Wonders of Israel & Jordan: An Unforgettable 12-Day Tour
From the sacred archaeological sites of Jerusalem to the splendour of Petra, take a 12-day adventure through Israel and Jordan visiting historical religious sites and the unspeakably majestic desert landscapes in between. Wander the bustling streets of Tel Aviv, uncover secrets of the Old City of Jerusalem, witness the Holy Land from atop Mount Nebo, plunge into the famous waters of the Dead Sea and wander amongst the carved hidden city of Petra. Includes 11 nights of deluxe accommodation in prime locations, daily breakfast and two dinners, visa fee for Jordan, services of an English-speaking tour manager, private air-conditioned transportation throughout and more.
Experience a heady mix of archaeological wonder and modern culture as you embark on an unforgettable trip through some of the Levant’s most historically intriguing countries, Israel and Jordan. From the bustling markets of Tel Aviv to the diversity of Jordan’s capital city, you’ll tick two Middle Eastern gems off your ever-growing bucket list.
What You’ll Love…
The Sights – Stand in awe in front of the beauty of Petra, discover the Old City of Jerusalem and more
Your first stop in Israel is the cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, where you will be able to enjoy some leisure time to explore some of the city’s splendid Bauhaus buildings, wander along the beach promenade and the Jaffa Port with its fascinating Arab heritage or get lost in the Sarona market - the heart of Israel’s culinary art scene.
Next, journey to the ancient harbour of Caesarea, before arriving in Tiberias, a remarkable city nestled on the shores of the tranquil Sea of Galilee – the largest freshwater lake in Israel.
Discover one of the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem: walk through the city’s colorful neighbourhoods before enjoying a city tour that’ll take you through Jerusalem’s Old City, visiting the four distinct sections – the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Armenian Quarters. Travel back in time and learn about the past with an optional visit to the commanding Yad Vashem – the official memorial and museum to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
Visit the Dead Sea, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the lowest point on earth, sitting 400 metres below sea level. Said to do wonders for the mind and skin, you’ll experience what it’s like to float on the only body of water in the world that allows nothing to sink due to its high level of salt.
Journey on to discover the magic of Petra on a day tour, revealing an intricate network of tombs, caves, a small amphitheatre and ruins of temples dotted around the area. Hidden from the western world until 1812, Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered this ancient carved city and shared it with the world. UNESCO dubbed it one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage.
Ascend Mount Nebo, the sacred ridge where Moses was purportedly granted a view of the Promised Land. Gaze upon a breathtaking view of the Holy Land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea at this site reputed to be the burial place of Moses himself - according to Christian tradition.
End your tour in Amman, Jordan’s capital city where ancient ruins and modern buildings sit side by side. Visit Amman’s main attractions at your leisure, discovering the ancient Citadel monument, marking the centre of the capital, the Temple of Hercules and the Roman Theatre, one of the largest and most impressive amphitheaters of the ancient world.
Your Package Includes:
- 11 nights of deluxe accommodation including one night in Tel Aviv, two nights in Tiberias, three nights in Jerusalem, one night in the Dead Sea, two nights in Petra and two nights in Amman
- Daily breakfast and two dinners
- Tour the astounding Roman, Byzantine and Crusader ruins at ancient Caesarea
- Discover the pristine Sea of Galilee, the largest freshwater lake in Israel
- Explore the ancient city of Jerusalem
- Uncover Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Local, English-speaking tour manager
- Private air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour
- All hotel taxes, fees, service charges, tipping and gratuities
- Visa fee for Jordan
The tour begins in Tel Aviv and ends in Amman.
Regular flights to Tel Aviv are available with Qantas, Cathay Pacific and ElAl departing most Australian capital cities with one or more stopovers and an approximate flight time of 24 hours.
Flights for Tel Aviv depart regularly from major gateways with one or two stopovers including Singapore (approx. flight time of 15 hours), Hong Kong (approx flight time of 12 hours), Dubai (approx. flight time of 15 hours) and Bangkok (approx. flight time of 11 hours).
Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.
DAY 1 - Arrive in Tel Aviv
Arrive in Tel Aviv; make your own way to your hotel in this vibrant city, known as Israel’s “playground on the sea.” Time to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone. Later, perhaps walk along the bustling beachfront promenade, stop at a café and just people-watch!
We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 pm on Day 2 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
DAY 2 - Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Tiberias
This morning join your Tour Manager to get acquainted with the “Big Orange” on the walking tour of the city’s highlights. Travel to Rabin Square to view the memorial to the late Prime Minister before continuing to quaint Neve Tzedek (Tel Aviv’s “Soho”) and the ancient port of Jaffa with its reconstructed Artists’ Quarter. Free time for lunch on your own. Later, depart Tel Aviv and drive along the sparkling Mediterranean coast to ancient Caesarea; see the astounding Roman, Byzantine and Crusader ruins and the 2,000-year-old theater. Drive to the age-old fishing village of Capernaum on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, home to a celebrated Byzantine-era synagogue and frequently mentioned in the Bible as Jesus’ base during his Galilean ministry. Arrive in Tiberias, nestled on the tranquil Sea of Galilee and check into your hotel.
This evening, gather together for dinner.
Overnight: Tiberias or Galilee
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3 - Tiberias & the Sea of Galilee
A leisure day to enjoy the serenity of the Sea of Galilee, the largest freshwater lake in Israel, or explore this remarkable city embedded with a history dating back to the Roman Emperor Tiberius and religious sites that include the tomb of Maimonides and the Church of St. Peter.
Don’t miss the optional full day tour to Galilee that begins at the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached His famous “Sermon on the Mount”. Next on to Safed, one of Judaism’s holiest cities and mystical center of Kabbalah; walk through the colorful artists’ colony and visit an ancient synagogue. Then, ascend the Golan Heights to understand more about this strategic area; visit Har Bental, site of a former Israeli bunker. After lunch at a kibbutz, taste special vintages at a winery in Katzrin before returning to the hotel.
Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your Tour Manager before dinner at your hotel.
Optional: Full Day Galilee & Golan Heights with Lunch (AM)
Overnight: Tiberias or Galilee
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 - Beit She’an, “Golden” Jerusalem
This morning, visit a factory where diamonds are created. Learn about the manufacturing process of this industry. Traveling south reach the impressive archaeological site of Beit She’an, an ancient city dating back to King Saul; see the remains of an ancient Roman city and the ongoing excavations. Continue via the Jordan Valley to the “golden city” of Jerusalem. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the many facets of Jerusalem on your own.
The optional afternoon tour to Bethlehem includes a visit to the Church of the Nativity, commemorating the birthplace of Christ. A stop for local olive wood handicrafts is included.
Optional: Half Day Bethlehem (PM)
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5 - Full Day in Jerusalem
Immerse yourself in this ancient city on this day at leisure; walk through the city’s colorful neighborhoods that reveal a diverse blend of traditional and modern cultures. Or, participate in the optional tour to Masada that begins with a drive along the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, to Masada. Ascend by cable car to the top of these heroic heights; listen to the brave tale of the Zealots who chose to perish rather than live under Roman rule. Visit the archaeological sites including the remains of Herod’s Palace, a synagogue, bath houses, and dwellings. After a visit to the Museum of Masada at the base, stop at the Dead Sea for a swim in the salty and buoyant waters before returning to Jerusalem.
Later, the entertaining optional evening includes dinner at a popular restaurant, attendance at the spectacular Sound & Light Show at the Tower of David and a drive through illuminated Jerusalem.
Optional: Full Day Masada and Dead Sea (AM)
Optional: Restaurant Dinner, Sound & Light Show & Illuminated Jerusalem (PM)
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6 - Jerusalem Old City Tour
Begin your exploration of Jerusalem at the walled Old City with its four distinct sections - the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Armenian Quarters. Follow the steps along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest sites in the Christian world. Pass through the narrow alleys and souks to Mt. Zion; visit the Room of the Last Supper and the Tomb of King David. The remainder of the day is on your own to stroll through the picturesque lanes of the Old City or visit the exotic bazaars.
