Discover Israel & Jordan: Cities, Deserts & Coasts - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tel Aviv & City Tour, Transfer to Jerusalem

Welcome to Tel Aviv! Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you'll be met by your driver and hit the ground running with a half-day tour city tour. Discover the highlights of Tel Aviv, from the Bauhaus and Art Deco buildings of Rabin Square to the historic neighborhood of Neve Tzedek. Take some time at the Diaspora Museum to journey through the history of the Jewish people, then head to the ancient port of Jaffa and its eclectic artists' colonies. After a stroll along Sheinkin, a lively and colorful street specially known for its independent shops and cafés, your driver will take you an hour southeast to the holy city of Jerusalem and your base for the next three nights.

Day 2: Discover the Mount of Olives

This morning's tour starts with breathtaking views across Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a high ridge east of the city. Here you can visit the Church of Ascension and pass Pater Noster Church before proceeding down to the Garden of Gethsemane, home to 2,000-year-old olive trees that date back to the time of Christ. It's also the site of the Basilica of the Agony and Tomb of Saint Mary, a dimly-lit, below-ground church where a Christian tradition says the mother of Jesus was buried.

 

The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to relax back at your hotel or explore on your own. 

Day 3: Tour Jerusalem's Old City

Immerse yourself in the ancient Old City of Jerusalem today, starting with a walk along the Via Dolorosa—a winding route thought to be the path Jesus walked on his way to his crucifixion. Along the way, you'll stop to explore the Christian and Muslim Quarters with visits to the Pool of Bethesda, the Monastery of the Flagellation, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Continue to the Jewish Quarter to explore the Cardo, an ancient colonnaded street dating back to the Roman Empire, then make your way to the Wailing Wall to see the golden domes of Temple Mount—venerated as a holy site in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity alike. 

Continuing to Mount Zion, you'll explore the ancient building of King David's Tomb and visit the Cenacle (an upper room said to host the Last Supper), then pay a visit to the striking church of Saint Peter at Galicantu. 

Day 4:  Transfer to Amman via Bethlehem & Jericho

This morning starts with a visit to nearby Bethlehem to see the Church of Nativity. Also known as the Grotto, this mosaic-lined basilica was built to commemorate what is widely believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. After exploring the chapel of Shepherd's Fields in Beit Sahour, you can stretch your legs with a stroll through religious ruins from the early days of Christiandom before getting back on the road and heading east into the Judean Desert.
 
Along the way, you'll pass by the Good Samaritan Inn (Khan al-Hatruri) before making a short stop at sea level to enjoy panoramic views of the vast, arid landscape. Continue to Jericho, one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world, where you can see the biblical site of Zacchaeus' sycamore tree and the Mount of Temptation, said to be the hill where the devil tempted Jesus Christ.
 
After a visit to the archaeological site of Tel Jericho—where remains of 25 ancient cities have been uncovered— it's time to say goodbye to Israel for now as you continue to the Allenby Bridge and cross into Jordan. Upon arrival at the border, a shuttle bus will take you across to customs and immigration, where your guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Amman. The nation's largest city, Amman has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and is full of cultural and historic highlights. 

Day 5: Transfer to Petra via Madaba, Mount Nebo, Bethany & the Dead Sea

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll check out and meet your driver for today's journey south. Stop in Madaba to check out its intricate Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, including the spectacular Madaba Map, the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Land. Nearby, the Madaba Archaeological Park preserves the mosaic-rich Church of the Virgin Mary and artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras.

Continue your journey to Mount Nebo, an elevated ridge of the Abarim range said to be where Moses took in the view of the Promised Land. Follow in his footsteps and look out at the Dead Sea and beyond, before eventually making your way to the Memorial Church of Moses, a modern structure that now houses excavated relics from the region.

Then it's on to Bethany, the site where John the Baptist is said to have baptized Jesus Christ on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. Located in a wadi kharrar, or reeded valley, several centuries-old churches and manmade pools have recently been discovered and are worth exploring.  

After a stop at the shores of the Dead Sea—where you can spend some time floating in the salty waters, enjoying a full-body mud treatment, or relaxing in the sun—you'll continue south to Petra and get settled into your hotel for the evening. 

