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

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.

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?

  • 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. 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.

  • 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.

Intrepid group in Amman
Wadi Rum local with his camels
Sunset in the desert
Intrepid camsite in Wadi Rum desert
Great moments in Petra
Delicious food in Israel
Jerusalem cityscape
The old town in Tel Aviv
The beatiful Haifa

Itinerary
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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 this evening, 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 Abdullah I Mosque (entrance fee) - JOD2
  • Amman - Roman Theatre (entrance fee) - JOD2
  • Amman - Citadel (entrance fee) - JOD3
  • Madaba - Al-Maghtas Bethany Baptism site (entrance fee) - JOD12
  • Amman - Jordan Archaeological Museum (entrance 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.

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.

This morning, you’ll leave Amman and head to Aqaba – the only coastal city offering a pocket of beach in this otherwise landlocked country. On arrival you’ll get a chance to explore the bustling market and walk along the beach on a guided walking tour with your group leader. Then you’ve got a couple of hours under your belt to explore this city at your own leisure, you might like to go snorkelling in the Red Sea, explore the local markets further or simply chill out and relax by the water. Then, you’ll leave for Wadi Rum and arrive just in time for dinner. Tonight, you’ll get a chance to sit down with the sheik of the local Bedouin tribe and get a glimpse into what life is like living in this desert environment. You’ll sleep in a simple Bedouin desert camp this evening, 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 surely make up for it.
Accommodation
  • Desert camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Wadi Rum - Bedouin Desert Camp
  • Aqaba - Leader-lead Walking Tour
  • Wadi Rum - Bonfire Talk with the Sheik
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 5 hours.

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.

After waking up in the unique surrounds of the camp this morning, head out on a hike 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. This afternoon, gear up for half-day jeep safari 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. After an action-packed afternoon, tonight is 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
  • Wadi Rum - Bedouin Desert Camp
  • Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The duration and length of today’s hike 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.

This morning you'll leave your desert camp, taking 4WDs to the main entrance of Petra, 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 jewelry and handicrafts, mostly made by a women's co-operative aimed at supporting local industries. Then, continue your journey to the fabled city of Petra by private vehicle. The site remained unknown to the wider world until 1812 when it was visited by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt – a Swiss explorer. In 1985, Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. 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 - leader-led tour of Petra
  • Petra - 2 day entrance pass
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total drive time is approximately 2 hours.

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.

Enjoy a free day of self-discovery as you explore Petra on your own today – free to wander as you wish. 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
Special Information
Please note the optional Petra by Night tour runs Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, departing from the Petra visitor center at 830pm

Today you’ll traverse the King's Highway to the historic crusader castle of Kerak, which stands on a cliff 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 float your worries away. For those who are game, why not cover yourself from head to toe in 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
Special Information
Today's total travel time is approximately 5 hours

Today you’ll leave Madaba for a short drive to Jerash – once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world. 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, return to Madaba. 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
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 3 hours.

This morning we farewell Jordan and make the hour journey to the Allenby 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 travellers, please look for this note in reception
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Jerusalem - Old City Ramparts -Entry Fee - ILS18
  • Jerusalem - Israel Museum - Entry Fee - ILS54
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
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.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
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.

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. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore this fascinating city - you may choose to visit the Yad Vashem Jewish Holocaust Memorial or visit local markets. 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 - Mount of Olives
  • Bethlehem - Separation Barrier Graffiti Tour
  • Bethlehem - Church of Nativity
  • Jerusalem - Local Family Dinner
  • Jerusalem - Church of All Nations
Optional Activities
  • Jerusalem - Yad Vashem Museum - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

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 a guest house, 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.
Accommodation
  • Guest house (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dead Sea - Visit and float
  • Masada - Masada visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note that the guest house tonight is simple but sufficient. Rooms are twin share and have basic ensuite facilities. Although this is not a hotel standard, the experience of staying here to learn and support the work done by our NGO friends here is very memorable. The dinner is included at the guest house too.

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. 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)
Included Activities
  • Sea of Galilee - Capernaum
  • Nazareth - Church of Annunciation
  • Nazareth - Walking Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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
Optional Activities
  • Haifa - Baha'i Gardens - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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
  • Tel Aviv - Leader-led tour of Old Jaffa
  • Tel Aviv - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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?

Meals

14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Jeep

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Desert camp (2 nights), Guest house (1 night)

Included activities

  • Wadi Rum - Bedouin Desert Camp
  • Aqaba - Leader-lead Walking Tour
  • Wadi Rum - Bonfire Talk with the Sheik
  • Wadi Rum - Guided hike
  • Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari
  • Petra - leader-led tour of Petra
  • Petra - 2 day entrance pass
  • Kerak - Castle visit
  • Mt Nebo - Site visit
  • Dead Sea - Swimming opportunity
  • Jerash - Roman ruins
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
  • Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Bethlehem - Separation Barrier Graffiti Tour
  • Bethlehem - Church of Nativity
  • Jerusalem - Local Family Dinner
  • Jerusalem - Church of All Nations
  • Dead Sea - Visit and float
  • Masada - Masada visit
  • Sea of Galilee - Capernaum
  • Nazareth - Church of Annunciation
  • Nazareth - Walking Tour
  • Akko - Knights Fortress Visit
  • Rosh Hanikra - Cable Car & Grottoes
  • Caesarea - Roman Amphitheatre & Aqueduct
  • Tel Aviv - Leader-led tour of Old Jaffa
  • Tel Aviv - Leader-led orientation walk

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

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 2,3 (Desert Camp) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. 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.
3. 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/travel-alerts
4. Important alert: Yom Kippur day in 2023 will be on 24-25th Sep. we'll need to make below changes to departures during this time to ensure you'll be able to experience all included activities on your trip:
Departure code: EESRC230913
D12 - Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Rosh Hanikra, Knights Fortress in Akko. Overnight in Nazareth.
D13 - Nazareth walking tour & Church of Annunciation. Overnight in Nazareth.:
Departure code: EESRC230916
D9 - Bethlehem tour in the morning and home cooked lunch with a local Palestinian family
D10 - Jerusalem old city guided tour (except for Courtyard of Dome)
D11 - morning visit Courtyard of Dome and continue to Jericho as per original itinerary.

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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