Map of Essential Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories  including Israel and Jordan

Enter ancient worlds on a journey through Jordan and Israel.

If you’re looking for travel that will really surprise and inspire you, look no further than Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Get amongst the cafe culture in Amman, set up camp under the stars in the Wadi Rum desert, and get blown away by ancient buildings carved into the pink mountains of Petra. Along the way you'll have a leader showing you the ropes and helping you navigate manners and etiquette. For example: in a traditional Bedouin coffee ceremony you’ll actually drink three cups of coffee: one for the soul, one for the sword and one because you’re a guest. Don’t ask for a fourth – it’s greedy and you might wet your pants on the bus.

This trip is for 18 to 29-year-olds

Some of our under-30 travellers prefer to get around with people their own age. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Over 29? We’ve got over 900 other great adventures to choose from for solo travellers, friends, families, food lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and more.


Start
Amman, Jordan
Finish
Tel Aviv, Israel
Destinations
Israel, Jordan
Style
Basix
Theme
18 to 29s
Code
EEYIC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18, Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

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Why you'll love this trip

  • This trip’s got it all. History? How about 11,000 years of it. Culture? Oh, just incredible architecture, food and music. Scenery? City, beach and the desert. What more could you want?!

  • Only Petra’s Treasury is stunning enough to be the temple of the Holy Grail (well, according to Indiana Jones at least), and you’ll be blown away on a full day exploring the majesty and mystery of this incredible place

  • Discover a different side to Bethlehem on a walking tour of the city that checks out the graffiti-filled walls painted by many artists, including Banksy, and find out about daily life in the epic city of Jerusalem as you chat with locals along the way

  • Take a birds eye view of the Old City of Jerusalem as you walk the ramparts. It’s a great way to get a sneak peek into places you'd never see otherwise & also a chance to take in the stunning views of the areas outside the wall

  • Hike the iconic Masada Snake Path for epic views across the Dead Sea and Jordan, then cool off with a float in the Dead Sea’s salty waters

Is this trip right for you?

  • You’re the boss! Not just in general, but also on this trip, where there’s free time to do whatever you want, or optional tours to show you the way. Maybe budget a little extra cash for activities that aren’t included.

  • Accommodation in Israel is in dorm rooms with up to 12 travellers. They may not all be fellow Intrepid travellers and your group could be split across different rooms. Where possible (and unless requested otherwise) we will accommodate you in same gender rooms.

  • It’s not all hot desert days in Jordan, as the winter months (December through to February) can be quite cold. Temperatures in northern parts of the country can drop to freezing overnight. Snowfall around these areas as well as Amman is common. Pack smart so that you’re prepared for varying temperatures, especially if travelling during these months.

  • The thing about ancient ruins and other super old sites in the Middle East is that they usually involve walking on rocky and/or steep hillsides. But if you don’t feel up for it on a hot day then you can just sit it out, or wander along at your own pace.

  • You’re probably pro at packing light and smart, but just in case your tempted to bring a big, heavy bag, remember you’ll have to carry it to and from hotels, bus stops, train stations etc.

  • Israel & The Palestinian Territories is by no means a cheap destination and you should budget accordingly. The good news is that your expert local leader is on hand to help you uncover the best deals!

  • 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.

Itinerary

Welcome to the Middle East! Touch down in Jordan's capital city, Amman. Meet up with your leader and fellow travellers at an important 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. 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 Turkish bath house. After your welcome meeting, why not get a group together and head out for the night – your leader will know of some spots to go.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Amman - King Abdullah I Mosque (entrance fee) - JOD2
  • Amman - Jordan Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) - JOD3
  • Madaba - Al-Maghtas Bethany Baptism site (entrance fee) - JOD12
  • Amman - Roman Theatre - JOD2
  • Amman - Citadel (entrance fee) - JOD3
  • Jerash - Roman ruins - JOD10
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.
This morning, take a 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 4 hours to Wadi Rum. Once arrived, 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, sleeping in Bedouin-style tents and gazing up at some traditional Bedouin skies. Did we mention Bedouin?
Accommodation
  • Desert camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Amman -Guided Walking Tour
  • Wadi Rum - Bedouin Desert Camp
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
The tents tonight are simple but comfortable. Expect single beds with all bedding including a nice thick blanket for those cool desert nights. During the colder months (October to March), temperatures can get as low as 5°C at night so you may want to bring along a sleeping bag too.
The camp has flushing toilets and showers and is powered by solar panels, so it's not as 'rough' as you may think!
You won’t want to miss this – Wadi Rum rarely looks as fine as she does early morning. Wake up early to take in a magical sunrise, and once you're breakfast-ed, it’s time to head on 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 on 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.
Accommodation
  • Desert camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari
  • Wadi Rum - Guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Today, farewell your Bedouin mates and journey on to Petra (about a 2-hour drive). You’ll have two full days exploring Petra and its surrounds, so be sure to take your time in seeing the spectacular archaeological site. Once you’ve arrived, 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 Indiana Jones’s footsteps 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 continuing up a cliff-top path past the Monastery for elevated views over the site. After a long day of exploration, you’ll probably be feeling quite weary, so the cave bar is a good place to relieve your parched throat and put your feet up for a while.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Petra - leader-led tour of Petra
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
A two-day entrance fee to Petra is included with this trip. 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 passengers take this option due to the safety and insurance liability involved.
You’ve got another day to explore the majestic Petra, and the best thing is you’re free to do as you please. Perhaps walk the road to Al Khanzneh (the Treasury) – one of the most stunning temples of the whole site. Or, if you didn’t make it yesterday, head up the stairs to El Dier (the Monastery). 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 ask them for help with arranging these.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Petra - Little Petra - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
This morning after breakfast, head away from Petra and drive down the King’s Highway towards Madaba. You’ll stop to check out the famous Dead Sea and have the chance to swim in its salty waters. If you’re feeling a bit sore and weary after your Petra expedition, do not fear, as the Dead Sea’s mud has known healing properties and will be sure to bring back your youthful good looks. Afterwards, swing past Mt Nebo where you will have the opportunity to view the Promised Land, just like Moses did. Arrive in Madaba – the city of mosaics – and take a leader-led walking tour to get your bearings of the city. Included this afternoon is a visit to St Georges Church where you’ll see the intricate mosaic map, containing the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem. Later on, perhaps head out with the gang for dinner – there are some awesome places to eat in this city; your leader knows where to go.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
Optional Activities
  • Mt Nebo - Mt Nebo Entrance - JOD1
  • Dead Sea - Visit - JOD40
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Mount Nebo and Dead Sea Entry is not included.
Shalom! Welcome to Jerusalem. Your adventure begins with this afternoon’s important welcome meeting at 4.30 pm. If you arrive early, you could grab a coffee or a cold one from the many bars, cafes and restaurants near your hostel.

