Highlights of Jordan & Israel: Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerusalem, Dead Sea, & More - 10 days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman - Drive to Madaba - Explore Jerash

Welcome to Jordan and the beginning of your highlight's tour of Jordan and Israel! Meet your driver at the Queen Alia International Airport and immediately set out north to explore the impressive Roman ruins of Jerash. 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.

From there, you'll head back south, past Amman and to the market town of Madaba where you'll stay the night.

Day 2: Drive to Wadi Rum - Explore Karak 

Take the morning to discover the intricate Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics and the well-preserved mosaic-rich churches, like the Church of the Virgin Mary. Next, you'll meet your driver mid-morning and carry on south along the Kings Highway, an ancient trade route, passing through the mountainous landscape of Wadi Mujib to reach Karak. One of the largest Crusader castles in the Middle East, spend some time exploring its ramparts and enjoying the sweeping views of the Levant from on high. Find yourself a bite to eat in Karak before pushing on to the vast red desert of Wadi Rum.

Here you'll unpack your things and get comfortable in a traditional Bedouin camp where you'll enjoy a night under a starry sky.

Day 3: Wadi Rum tour – Drive to Petra

After a campfire breakfast, you'll go on a 4WD tour of Wadi Rum's famous attractions as you follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia. You'll climb over red dunes, through rock bridges, and over canyons to discover millennia-old rock inscriptions, petroglyphs, and fantastic photo opportunities. You'll even visit the ruins of a building erected on an old Nabataean cistern believed to be where Lawrence hid out during the Arab Revolt (1917-1918). Meanwhile, enjoy sweeping views of the mountains and gorges in the background. 

From there, you’ll travel north to Petra to spend the afternoon exploring the iconic "Lost City" of Petra, a UNESCO-protected ancient Nabataean city. Walk through the Siq, the three-quarter-mile narrow gorge (1.2 km) that opens up to the famous Khazneh (or Treasury), carved into the sandstone cliff. Tour the city, including the theater, the Street of Facades, a row of monumental Nabataean tombs, and more. 

After a full day of exploration, sit down with a local family, and enjoy a traditional meal while gaining further insight into Jordanian culture and customs. You'll return to your accommodation in the village of Wadi Musa afterward.

Day 4: Morning in Petra - Drive to Amman

You'll have this morning to experience more of Petra. Perhaps climb the steps that lead you to the High Place of Sacrifice, one of the better-preserved altars of its kind. Take in the view of Wadi Musa below and if you have the energy, why not climb up the additional 800 steps to Petra's largest monument, the Monastery. 

At midday, your driver will take you north to Amman, where you can spend an evening in the vibrant capital.

Day 5: Explore Amman – Border cross into Jerusalem

Take the morning to discover Amman. Start at Jabal Al Qala’a (Citadel Hill), the historic center of the city to explore the ancient ruins of the Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace before heading downtown. Climb the steps of the restored Roman Theater and then spend time browsing spices, Arabic coffee pots, and other souvenirs in the colorful souks. When it's time, you'll transfer to the Israeli border where you will meet your guide on the other side and continue your way to Jerusalem.

Enjoy the late afternoon and evening at your own pace. You might enjoy finding your way to the First Station, a marketplace and cultural center on the site of Jerusalem's original train station, for an evening out. 

Day 6: Half day tour of Jerusalem

Today you will join a half-day guided tour through Jerusalem. Enter the Old City and walk through the Jewish quarters to the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the centuries-old Roman road, where you'll continue to the ancient Western Wall (Wailing Wall) and the Temple Mount, revered as a holy site in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity alike. Next, you'll walk the Via Dolorosa. Along the way, you'll stop to explore the Christian and Muslim quarters with a visit to the Pool of Bethesda, the Monastery of the Flagellation, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

As the tour ends in the early afternoon, you'll have the rest of the day to explore on your own. You may wish to check out the Mount of Olives, a mountain ridge east of Jerusalem, where you can enjoy breathtaking views over the Holy City, including the Jewish cemetery and the iconic Dome of the Rock. 

Day 7: Day trip to Jericho & Bethlehem

Leave Jerusalem this morning and head out into the Judean Desert toward Jericho. Along the way, you will pass by the Good Samaritan Inn (Khan al-Hatruri) before you take a short stop at sea-level for a panoramic view of the vast landscape. Continue to Jericho, one of the oldest still-inhabited cities in the world. Stop to see Zacchaeus' sycamore tree and carry on to the Mount of Temptation, said to be the hill where the devil tempted Jesus Christ. From here, you'll ride a cable car to the archaeological site of Tel Jericho before proceeding to Bethlehem, Jesus' birthplace, south of Jerusalem.

Spend a little time exploring Bethlehem. Stroll through Manger Square and visit the Church of the Nativity first, then check out the Milk Grotto and the caves of Shepard's Field. Return to your hotel in Jerusalem after doing a little souvenir and gift shopping in Bethlehem.

Day 8: Group tour of the Dead Sea & Masada

Together with your group, you will venture to the Dead Sea where you can spend a few hours floating in the mineral-rich waters or enjoy a full body mud treatment. Next, you'll continue your day trip to discover the ancient desert fortress of Masada. Take in the sweeping view of the Dead Sea surrounded by the desert landscape before heading back to Jerusalem afterward.

Day 9: Group tour of Caesarea, Haifa, Rosh HaNikra, Acre - Drive to Tel Aviv

Start the day with a drive west toward the Mediterranean coast and onward to Tel Aviv to join your group. From there, continue to 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 explore the Crusader fortress. Continue another 30 minutes further north along the coast to Haifa, a city with a long history dating back to biblical times, and enjoy a visit to the Bahá'í Gardens and golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, the world center of the Bahá'í faith.

Next, proceed to Rosh HaNikra to explore the interesting chalk cliff rock formations and grottoes on the shared border with Lebanon. Onto Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the northern end of the Bay of Haifa that was once the capital of the Crusader kingdom. Marvel at the Ottoman fortifications of the Acre citadel and tour the excavated portion of the expansive underground Crusader City with its secret passageways and vaulted crypt of the Knights Hospitaller.

Return to Tel Aviv to check into your hotel. Settle in before venturing out to explore your surroundings and grabbing a bite to eat.

Day 10: Depart Tel Aviv

Depending on your departure details you may have time to relax on one of the city's beaches, check out a museum, or stroll down the trendy Dizengoff Street before heading to the Ben Gurion Airport for your onward journey.