A 15 day privately escorted tour. Jordan and Israel are both countries of dramatic scenic contrasts from the arrestingly beautiful to the ruggedly stark. Israel and the Palestinian Territory are often jointly referred to as the Holy Land but there is so much more to the history and culture of the region. Jordan is a very popular destination with its world famous sites such as Petra and the fort at Ajloun. This tour offers you the highlights of Jordan and Israel.

 

Day 1: Departure

Depart London Heathrow on direct flight to Amman. Meet and assist upon arrival at Queen Alia International airport, where a private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel in Amman.

Day 2: Amman, Pella, Umm Qais

Today you will be met at your hotel by your English-speaking driver guide who will take you on a morning city tour of Amman where you will visit the ancient Amman Citadel and the Amphitheatre, and the Grand Mosque. Then continue to the north of Jordan to visit the Roman ruins of Pella and Umm Qais with stunning views overlooking the Sea of Galilee to the Israel and Syrian borders. Return to Amman for the evening.

Day 3: Jerusalem

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the King Hussein Bridge for Immigration formalities before passing into Israel with our Israeli agent. Transfer to your hotel in Jerusalem and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4: Jerusalem & Bethlehem

Today will be spent visiting the major sights of Jerusalem and Bethlehem during a full day tour with your English speaking guide.

The history of Jerusalem dates back to the 4th millennium BCE, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. Visit the Mount of Olives with its stunning panoramic view of the city and the Western (Wailing) Wall. Walk the Via Dolorosa, the route that Jesus took between his condemnation by Pontius Pilate and his crucifixion and burial, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, regarded by most as the holiest Christian site in the world. After lunch, transfer onwards to Bethlehem where you will visit Manger Square which houses the Church of the Nativity, where Christ was born. Return to Jerusalem for overnight.

Day 5: Nazareth

Today you will enjoy a full day tour to the north of the country to visit Nazareth, housing the Church of the Anunciation and also Taghba, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Visit the Sea of Galilee and continue to Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, probably the most famous sermon of all time. Return to Jerusalem for overnight.

Day 6: Caesarea & Haifa

This morning you will be collected to start your full day tour to the coastal town of Haifa, with its panoramic views of the port. En-route visit Caesarea with its impressive Roman and Crusader ruins and Acre with the stunning UNESCO registered Old City. Finally visit Rosh Hanikra on the Lebanese border and explore the sea ravaged grottos. Return to Jerusalem for overnight.

Day 7: Jerash, Ajloun & Dead Sea

Today you will leave Israel and transfer back into Jordan. When in Jordan, visit Ajloun National Park where you will walk around the ancient crusader fort before heading to the famous Roman City of Jerash. This ancient city is acknowledged to be one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Here a private guide will accompany you around the ruins. Transfer onwards to the Dead Sea late afternoon to relax. Overnight in a hotel at the Dead Sea.

Day 8: Dead Sea

Today is entirely at leisure to relax and enjoy the sensation of floating in the famous Dead Sea waters. Overnight.

Day 9: Madaba, Mt. Nebo & Kerak

This morning drive south along the Kings’ Way, visiting Mt. Nebo and the alleged burial site of Moses overlooking the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley. Also visit Madaba, the ‘City of Mosaics’, with the oldest map of the Holy Land. Drive through the magnificent scenery of Wadi Mujib to Kerak to visit the Crusader Castle before arriving at Dana Nature Reserve’s Feynan Wilderness Lodge for overnight.

Day 10: Dana Nature Reserve & Petra

This morning enjoy your 5hr hike of the area. The Dana Nature Reserve contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes that range from wooded highlands to rocky slopes and from gravel plains to dunes of sand. Moreover, Dana supports a diverse range of wildlife, which includes a variety of rare species of plants and animals. This afternoon your guide will transfer you to the Taybet Zaman Eco-Resort just south of Petra in time to visit Petra for sunset, a truly magnificent sight.

Day 11: Petra

Today you will enjoy a full day spent at Petra where you will have a private English-speaking guide for 3 hours to give you a tour of the ancient city and an insight into the Nabatean culture and history. The afternoon is free to explore the ruins. This evening enjoy the experience of cooking local Jordanian cuisine alongside local women in the Petra Kitchen. Overnight in Petra.

Day 12: Wadi Rum

Today enjoy another morning at leisure to explore Petra. Afterwards venture in a 4x4 vehicle into the Wadi Rum Desert, the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes with sandstone mountains matching the colour of knife-edged dunes. Overnight under the stars in a local Bedouin camp where dinner is included.

Day 13: Wadi Rum & Aqaba

This morning you have the opportunity to experience Wadi Rum on foot before transferring down to Aqaba for a few days on the beach. Overnight here.

Day 14: Aqaba

Today is entirely at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel and beach.

Day 15: Departure

This morning your guide will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Aqaba airport in time for your departure flight to the UK via Amman.