DAY 1: Start of tour in Tel Aviv
![Start of tour in Tel Aviv]()
Welcome to Tel Aviv! Your middle-eastern adventure starts here. Check in to your hotel and then the rest of the day is set aside to explore the city by yourself. Tel Aviv has many beautiful beaches and great architectural sites to discover. There are also lots of little cafés where you can enjoy a coffee and watch the locals go by.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Lighthouse Hotel By Brown Hotels
DAY 2: Jesus' Baptism Site - Mount Masada - Dead Sea - Eilat
![Jesus' Baptism Site - Mount Masada - Dead Sea - Eilat]()
After breakfast it’s time for a jam-packed day! We depart from Tel Aviv to explore the Baptism site of Jesus at Qasr el Yehud. This is a famous destination on the banks of the Jordan River. It is known as the place where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. Leaving the religious site, we drive through the Judean Desert to Mount Masada. Marvel at the views of the Moab Mountains of Jordan before setting off to explore the Dead Sea below! Enjoy time to swim and explore the world-famous salt lake. Then it’s onto Eilat in the early evening. Here, experience dinner in a traditional kibbutz - an authentic Israeli experience, dining with the locals and eating traditional dishes!
Experiences
Qasr al Yehud - site of Jesus’ baptism: Known as ‘the Jews’ Castle or Palace’, Qasr al Yehud is a site of great religious significance. It’s believed to be the site where John the Baptist baptised Jesus. Entrance fee: US$3
Mount Masada: This ancient fortress was built in 30BC and is home to Herod’s Palace and the site of one of the deciding battles of the first Jewish-Roman war. Entrance fee: US$23
Dead Sea: The Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth, lying at 417 ft below sea level. Although, it’s not really a sea at all, it’s actually a lake that is made up of more than 30% salt! The waters are said to have healing properties and the mud is used in spa treatments around the world. Entrance fee: US$10
Eilat, Red Sea Resort: One of the most popular resorts along the Red Sea, Eilat is a thriving destination. After a long day of exploring, we have the chance to relax and wind down with a sundowner at the seaside resort.
Dinner in a Kibbutz: Based on the idea of communal living and sharing, a ‘Kibbutz’ shares its money and resources between its inhabitants. The word ‘Kibbutz’ comes from the Hebrew word kvutza, meaning ‘group’. This type of settlement is unique to Israel, and provides a real experience of local life as you dine on traditional dishes with the residents of the Kibbutz.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Comfort Hotel
DAY 3: Eilat: Free Day
![Eilat: Free Day]()
Today you have the entire day to discover the many marvels of Eilat at your own pace. There are many to choose from! Explore the Red Sea beaches, or go diving. Visit Dolphin Reef, or head to Timna Park. The cliffside views will take your breath away. Alternatively, you could visit the Underwater Observatory. Or how about touring the city on foot and doing a little shopping? Keen to explore further afield? Head to the Red Canyon hiking trails to explore the mesmerising red rock canyons. There are trails for every fitness level.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Comfort Hotel
DAY 4: Aqaba - Wadi Rum
![Aqaba - Wadi Rum]()
Today we cross into Jordan and enter the port city of Aqaba. The old town has a wonderful 'souk' (Arab marketplace) with a lively atmosphere. We then embark on a jeep safari in the Wadi Rum desert with local Bedouin drivers. They will escort us through the region’s striking lunar landscape. Many Hollywood movies have been filmed here, including Matt Damon’s ‘The Martian’. Our day ends at our accommodation in Wadi Rum. Here you can sit by a campfire and watch the sun go down across the red rock landscape, before an amazing canvas of stars are revealed as the night draws in. We'll finish off a fantastic day of exploring with an included dinner of traditional Bedouin and Jordanian dishes.
Experiences
Aqaba. Enjoy some free time to wander round the vibrant traditional souk, where you can buy gifts for your friends and family back home.
Wadi Rum jeep safari. Representing Mars in many Hollywood movies, the Wadi Rum desert is a place like no other. Matt Damon, the lead in the movie ‘The Martian’ said, “It’s nothing like I’ve ever seen anywhere else on Earth.” Entrance fee: US$10
Overnight in Bedouin camp. The nomadic tribes and clans of the Middle Eastern deserts are known as Bedouins. The Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp offers visitors the chance to experience the traditional way of life of these camel and goat herders. It’s in this very desert where Lawrence of Arabia fought alongside the Bedouins against the Ottoman Empire during WWI.
