16D/15N JORDAN & THE HOLY LAND

Day 1:  Amman Airport / Amman
Our representative will meet you upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and assist with entry procedures and visa to Jordan.  He will then escort you to our driver then transfer to hotel in Amman for dinner and overnight.

 

Day 2: Amman / City Tour / Jerash / Madaba
Breakfast and then the driver will meet you to start the Amman city tour.  Visit the ruins of Amman’s Roman Theatre, the Citadel, the Umayyad Palace and the Archaeological and Folklore museumsProceed to Jerash and with the site guide explore one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world offering extensive and breath-taking ruins of colonnaded streets, arches, temples, and baths.  End the day at the hotel in Madaba with dinner and overnight.

 

Day 3: Madaba / Mt Nebo / Bethany / Umm Al Rasas / Dead Sea 
After breakfast, we continue to "The City of Mosaics". In many respects, Madaba is a typical East Bank town yet underneath almost every house lays a fine Byzantine mosaic. Many of these mosaics have been excavated and are on display in the town's museum, but it is estimated that many more lay hidden waiting to be discovered. Discover the oldest preserved ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land dating back to the 6th century BC located within the Church of St. George and the extensive and beautiful mosaics adorning the floor inside the Church of the Apostles.  Next continue to Mt Nebo and retrace the steps of Moses and admire the spectacular view of the Promised Land just as he did over 2,000 year before. It is very easy to feel that you have arrived some place special.  On a clear day Jerusalem, Jericho and the Dead Sea can be seen.  A memorial in Moses’ honor can be found at the entrance to the early Byzantine Christian church where Moses is believed to have died. After a short drive, arrive in Bethany. This archaeological site is one of the most important biblical discoveries in the world. Excavations began in 1996 and have already uncovered more than 20 churches, caves and baptismal pools dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Archaeologists are assured this is where John the Baptist lived, Jesus was baptized, and the first five apostles met. With the site guide, explore the path leading to the Jordan River transform from a dry desert into a tropical oasis and it becomes clear why Prophet Jeremiah described it as "the jungle of the Jordan". Continue to Umm Al Rasas – the ancient city of Kastron Mefaa. The prophet Jeremiah mentioned the city in his condemnation of Moab.  This important archaeological site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.  Fifteen Byzantine churches, two oil presses and a winery have been discovered so far. Two of the most famous churches are the Church of Bishop Serguis (587 AD) and Church of St. Stephen (785 AD).  Both boast magnificent mosaics throughout.  End the day at the Dead Sea – the world's largest natural spa and one of the most unique spots on earth.  The water and mud of the Dead Sea have been recognized for their healing properties since Biblical times.  Experience the strange sensation of floating effortlessly - its mystical waters contain so much salt and minerals, it is impossible to sink!  A truly unique experience for both body and soul.Dinner and overnight at Dead Sea.

 

Day 4: Dead Sea / Dana/ Kerak / Petra
Breakfast then we continue along the Dead Sea Highway to Dana Nature Reserve…Jordan's largest reserve…for a leisurely 2 hour stroll around the village. Starting from the Dana Guesthouse, this trail winds above the Dana Village and through the terraced gardens and local craft workshops. Visitors can meet the local residents, see original Ottoman architecture, and learn more about Dana's rich history. Next stop, Kerak to visit the 12-century Crusader castle built over the remains of earlier citadels some which date back to Nabataean times. The castle in itself is more imposing than beautiful, although it is an impressive example of the Crusaders' architectural military genius.  Wander through underground corridors with huge kitchens, stables and sleeping quarters with several floors. The commanding view over the region is spectacular.  End the day in Petra with dinner and overnight.

 

