Explore Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories

Find the heart of Israel and Jordan on this Intrepid Adventure.

Delve into Israel and Jordan, holy lands rich with history and an oasis of delight and intrigue in the desert. This trip will see you wandering the immense ruins of Petra and exploring a lunar-like landscape at Wadi Rum. Take your time to explore ancient monuments, relics and holy sites of immense significance, visit hill-top fortifications and climb the Mount of Olives for the best view of Old Town Jerusalem. Immerse yourself in this journey across the best of the Middle East and gain a deeper understanding of this enduring land and its people.

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Start: Amman, Jordan
Finish: Tel Aviv, Israel
Destinations: Israel, Jordan
Style: Original
Theme: Explorer

Code: EESRC
Physical rating
Ages: Min 15
Group size: Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

Explore the best of the Middle East as you discover Jordan and Israel. Explore Wadi Rum, wander the ruins of Petra and indulge in some serious history across Israel and Palestine.
Check out the rock-cut tombs and the remains of the ancient city of Petra.
Learn the stories behind some of the most challenging and poignant works of graffiti that decorate the barrier wall in Bethlehem during a walking tour.
Access the glowing blue grottoes of Rosh Hanikra by cable car, then enjoy views over the Mediterranean Coast of Western Galilee.
Spend the night trying to count the billions of stars or chat with the locals at our Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum.

Is this trip right for you?

This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
There is a lot of walking around the sights in Jordan, most with out shade, especially in Petra and Wadi Rum, please bring comfortable shoes and a hat to make the most of your time at the sights
The weather can be quite cool in winter, please bring clothing you can layer.
Sites can get congested during peak travel periods with coaches of large pilgrim groups. We do our best to plan our visits around these times but sometimes it is unavoidable. There may be delays, queue's and private services that prevent us from entering the site. Your trip leader will manage this as best as they can on the day.
As the days get warmer, temperatures can start to soar. From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, some days start very early (eg at 0500). Please be prepared for this: we try to make things as comfortable for you as possible.
These destinations can be expensive on the ground and you should budget accordingly. The good news is that you have expert local leaders to help uncover the best deals!
Known as 'baksheesh' in the Middle East, tipping is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. If you are satisfied with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate and always appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Don’t be taken back if this tipping culture is even more apparent in Israel.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Amman

Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan’s capital, Amman – cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in biblical history. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. As you don’t spend too much time here, it's worth arriving a day or two early to explore the sights. If you do have time, be sure to head to the citadel, taking in its amazing sweeping views of Amman. The Jordan Museum (home to the Dead Sea Scrolls) and the Roman Theatre are both well worth visiting. After your meeting, head out with your new-found travel pals, and perhaps pick up a coffee from one of the cafes and partner it with an ara’yes – a local-style toastie filled with spiced meat.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Amman - King Abullah Mosque (entry fee) - JOD2
Amman - Roman Theatre (entry fee) - JOD2
Amman - Citadel (entry fee) - JOD3
Madaba - Al-Maghtas Bethany Baptism site (entry fee) - JOD12
Amman - Jordan Archaeological Museum (entry fee) - JOD3

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

All optional activities mentioned today are priced for entry only. Extra costs will apply for transport to and from the site, as well as if you’d wish to have a guide. If you do wish to visit The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ at Bethany today, or before the tour commences, please note that operating hours vary between seasons.

Day 2: Wadi Rum

Follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia with a journey to Wadi Rum (approximately 5 hours). A half-day jeep safari will take you through some of the most striking desert scenery on the planet. Wadi Rum is full of weird and wonderful lunar-like rock formations, and traces of ancient civilisations can be seen in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the area – from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. The most enduring monuments in Wadi Rum are those carved by nature – the natural rock bridges, towering rose-coloured sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks. Tonight, sleep in a simple Bedouin desert camp, with the choice of sleeping under a camel hair tent or out under the stars. Enjoy dinner cooked in an earthen oven by your Bedouin hosts. Meaning ‘desert dwellers’ in Arabic, the Bedouins are a semi-nomadic people, and in Jordan up to 40 per cent of the general population is thought to have Bedouin ancestry. Conditions are basic at the desert camp, but the hospitality of your hosts as well as the chance to sleep beneath the twinkling desert night sky will sure make up for it.

Accommodation

Desert camp (1 night)

Included Activities

Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari

Meals Included

Breakfast
Dinner

Special Information

For tonight’s camp, a mattress and blankets are provided. Please be aware that while the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night. So, warm clothes and a sleeping bag are highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months. Western-style toilet facilities are available, as well as solar panel showers.

