few additional nights if you want more time to explore the city.
Depart at any time.
Speak to your CEO about arranging your transfer to the airport (additional cost).
End place: Amman
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Jerusalem Lecture with Local Expert, Jerusalem Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Mahane Yehuda Market Walk & Kosher Cooking Class, Jerusalem Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Palestinian Women's Project Local Lunch, Bethlehem Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Lecture on Palestinien Christians in Israel, Bethlehem Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Galilee Winery tour and tasting, Galilee Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Women's Cooking Class & lunch, Jerash Governorate Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Petra Archaeologist Talk, Wādī Mūsá Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Wadi Rum Night Walk, Wadi Rum Your G for Good Moment: Beit Khayrat Souf women-run cafe, Jerash Governorate Your G for Good Moment: Numeira Community Cafe Lunch, Jordan Valley
- Arrival transfer
- Entrance to Yad Vashem (the Holocaust memorial)
- Visit the Israel Museum and view the Dead Sea Scrolls
- Visit old Jerusalem and Bethlehem
- Visit Masada
- Explore the Sea of Galilee area including Capernaum and Nazareth
- Tour Caesarea Maritima
- Visit to the Citadel and the National Archaeological Museum
- Guided visit to Jerash
- Tour the Madaba mosaics
- Visit Mt Nebo
- Petra guided tour
- Wadi Rum desert 4x4 jeep excursion
- Guided visit to Bethany
- Visit both sides of the Dead Sea
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private van/bus, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (13 nts), Desert camp (1 nt)