Day 5: Petra
After breakfast, begin the day in the Rose Red city of Petra.  Petra is a UNESCO world heritage site and was recently voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.  It is the legacy of the Nabataean's, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2000 years ago. With a guided 3 hour tour, enter the site by navigating the narrow kilometer long Siq, or canyon. The walls of the Siq are bursting with color from deep pink to purple to ocher. The path abruptly ends at an opening that reveals Petra’s most famous monument - the Treasury - carved into shear rock and towering over 40 meters high. Explore many of the over 800 individual monuments including buildings, tombs, baths, funerary halls, temples, arched gateways, and colonnaded streets, that were carved from the kaleidoscopic sandstone by the inhabitants centuries ago.  Continue on a self-guided tour to either the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice. The Monastery can be reached after a steep climb of 800 steps.  This impressive structure is the largest of the rock-cut facades and so large that the door itself is bigger than a house.   The High Place of Sacrifice, thought to be the holiest site of the Nabataeans', is one of the most thrilling walks in Petra. During the climb, view amazing tombs full of incredible carvings and admire the stunning views of the wadi below. On the return, take the Wadi Farasa Trail which passes by the Lion Monument, the Garden Temple, the Roman Soldier's Tomb, and ending near the Great Temple.  At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Petra. Dinner and overnight in Petra.

 

Day 6: Petra / Little Petra / Wadi Rum
Breakfast at the hotel and then we continue on to Little Petra, which is believed to be a resting place for the ancient caravans traveling along the spice route.  Enter the site through a narrow gorge called Siq al-Baird to view the tombs, temples, and dining halls.   Near Little Petra, continue exploring at the ancient Neolithic settlement of Beidah believed to date back to 7000 BC. Continue on to the “vast, echoing and God-like” landscape of Wadi Rum where you will experience the solitude and magic of the desert landscape.   On one of the best rides of your life – a 3-hour sunset 4x4 safari – with a Bedouin guide, view the towering castle-like mountains and beautifully colored cliffs that can be seen in every direction.  Dinner and overnight in Wadi Rum.

 

Day 7: Wadi Rum / Aqaba (free day)
Breakfast at the camp, then continue to Aqaba for a free day in the charming resort city where traditional and modern culture mix.  Explore the many coffee shops, eateries, spice markets, and unique shopping areas. For adventure, there is an opportunity to explore Aqaba's underwater world.  Scuba dive or snorkel in the pristine waters of the Gulf of Aqaba and marvel at some of the most spectacular and unspoiled reefs in the region.  For a more laid-back experience, sail the shores of the Gulf during a day or sunset cruise and view Aqaba from a truly unique vantage point.  Dinner and overnight in Aqaba.

 

Day 8: Aqaba / Arava Border / Masada / Qumran / Jericho / Jerusalem
Must be at Arava first thing in the morning- this day is busy
After breakfast, our driver will take you to the Arava Border.  After you complete the border process, the Israeli guide will be waiting for you as soon as you cross into IsraelContinue on through the JudeanDesert to Masada.  Take the cable car to the top, visiting Herod's mountain bunker and the last stronghold of the Jewish revolt against Rome (66-73AD).  After a short drive arrive at Qumran.  Here view Cave #4 which contained the greatest quantity of Dead Sea Scrolls.   After, head on to the oldest city in the world - Jericho – and with a site guide view the Temptation MountEnd the day in Jerusalem with overnight.

 

Day 9: Mount of Olives / Garden of Gethsemane / Bethlehem / Jerusalem

After breakfast, with the guide, start the day with a panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives as the morning lends a breathtaking view of the Holy City.  The Middle East flavor is strong; sounds of morning Muslim prayers are heard and the golden Dome of the Rick shimmers in the morning sun.   Next stop is the Garden of Gethsemane. Early Christian pilgrims located the Garden of Gethsemane at the bottom of the slope of the Mount of Olives opposite the Temple Mount.  Byzantine, Crusader and a modern church were built successively on the site where it is believed that Jesus prayed to the Father hours before his crucifixion.  Visitors here are amazed when they learn that the gnarled olive trees they see could have been young saplings when Jesus came here with his disciples on that fateful night after the Last Supper.  We conclude the day in Bethlehem, and with a site guide walk through its alleys and markets to the Church of the Nativity. End the day in Jerusalem with overnight.

 

Day 10:  Western Wall / Via Dolorosa / Holy Sepulture Church / Mount Zion / Yad Vashem
Today after breakfast, with the guide, we drive through the Old City and through the Dung Gate to visit the Western Wall, currently Judaism's holiest site where worshippers from around the world come to pray.  We continue the walk along the Via Dolorosa – "the Stations of the Cross" – where Jesus fell beneath the weight of his cross.  The setting of its present day atmosphere imparts an authentic sense of Jerusalem as Jesus experienced the city in his last hours.  From there, continue the drive to Mount Zion to visit the Last Supper room and the Tomb of David (Israel's most famous King).  End the day with a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Walk through the astounding new Museum with its new and moving focus on the individual in the Holocaust, the Children’s Memorial and Hall of Remembrance.  Overnight Jerusalem.