The afternoon optional tour of the New City begins with a drive via the Supreme Court building and the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, to the impressive Israel Museum. Here, view the Shrine of the Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the scale model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. Then, pay respects at Yad Vashem, Memorial to the Holocaust on the Mount of Remembrance.
Optional: New City of Jerusalem (PM)
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 - Depart Israel, Travel to the Dead Sea
After breakfast, depart Israel and travel towards the Dead Sea, Jordan. Transfer from your hotel in Jerusalem and arrive at the Allenby Bridge border. You will be escorted through the border crossing process and then met by your Jordanian Tour Manager. Visa for Jordan is required but arranged free of charge. Israel Departure tax of $26-51 & Jordan Entry tax of $15 are required and payable locally. Travel to your hotel in the Dead Sea area, the lowest point on earth.
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, you have the chance to take part in an optional Excursion to the Jordan Valley. Embark on a tour of Iraq Al-Amir, to view a mysterious Byzantine cave Church. Continue to the striking palace of Castle of the Slave and the Caves of the Prince. Afterward, visit the Handicraft Village and learn about the Women’s Cooperative Society. Participate in a cooking class given by the women and savor your delicious creations for lunch. Arrive in the Dead Sea and attend an orientation meeting with your new Tour Manager and fellow travelers.
Optional: Excursion to the Jordan Valley
Overnight: Dead Sea
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8 - Bethany, Petra
After breakfast, travel towards Petra. En route stop at the village of Bethany, the site of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. As it was also where the prophet Elijah ascended to heaven via a chariot of fire. The sites that make up Bethany were part of early Christian pilgrimages between Mt. Nebo and Jerusalem. Arrive in Petra and enjoy time at leisure.
Overnight: Petra
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9 - Full Day in Petra
This morning, enter the “rose red” city hand-sculpted from a mountain range by the Nabateans in the 3rd century BC. Begin your walk (or ride) through the “Siq”, a winding canyon road. View Petra’s most extraordinary monument - the towering Treasury building rising over 140 feet. Discover soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a theatre, and burial champers - all remnants of a once great Nabatean culture. In the afternoon perhaps join the optional Wadi Rum Jeep Safari. Ride in a 4x4 vehicle to explore Wadi Rum, with its looming rock faces and huge red sand dunes. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset over Wadi Rum before driving back to Petra.
Optional: Wadi Rum Jeep Safari (PM)
Overnight: Petra
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 - Madaba and Mount Nebo
After breakfast, stop at Kerak Castle after departing Petra on the way to Amman. En route, visit the mosaic city of Madaba, where an ancient map of the Holy Land is set into the floor of Saint George’s Church. Continue with a visit to Mount Nebo, the reputed burial site of Moses, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Afterward, arrive in Amman the capital of the Kingdom of Jordan. Often referred to as the “White City” because of the white stone used to build the houses, Amman is among the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.
Overnight: Amman
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11 - Full Day in Amman
Enjoy your last day in Jordan at leisure or, join the optional tour to Jerash. Travel north of Amman to the city of Jerash, the best preserved example of Roman civilization in Jordan. Jerash, was part of the Decapolis (the ten large Roman cities of the East) The city features theaters, churches, temples of Zeus and Artemis, a Nymphaeum and colonnaded street. In the afternoon you have the choice to attend an optional tour of Amman. Visit the Amman Citadel in the city center, followed by a trip to the Archaeological Museum. Continue to the Roman Amphitheater, one of the largest in the Middle East. Finally, experience the heart of the city center by browsing in the downtown markets.
Optional: Half Day Jerash (AM)
Optional: Amman City Tour (PM)
Overnight: Amman
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12 - Depart Jordan
Today, you will need to make your own way to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast