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Explore Israel & Jordan
14 days, Jerusalem to Dead Sea
Itinerary Notes
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Itinerary
Day 1Jerusalem
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
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.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 2Jerusalem
Take a specially designed walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem with both Israeli and Palestinian guides trained by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah. This unique dual-narrative tour allows travellers a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural, religious, and political aspects of Israel. Visit key sites including the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, and the Al Aqsa Mosque. Continue to the Western Wall, then walk through the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This afternoon, visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Church of All Nations. Later, enjoy a discussion on the current state of affairs with a leading Israeli scholar.
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).
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Old Jerusalem Dual-Narrative Walking Tour
Take a specially designed walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem with two guides: one Israeli and one Palestinian, an experience exclusively designed by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah. This unique dual-narrative tour allows travellers a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural, religious and political aspects of Israel. Visit key sites including the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, and the Al Aqsa Mosque.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Lecture with Local Expert
Discuss the present-day situation with a local who specializes in conflict resolution. Sit down with this leading scholar to talk about the current state of affairs here, local interfaith issues and gain insight into both Israel and the Middle East.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Jerusalem
Take a sobering visit to Yad Vashem Memorial to learn about the Holocaust and its ramifications today. In the afternoon, visit the famed Israel Museum. View the Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in the Shrine of the Book and observe one of the greatest archaeological finds of the past century. After, opt to walk through the museum’s state of the art archeological exhibition on your own.
Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum) Visit
The Holocaust History Museum is home to state-of-the-art exhibits on this horrific tragedy. It also showcases original artifacts and survivor testimonies.
Israel Museum & Dead Sea Scrolls
Visit the famed Israel Museum and view the Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in the Shrine of the Book. Considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the past century, theses ancient manuscripts (dated at over 2000 years old) were discovered between 1947 and 1956 in 11 caves near Khirbet Qumran, on the shores of the Dead Sea. After, enjoy free time to walk through the museum’s state of the art archeological exhibition which showcases some of the most significant finds in the region.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy some time on your own.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Jerusalem
Enjoy a second exclusively designed dual-narrative tour of Bethlehem with Israeli and Palestinian guides. Visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. Walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp and then head to a local Palestinian family's home for a cooking class and lunch. Later, visit Herodion, a hill fortress built by Herod the Great.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Bethlehem Walking Tour
Enjoy a dual-narrative tour of Bethlehem with two guides: one Israeli and one Palestinian. This experience was exclusively designed by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah. Hearing personal stories and cross-cultural learning, visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, known as the birthplace of Jesus, and learn about the city’s shrinking Christian population. Also walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp, and learn how murals and graffiti have been used to depict the refugees’ struggles.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Palestinian Family Meal
Enjoy a midday break with a visit to a local Palestinian family's home. Experience a cultural immersion, learning about daily life in Bethlehem during a cooking class that focuses on traditional favourites. After, enjoy the results for lunch.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit Herodium Hill & Fortress
Visit Herodium and the ruins of a fortress, palace, and small town built by Herod the Great. Designated a National Park, Herod's tomb is thought to be located at this site.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Jerusalem/Tiberias
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. Next, visit Qumran, the site where a Bedouin shepherd found the Dead Sea scrolls. After that, it’s off to the Dead Sea, continuing along the Jordan Valley north to the Sea of Galilee, where we’ll stay in a kibbutz hotel for the next two nights
In the Galilee area we stay in a local resort-style hotel which is operated by a Kibbutz.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Masada Guided Tour
Take a tour of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site and stunning rock fortress that was the last stronghold of the Jewish in their war against the Romans. The story of the site reveals the courage of the defenders of Massada and their battle against the conquering Romans. Visit Herod’s palace, the mikveh, storerooms, watchtowers, and the synagogue.
Qumran caves
Visit the desert and caves of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered between 1947-1956. Of the 900 scrolls discovered here (to date), most were written on parchment and papyrus and the caves are thought to be an ancient library. Excavations continue and other important archaeological finds continue including an ancient settlement, ritual baths, a tower, pottery kilns and cemeteries.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Tiberias
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sea of Galilee area tour
Enjoy stunning sights this morning with a drive to the Mt. of Beatitudes with sweeping views of the Sea of Galilee. Visit the church that was built atop this hill, where Jesus is believed to have delivered his “Sermon on the Mount” speech. Next, tour the ruins of Capernaum, where Jesus lived and preached, and where many apostles, including Peter, made their home.
Nazareth Tour
Visit Nazareth, a city of religious importance and spirituality. Delve into its rich historic and biblical significance, but also admire its modern culture and Middle Eastern charm. Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Tiberias/Tel Aviv
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,
Caesarea Guided Tour
Visit the majestic Roman ruins of Caesarea. It was built as part of Herod the Great's ambitious plan to "Hellenise" the Holy Land in the 1st century BC. He chose the site of a small Phoenician port and built a classical Greek city. Herod also constructed an artificial harbour by making use of concrete piling underwater - the first ever such use of concrete.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Tel Aviv/Amman
Travel to the border and transfer to Amman, Jordan. Check into your hotel, meet your new CEO and spend the evening at leisure.