Once you've made your introductions, 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 – we recommend checking out the laneway bars with your new-found friends as the market comes to life, or wandering nearby streets to check out the shop-shutter graffiti only visible at night.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerusalem - Machane Yehuda Market & Bite Card
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 4 hours. Please note that the border crossing can be very busy and may take a couple of hours. Please refer to ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ in Essential Trip Information for the details of the border crossing and what to expect.

As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a welcome meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and to meet new travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details. Ask reception or look for a note for more information on where and when the meeting will take place.
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 – and the city's countless other spires and towers – from the rooftop terrace at the Austrian Hospice, a historic Catholic guesthouse.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerusalem - Walk on the Ramparts of the Old City
  • Jerusalem - Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
  • Jerusalem - Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Optional Activities
  • Jerusalem - Israel Museum - USD12
  • Jerusalem - Yad Vashem Museum - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Rise and shine nice and early (approximately 3am) to drive out to the spectacular cliff-top desert fortress of Masada, near the Dead Sea. Kick off the day with a morning hike up the Masada Snake Path, which meanders up approximately 400 metres from the lowest point on earth (the Dead Sea) to the peak. This World Heritage site is important to the Jewish people; it’s seen as a symbol of their exile from the Holy Land as well as bravery and self-sacrifice.

Catch the cable car back down and drive to the Dead Sea for a float in the oh-so-salty waters. Apparently, Cleopatra used products from the area as part of her beauty regime, which is also said to have included almond extract and goat's milk. After soaking in the briny sea, transfer back to your hostel in Jerusalem for a free evening.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dead Sea - Visit and float
  • Masada - Entrance & Cable Car one-way
  • Masada - Snake Path Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 4.5 hours.

The Masada Snake Path takes between an hour to 90 minutes to climb. If you're not up for the hike, you can always opt to purchase a Cable Car ticket both ways.

Due to the early morning departure, only a basic breakfast is provided this morning.
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 also 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. Afterwards, continue to Tel Aviv via the ancient port city of Jaffa. This afternoon, enjoy some free time in this relaxed city. An optional sunset bike ride (approximately 2 hours) 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.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaffa - Town Visit
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Bethlehem - Separation Barrier Graffiti Tour
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 2 hours.
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, we don’t blame you. Let us know in advance and we’ll happily organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Transport

Jeep, Private Bus, Public bus

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Hostel (4 nights), Desert camp (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Amman -Guided Walking Tour
  • Wadi Rum - Bedouin Desert Camp
  • Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari
  • Wadi Rum - Guided hike
  • Petra - leader-led tour of Petra
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
  • Jerusalem - Machane Yehuda Market & Bite Card
  • Jerusalem - Walk on the Ramparts of the Old City
  • Jerusalem - Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
  • Jerusalem - Church of the Holy Sepulchre
  • Dead Sea - Visit and float
  • Masada - Entrance & Cable Car one-way
  • Masada - Snake Path Hike
  • Jaffa - Town Visit
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Bethlehem - Separation Barrier Graffiti Tour
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Essential 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

1.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 (Desert Camp) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2.In Israel, accommodation is in dorm rooms with up to 12 travellers. They may not all be fellow Intrepid travellers and your group could be split across different rooms. Where possible (and unless requested otherwise) we will accommodate you in same gender rooms. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.

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.

View Essential Trip Information

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