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Israel and Jordan Uncovered
15 days, Jerusalem to Amman
Itinerary
Day 1Jerusalem
Arrive at any time. Your arrival transfer is included.
It’s highly recommended to book a pre-night in Jerusalem to recover from any jet lag you may experience. It’s also a good time to relax as the trip is quite face paced with very little room for free time.
It’s also important to remember that the hospitality expectation can differ greatly from what you may be 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.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 2Jerusalem
Today starts off with a walking tour of Jerusalem’s Old City. This area of the city is where sacred sites are located that happen to be important to three of the world’s largest faiths. The group will visit the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque when at the Temple Mount. Afterwards, walk through the Jewish Quarter to the Hurva Synagogue. Follow the Way of the Cross, which is believed to be the route Jesus took on his way to crucifixion. Later in the afternoon the group will climb up the Mount of Olives where they can enjoy views of the city below. In the evening take part in a discussion with a local scholar to learn about daily life in this country and the hardships that may come with it.
The included lectures serve to give context to the various viewpoints and cultural differences within Israel. Try to keep an open mind and see these discussions as learning experiences in which you can begin to understand how just about everything in Israel is either directly or indirectly related to different Political and Spiritual opinions.
During certain times of year, especially any festivals/holidays, the old city may be very crowded with both visitors and pilgrims.
While the group does take a trip to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, there isn’t often time to also visit the “Tomb of Christ”, because of very long lines. If you desire to spend more time in this Church and wish to see the Tomb, we advise trying to do this on your own during free time. The Church is open in the evenings as well.
Jerusalem Lecture with Local Expert
Sit down with a local Jerusalem scholar and business owner for a discussion on what daily life is like from the perspective of a Palestinian resident. Gain insight into life in this hotly contested city discussing aspects of religious, political and cultural differences. Also discuss the varying opinions within the city and community on what a peaceful resolution looks like and hopes for what the future can hold.
Old Jerusalem Walking Tour
Take a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem with your CEO and gain 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, the western wall and Hurva Synagogue. Also walk the Stations of the Via Dolorosa, ending at the Holy Sepulchre Church.
Mount of Olives Viewpoint
Named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes, the Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge just east of Jerusalem's Old City, separating it from the Judean Desert. Enjoy sweeping views of Jerusalem and enjoy this prominent site which is referenced in Holy Scriptures.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Jerusalem
First thing in the morning the group will head to Israel’s memorial to the Holocaust called, Yad Vashem. Afterwards, it’s on to see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum. Choose to meander through the exhibition on your own and in the evening embark on a walking tour to the vibrant Mahane Yehuda Market with an Israeli chef. During the walk you’ll learn about the staple ingredients in Israeli cuisine before partaking in a lesson in kosher cooking.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Mahane Yehuda Market Walk & Kosher Cooking Class
As one of the culinary hotspots in Israel, the bustling Mahane Yehuda Market (often referred to as "The Shuk"), is a vibrant local market full of sights, sounds, colours and flavours of the Middle East. Led by a local Israeli Chef, the group will explore this popular spot home to Jerusalem's largest market; it features fruits, vegetables, spices, sweets, specialty food stalls and numerous spots for food and drink. Wander through the maze of laneways, with our expert who ensures we taste and sample some local treats and learn about key ingredients in Jewish cuisine. After, continue to a local Kosher Restaurant where our Chef will instruct us in the finer points of kosher cooking. At the end of a busy day, we enjoy a dinner of our creations.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Jerusalem
It’s all about Bethlehem today. This ancient town is located in the hills of the West Bank. First, the group will visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, supposedly, where Jesus is said to have been born. Then, take a walk through a Palestinian refugee camp close by before continuing on to a local women’s collective to support refugee women. Here, watch and learn how Palestinian dishes are prepared in the shared camp kitchen before digging in to the delicious meal with these women who will tell you stories of their experiences and lives as refugees.
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).
Bethlehem Tour
Explore ancient Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and King David; the city is an important site to all three major religions of Israel: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Grotto and Shepard’s field. Continue for a walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp neighbourhood.
Palestinian Women's Project Local Lunch
Visit the Noor Women's Empowerment group, a grassroots project created by and for refugee women who have children with disabilities and/or are the sole family provider. These engaging women are all experienced home cooks who will teach us how to prepare traditional Palestinian dishes in their shared kitchen in the Aida Refugee camp. After the demonstration, we will eat together and learn about our host’s families and life in a refugee camp.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Jerusalem/Tiberias
Enjoy a guided visit this morning to Masada, King Herod’s 2,000-year-old mountaintop fortress and also a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander the remains of palaces and bathhouses before going to the Dead Sea where you’ll have the opportunity to try floating in its known waters. Then, travel north to the Sea of Galilee and visit a kibbutz, which is an Israeli communal settlement. While here learn all about the movement's origins.
In the Galilee area we stay in a local resort-style hotel which is operated by a Kibbutz.
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.
Dead Sea Visit (Israel)
The Dead Sea is actually a lake, without any from of life whatsoever in its waters, hence its name. The water is so dense that it is practically impossible to sink and its five to ten times as salty as regular sea water. While swimming, cover yourself with the sea's mud, which is reputed to have special healing powers, and don't forget to take a photo of yourself reading a book while floating! You will notice that the salt penetrates any cuts on your body and has an unusual smell, but there are showers to wash off under after swimming.
