Highlights of Israel & Jordan

Experiences

Arrival. Join up with the tour at our starting hotel in Tel Aviv. If you arrive early you’ll have free time to explore the city. Top sights include the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Jaffa Port and Gordon Beach are also very popular. Walk around to explore the vibrant city. You never know what gem you’ll stumble across.

Experiences

Qasr el Yehud (Jesus’ baptism site). This site is one of religious significance to more than just the Christians. Here, the remnants of monasteries and churches have left their historical footprints, and pilgrims from different religions make the journey to this site. Qasr al Yahoud is also known as ‘the Jews’ Castle or Palace’. It is believed to be the place where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. Entrance fee: US$3

Mount Masada. This ancient fortress was built in 30BC. It is home to King Herod’s Palace. Masada is known as the site of one of the deciding battles during the first Jewish-Roman war.  Entrance fee: US$22

Eilat, Red Sea Resort. Eilat is Israel's southernmost city. It boasts a busy port and is one of the most popular resorts along the Red Sea. Visitors can look forward to beautiful vistas over the ocean. We explore this bustling seaside town, then settle at a waterside destination to enjoy a sundowner after an action-packed day.

Dinner in a Kibbutz. The word ‘Kibbutz’ means ‘gathering’. It comes from the Hebrew word kvutza, meaning ‘group’. This type of settlement is unique to Israel. It is based around the idea of collective living, i.e. sharing money and resources.

Experiences

Wadi Rum jeep safari. The spellbinding lunar terrain has featured in many movies, including 'The Martian', in which it portrayed Mars. Matt Damon, the lead actor in the film, was awestruck by the Wadi Rum valley. "It is one of the most spectacular and beautiful places I have ever seen. Nothing like I’ve ever seen anywhere else on Earth."  Entrance fee: US$10

Overnight in a Bedouin camp. The Bedouin are Arabic-speaking nomadic tribes and clans of the Middle Eastern deserts. They herd camels and goats. The Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a slice of this life. Encounter the desert where Lawrence of Arabia once fought the Bedouins against the Ottoman Empire.

NOTE: Israel/Jordan border crossing fees = approx. US$65

Experiences

Guided tour of Petra with free time. Back in 300 BC, Petra was the capital of the prosperous Nabatean Kingdom. Swiss explorer Jean Louis Burckhardt famously wrote about it in his diary. “It's one of the most elegant remains of antiquity existing.” He penned this when he discovered the site in 1812. It's easy to see why - Petra is simply breathtaking. It is also known as the 'Rose City' due to the colour of the stone from which it was carved. However, the site is best known for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Entrance fee: US$71

Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is actually not a sea at all, but a lake that contains more than 30% salt. It is also the lowest place on earth, at 417 feet below sea level. The water's properties are said to cure various skin conditions. It may also relieve respiratory ailments. The lake's mud is used in spa treatments at the hotels along its shore. Entrance fee: US$10

Overnight in Jordan’s capital, Amman. At the centre of downtown Amman is the Citadel. This structure is home to the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. Downtown Amman gives a contrasting modern atmosphere to these historical ruins. Go wandering through bustling souks. Or sip on coffee in the many coffeehouses and watch the locals go by.

Experiences

Jerash. Jerash has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. It is perhaps best known for the ruins of the walled settlement of Gerasa. This destination lies outside the modern city. It encompasses Hadrian's Arch and the columns of the Temple of Artemis. Other attractions include Jerash Archaeological Museum. The museum a great overview of all the sites of interest in the area. You can also visit the Nymphaeum Temple. This ornamental fountain was constructed in honour of the Nymphs in 191 AD. Entrance fee: $10

Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum is one of the most sacred pilgrimages sites in Israel. In the Bible it is referred to as the town of Jesus. It is said that this is where he performed the New Testament miracles. The ancient synagogue where he famously preaches is well preserved, and open to visitors. The church and house of Peter is another archaeological site. It was preserved and can be seen from a modern hexagonal Franciscan church. The structure was built over the original church, providing views to it below. Entrance fee: US$3

Experiences

Nazareth. Nazareth is said to be the hometown of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is also known as the area where he was brought up. Today it's an up and coming destination with many cultural and culinary delights. The Old City is the biggest draw. This is where you’ll find the traditional Arab Market. The locals sell freshly brewed coffee. You can hear the call to prayer from the White Mosque. Walk along the stone-paved streets to find spiritual sites. Visit locations of archaeological significance like the Basilica of Annunciation. Discover the Ancient Baths and the Basilica of Jesus the Adolescent.

