Highlights
- Explore the ancient ruins of Petra in Jordan
- Wander the labyrinthine streets of Jerusalem's Old City in Israel
- Visit Bethlehem in the West Bank
- See where Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Jordan | Amman |
| Day 2 | Head to Petra | Amman |
| Day 3 | Explore Jerusalem's Old City | Jerusalem |
| Day 4 | Visit Bethlehem and the New City of Jerusalem | Amman |
| Day 5 | Depart from Amman |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Jordan
Welcome to Jordan! Today you’ll be exploring the capital of Amman. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, it’s one of the oldest cities in the world. On a visit, check out downtown Amman where Roman ruins, world-class museums, mosques, and lively cafés vie for attention.
Day 2: Explore Petra
Time to head south to the masterpiece that is the Nabatean city of Petra. Here you can see the beauty of the "Lost City" firsthand as you explore its many caves and tombs.
As you walk through the main entrance, the Siq, and stare up at the iconic Treasury, it'll soon become clear why this was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World — though at more than 11,000 years old, "modern" doesn't quite describe the age of these grand ruins. Squeeze in time to explore some more of Petra, including Qasr Al-Bint and the Royal Tombs, before heading back to Amman for dinner.
Day 3: Visit the Old City of Jerusalem in Israel
Time to cross the border into Israel! First stop, the Mount of Olives for amazing views of the city. Follow the traditional Palm Sunday route to the foot of the hill, where the Garden of Gethsemane is rich with ancient olive trees.
Next up, check out the Basilica of Agony (Church of all Nations) and visit the Tomb of the Virgin Mary before heading to the Old City of Jerusalem proper. Enter through Dung Gate to visit the Western Wall and see Haram Al-Sharif, also called the Temple Mount, in all its golden-domed glory. Visit Mount Zion and walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried before rising up again. Make your way through the lively bazaars around the Old City's Jaffa Gate before having dinner in the city.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Head to Bethlehem in the West Bank
Time to leave Jerusalem for the town of Bethlehem. On the way, stop at the controversial Separation Wall that divides the West Bank and Israel to learn about its history. Visit the Church of Nativity, which sits on the site where Jesus was born. Then explore Shepherd's Fields chapel in Beit Sahour before crossing the border back into Jerusalem.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the city. You could visit the famous Mahane Yehuda Market to purchase all the halva and hummus you can carry. There's also Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum) to visit, and if you have time, the Israel Museum where you can see the actual Dead Sea Scrolls. Then travel back to Amman in Jordan for a drink and a bite before turning in for the night.
Day 5: Departure
After an amazing trip to the Holy Land and Jordan, it's time to leave via Queen Alia International Airport just outside of Amman. Or you could tack on a few more days to your trip to explore some more of the Middle East. After all, the Dead Sea and deserts of Jordan are within easy reach!
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