NOTE: Israel/Jordan border crossing fees = approx. US$65
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Beit Ali Lodge Camp
Optional Excursions
- Bedouin camp tent upgrade i US$20
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 5: Petra - Amman
![Petra - Amman]()
Today we have ample time to explore Petra. It's Jordan's most famous archaeological site. Not to mention one of UNESCO's 7 Wonders of the Ancient World! We discover the many tombs and temples carved into the pink sandstone cliffs. The iconic attraction, The Treasury (Al Khazneh), is also on our list. This structure boasts striking Greek-inspired architectural elements. You might recognise it from the movie Indiana Jones. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional lunch before it’s time to see more of Jordan. Our day ends in the city of Amman - the capital of Jordan. We recommend you spend your evening in downtown Amman - it's a must-see!
Experiences
Guided tour of Petra with free time. Petra was discovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Jean Louis Burckhardt. The red hues of the stones, from which the ancient city was carved, has led to Petra also being called the ‘Rose City’. In 300 BC, this spellbinding city used to be the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. Entrance fee: US$71
Overnight in Jordan’s capital, Amman. The vibrant city of Amman has the perfect mix of intriguing history and modern appeal. Wander through the bustling souks and sip on a coffee in one of the many coffeehouses. The centre of downtown Amman is home to the Citadel. Within this iconic structure you’ll find the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Al Fanar Hotel
DAY 6: Jerash - Sea of Galilee & Capernaum - Nazareth/Tiberias
![Jerash - Sea of Galilee & Capernaum - Nazareth/Tiberias]()
After breakfast this morning we enjoy a brief city tour of Amman before heading north to Jerash. One of the biggest archaeological sites in the Middle East, dating back to Roman times. The century-old ruins have been carefully preserved. Exploring these structures will transport you back in time. An included local lunch is served in Jerash before we cross the border to Israel. Once there, we make our way to the Sea of Galilee. This freshwater lake is the largest source of drinking water for Israel. It is also an important pilgrimage site for many Christians. We then visit Capernaum, one of the most prominent sites in the area. This fishing village is located in the Galilee region of northern Israel. It is here where Jesus is believed to have worked his Biblical miracles. We then overnight in Nazareth or Tiberias.
Experiences
Jerash. This walled settlement of Gerasa lies outside of the modern city and has been inhabited since the Bronze Age! Popular landmarks to spot here include Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Artemis. Consider wandering through the Jerash Archaeological Museum - to gain insight into the history of the area. The Nymphaeum Temple, which was constructed in 191AD in honour of the Nymphs, is truly a sight to behold! Entrance fee: $15
Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee. Referred to as ‘the town of Jesus’ in the Bible, Capernaum is a sacred pilgrimage site. You could visit the ancient synagogue where Jesus famously preached, or the Franciscan church, a modern hexagonal structure that provides views of the church and house of Peter.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Tabar Hotel
DAY 7: Nazareth - Caesarea - Tel Aviv - Jaffa Port - Jerusalem
![Nazareth - Caesarea - Tel Aviv - Jaffa Port - Jerusalem]()
First thing today we head out to explore Nazareth. This city, which is today the capital of Israel's Arab population, is said to have been the childhood home of Jesus. Nazareth is home to an abundance of fascinating architectural sites. From here, we head north to the western coastline. First we stop to explore Caesarea, King Herod's renowned port on the Mediterranean. You’ll have some free time for lunch and exploring. Caesarea is the ancient Roman capital of Judea. We highly recommend that you make your way to the Caesarea amphitheatre. It’s one of the oldest in the eastern Mediterranean! This afternoon we'll do a city tour of Tel Aviv and Jaffa. Jaffa is an ancient port city that inspired the biblical story of 'Jonah and the Whale'! Explore the beautifully restored city from which modern Tel Aviv developed. Highlights of this tour include a drive up Rothschild Boulevard. Tonight we settle down in our hotel in Jerusalem.