Day 6: Explore the Sandstone City of Petra

Today you'll explore Jordan's beloved archeological treasure: the lost city of Petra. Known as the "Rose City" for the area's distinctive red sandstone, it's easy to see why Petra was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Its intricate architectural design is hundreds of years old, and remarkably well maintained. You can opt for a full-day private tour, or arrange for a two-hour tour with the rest of the day free to explore the canyons and temples at your own pace. 

Enter through the Siq, a dramatically narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs, and spend your day wandering at your leisure through Petra's seemingly endless temples, tombs, and colonnaded streets. Navigate the impressive water conduit system of the historic Nabataean city, paying a visit to Qasr al-Bint, a grand temple that was once the population's primary place of worship. 

If you're feeling adventurous, climb your way up the 800 steps to the Monastery, Petra's largest and lesser-visited monument. For a stunning view overlooking the Treasury and jagged mountains beyond, hike the steep stone-carved staircase to the top of Jabal al-Khubtha.

After a full day of exploring, return to your hotel to rest up and cool down before dinner. If your visit falls on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you can head out again after dark to experience an unforgettable Petra by Night tour. Stroll through canyons lined with thousands of candles to reach the illuminated Treasury, where live Arabic music sets the scene and a welcoming cup of tea awaits. 

Day 7: Free Morning in Petra, Transfer to Wadi Rum

After breakfast, your morning is free to discover more of Petra at your own pace, visiting any hidden corners and highlights that you may have missed. You can opt for another tour or even arrange for a guided hike along the back trail to Petra, starting from Beida and ending with dramatic views over the Monastery.

In the afternoon, your driver will take you south into the wilderness of Wadi Rum, an expanse of desert dubbed the "Valley of the Moon" by Lawrence of Arabia. Along the two-hour drive, you'll pass through red valleys, rock canyons, and dunes to reach a Bedouin-style camp, where you'll enjoy a traditional meal and spend the night sleeping under the stars.

Day 8: Wadi Rum Jeep Excursion, Transfer to the Dead Sea

Early risers can start this morning with a breathtaking sunrise over the desert. After breakfast, you'll set out in a sturdy Jeep for an off-road excursion that takes you deeper into the UNESCO-protected Wadi Rum. Travel through valleys, rock canyons, dunes, and deserts, stopping to check out rock inscriptions and petroglyphs as well as majestic views. Spend a little time at each stop to hike and scramble and explore at your own pace. Along the way, you'll visit desert oases, see 2,000-year-old Kufic rock art, and learn about the history of the area and the local Bedouin culture. 

 

In the afternoon, your driver will pick you up for the 4.5-hour drive north, returning to the shores of the Dead Sea. One of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world, this landlocked lake is the lowest point on earth and the world's richest source of natural salts, hiding wonderful treasures that accumulated throughout thousands of years

After a scenic drive through a landscape of otherworldly, arid hills, you'll reach your hotel, where you can spend your final day in Jordan at your leisure.

Day 9: Transfer to Tiberias via Cana & Nazareth

After a final dip in the Dead Sea this morning, you'll bid Jordan farewell and meet your driver after breakfast for the 20-minute drive to the Allenby Bridge. Upon arrival at the border, a shuttle bus will take you across to customs and immigration, where your guide and driver will be waiting to welcome you back to Israel.
 
Your first stop is the idyllic village of Cana, where you'll visit the Church of the Wedding Miracle where Jesus was said to turn water into wine. Proceed to the biblical city of Nazareth to see the towering Basilica of Annunciation, then take a short walk to the sites of Joseph's carpentry workshop and the well of Mary. Continue to the shores of the Sea of Galilee and the historic city of Tiberias, where you'll get settled into your hotel for the night.  

Day 10: Transfer to Tel Aviv via Haifa, Caesarea & Acre

Explore the beauty and diversity of Israel's northern coastline today, starting at the sun-soaked port of Haifa, a city with a long history dating back to biblical times. Take in breathtaking views of Haifa Bay from Mount Carmel, then pay a visit to the Persian Hanging Gardens of Baháʼí, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Continuing along the coast, you'll reach the ancient seaside city of Caesarea—the perfect place to learn about the former Roman and Crusader presence in the country. Marvel at the massive Roman amphitheater that overlooks the Mediterranean, and spend some time discovering the city's medieval fortress.

After a stop at the bustling, UNESCO-listed markets of Acre (Akka), you'll return to Tel Aviv, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 11: Depart Tel Aviv

Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast in Tel Aviv. When the time comes, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!  

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