Israel & Jordan See & Experience it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Traveling

Petra 5

Our tour starts in Petra. We will arrange transportation for you if you are arriving into the capital of Jordan, Amman. The drive from the international airport in Amman to Petra takes about 4 hours. Let’s see Little Petra. It is a 15-minute drive away from town. Following the tour, we are taken to a native Jordanian’s home. There we watch how traditional food is prepared as well as have dinner. The combination of tasty cuisine, rich culture and good company creates an unforgettable experience. Later this evening, we check out “Petra by Night.” It is nothing short of a magical experience to see part of the rock city illuminated by candlelight. Note that you can start this tour on any Monday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Petra 5

Today we explore Petra and then relocate to the valley of Wadi Rum. There we sleep in the desert. Established possibly as early as 312 BC, Petra is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. This archaeological park has been a World Heritage Site since 1985. UNESCO described it as “One of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage.” Petra was also chosen by the Smithsonian Magazine as one of the “28 Places to See Before You Die.” Popular attractions include the Treasury, a roman theater, royal tombs, a monastery and a winding sandstone canyon known as the Siq.

Petra 5

Before relocating to Eilat in Israel, we explore Wadi Rum. It is a valley cut into sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan. The area is best explored by a guided 4x4 tour, which we go on. Including the process of crossing the border from Wadi Rum, Jordan to Israel, it takes about 2 hours to reach Eilat. Once there, we visit the Dolphin Reef. The site is home to Black Sea bottlenose dolphins, which interact freely with human visitors. These dolphins swim alongside people who snorkel and dive around the observation posts and floating piers. The day ends with snorkeling near to the Red Sea’s Coral Beach. The coral reefs remain relatively pristine. In the evening, we are checking out the pubs and bars found along Eilat’s promenade as well as in the main square. Eilat’s beaches, coral reef, desert landscapes and nightlife make this resort a popular destination for domestic and international tourists alike.

Petra 5

Before relocating to Jerusalem, we go on an excursion to Timna Valley. There we have a 4x4 tour as well as hike in the area. Timna is rich in copper ore and has been mined since the 5th millennium BCE. This valley is notable for its uncommon stone formations and sand. Although usually red, the sand can turn yellow, orange, grey, dark brown or black. Light green or blue sand occurs near the copper mines. Water and wind erosion have created several unusual formations here.

Petra 5

We go on a daytrip today to the West Bank area, specifically to Jericho and then Bethlehem. Jericho is a town popular specifically for the archaeological remains and well-preserved mosaic floors of Hisham’s Palace. Bethlehem is a town popular chiefly for the Church of the Nativity. This is where Jesus is said to have been born. Note we cannot guarantee that we will be able to stand in front of the Church of the Nativity’s grotto. It can take hours just waiting in line to see the grotto. Our tour guide is to decide once inside the church. The evening ends back in Jerusalem with a light show, specifically at the Tower of David. Expect a multi-sensory experience that combines the past and the present using the most advanced technologies in the world. Powerful laser projectors accompanied by high-quality sound ultimately make our night special.

Petra 5

Today we explore Jerusalem. It is a city of both faith and fun. Jerusalem also helps you better understand and appreciate the evolution of great civilizations. Whether you wish to humble yourself with prayers in sacred shrines, play card and board games with Palestinians on the streets and/or simply walk aimlessly around world heritage sites and along ancient alleys, know that you aren’t just anywhere. You are in Jerusalem, a beautiful city that is so dear to millions of people across the globe. Important to note, we recommend you spend more time in Jerusalem. If you really want to cover the highlights of this city, then you will need six full days. Of course, few people have that sort of time. Would you like to extend this 10-day tour specifically so our tour guides could take you to more of Jerusalem’s famous attractions? If so, then let us know. Steeped in thousands of years of history and home of the monastic religions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, few destinations on earth can enchant the way Jerusalem does. The entire walled and ancient city is breathtaking and each of its quarters-the Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Armenian alike-offers visitors memorable sites and experiences to last a lifetime. Each quarter prides itself on its own jewels. The Muslim Quarter is best known for its souks, traditional Arabic cuisine, and of course, the postcard-perfect and otherwise sacred Dome on the Rock mosque. A stone’s throw from there is another sacred site, the Western Wall. Here the Jewish Quarter stands. Much of this architectural masterpiece neighborhood was recreated after Arab-Israeli warring. Today it’s arguably the city’s best-preserved quarter. The Christian and Armenian quarters are no less spectacular, however, boasting world-renowned landmarks such as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It is here where each year millions of Christians kneel to their Lord’s grave giving thanks and praise. Outside of the walled and ancient city are the Mount of Olives and Mount Zion, rich in holy places, tombs and not the least, the unforgettable City of David archaeological site. As if all that isn’t enough, then there is a modern area of Jerusalem, which entertains people all along Jaffa Road. A bit further along are some highly intellectual museums, a Holocaust memorial, and otherwise, an incredibly authentic fruit and vegetable market located in the district of Mahane Yehuda.

Petra 5

Before relocating to the nightlife-rich Mediterranean city of Tel Aviv, we go on another daytrip, specifically to Masada and then to the Dead Sea. Masada is an archaeological site of ancient palaces and fortifications. The Dead Sea is a salt-lake which has attracted visitors from around the Mediterranean basin for thousands of years. It was one of the world’s first health resorts and has been the supplier of a wide variety of products from asphalt for Egyptian mummification to potash for fertilizers. People also use the salt and the minerals from the Dead Sea to create cosmetic products as well as herbal lotions. Bring your swimming attire and expect to be floating on water, literally.

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Described as the childhood home of Jesus, Nazareth is a world-renowned center of Christian pilgrimage. The Sea of Galilee is an attraction for those who want to visit where Jesus is said to have performed miracles as well as have walked on water. Capernaum is home to archaeological excavations. Yardenit is a site where Jesus is said to have been baptized. Yardenit is frequented by around 400,000 visitors each year. There we have the option to be baptized.

Petra 5

We go on another daytrip today. Firstly, we check out the archaeological ruins at Caesarea. Next, we head to a point overlooking the Baha’i shrine and gardens in the city of Haifa. Next, we explore the Rosh Hanikra grottoes, which are reached by cable car. Lastly, we are provided with a guided tour of a big citadel in the coastal town of Akko (a.k.a. Acre). Caesarea is home to a fascinating Roman theater. The city of Haifa is popular specifically for its garden Bahá’í (terraces) located around the Shrine of the Báb. The Bahá’í Faith is a monotheistic religion emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. Rosh Hanikra is a white-chalk cliff face which opens into spectacular grottoes. Akko is a fascinating coastal town featuring a historic fortress.

We will provide you with transportation to the airport in Tel Aviv.