Experiences
Nazareth. The Old City is the biggest draw as it takes you back to the time when Jesus’ mother Mary would’ve lived here. Within the old buildings you’ll find the traditional Arab souk, with locals serving freshly brewed coffee. Sites in the area include the Basilica of Annunciation and the Basilica of Jesus the Adolescent, the White Mosque and the Ancient Baths.
Caesarea. Caesarea was King Herod's masterpiece port on the Mediterranean. While the port ended up under the dunes in the 14th Century, extensive archaeological excavations in the 1950s brought it back up to the surface. So much so, that it is now home to one of the most impressive Roman sites! Entrance fee: US$10
Tel Aviv & Jaffa city tour. The iconic Rothschild Boulevard and Ilana Moore Museum are some of Tel Aviv’s highlights that are not to be missed. The ‘Mediterranean Capital of Cool’ is how Tel Aviv has come to be known and you’ll definitely see why! Jaffa is the port city famous for the tale of Jonah and the Whale. In Jaffa be sure to explore Ramses II’s Gate Garden and Saint Peter’s Church. Marvel at the clock tower that was built in honour of Turkish Sultan Abdul Hamid and capture some photos of the old Armenian monastery.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Tabar Hotel
DAY 8: Bethlehem - Mount of Olives - Jerusalem
![Bethlehem - Mount of Olives - Jerusalem]()
We start the day with a guided tour of Bethlehem. Visit the Church of Nativity and see the famous Shepherd's' Fields. Then we’ll have a photo stop at Banksy wall. At the Mount of Olives we stop to view the City of Gold from above and visit the Church of all Nations. Next up is the Old City of Jerusalem. This destination has more holy sites than any other square kilometre in the world. We visit the Wailing Wall, Mount Zion, the Via Dolorosa & more. This evening why not discover the Machane Yehuda Market back in Jerusalem, where locals sell fresh produce, pastries, coffee and the best olives around! At night it changes into a hub for tourists and foodies to hang out.
Experiences
Bethlehem. Said to be the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem is a significant Christian pilgrimage destination. The Church of Nativity dates back to the 6th Century and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Shepherds’ Fields are said to be where the shepherds encountered the angel in the biblical tale of Jesus’ birth.
Views of the Banksy wall. Banksy is a famous street artist from Britain. His art has caused a stir all across the world and when he visited Israel in the early 2000s to meet with Palestinian authorities, it was no exception!
Mount of Olives. Acting as a natural barrier between the Holy City and the Judean Desert, the Mount of Olives gives breathtaking views of the city and surrounds below. This is where the desert starts, and it ends at the Dead Sea. The Church of All Nations is found here, located next the Garden of Gethsemane. According to the biblical lore, the garden is said to be where Jesus prayed before his arrest.
Jerusalem. A place of significance for Jews, Muslims and Christians, Jerusalem is abound with famous sites, including the Wailing Wall (also known as Western Wall) and the Via Dolorosa. The latter is believed to be the path that Christ walked to his crucifixion.
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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Jerusalem Gold Hotel
DAY 9: Jerusalem: Free Day
![Jerusalem: Free Day]()
Today is your free day in the capital of Israel! Jerusalem has been described as one of the most spiritually intense destinations in the world. It's a holy land for Christians, Muslims and Jews alike. After spending time in the old city yesterday, you can head out to some of the other big attractions today. The Israel Museum should be at the top of your list. It's ranked as one of the top archaeological and art institutions in the world. It hosts a comprehensive range of art and ancient artifact pieces from the land of Israel and beyond and includes The Shrine of the Book, home to the biblical parchments known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. Take a trip to Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Center. There's also the 9/11 Memorial Plaza and the Gardens of Gethsemane. Here you’ll find a quiet space to rest, meditate or pray. Take time to enjoy your last dining experience of Israel. Sample some street food or dine at an award-winning restaurant. Just make sure you get your hands on some local dishes - the food here is exquisite!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Jerusalem Gold Hotel
DAY 10: End of tour in Jerusalem
![End of tour in Jerusalem]()
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.
Experiences
The tour ends after breakfast. 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 #BetterTogether.
