Discover Jordan and Israel

Your adventure begins with your arrival into Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan’s capital of Amman. You’ll be welcomed and assisted with your visas before taking private transfer to your hotel in the city which offers a mix of ancient and modern. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and explore on your own. Wander through the downtown area to discover Roman influences, temple ruins and a Citadel. In the tendy Jabal Amman neighbourhood nearby you can enjoy a bohemian atmosphere along with many restaurants, cafes, eclectic shops and galleries.

Begin your guided explorations with a private tour of ancient Jerash, a ruined city that was established in the 2^nd-century BC. Jordan’s largest and most well-preserved Roman site, you’ll discover magnificent temples, colonnaded avenues, theatres and towering gates. It covers a vast area, with the North and South gates, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and the forum a few of the highlights. Return to your hotel and then meet your local guide for a private tasting tour in the afternoon, enjoy samples at enticing cafes, bustling markets, and food stalls. The food preview will help you decide what to order for dinner this evening.

An exciting and scenic drive brings you to Petra today, but you’ll enjoy a number of stops along the way. Your private driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel this morning, with your first stop Madaba, home to 19^th-century St. George Church which is renowned for its Christian mosaics, including a floor that depicts the a 560 AD map of Palestine, the oldest in existence. Continue to Mt. Nebo, to take in the view from the very place where Moses is believed to have seen the Promised Land. You’ll visit crusader castles, including 12^th-century Kerak Castle before being delivered to your Petra hotel.

One of the highlights of your itinerary, today you’ll discover the ancient ‘Lost City’ of Petra on a private tour with a local guide. You’ll enter through the narrow Siq, winding along the path between towering rock walls until the timeless beauty of the city is suddenly revealed. Your first glimpse is of the Treasury, one of the most elaborate of the temples that are carved right into the rock face. Be sure to make the 800+ step climb to Petra’s largest monument as it’s well-well the effort and at the top is a bar where you can relax with a drink.

There’s so much to see at Petra, enjoy a full day of discovery on your own. By arriving early, you can walk through the Siq without the crowds. Some of the other sites to explore include the Royal Tombs, a series of large mausoleums with magnificent facades rising majestically above Petra’s center. Or hike the High Place of Sacrifice, one of Petra’s highest yet easily accessible points, perched upon cliffs plunging nearly 558 feet to Wadu Musa below, bringing awe-inspiring views of the Treasury. Come back at night to see the Treasury in the dark, with hundreds of candles illuminated to light your way.

Saying farewell to Petra, it’s time to travel to the Dead Sea where you’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing. This “sea” is actually a lake, but it contains 10 times more saline than seawater, causing humans to float like corks. It’s also known for its high mineral content with elements like magnesium that are said to be therapeutic. You can even cover yourself up with the mud along the banks like a natural mask. Let it dry and then rinse of in the sea to uncover super soft, glowing skin. There are spas that offer rejuvenating treatments using the sea’s ingredients too.

Today you’ll travel with your private driver/guide from your hotel to Jerusalem. Before making the border crossing at Allenby Bridge, a stop will be made at The Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ, an archaeological World Heritage Site on the east bank of the Jordan River where Jesus is believed to have been baptized. Continue to Jerusalem where you’ll check into your hotel, taking time to refresh and get ready for a busy few days ahead.  After some time for relaxation, you may wish to head in to the city for a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

Your day begins with an unforgettable private guided tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, which Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all consider to be a Holy City. You’ll visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter which contains two of the holiest sites in Christianity, the site where Jesus was crucified and the empty tomb where he was buried and resurrected. You’ll see the sacred Western Wall, the holiest place where Jews are permitted to pray, before crossing over to the West Bank to reach Bethlehem for a tour of Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity.

Enjoy the day at your leisure to rest and relax or explore some of the sites outside of Jerusalem’s Old City like the Israel Museum. While its famous for the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest biblical manuscripts in the world, there’s much more to see here. It includes more than 5,000 years of regional artifacts with 500,000 objects and a grand display of Jewish Art and Life as well as a sculpture garden. The 7^th-century B.C. Silver Amulets are 400 years older than the Dead Sea Scrolls, tucked in a corner of the archaeological wing, and are not to be missed.

After breakfast this morning, check out of your Jerusalem hotel and take private transfer to Tel Aviv where you’ll spend your last two nights. This buzzing metropolis lies on the Mediterranean coast, home to thousands of 1930s Bauhaus buildings, clustered in the White City architectural area. While it’s a small city, it’s jam-packed with things to do. Take a stroll along the promenade to enjoy easy access to a beautiful beach framed with turquoise water and lined with countless outdoor cafes. Find an enticing spot for a meal and a sunset view, this is the best place to watch the sun go down.

This morning you’ll get to know the heart of Tel Aviv on a private guided walking tour. You’ll explore highlights like museums, such as the Eretz Israel Museum which covers the country’s folklore, crafts and archaeology while feature an on-site excavation of 12^th-century BC ruins. The Beit Hatfutsot features multimedia exhibits illustrating the history for Jewish communities across the globe. Discover elegant boutiques, flea markets and more. Afterward you might want to wander through the oldest neighbourhood in Tel Aviv, Neve Tzedek, a trendy hub home to the Suzan Dallal Art Center and other cultural institutions, clothing stores and ice cream shops.

After 12 nights exploring Jordan and Israel, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Check out of your hotel and meet your private driver for one last transfer, this time to Tel Aviv’s airport to catch your flight home.