Discover Jordan From Tel Aviv - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tel Aviv - Allenby Crossing & drive to the Dead Sea

Welcome to Israel! Upon your arrival, you will meet your driver and transfer directly into Jordan via the Allenby Crossing and onward to your accommodation along the Dead Sea in the south of the country. Relax with a float in the mineral-rich Dead Sea—the lowest point on earth. Swim in the salty waters, hang out by the pool or pamper yourself with a mineral spa treatment specific to the region. 

Day 2: Explore Jerash - Amman City Tour

Enjoy a leisurely morning with one more dip in the calm waters of the Dead Sea before making your to northern Jordan to explore Jerash, a sprawling archaeological complex with significant well-preserved Roman ruins (some of the best in the Middle East). Stroll down the north-south Colonnaded Street (or "cardo maximus" as it is known in Latin) to climb the steps of the remarkable Temple of Artemis, the highlight of Jerash, before you take in the excellent acoustics of the South Theater with a performance of traditional Jordanian bagpipers.

Next, drive to Amman to check into your hotel and to ready yourself for a tour of the capital where you will explore the Amman Citadel (Jabal al Qal'a) and the 2nd-century Roman Theater, two of the most famous archaeological sites in the city. Next, stroll amid colorful wares and aromatic spices in the old souks (markets), stopping as the mood strikes to snack on local delicacies and pick up a souvenir or two.

Day 3: Explore Madaba, Mount Nebo & Karak - Drive to Petra

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll drive south to the market town of Madaba to check out its intricate Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, including the spectacular Madaba Map, the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Land. From here, you'll continue your journey to Mount Nebo. According to the Old Testament, this is the lofty peak 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.

Carry on south along the King's Highway to stop in Karak to visit the impressive Crusader castle of the same name. Exploring the fortress-like structure provides an opportunity to experience the vaulted halls and passageways typical of the era, a remarkable insight into the architectural and military prowess of the Crusaders. When you're ready, continue to your hotel in Wadi Musa, a small village just outside of the "Lost City" of Petra.

Day 4: Full day in Petra

Dubbed the "Lost City" as it is relatively recently re-discovered, you'll spend the day experiencing impressive sandstone carvings of this ancient Nabataean world. Walk through the Siq, the three-quarter-mile narrow gorge (1.2 km) that opens up to the magnificent Treasury, the entrance guarding the old city. Then explore the Street of Facades, a row of monumental Nabataean tombs, as you work your way through the archaeological site discovering the amphitheater and caves.

Break for lunch, before climbing 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 your way up the steep stone-carved staircase to the top of Jabal al-Khubtha. After a full day, you'll return to your nearby hotel in Wadi Musa to rest up and cool down before venturing out again for a unique Petra by Night candlelit tour of the Siq and Treasury (note: tours run at select times on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings only).

Day 5: Explore Wadi Rum

Leave the Lost City behind and head into the red sand desert of Wadi Rum for a full day Jeep excursion, stopping to climb over red dunes, through rock bridges, and over rocky canyons to discover millennia-old rock inscriptions and petroglyphs. You'll even visit the ruins of a building erected on an old Nabataean cistern believed to be where Lawrence of Arabia hid out during the Arab Revolt (1917-1918). Meanwhile, enjoy sweeping views of the mountains and gorges in the background.

When it's time, you'll make your way to your camp and spend the rest of the day soaking in Bedouin hospitality. Sip on sweet tea and taste authentic Bedouin cooking as you relax under a desert night sky of endless stars.

Day 6: Drive to Aqaba

Wake up refreshed in the great outdoors, taking in the panoramic desert views from your campsite as you eat your breakfast. Pack up your things and continue your venture south to Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city and access point to the Red Sea. You'll have the rest of the day to explore as you like. Relax on a beach and go swimming to cool off, or head to Tala Bay to enjoy one of the private beaches available.

The more adventurous might enjoy snorkeling, or scuba diving to check out the marine wildlife as well as explore old shipwrecks. If getting wet isn't for you, sign up for a walking tour of downtown Aqaba and do a little gift and souvenir shopping at the same time. 

Day 7: Wadi Arava Crossing - Depart Eilat

After breakfast, you'll say farewell to Jordan and make your way to the Wadi Araba border to cross into Israel and on to Eilat. Depending on your departure details, you may wish to spend more time in Aqaba or explore Eilat before catching your flight to Tel Aviv for your onward journey.