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  4. Classic Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories

From desert to Dead Sea and all the Holy Land highlights, this journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes and a fascinating human history.

Tread some of the most ancient, revered paths known to humankind as you travel through Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Begin in Amman, Jordan's capital, and make your way through the desert sands of Wadi Rum to the lost city of Petra. Head into Israel and visit holy sights including the Church of Nativity, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of the Annunciation, as well as the Masada fortress. Explore the Ramon Crater in the Negev Desert and float in the Dead Sea before this trip comes to an end.

Start
Amman, Jordan
Finish
Jerusalem, Israel
Destinations
Israel, Jordan
Style
Comfort
Code
ELCIC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the Holy Lands with the right balance of holy relics, cities, beaches and deserts.

  • Experience the feeling of weightlessness as you float in the super salty Dead Sea not just one but twice.

  • Spend the night trying to count the billions of stars or chat with the locals at our Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum.

  • Take a jeep safari in the Negev Desert and check out the Ramon Crater - an internationally recognised dark sky and an acclaimed stargazing destination.

  • Check out the rock cut tombs and the remains of the ancient city of Petra.

  • Discover the sights, sounds and tastes of Jerusalem's Old City.

  • Devour classic Israeli staples like hummus and falafel in the bustling metropolis that is Tel Aviv.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

  • There is quite a bit of walking involved in visiting Jordan's historic sites, especially in Petra and Wadi Rum, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Most of the time there is no shade so remember to bring a hat, sun protection, and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.

  • Winters can get quite cool, so if you're visiting at this time, don't forget to pack some warmer layers too especially for your desert camps.

  • In Wadi Rum we stay in a permanent tented camp with shared bathroom facilities, and in the Negev Desert we stay in private bungalows with shared bathrooms. The deserts can be hot in the day but once the sun dips it can get very cool, warm clothes and a sleeping bag is highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months.

  • 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.

  • These are by no means 'cheap' destination and you should budget accordingly. The good news is that you have expert local leaders to help uncover the best deals!

Map of Classic Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories including Israel and Jordan
Explore the markets of Amman, with your local leader, in Jordan
Take a drive through the desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Take a swim in the Dead Sea while in Jordan with Intrepid Travel
Spend a night in a traditional Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, Jordan

Itinerary
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Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan, a cosmopolitan and contemporary city steeped in biblical history. On arrival at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel and your adventure begins by meeting your group at 6 pm. If you do happen to arrive early, highlights include the citadel with its amazing sweeping views of Amman, the Jordan Museum – home to the Dead Sea Scrolls – or the Roman Theatre, right in the middle of downtown Amman. Either way, get out on to the streets this evening for an optional group dinner or to explore on your own and pick up a coffee from one of the cafes, partnering it with an ara’yes, a toastie filled with spicy mincemeat.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel (note - we may not be able confirm request made within 15 days of travel). Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

After breakfast today you’ll  journey down the Desert Highway to the spellbinding Wadi Rum (4.5hours), a landscape of rugged sandstone mountains standing tall among an ochre desert floor. Meet your Bedouin hosts on arrival, then take a browse around the excellent and informative visitor's centre and some free time for lunch before heading into this desolate, romantic area. Transport into the Rum is by way of rather rickety old jeeps operated by the local Bedouin community, part of an attempt by the Jordanian Government to bring much-needed income into this region - an initiative we also support. They are safe and good fun. Take a tour including a visit to several of Wadi Rum's distinctive rock formations and an opportunity to soak in the vast silence and spectacular desert landscapes. Meet up with your new Bedouin friends and ride camels to your traditional Bedouin tent situated deep within Wadi Rum. The Bedouins live in scattered camps throughout the area and you'll enjoy an evening with at one of these camps.
Accommodation
  • Desert camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
Optional Activities
  • Wadi Rum - Camel ride (30 min.) - USD25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Enjoy a spectacular sunrise at your desert camp and maybe check out a few more of the local Wadi Rum sites or just take a walk through this vast emptiness. Depart Wadi Rum mid-morning for the city of Aqaba on the Red Sea. Check into your hotel on arrival and head out for a brief orientation of Aqaba with your leader.The small Ottoman Mamluk Fort, dating from the 14th century and from where Lawrence of Arabia rode to Cairo, is worth a look. Otherwise, most of the fun is to be found in the water. Acquaint yourself with the hotel's pool or head to the beach – some of the best snorkelling in the world can be found around the untouched coral reefs just south of the town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning enjoy some relaxation time in Aqaba before travelling to the fabled city of Petra. This site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was discovered by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer and was described by John William Burgon as 'a rose-red city half as old as time'. Simply put, it's an incredible ancient site you'll probably recognise from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade if nothing else.

Check into your hotel and check out the the village, later tonight we are guests at a local home for dinner, some good food and some good local conversation.

If you are super keen to get a sneak peak of the rose city then your Leader will get you started, but remember you have a guided tour the next morning and all afternoon tomorrow to explore, don't wear yourself out on the first day.  
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Optional Activities
Petra by Night runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week, starts at 20:30 from Petra Visitor Centre and delivers you back to the Visitor Centre around 22.30pm.

