Essential Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories

Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to the Middle East. Your adventure begins in Jordan's capital city – Amman. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, but until then, you’re free to hit the streets. Why not make a beeline for Rainbow Street for a falafel and a shisha – it’s what the locals do! After something more substantial? Maybe head to the Old Town’s Roman Amphitheatre, have a cultured afternoon at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, snap some pics of the city from the hilltop Temple of Hercules, or sweat it out in a hammam. After your meeting, why not get a group together and head out for the night on Rainbow Street – your trip leader will know all the best little bars.

This morning, take a walking tour with your leader around Amman, beginning at the hilltop Citadel, then following the edge of the walls down into town past the Roman Theatre, the Nymphaeum ruins and the Al Husseiny Mosque. Be sure to stop in at some nut shops or a souq for some snacks along the way. After lunch, drive to Wadi Rum. When you arrive, you'll meet your Bedouin hosts, who'll show you around camp and offer you many rounds of ‘Bedouin whisky’ (mint tea), so settle in for a night of traditional hospitality. This evening you'll be dining on traditional Bedouin cuisine and sleeping in Bedouin-style tents. If you choose, you can even sleep in the open air, surrounded by the Mars-like mountains in the background. Fall asleep under a desert blanket of an undisturbed night sky, rich with stars.

You won’t want to miss this – Wadi Rum rarely looks as fine as she does in the early morning. Wake up early to take in a magical sunrise, and when you're breakfast-ed, it’s time to head on a 4WD safari. Jump in one of the jeeps and begin driving around the curious landscapes, passing by Lawrence Spring – a rocky landscape contrasted by a freshwater spring with panoramic views over the valley. You’ll also stop at Lawrence House – supposedly the house where Lawrence of Arabia lived and stored his equipment. Continue to one of the largest sand dunes in Wadi Rum and check out some of the famous rock bridges. The deserts around Wadi Rum have got a real otherworldly feel to them, and many Hollywood blockbusters have been shot in and around where you’ll tour today. Later in the afternoon, return to your camp and enjoy a second night of Bedouin hospitality.

Today, farewell your Bedouin mates and journey to Petra – one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll have two full days exploring Petra and its surroundings, so be sure to take your time exploring the spectacular archaeological site. Take a guided tour of the site, where you’ll learn about its thousands of years of history and the many films that have used this as a backdrop. You'll get to follow in the footsteps of movie stars on a guided tour that'll take you through the site's narrow siq (a narrow crack in the mountain) to Petra's tombs, temples and rock-hewn amphitheatre. For those wanting to admire the 'rose-red city' from a different angle, there's also the option of hiking the Alkhobatha Trail (approximately 2.5 hours) to a small pitstop, where locals sell refreshing drinks in exchange for the best view over the Treasury – this is the best place to get your epic photos! After a long day of exploration, the cave bar is a good place to relieve your parched throat and put your feet up for a while.

Today, you’ve got another day to explore the majestic Petra at your own pace. Maybe walk the road to Al Khanzneh (the Treasury) – one of the most stunning structures in the whole site. Or, if you didn’t make it yesterday, head up the stairs to El Dier (the Monastery) - this is a descent climb, but well worth it for the views. Other great options today are to hike to the royal tombs or visit the incredible Byzantine mosaics. Your leader will know all the good things to do, so feel free to ask them for help.

This morning after breakfast, drive down the King’s Highway towards Madaba. You’ll stop along the way to check out the famous Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth – where you’ll go for a swim (or float) in its salty waters. If you’re feeling a bit sore after your Petra expedition, the Dead Sea’s mud has known healing properties and will be sure to bring back your youthful good looks! After, swing past Mt Nebo, where you’ll have the opportunity to view the Promised Land, just like Moses did. Arrive in Madaba – the city of mosaics – and take a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings. This afternoon, visit St Georges Church, where you’ll see the intricate mosaic map containing the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem. Later, maybe head out with the gang for dinner – there are some awesome places to eat in this city and your leader knows all the best spots.

After breakfast this morning, leave Jordan behind and head for Jerusalem. You’ll have another meeting at 4.30 pm this afternoon to meet your new leader and group members. If you arrive early, you could grab a coffee or a cold one from one of the many bars, cafes and restaurants near your hostel. After, head out on an orientation walk with the group. You'll stop at Machane Yehuda Market, where you can sample tasty local cuisine using a Bite Card – your ticket to tasting the likes of sabich (pita stuffed with fried aubergine and boiled egg) and authentic kubbeh soup (veggie broth topped with meat-filled dumplings). Your leader will leave you here to spend the evening as you wish – maybe check out the laneway bars with your new-found friends as the market comes to life or wander the nearby streets to check out the shop-shutter graffiti that’s only visible at night. 

This morning you’ll take in some of Jerusalem’s cultural wonders on a walking tour of the Old City. Follow the stations of the cross along the Via Dolorosa, which represents the route Jesus took before his crucifixion. Witness locals and pilgrims rocking in prayer at the Western Wall – Judaism’s holiest site – and get fabulous views of the golden Dome of the Rock, as well as the city's countless other spires and towers, from the rooftop terrace at the Austrian Hospice. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore. You could try a flight of boutique Israeli brews at the Beer Bazaar, hunt down the perfect hummus in the Old City (ask your leader for tips) or grab some snacks and find the perfect picnic spot at Sacher Park – saving time to wander the winding paths of the nearby Wohl Rose Garden.

Rise and shine nice and early this morning and drive out to the biggest oasis in Israel – Ein Gedi National Park. Here, you’ll embark on a hike with your group to one of the waterfalls that boast views of the Dead Sea below. You can take a quick dip at the waterfall and stay here or carry on to the second waterfall further along the trail. Relax in this desert spring and then head back down – from here, you have the option to visit the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth on the border of Jordan. Tonight, enjoy some free time for dinner.

This morning, check out of your hostel and head to the Mount of Olives for panoramic views of the Old City. From there, you’ll drive to Bethlehem. Visit the Church of the Nativity, built on the spot where Jesus is said to have been born, and head to the Shepherd’s Fields, where angels allegedly appeared to bring the good news. You’ll have time to explore the street art that emblazons much of the contentious West Bank Barrier – including pieces by famed British artist Banksy – and learn the personal stories and political implications behind some of the more prominent pieces. After, continue to Tel Aviv via the ancient port city of Jaffa – these unique brick streets are the perfect backdrop for photos, as they make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. This afternoon, enjoy some free time in this relaxed city. An optional sunset bike ride is a great way to get your bearings. Tonight, why not get the gang together and hit the town? Tel Aviv is known for its happening nightlife!

There aren’t any activities planned for today, so you’re free to leave the hostel at any time. That doesn’t mean your Middle Eastern adventure has to come to an end! If you’re looking at spending more time in Tel Aviv, just speak to your booking agent.