Day 3: Wadi Rum

After waking up in the unique surrounds of the camp this morning, head out on a trek around the area (approximately 12 to 15 kilometres), with a stop for tea and a lunch break. You might scale one of the large sand dunes for sensational views of the valley – the perfect chance to snap some unbelievable pictures. Explore the distinctive rock formations and bask in its eerie silence. Wadi Rum is probably best known for its connection with the enigmatic British officer T E Lawrence, who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917–18. Tonight is again yours to enjoy the traditional Bedouin hospitality and the clear night skies of the desert.

Accommodation

Desert camp (1 night)

Included Activities

Wadi Rum - Guided hike

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Special Information

The duration and length of today’s trek can vary depending on the weather and the group’s ability. Please make sure you have appropriate, sturdy, comfortable footwear for this trek. If you don’t want to participate in the hike, you can always spend some more time around the Bedouin Camp.

Day 4: Petra

This morning you'll leave your desert camp, taking 4WDs to the main entrance, which is opposite the Seven Pillars of Wisdom – the mountain named after Lawrence of Arabia’s book. The visitor's centre here is also a great spot to buy some jewellery and handicrafts, mostly made by a women's co-operative aimed at supporting local industries. Continue your journey to the fabled city of Petra by private vehicle (approximately 2 hours). The site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was discovered by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt – a Swiss explorer. In 1985, Petra was designated a World Heritage-listed site. Once arrived, spend the afternoon on a guided tour of Petra. Squeeze through a mile-long narrow path, known as the Siq, through huge towers of rock and get your first glimpse of the iconic Treasury complex. It’s amazing to think that this enormous, intricate building entrance was hand carved out of the rock.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Petra - Guided tour of Petra

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

A two-day entrance pass to Petra is included. Please note that when entering Petra as a group, a complimentary horse ride is included in the ticket price from the entrance point down to the Siq. Intrepid doesn't recommend that you take this option due to the safety and insurance liability involved. Please note a lot of walking is required to see all the sites and viewpoints of Petra. A basic level of fitness will enhance your enjoyment of your visit.

Day 5: Petra

Enjoy a free day of self-discovery as you explore Petra on your own. The site is surprisingly big, and so it is up to you to choose your own route around the complex. You could explore the old Roman road, other smaller temples and several old tombs, as well as the rock-hewn amphitheatre. For those who are feeling a bit more active, there's the challenging but highly rewarding 1-hour walk up the steps to the secluded yet stunning Monastery.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Petra - Petra By Night - JOD17

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 6: Madaba

Traverse the King's Highway to the historic crusader castle of Kerak, which stands on a cliff commandingly overlooking Wadi Karak and the Dead Sea in the distance (approximately 2.5 hours). You’ll have time to explore the ruins and discover the legends of centuries-old battles. Pack your swim gear as next you can wash off the dust in the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level). This super-salty lake is a perfect place to spend some time relaxing and get some classic floating pictures. For those who are game, why not cover yourself from head to toe for a nutrient-rich natural mineral mud bath. Continue to Mt Nebo – the spot where the prophet Moses is said to have seen the ‘promised land’ and where he’s supposedly buried. Explore this sanctuary and view the remarkable mosaics of the fourth-century church. Afterwards, continue to Madaba, famous for its Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the acclaimed sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St George's Church. Other mosaic masterpieces from the fifth to seventh centuries can be found throughout Madaba’s churches, museums and homes.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Kerak - Castle visit
Mt Nebo - Site visit
Dead Sea - Swimming opportunity

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 7: Madaba / Jerash

Today you will leave Madaba for a short drive to Jerash – once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world (approximately 1.5 hours). These are some of the best-preserved Greco-Roman ruins around. The ancient walled town that survives today is a remarkable evocation of life 2000 years ago. It has a striking collection of archways and theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets, and is a beautiful place to spend a day exploring. Discover Hadrian’s arch, the partially restored hippodrome, ornate public fountains, the south amphitheatre, and see the collection of daily artefacts uncovered during excavations. Grand columns encircle the city's centrepiece, the Oval Plaza. After a full day of exploring, maybe gather your travel buddies together and share a celebratory shisha as you reminisce on your memories of majestic Jordan.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Jerash - Roman ruins
Madaba - St Georges Church

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 8: Jerusalem

This morning we farewell Jordan and make the hour journey to the Alenby Bridge Crossing for your onwards journey to Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Your Tour Leader will escort you to the crossing and provide you with instructions for the border officials. Once you have cleared the border there will be a representative to escort you to your hotel in Jerusalem.

Welcome to Israel and Jerusalem, a city steeped in spirituality and legend; a rich tapestry of the many cultures, religions and nationalities that call it home, be they Palestinian Muslims & Christians, Sephardic Jews, Ashkenazi Jews, Armenian Christians, Ethiopian Copts or Greek Orthodox monks.