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.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Israel - Jordan)
The border crossing process takes about an hour on average. Please note that depending on security check process and traffic, the border crossing time can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Amman
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.
National Archaeological Museum & Citadel
Visit the museum for an overview on Jordan's history and ancient sites. Continue on to the Citadel archaeological site, best known for the Roman Temple of Hercules, but used by numerous civilizations dating back to the Bronze Age.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Jerash Guided Visit
Take a step back in time visiting Jerash, one of the most well-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy. Wander amid its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains, and city walls pierced by towers and gates – all in exceptional condition.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Amman/Wādī Mūsá
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.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Mt Nebo Visit
Visit Mount Nebo, a historic site believed by many to be the location of Moses' death and has thus been a centre for pilgrimage since the earliest Christian times. Reach to the summit (817m or 2,680 ft), and be rewarded with views of the stunning surrounding countryside and Israel in the distance.
Madaba Mosaics Guided Tour
Explore Madaba’s long history on this guided tour, including its role as the centre of early Christianity. See some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world, including the famous sixth-century mosaic map of the Middle East. Tour churches, the Archaeological Park, and the local museum that's housed in several old Madaba residences.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Petra Archaeologist Talk
Join an archaeologist for a talk about the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra, the ancient city that was half-built and half-carved into a sandstone landscape. Learn about the ongoing excavation taking place here, and get a better understanding of the site for when you explore it yourself.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Wādī Mūsá
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.
The site is large so please be prepared for a lot of walking over sand and rocks for the entire day. Pace yourself, stay hydrated and be sure to have proper walking/hiking shoes.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Petra Guided Tour
Journey to Petra to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. 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.
Explore in depth with your CEO and get a brief history of the city, one of the greatest attractions in the Middle East. The Nabateans carved this capital from the living rock of the surrounding mountains in Petra. Visit monuments that include the Pharaoh's Column, the triumphal arch, the amphitheatre, and the monastery.
Free Time
Continue to explore Petra on your own.
Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Demonstration with Dinner
Head to a restaurant for a cooking demonstration of some popular local dishes. Under a local chef's guidance, cook a full Jordanian dinner including soup, hot and cold mezza dishes (appetizers), and a main course. Enjoy eating the creations as a delicious dinner.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Petra by Night
17JOD per personEnjoy a magical night at Petra. Sit back in the candle lit Siq and treasury, and enjoy bedouin live music show.
Turkish Bath
30JOD per personYou've done some walking this tour, so take this opportunity to give your muscles some much needed attention. Enjoy this true hammam experience.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 12Petra/Wadi Rum
Continue to Wadi Rum in the heart of Jordan's desertscape. Enjoy lunch at our camp and an exciting 4x4 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.
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.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
4x4 Desert Trip
Head deep into the desert by 4x4 and enjoy the amazing natural beauty and unique landscape on this unforgettable drive. Along the way drive up red sand dunes, view stunning rock formations, and visit ancient sites to view rock art and inscriptions.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Wadi Rum Night Walk
There’s nothing quite like counting stars in the night sky from the desert below, away from the noise and light pollution of our modern world. Enjoy this experience while walking with a Bedouin who’s lived in this remote region his entire life.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 13Wadi Rum/Dead Sea
Enjoy a visit to the archaeological site of Bethany, thought to be the site where Jesus was baptized. Continue to the Dead Sea with the option to swim and use the natural sea salts and mud as your own personal spa.
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.
The Dead Sea is a resort area, with chain hotels whose sole purpose are to allow access to the Dead Sea. This allows time to relax, float in the sea or opt to visit a spa. Dinner is in the hotel, as there are no local restaurants within the resort area.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Relax under an umbrella next to one of the freshwater swimming pools or enjoy the other facilities at the resort hotel. Why not indulge in an optional massage or one of the other health and beauty therapies available?
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Visit the archaeological site of Bethany, thought to be the site of John the Baptist's settlement and where Jesus was baptized. Fairly recently rediscovered, the site is an important archaeological find, numerous sites are being uncovered including Roman and Byzantine Baptismal pools, ancient churches, and caves.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Camel Ride
14JOD per personEnjoy a camel ride with the bedouin in the desert of Wadi Rum.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
130JOD per personWatch the sun rise over the sprawling mountain ranges of the Wadi Rum desert.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 14Dead Sea
Depart at any time.
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 to relax and take advantage of the stunning natural surroundings.
Speak to your CEO about arranging your transfer to the Amman airport (approx. 1 hour away).
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.