Petra is justifiably on most people’s list of ‘must-visit’ places. It’s regularly cited as the world’s ‘8th Wonder’, and in fact made the list of ‘New7Wonders of the World’. Petra is the jewel of Jordan, the lost city of the biblical Nabateans. The iconic Petra view – the Treasury's glorious façade, glimpsed from the narrow cleft known as the Siq – is arguably the single most striking sight of the entire region. The Siq leads through the rock and is sometimes only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 metres on either side, and it is impossible not to imagine the armies and traders who made their way down here in the ancient times. Petra's greatest surprise, however, is its size.

With your guide you will explore the old Roman road, amphitheatre and several old tombs, then it is all up to you.  Maybe climb up to the Monastery – carved from a mountain summit and the site's second beautiful façade – from where you will have a magnificent view of the entire site. This is a memorable day exploring a truly extraordinary destination and is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. There is a cafeteria on the site, where you can enjoy a light lunch.

Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Petra - Guided tour
  • Petra-Local Family Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
A full day out in Petra requires some thoughtful planning, take a peek at our Petra Guide https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/petra

Optional Activities
Petra by Night runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week, starts at 20:30 from Petra Visitor Centre and delivers you back to the Visitor Centre around 22.30pm.

Depart after breakfast the is morning for the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak which makes an imposing sight as you make the short drive up to it. It was originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea, before it fell to Saladin in 1189. Stroll the site and discover a small chapel, original gatehouse, and find out where a long, dark secret passage leads. Continue half an hour to the ancient village at Dana, on the edge of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, where local artisans sell attractive silver jewellery and charms. Drive on to Madaba (approximately 3 hours), home to a number of fine Byzantine mosaics. Visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and see an impressive mosaic map of the Holy Land that clearly depicts Palestine and Lower Egypt around 550 AD. You will arrive in Amman in the late afternoon, where you can spend the evening in one of its several fine restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Shobak - Shobak Castle
  • Dana - Ancient Village Visit
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you will leave Amman for a short drive north (approximately 1 hour) to Jerash, once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world. These are some of the best Greco-Roman ruins around. Reaching its zenith as a favourite of the emperor Hadrian, it has a striking collection of archways and theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets, and is a beautiful place to spend a morning exploring. Grand ionic columns encircle the city's centrepiece, the Oval Plaza, a wonderfully atmospheric place to linger after exploring Jerash's riches. Then, you’d better have brought your swim gear as you can wash off the dust from exploring with a dip like no other. Drive approximately 1.5 hours to the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level). This isn’t actually a sea but a super-salty lake (dead because of the lack of life in it) where the density of the water means you’ll go for a float, not a swim. Spend some time relaxing here and get some classic floating pictures. The mud here is supposed to have healing properties, so why not cover yourself from head to toe for a nutrient-rich natural mineral mud bath. Afterwards you will return to Amman for the evening (approximately 1 hour). Maybe spend tonight at one of the many bars and restaurants in West Amman, or ask your leader about the traditional cafes dotted around the city where locals spend their evenings.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dead Sea - Visit including lunch
  • Jerash - Roman ruins
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning farewell the Hashimite Kingdom of Jordan as you transfer to the modern cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv a city that truly does not stop. With its lively cafe culture, relaxed Mediterranean beach scene, and renowned nightlife, Tel Aviv is a great place to start your exploration of the Holy Lands.

On arrival check into your accommodation and then your day is free to discover this lively capital. There will be a welcome meeting at 6.00pm this evening to meet your new Leader and your new travelling companions.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travellers.

You will be transferred by road this morning to the border crossing and cross the border from Jordan to Israel unaccompanied where your Israel and Palestine Representative will be waiting to transfer you to Tel Aviv.

Please note that the border crossing can be very busy. Your Jordanian representative will explain the crossing process to you.

Today, make like a wise man for Nazareth, stopping at a few significant ports along the way. First up is Jaffa, now a vision of modernity but reputed to be one of the oldest ports in the world. According to the Bible, it’s also where Jonah set off in defiance of God’s wishes before being tossed into the sea and swallowed by a whale. You’ll continue on to Lewinsky Market – a very popular spot for locals and full personality and colour, take a stroll through its aisles and perhaps stop to sample some burekas (traditional pastries) as you walk around. You’ll then head up the coast to Haifa and enjoy the view of the renowned Bahai Gardens, which are a series of 19 terraced gardens that overlook the city. Afterwards, drive to Nazareth, arriving in the afternoon. An orientation walk will help you get your bearings so that you can make the most of your free evening in this holy city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Haifa - Baha'i Gardens
  • Tel Aviv - Lewinsky Market Visit
  • Jaffa - Tour of Old Jaffa
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Start the morning with a visit to the Church of the Annunciation. This is the site of where Mary received the news of the Immaculate Conception, along with the well where she drew water every day.