Your arrival at the hotel should be just in time for lunch and the rest of your day is free to explore Jerusalem. We recommend checking out the range of tours on offer from Urban Adventures.

There will be a meeting this evening at 6.00pm with your Tour Leader and any fellow travelers, please look for this note in reception

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Day 9: Jerusalem

Explore the Old City this morning on foot. Start with the Courtyard of the Dome and the Western Wall, then continue to St Stephen’s Gate, passing the crusader church of St Anne and the Pool of Bethesda. Continue along the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) and stop by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, buried and resurrected. Perhaps stop and recharge and sip on sweek tea or sample fresh local bread and then walk through the Christian Quarter up to Jaffa Gate. In the afternoon use your free time to explore more of the city.

This evening meet up with your leader and enjoy a home-cooked meal of chicken maqloubeh (an upside-down layered dish) with a Palestinian family. With a full belly, enjoy a traditional oud performance from a local musician.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City

Meals Included

Breakfast
Dinner

Special Information

The Dome of the Rock/Al-Aqsa Mosque is open from 7.30–10.30 am Sundays through Thursdays, and again for an hour in the afternoon. In order to beat tourist traffic, our guides usually like to go there first thing in the morning.

The Western Wall area is open every day. However please note that on Friday evenings and Saturdays, tourists are not allowed to take any photos.

Day 10: Jerusalem

Start the day off with a panoramic view of the city. Drive out to the Mount of Olives that looks over Jerusalem’s Old City and visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is said to have prayed the night before his crucifixion. See the Church of All Nations (also known as the Basilica of the Agony), then drive the short distance out to Bethlehem and take a graffiti walking tour along the barrier wall. Graffiti by many artists has graced the wall over the years, including famous ones like Banksy. Continue to Manger Square and consider refuelling with some of Bethlehem’s famous falafel. Visit the Church of the Nativity, marking the spot of the stable where Mary is said to have given birth to Jesus, then head back to Jerusalem. Visit the holocaust museum Yad Vashem – your leader may not be licensed to guide in the museum or may not be comfortable doing so; if this is the case then an audio guide will be provided. Later, meet a local rabbi for a lively and informative discussion about the Israel–Palestine conflict, Jewish tradition and peace processes.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Bethlehem - Graffiti Walking Tour
Jerusalem - Yad Vashem Jewish Holocaust Memorial
Jerusalem - Mount of Olives

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Departures March, April and May
Please note that a visit to Bethlehem and activities in the West Bank may not be available on your departure. The border to the West Bank may not be open to visitors due to COVID-19 virus concerns. As an alternative activity we will visit the Herodion National Park, an impressive fortress built by Herod the Great and also the place where he was buried – from here you have a great view of the West Bank and Jerusalem in the distance.

Day 11: Jericho

This morning drive out to the cliff-top fortress of Masada. On the way your leader will make a few stops; each leader has their favourite photo spots and stories to tell so we leave it up to them to share what they love. Arrive in Masada and take a cable car to the fortress built by King Herod around 35 BC. This UNESCO site is very important to the Jewish people as a symbol of their exile from the Holy Land and of bravery and self-sacrifice. Spend some time visiting the site, then drive around 30 minutes to the shores of the Dead Sea, where the dense and super-salty water means you’ll go for a float, not a swim. Spend some time relaxing here and soaking in the mud, which is supposed to have healing properties.

Tonight you’ll stay at an eco-lodge, where the accommodation is part of an NGO, originally a refugee camp and now a community initiative that aims to protect the ecology of the Dead Sea and the Jordan River Valley. On arrival your host will speak about the environmental situation in the valley, and the work they are doing in waste management and water conservation. If there's time after your included dinner, take an optional sunset hike – a 2-hour walk to a farm to enjoy some light refreshments and some local conversation.

Accommodation

Eco-lodge (1 night)

Included Activities

Dead Sea - Visit and float
Masada - Masada visit

Meals Included

Breakfast
Dinner

Special Information

Departures March, April and May
Please note that due to COVID-19 virus concerns we will be unable to stay in the eco-lodge as advertised. We will spend an additional night in Jerusalem and your leader will take you on a snack-sampling tour of the Machane Yehuda Market.