Caesarea. Caesarea is King Herod's masterpiece port on the Mediterranean. It was transformed into the erstwhile Roman Capital by the powerful monarch. Today it retains a certain air of splendour. This despite the fact that most of it ended up under the dunes by the 14th century. Extensive archaeological excavations since the 1950s revealed it once more. Now it is home to one of the Levant's most impressive Roman sites. You’ll also encounter a bustling cafe culture. Entrance fee: US$12

Tel Aviv & Jaffa city tour. Immerse yourself in the full flavour of Tel Aviv and Jaffa! First up we discover the heart of Tel Aviv. Welcome to the White City! Modern Tel Aviv evolved from Jaffa just 110 years ago. Look out for Bauhaus-style buildings. Built by German Jewish architects during the 1930s, these structures transformed Tel Aviv into the UNESCO site it is today. We’ll explore the iconic Rothschild Boulevard and find time to stop by the Illana Moore museum. On your way you’re bound to see some spectacular graffiti and street art. Tel Aviv has been dubbed the ‘Mediterranean Capital of cool’, and it’s easy to see why! Next is Jaffa, the port city that inspired the tale of Jonah and the Whale. Look out for the clock tower that was built in honour of Turkish sultan Abdul Hamid. Saint Peter's Church and the old Armenian monastery are also fascinating. As is the striking Ramses II's Gate Garden!

Experiences

Bethlehem. Bethlehem is a major Christian pilgrimage destination, and it is said to be the biblical birthplace of Jesus. The Shepherd's Field is the area where the shepherds in the biblical tale encountered the angel and announced Christ's birth. Today it is the location of a number of churches and associated holy sites.

Church of Nativity. Dating from the 6th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site contains a grotto that holds religious significance to Christians as the birthplace of Jesus. The grotto is the oldest site continuously worshipped in Christianity, and the basilica is the oldest major church in the Holy Land.

Views of the Banksy wall. In the early 2000s Banksy, a famous street artist from Britain, visited Israel. He also met with the Palestinian authorities. Naturally, this caused a stir! It also left Bethlehem with some rather fascinating street art.

Mount of Olives. Rising to the east of Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives separates the Holy City from the Judean Desert. The desert starts here and ends at the Dead Sea. The location provides a beautiful view over the surrounding landscape. It is also home to the Church of All Nations. This Roman Catholic church is located next to the Garden of Gethsemane. The latter enshrines a section of bedrock where Jesus prayed before his arrest, according to biblical lore.

Jerusalem. Jerusalem comprises sites that are holy to Jews, Muslims and Christians. Each of its four bustling quarters has a distinct atmosphere. We explore a few of the more famous sites. This includes the Western Wall where Jews from around the world come to pray. The Via Dolorosa, a pilgrimage route that is believed to be the path that Christ followed to his crucifixion, is also on our list.

Western Wall. Also known as the Wailing Wall, this ancient limestone wall in the Old City of Jerusalem was originally erected as part of the Second Jewish Temple that was started by Herod the Great.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Traditions dating back to the fourth century claim that this church contains the two holiest sites in Christianity: the site where Jesus of Nazareth was crucified, and Jesus's empty tomb, where he is said to have been buried and resurrected.

Experiences

Your tour of Israel and Jordan has come to an end. Checkout at the hotel is at 10am. Feel free to take your time to explore the many marvels of Jerusalem before you head home. We can highly recommend the Tower of David, Yad Vashem and the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo. Safe travels! We hope to see you again soon. Make sure you have exchanged contact details with your new-found travel friends, and share your amazing tour memories with us online using the hashtags #ExpatExplore and #IsraelJordan.