 

Day 11:  Jerusalem Free Day
After breakfast, you have free time on your own to explore Jerusalem (no guide). Overnight in Jerusalem.

 

Day 12:  Cana / Nazareth / Golan Heights / Galilee
After breakfast, with the guide, we drive to Cana to visit the Church of the Wedding and where Jesus performed his first miracle turning water into wine.   We then continue to Nazareth, where Jesus grew up, to visit the Basilica of the Annunciation where the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would "bring forth a son".    Next stop is Mary's Well and the site of Joseph's carpentry shop.  After, drive to the Baniass Nature Reserve, in the Golan Heights, once Caesarea Philippi, where the Keys to Heaven were given to Simon – Petrus. We will then visit Mt. Bental which is 1,170 meters above sea level and provides stunning views of  villages as well as a network of old bunkers and trenches.  Overnight in Galilee.

 

Day 13:  Sea of Gaililee / Capernaum / Tabgha / Mount of Beatitudes / Galiliee
After breakfast, today with the guide, we visit the places where Jesus acted around the Sea of Galilee.  At Capernaum, visit Peter's House and the famous synagogue, enjoy the view from Mt. of the Beatitudes where the "sermon on the mount" was given, and the church at Tabgha, where traditions puts the miracle of the "bread and the Fish".  We will also sail in a boat similar to the boat used by Jesus and his disciples. Overnight in Galilee.

 

Day 14:  Megido / Haifa / Caesarea / Tel Aviv
After breakfast, continue the drive to Meggido, the ancient city where we still can see the walls and gate of King Salomon and the stables of King Ahab as well as a very sophisticated water-system. Meggido is Armageddon, where the last war shall take place.say farewell to Jerusalem today, and with the guide, head for Tel Aviv.  Next stop is Haifa to view the Bahai Gardens.   Its unique design and exquisite detailing will leave an indelible impression.  The gardens frame panoramic views of the city, the Galilee Hills and the Mediterranean Sea.  Continue on to visit Stella Maris Church.  It's a beautiful structure, with Italian marble so brightly and vividly patterned that visitors sometimes thinks the walls have been painted.  The cave situated below the alter which you can walk down into, is "Elijah's Cave", where the Old Testament prophet is believed to have lived.  An earlier monastery on this site served as a hospital for Napoleon's soldiers.  After we will drive to Caesarae to explore the wonders of the past at the antiquities park.  Buildings from the Hellenistic period (3rd century BC) to the Crusader period (12th century AD) bears silent witness to the upheavals that have visited this ancient city over the past 2,300 years.  A tour of the national park is like walking through a story, and wandering between the ancient buildings you can sense how people lived here thousands of years ago. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

 

Day 15: Tel Aviv Free Day
After breakfast, free day to explore Tel Aviv (no guide).  Overnight in Tel Aviv.

 

Day 16: Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport for departure
After breakfast, and based on flight details, the driver will transfer you to Tel Aviv Airport for departure 

 

Rates include the following: 

Meet and assist upon arrival at Amman Airport

Jordan visa for non-restricted nationalities

Private transportation throughout the entire tour with modern full option A/C tourist vehicle

English speaking driver throughout the program in Jordan

All entrance fees to the historical sites in the program

Private English speaking site guides in Jerash, Bethany, and Petra for less than 6 guests

Private guide throughout the Jordan program for 6+ guests

4x4 safari in Wadi Rum for 3 hours with local Bedouin guide

Lunch in Wadi Rum

Lunch inside Petra Al Basin Restaurant

English speaking driver guide throughout the program in Israel for 6 days (not on departure day)

English speaking SITE guides in Jericho & Bethlehem

Boat ride on Sea of Galilee

15 nights' accommodations per chart above

Meal plan as per chart above (BB means breakfast only; HB means dinner & breakfast)

Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport for departure

Rates exclude: 

Departure tax at Arava Border $14pp

Personal travel insurance and expenses

Tips for the guides, site guides, the driver, 4x4 driver in Wadi Rum, hotel staff

Drinks in general

Lunches unless mentioned

Dinners in Israel

Flights

Any other expenses not mentioned

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