Get on the road again and head a short while north to the port city of Acre, known for its well-preserved old city a crumbling remains of its fortress. Explore the excavated hall, dungeon, dining room and crypt of an ancient Gothic church, once occupied by the Knights of St John. Before heading back to your hotel, stop by Tulip – a socially responsibly winery that employs adults with personal and developmental difficulties for a glass (or two) of their delicious drop.

Spend the evening in Nazareth.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tulip Winery Visit
  • Akko - Templar's Tunnel visit
  • Nazareth - Visit to Church of Annuniciation & Mary's Well
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Head out of Nazareth this morning, on your way to Lakiya Negev Bedouin Weaving. This initiative, founded in 1991, is all about empowering Bedouin women in this region to apply their traditional weaving skills in manufacturing and sale of their products, and earn an income. Spend some time with the women, joining them for a cup of tea and a local lunch. Stop en route to Ramon Crater at Be’er Sheva – the only city built by Ottoman Turks during the rule over this land. In the afternoon, arrive at Mitzpe Ramon, perched on the edge of the Ramon Crater. Hop in the back of a 4WD vehicle and head on a desert safari into the crater for a night of star gazing. Ramon Crater has been recognised as an ‘International Dark Sky Park’ – the first in the Middle East – to promote the preservation of ecological, astronomical and cultural benefits of having a clear night sky, unimpeded by light pollution.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Beersheba Tour
  • Ramon Crater Jeep Safari
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Take in a spectacular sunrise then visit Masada, a spectacular cliff-top fortress built by King Herod around 35 BC that is now reached by cable car. The fortress is seen as a symbol of the bravery and self-sacrifice of the Jewish people. Travel on to Ein Gedi, where you’ll have time to wash off during a swim like no other. The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, sits at 420 metres below sea level and is so salty that you'll easily float on the surface. Perhaps rub the nutrient-rich mud on your body and later on, as the sun cools, the group will slip into the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and explore the botanical gardens. Take a short walk on one of the gentle hiking trails before continuing to the Mount of Olives for your first view of the Holy City – Jerusalem. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, most famous as the place where Jesus prayed and his disciples slept the night before his crucifixion. Also, take a visit to the Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony), which is said to hold inside a section of the bedrock Jesus used to pray before his arrest.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Masada - Masada visit
  • Dead Sea - Dead Sea visit
  • Ein Gedi - Botanical Gardens
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Explore Jerusalem’s Old City this morning on foot. Start with the Courtyard of the Dome and the Western Wall – the remains of the Temple Mount, which acts as an outdoor synagogue, where written prayers are slid into the cracks between stones. Then continue along the Via Dolorosa starting at St Stephen’s Gate, passing the crusader church of St Anne and the Pool of Bethesda. Now located in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem, this pool was mentioned in the Gospel of John and associated with healing. Continue along the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) – the ‘way of sorrows’ which follows Jesus’ path to crucifixion – and stop by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, died, buried, and rose again.

We catch up for an informal chat with a local organisation, Hands of Peace specialising in conflict resolution and the peace process. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring, so perhaps have more of a wander around the Old City and head to the Islamic Museum to learn more about this important city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, cross into Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity as well as Manger Square, which was, of course, around where little baby Jesus was said to have been born. Afterwards, discover a different side to Bethlehem on a graffiti tour at the Separation Barrier. It’s said that even Banksy has contributed to these murals, so get your best artistic critique face on. Later on, head back to Jerusalem for some time to yourself. This afternoon, why not get a couple of your travel crew together and sit back with a cold beer at one of the many laneway bars near Machane Yedhua Market. There’s a heap of great eating spots around there too.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your journey through the Holy Lands comes to an end after breakfast today and there are no activities planned, so you are free to check out at any time.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Jeep

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights), Desert Camp (1 night)

Included activities

  • Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
  • Petra - Guided tour
  • Petra-Local Family Dinner
  • Shobak - Shobak Castle
  • Dana - Ancient Village Visit
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
  • Dead Sea - Visit including lunch
  • Jerash - Roman ruins
  • Haifa - Baha'i Gardens
  • Tel Aviv - Lewinsky Market Visit
  • Jaffa - Tour of Old Jaffa
  • Tulip Winery Visit
  • Akko - Templar's Tunnel visit
  • Nazareth - Visit to Church of Annuniciation & Mary's Well
  • Beersheba Tour
  • Ramon Crater Jeep Safari
  • Masada - Masada visit
  • Dead Sea - Dead Sea visit
  • Ein Gedi - Botanical Gardens
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane
  • Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field

Dates & availability

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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 applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

ARRIVAL TRANSFER
A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

ITINERARY
Petra by night is offered as an optional activity, this activity is currently scheduled to operate on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, please check your departure date if you are planning this activity as it is not available on all departures

You will have two Leaders on this trip each one is local to the destination.

SAFETY UPDATE
Following recent safety incidents we recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Israel (particularly within the West Bank) before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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