Jordan & Israel Panorama - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman

Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the capital of Amman. The nation's largest city, Amman has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and is full of cultural and historic highlights.

Day 2: Tour the Ancient Wonders of Umm Qais, Jerash & Aljoun

Today you'll discover some of northern Jordan's greatest archaeological sites, starting with a transfer north to the ancient city of Umm Qais. Overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan Valley, Umm Qais was founded by the Ancient Greeks and later settled by the Romans. Once known as Gadara (one of the frontier Decapolis cities of Rome), the site was widely believed by Christians to be where Jesus performed the Miracle of the Gadarene Swine. Umm Qais' splendor was also remarked upon by several classical poets and philosophers, with one even deeming it the "New Athens." Step back in time as you stroll column-flanked streets and take in the far-reaching views. 

Then it's on to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. Spend time wandering the extensive site and be sure to check out the pristine remains of two amphitheaters, the north-south Colonnaded Street, and the Hippodrome (the site of ancient chariot races).

Continue to Ajloun, in the highlands, where you can explore the 12th-century Ajloun Castle, a fortress built to ward off the Crusader armies at the vital trade and pilgrimage intersection between Jerusalem, Cairo, Damascus, and Mecca. Roam the ramparts and enjoy sweeping views over the Levant.

In the afternoon, your driver will bring you back to Amman, where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Day 3: Transfer to Petra via Madaba, Mount Nebo & Kerak

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.

Carry on south along the ancient King's Highway to Kerak 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 Petra where you'll check in to your hotel for the night.  

Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: Wadi Rum Jeep Excursion, Transfer to the Dead Sea via Aqaba

Early risers can start this morning with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride 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.

 

Afterward, your driver will pick you up from camp and transfer you to nearby Aqaba on the Red Sea. Inhabited since 4000 BCE, Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city and is home to colorful market stalls, delicious food, and, of course, access to the water. Here you can spend some time exploring the port, or hop aboard a glass-bottom boat to enjoy views of abundant marine life.

 

In the afternoon, your driver will take you north to the lowest point on earth: the Dead Sea. Get settled into your hotel, then spend the rest of the day at your leisure—floating in the salty waters, enjoying a full-body mud treatment, or relaxing in the sun.

Day 7: Transfer to Israel via Allenby Bridge, Visit Cana, Nazareth & Tiberias

After a final dip in the Dead Sea this morning, you'll bid Jordan farewell for now 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 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 8: Biblical Sites of Tiberias, Capernaum & Taghba

Delve deeper into the many important Biblical sites surrounding Tiberias today. Start with an early visit to Jesus' Ministry, enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Sea of Galilee, and take in sweeping views from the Mount of Beatitudes, believed to be the setting of the Sermon on the Mount. Carry on to the small fishing village of Capernaum on the northern shores of the sea, and discover the ancient synagogues (one built on top of the other) as well as the supposed home of Saint Peter, one of Jesus' Twelve Apostles.

Other stops include a visit to Tabgha to tour the Church of the Multiplication—believed to be the site where Christ fed five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish—and the Church of the Primacy, the location that marks the supposed spot where Jesus reinstated Peter as his chief Apostle.

After a full day of sightseeing, you'll return to your hotel in Tiberias for dinner and some rest. 

Day 9: Transfer to Tel Aviv via Haifa & Caesarea

After breakfast and check-out this morning, your driver will take you thirty minutes west to the sun-soaked port city of Haifa. Take in breathtaking views of Haifa Bay from Mount Carmel, then pay a visit to Stella Marris Monastery to see the fabled Cave of Elijah. Marvel at the Persian Hanging Gardens of Baháʼí (considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World), then continue fifteen minutes south to see Muharakha, the site of the battle between Elijah and the prophets of Baal and the perfect spot for panoramic views across the whole of the Israel Valley.

 

Stop at the ancient Roman port city of Caesarea for a quick tour of the amphitheater and aqueduct, then proceed to the modern Mediterranean city of Tel Aviv for the night. 

Day 10: Tour Tel Aviv & Jaffa, Transfer to Jerusalem

Today's half-day tour introduces you to 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 eclectic artist's colonies of Jaffa. 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 11: 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 a visit 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. 

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

Day 12: 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.

Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. To explore more of Jerusalem at your own pace, head to the New City to see the Mahane Yehuda Market, Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Museum), or the Israel Museum (home to the Dead Sea Scrolls).

Day 13: Transfer to Amman via Allenby Bridge, Farewell Dinner

Say your goodbyes to Israel today, as you head back to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge. After completing the immigration procedures, you'll be met by your driver and transferred to Amman. Get settled into your hotel, then spend the remainder of the evening exploring any city highlights you may have missed or picking up some last-minute souvenirs.

In the evening, head to a celebratory farewell dinner at a local restaurant to sample Jordanian specialties like mansaf (rice topped with lamb and pine nuts), Arabic sweets, and mint tea. 

Day 14: Depart Amman

After breakfast, it's time to bid Amman farewell and transfer to the Queen Alia International Airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Jordan & Israel Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Jordan and Israel? Check out these other Jordan and Israel itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.