Kibbutz Experience
Enjoy an introduction to the Kibbutz movement history which started about 100 years ago around the Sea Of Galille. Discuss the difference between the the "Original" movement to the Kibbutz of today. Learn about the Kibbutz structure including the use of shared public buildings and areas including; dining room, children's houses, laundry station, as well as the agricultural areas.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Tiberias
Experience the place where it’s thought that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount at the top of the Mount of Beatitudes. See the incredible views of the Sea of Galilee and visit the church that commemorates the event. Then, onwards to the ruins of Capernaum to learn perspectives of Israeli Arabs before continuing on to Nazareth. Here, enjoy a quick visit to the Basilica of the Annunciation, which also happens to be one of the largest churches in the entire Middle East. Later, the group will be treated to a private tasting and tour of a local winery.
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.
Galilee Winery tour and tasting
Visit a local winery in the lush farmlands near the Sea of Galilee and learn about the process, production, and the growing popularity of Israeli wine. With an expert we will embark on a guided tour of the wine production process, visit the oak barrel cellar and then indulge our taste buds with an enhanced tasting session, featuring a wide variety of high-quality wines. The tasting takes place in a private room with our wine expert explaining each selection and will be accompanied by a variety of boutique Golan Heights cheeses.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 7Tiberias/Tel Aviv
Along the way to the beautiful Mediterranean, stop at the coastal city of Haifa before continuing south to Caesarea Maritima for some exploring of the ruins of this harbour city. Then, finish the day in Tel Aviv where you can enjoy the group’s last night in Israel.
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
Today the group will head to the border and transfer to Amman, Jordan. Once there check into your hotel, meet your new CEO, and spend the evening as you wish.
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.
It is 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.
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Amman
Journey to Jerash, which is home to one of the world’s largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins. After exploring the ruins, take part in a cooking class at a G Adventures–supported café run by local women and indulge in a traditional lunch. Travel back to Amman and visit the Jordan Archaeological Museum and the ruins of the Citadel.
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.
Your G for Good Moment: Beit Khayrat Souf women-run cafe
Part of the G Adventures for Good program, Beit Khayrat Souf is a women-run cafe with the purpose of training and employing women to gain their own financial independence. Women manage the cafe and lead cooking classes on site. They engage more women outside the organization by sourcing and making preserves sold at the cafe.
Women's Cooking Class & lunch
As part of our G Adventures for Good program, prepare your own traditional Jordanian meal with a lively group of women at Beit Khayrat Souf. This café is run and managed by women seeking financial independence. Here, women help prepare food along with leading cooking classes on-site. The café also sources and makes preserves which are served and sold at the café, helping to engage even more women living in the charming hills of Souf.
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 10Amman/Wādī Mūsá
Head east towards Petra along the King’s Highway. Take in views of the Dead Sea from the summit of Mount Nebo. Arrive in Wadi Musa and listen to an archaeologist talk about the magnificent sandstone city of 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.
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
Get started early this morning and enjoy a guided walking tour of the jaw-dropping ruins of legendary Petra. Take some time to wander through the sandstone city on your own marvelling at the majesty of this special place. In the evening choose to see Petra in the glow of thousands of candles as you witness a Bedouin music performance.
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.
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.
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:
BreakfastDay 12Petra/Wadi Rum
Travel to Wadi Rum in the morning and then enjoy lunch at our desert camp before setting out on a 4x4 excursion into the desert. Pick the perfect spot to watch the sunset and then return to camp for a typical Bedouin feast. Then admire the beautiful night skies on a desert night walk with a Bedouin guide.
Upon finishing breakfast the group will transfer to Wadi Rum to spend the night in a simple, but comfortable desert camp. This camp will provide insight into the traditional Bedouin way of life. The tents have ensuite facilities and are outfitted with sheets, pillows, a raised bed, towels, electricity, and thick blankets to protect against the desert cold. It’s truly a 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.
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
Spend the morning travelling to the Dead Sea, stopping along the way for lunch at a G Adventures–supported community café. Once at our hotel, take some time to relax beside the pool or soak in the mineral-rich waters of the lake.
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.
Note: Due to major road works in the area, access to Numeira Cafe can be limited and sometimes inaccessible. if we are unable to visit during your departure, your CEO will advise, and take the group to a different area for the included lunch.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Dead Sea Visit
Discover the legendary healing qualities of the Dead Sea, famous for its unique mineral makeup and salinity. Spot salt chunks drifting by like icebergs on the water’s surface. Take a dip yourself and float like a buoy or cover yourself in the mud along the shore, believed to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. There are showers nearby to wash off after.
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?
Your G for Good Moment: Numeira Community Cafe Lunch
Stop for lunch at Numeira Environmental Cafe to enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal. Take a tour of the grounds and learn about how this small nonprofit is working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. "
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 14Dead Sea/Amman
Visit the archaeological remains of Bethany today and explore the churches and caves of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel back to Amman and enjoy an optional farewell dinner as a group.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Amman
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 if you want more time to explore the city.
Speak to your CEO about arranging your transfer to the airport (additional cost).
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.