Day 12: Haifa

Travel to the western shores of the Sea of Galilee and historic Tiberias, established all the way back in AD20. Visit the ancient fishing village of Capernaum. See the site of two ancient synagogues and a church said to have been the home of St Peter. Stop by Tabgha, where the Bible says Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, then head up to Safed (Tsfat), one of Judaism’s Four Holy Cities, which is over 900 metres above sea level. Continue to Nazareth to take a stroll through the Old City and visit the Church of the Annunciation, where Mary is said to have received the news of the Immaculate Conception. Hit the road again and arrive in Haifa for the evening.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 13: Haifa

This morning travel to Rosh Hanikra (1 hour's drive) where white cliffs meet the blue sea. This little beauty of natural geography is tucked away on the border with Lebanon and is usually a highlight for everyone. Take the cable car up the cliff to view the spectacular grottoes. Continue to the ancient crusader port of Acre (Akko in Hebrew), where you’ll visit the vast complex of buildings occupied by the Knights of St John (Knights Hospitaller), excavated to uncover rooms including a large hall, a dungeon, a dining room and the crypt of an ancient Gothic church. Perhaps a good place to have lunch and relax before returning to Haifa. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time. You may want to visit the Baha’i Gardens, where the elaborate terraces and a golden shrine sit overlooking the city. There are some great produce markets and excellent restaurants nearby, just ask your leader for recommendations.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Akko - Knights Fortress Visit
Rosh Hanikra - Cable Car & Grottoes

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 14: Tel Aviv

After breakfast, journey to Tel Aviv via the coast and tour the ancient port of Caesarea (approximately 1 hour), which served as the capital of Israel during the Roman and Byzantine eras. Built in 25 BC, the city was eventually abandoned and lost under the desert sands. Thanks to archaeological excavations since, its splendour is on show once again. Continue along the coast to Tel Aviv. Take a stroll through the Old City of Jaffa, then drop your luggage at tonight’s accommodation. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader, taking in Rabin Square. Finish up your walk at the promenade, the perfect place to find a restaurant for dinner this evening, or enjoy a farewell drink at your hotel with your leader and fellow travellers and try the local boutique beer.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Caesarea - Roman Amphitheatre & Aqueduct

Optional Activities

Haifa - Baha'i Gardens - Free

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Tonight's hotel does not serve breakfast, however they will issue a voucher for Aroma Cafe, one of Israel's best-loved cafes that serves great coffee and is just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Your leader will give you your voucher this evening for tomorrow.

Day 15: Tel Aviv

This trip comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time after you check out.

Getting to the airport is very simple and easy by public transport with buses nearby taking you to the train station and connecting to the airport. Private transfers are available to pre-book with Intrepid.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Want to tailor this itinerary?

Inclusions

Meals

14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Jeep

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Desert camp (2 nights), Eco Lodge (1 night)

Included activities

Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari
Wadi Rum - Guided hike
Petra - Guided tour of Petra
Kerak - Castle visit
Mt Nebo - Site visit
Dead Sea - Swimming opportunity
Jerash - Roman ruins
Madaba - St Georges Church
Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City
Bethlehem - Graffiti Walking Tour
Jerusalem - Yad Vashem Jewish Holocaust Memorial
Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
Dead Sea - Visit and float
Masada - Masada visit
Akko - Knights Fortress Visit
Rosh Hanikra - Cable Car & Grottoes
Caesarea - Roman Amphitheatre & Aqueduct

Meals

14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Jeep

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Desert camp (2 nights), Eco Lodge (1 night)

Included activities

Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari
Wadi Rum - Guided hike
Petra - Guided tour of Petra
Kerak - Castle visit
Mt Nebo - Site visit
Dead Sea - Swimming opportunity
Jerash - Roman ruins
Madaba - St Georges Church
Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City
Bethlehem - Graffiti Walking Tour
Jerusalem - Yad Vashem Jewish Holocaust Memorial
Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
Dead Sea - Visit and float
Masada - Masada visit
Akko - Knights Fortress Visit
Rosh Hanikra - Cable Car & Grottoes
Caesarea - Roman Amphitheatre & Aqueduct

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Explore Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2 and 3 (Wadi Rum) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

ITINERARY
Accommodation in Wadi Rum is in Bedouin tents, bedding is provided, but in the colder months November–March you may want to consider bring a sleeping bag. Bathrooms in Wadi Rum are on a share basis.

SPECIAL INFORMATION – DEPARTURES MARCH, APRIL AND MAY 2020
Due to the closure of the border to the West Bank as a result of COVID-19 virus concerns and decisions implemented by the Ministry of Health, your departure may not be able to visit Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square and we are not able to stay in Jericho/Jordan River Valley.

Alternative Itinerary:
DAY 10 – We have included a visit to the Herodion National Park, an impressive fortress built by Herod the Great, also the place where he was buried; from here you have a great view of the West Bank and Jerusalem.

DAY 11 – As we will no longer be able to spend the evening in the eco-lodge in the Jordan River Valley, we have added an extra night in Jerusalem with an afternoon tour of the Machane Yehudi Market with your leader.

These changes will remain in place until the Palestinian Territories Authority reopens its borders. Please consult a booking agent for further information.

We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page: www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

Essential trip information

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