Ancient Wonders: Jordan & Israel

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Amman, Jordan

Take an overnight flight to Amman, Jordan’s capital city and its cultural and political center. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

InterContinental Jordan

Day 2: Amman/Jerash/Amman

Pay a visit to Jerash, a third-century city that is home to the most complete ruins of a provincial Roman city in the world. Walk along the Roman Cardo, or the Street of Columns, where the grooves left by chariot wheels are still visible. Afterward, tour Amman’s downtown, stopping at the Citadel, Great Temple of Amman and the Roman Theater. Attend a special welcome dinner tonight.

InterContinental Jordan   |   Meals: B L D

Day 3: Amman/Madaba/Dead Sea/Petra

Travel through countryside rich in biblical history to Mount Nebo, which affords fantastic views westward; on clear days, you can spot Bethlehem and Jerusalem from this vantage point. Continue to Madaba, called the “City of Mosaics” for its spectacular sixthcentury mosaic map of the Holy Land. After a traditional lunch, continue to the Dead Sea, known for its therapeutic properties. If you wish, you may take a dip in its salt- and mineral-rich waters.

Movenpick Resort Petra   |   Meals: B L D

Day 4: Petra

Spend a full day exploring the once-thriving capital of Petra, a stunning city carved from the very mountains surrounding it. Pass through the siq, a natural channel of rock leading to the majestic Treasury, the Temple of the Winged Lions, the Corinthian Tomb and the Palace Tomb.

Movenpick Resort Petra   |   Meals: B L

Day 5: Petra/Wadi Rum/Amman

Travel this morning to Wadi Rum, also known as “Valley of the Moon” for its lunar landscapes. Explore the rose-tinted mountains and desert vistas where Lawrence of Arabia lived with his Bedouin allies during World War I.

Movenpick Resort Petra   |   Meals: B L

Day 6: Amman/Masada, Israel/Jerusalem

This morning, travel to Israel, scene of some of the most stirring events in history. En route, stop at Masada, where the last stand by the Zealots fighting the Romans took place. Take a cable car up to the final stronghold of these Israeli fighters who took their own lives rather than surrender and become slaves. You also stop at Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947 inside airtight jars by a young Bedouin shepherd. Continue to Jerusalem.

The King David   |   Meals: B L D

Day 7: Jerusalem

Drive to the Mount of Olives for a breathtaking view of the city below with Temple Mount (or Al Haram Al Sharif) in the center. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane where, according to the Bible, Jesus prayed with his disciples before his crucifixion. In the Old City, visit the Western Wall, and view the El Aksa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Continue to the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Wander through the four quarters of the city with your expert guide.

The King David   |   Meals: B L

Day 8: Jerusalem/Bethlehem/Jerusalem

Visit Yad Vashem, a leading institution in Shoah education and research. Then visit the Israel Museum, where you examine some of the legendary Dead Sea Scrolls. This afternoon, drive to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, which rests over the cave where Jesus was born.

The King David   |   Meals: B L

Day 9: Jerusalem/Beit Shean/Tiberias

Drive through the Jordan Valley to arrive at Beit Shean to visit one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters. Cruise the Sea of Galilee by boat, and stop at Capernaum, the ancient synagogue where Jesus taught. See St. Peter’s House, which was later converted into a church. Continue overland to Tiberias.

Scots Hotel   |   Meals: B L

Day 10: Tiberias/Acre/Golan Heights/Tiberias

Venture to Acre, the ancient Phoenician and Crusader seaport once held by Ottoman Turks. Tour the old section of the city, which is still a hub for local fishermen. This afternoon, drive to the Golan Heights, a plateau overlooking the Sea of Galilee, and stop at Banias, viewing archaeological remains that span the region’s pagan, Jewish, Roman, Byzantine and Muslim eras. Gather tonight for a special farewell dinner.

Scots Hotel   |   Meals: B L D

Day 11: Tiberias/Caesarea/Tel Aviv

Set off for Caesarea, a 2,000-year-old city, from which St. Paul was taken to Rome as a prisoner. In the afternoon, embark on a tour of Tel Aviv. You also stop at the artist colony of Jaffa, walking its winding alleys, charming fisherman’s port and colorful artist quarter.

InterContinental David Tel Aviv   |   Meals: B L

Day 12: Depart Tel Aviv

Board your homebound international flight.

Take This Journey Private

This itinerary is available as an independent journey led by local guides.

Meals: B