Israel and Jordan Uncovered

Discover the treasures of the Middle East on this jam-packed 15-day experience through Israel and Jordan, Traverse Jordan’s desert landscape on a 4x4 and dine amid the hills of sand. Stare in wonder as stars light up the night on a guided walk, learning about the Bedouin way of life, Fill your stomachs with a traditional meal made at a G Adventures–supported café, Immerse yourself in the winding lanes and beneath the tall spires of Jerusalem, travel to the ancient port city of Caesarea Maritima and the ruins of Capernaum, and try your hand at floating in the waters of the Dead Sea. See not one, but two incredible destinations, rich with ancient history, and home to some of the most welcoming people in the world.

Day 1 Jerusalem
Arrive at any time. Your arrival transfer is included.

Day 2 Jerusalem
Today starts off with a walking tour of Jerusalem’s Old City. This area of the city is where sacred sites are located that happen to be important to three of the world’s largest faiths. The group will visit the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque when at the Temple Mount. Afterwards, walk through the Jewish Quarter to the Hurva Synagogue. Follow the Way of the Cross, which is believed to be the route Jesus took on his way to crucifixion. Later in the afternoon the group will climb up the Mount of Olives where they can enjoy views of the city below. In the evening take part in a discussion with a local scholar to learn about daily life in this country and the hardships that may come with it.

Day 3 Jerusalem
First thing in the morning the group will head to Israel’s memorial to the Holocaust called, Yad Vashem. Afterwards, it’s on to see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum. Choose to meander through the exhibition on your own and in the evening embark on a walking tour to the vibrant Mahane Yehuda Market with an Israeli chef. During the walk you’ll learn about the staple ingredients in Israeli cuisine before partaking in a lesson in kosher cooking.

Day 4 Jerusalem
It’s all about Bethlehem today. This ancient town is located in the hills of the West Bank. First, the group will visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, supposedly, where Jesus is said to have been born. Then, take a walk through a Palestinian refugee camp close by before continuing on to a local women’s collective to support refugee women. Here, watch and learn how Palestinian dishes are prepared in the shared camp kitchen before digging in to the delicious meal with these women who will tell you stories of their experiences and lives as refugees.

Day 5 Jerusalem/Tiberias
Enjoy a guided visit this morning to Masada, King Herod’s 2,000-year-old mountaintop fortress and also a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander the remains of palaces and bathhouses before going to the Dead Sea where you’ll have the opportunity to try floating in its known waters. Then, travel north to the Sea of Galilee and visit a kibbutz, which is an Israeli communal settlement. While here learn all about the movement's origins.

Day 6 Tiberias
Experience the place where it’s thought that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount at the top of the Mount of Beatitudes. See the incredible views of the Sea of Galilee and visit the church that commemorates the event. Then, onwards to the ruins of Capernaum to learn perspectives of Israeli Arabs before continuing on to Nazareth. Here, enjoy a quick visit to the Basilica of the Annunciation, which also happens to be one of the largest churches in the entire Middle East. Later, the group will be treated to a private tasting and tour of a local winery.

Day 7 Tiberias/Tel Aviv
Along the way to the beautiful Mediterranean, stop at the coastal city of Haifa before continuing south to Caesarea Maritima for some exploring of the ruins of this harbour city. Then, finish the day in Tel Aviv where you can enjoy the group’s last night in Israel.

Day 8 Tel Aviv/Amman
Today the group will head to the border and transfer to Amman, Jordan. Once there check into your hotel, meet your new CEO, and spend the evening as you wish.

Day 9 Amman
Journey to Jerash, which is home to one of the world’s largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins. After exploring the ruins, take part in a cooking class at a G Adventures–supported café run by local women and indulge in a traditional lunch. Travel back to Amman and visit the Jordan Archaeological Museum and the ruins of the Citadel.

Day 10 Amman/Wādī Mūsá
Head east towards Petra along the King’s Highway. Take in views of the Dead Sea from the summit of Mount Nebo. Arrive in Wadi Musa and listen to an archaeologist talk about the magnificent sandstone city of Petra.

Day 11 Wādī Mūsá
Get started early this morning and enjoy a guided walking tour of the jaw-dropping ruins of legendary Petra. Take some time to wander through the sandstone city on your own marvelling at the majesty of this special place. In the evening choose to see Petra in the glow of thousands of candles as you witness a Bedouin music performance.

Day 12 Petra/Wadi Rum
Travel to Wadi Rum in the morning and then enjoy lunch at our desert camp before setting out on a 4x4 excursion into the desert. Pick the perfect spot to watch the sunset and then return to camp for a typical Bedouin feast. Then admire the beautiful night skies on a desert night walk with a Bedouin guide.

Day 13 Wadi Rum/Dead Sea
Spend the morning travelling to the Dead Sea, stopping along the way for lunch at a G Adventures–supported community café. Once at our hotel, take some time to relax beside the pool or soak in the mineral-rich waters of the lake.

Day 14 Dead Sea/Amman
Visit the archaeological remains of Bethany today and explore the churches and caves of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel back to Amman and enjoy an optional farewell dinner as a group.

Day 15 Amman
Depart at any time.