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Trip Style
National Geographic Journeys
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
15
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
DOJNG
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 15 Day Explore Israel & Jordan. Experience the treasures of the Middle East on an unforgettable journey that combines the highlights of Israel and Jordan. Discover life in Jerusalem through the eyes of a local scholar, view the famed Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum, and pay a visit to Bethlehem—believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. Then cross over to Jordan, exploring the remarkable Roman ruins of Jerash and venturing into the ancient city of Petra, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
Itinerary
We highly recommend booking a pre-night in Jerusalem to recover from jet lag and relax as this is a fast paced trip with little free time. Its important to remember that hospitality expectations can vary greatly from what you are used to in your home Country. The point of travel is to open yourself up to cultural differences and new experiences; practice patience and keep an open mind.
Lectures are included to provide context to different viewpoints and the wide range of cultural differences within Israel. As everything in Israel relates directly or indirectly to vastly different Political and Spiritual opinions, its important to keep an open mind and see these interactions as learning experiences. (B)
This morning, pay a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s moving memorial to the Holocaust. Continue to the Israel Museum to view the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the most important archaeological finds of the past century, and opt to walk through the museum’s state-of-the-art exhibition on your own. This evening, join an Israeli chef on a walking tour of the lively Mahane Yehuda Market. We’ll learn about the key ingredients of Israeli cuisine, and enjoy a hands-on lesson in kosher cooking. (B/D)
Spend the day in the ancient town of Bethlehem, located in the hills of the West Bank. Begin with a visit to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus is believed to have been born. Walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp on your way to a local women's collective, created by and for refugee women. Learn how to prepare traditional Palestinian dishes in the camp’s shared kitchen, and sit down to a delicious meal with the women while gaining insights into their lives as refugees. (B/L)
In the Galilee area we stay in a local resort-style hotel which is operated by a Kibbutz. (B/D)
Venture to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Visit the church that commemorates the event, and take in breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding countryside. Continue to the ruins of Capernaum, often called “the town of Jesus.” Learn about the lives and perspectives of Israeli Arabs en route to Nazareth, where we stop at the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East. Later, visit a local winery for a tour and private tasting. (B/D)
Head to the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean, stopping at the coastal city of Haifa. Then travel south to Caesarea Maritima to explore the ruins of Herod’s great harbour city. Afterward, continue to bustling Tel Aviv for our last evening in Israel. (B)
You will have one CEO in Israel and one in Jordan. In this case you will be transferred to the border and cross over unescorted to Jordan – either on your own or with any other travellers who are continuing on for the Jordan portion of the tour. You will be met on the Jordanian side of the border and transferred to Amman, where there is free time to relax until the welcome meeting with your new CEO in the evening. See the "Detailed Trip Notes" section of the Tour Details page for helpful instructions on crossing the Israeli-Jordanian border. Stay: Landmark Amman Hotel (B)
Awake in the Jordanian capital and venture to Jerash, home to one of the world’s largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins. Wander amid the colonnaded streets, soaring temples, and spacious squares of this ancient city; then visit a G Adventures–supported café run by local women, where we’ll enjoy a cooking class and delicious traditional lunch. Back in Amman, visit the Jordan Archaeological Museum and explore the ruins of the Citadel—one of the oldest continually inhabited places in the world. Stay: Landmark Amman Hotel (B/L)
Depart early towards Petra, driving along the scenic King’s Highway. Stop at Mount Nebo, where Moses was offered a glimpse of the Promised Land according to the Hebrew Bible. Take in stunning views of the Dead Sea from the summit, and continue to Madaba, famed for its Byzantine mosaics—including the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land. Arrive in Wadi Musa, our base for exploring Petra, and enjoy a talk by an archaeologist about the legendary sandstone city and the ongoing excavations taking place there. Stay: Petra Moon Hotel (B)
The site is large so please be prepared for a lot of walking over sand and rocks for the entire day. Pace yourself, stay hydrated and be sure to have proper walking/hiking shoes. Stay: Petra Moon Hotel (B)
After breakfast, drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. Spend the night in a simple, but comfortable desert camp; The authentic goat-wool tent provides a glimpse into traditional Bedouin living. Each tent has ensuite and is outfitted with sheets, pillows, a raised bed, towels, electricity and thick covers against the desert cold. While the accommodation is simple, it is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience. Stay: Rahayeb Camp (B/L/D)
At 423m (1,388 ft) below sea level, the shores of the Dead Sea are at the lowest land elevation on Earth. The sea is named because its salinity is so high (up to nine times that of the world’s oceans) that only a few microorganisms can live in its waters. The Dead Sea is a resort area, with chain hotels whose sole purpose are to allow access to the Dead Sea. This allows time to relax, float in the sea or opt to visit a spa. Dinner is in the hotel, as there are no local restaurants within the resort area. Stay: Crowne Plaza Dead Sea Jordan (B/L/D)
Enjoy a visit to the archaeological remains of Bethany, where Jesus is believed to have been baptized. Explore the churches, chapels, monasteries, and caves of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, then travel back to Amman. Join the group for an optional farewell dinner tonight. Stay: Landmark Amman Hotel (B)
Check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. We also encourage you to book a few additional nights if you want more time to explore the city. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Wander the quarters of Jerusalem's Old City.
- Taste your way through a local market.
- Learn about Israeli.
- Palestinian and Jordanian cooking.
- Ride through the Wadi Rum desert on a 4x4.
- Explore the awe-inspiring ancient city of Petra.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Jerusalem Lecture with Local Expert, Jerusalem
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Mahane Yehuda Market Walk & Kosher Cooking Class, Jerusalem
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Palestinian Women's Project Local Lunch, Bethlehem
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Galilee Winery tour and tasting, Galilee
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Women's Cooking Class & lunch, Jerash Governorate
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Petra Archaeologist Talk, Wādī Mūsá
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Wadi Rum Night Walk, Wadi Rum
- Your G for Good Moment: Beit Khayrat Souf women-run cafe, Jerash Governorate
- Your G for Good Moment: Al Safi Community Lunch, Jordan Valley
- Arrival transfer
- Entrance to Yad Vashem (the Holocaust memorial)
- Visit the Israel Museum and view the Dead Sea Scrolls
- Visit old Jerusalem and Bethlehem
- Visit Masada
- Explore the Sea of Galilee area including Capernaum and Nazareth
- Tour Caesarea Maritima
- Visit to the Citadel and the National Archaeological Museum
- Guided visit to Jerash
- Tour the Madaba mosaics
- Visit Mt Nebo
- Petra guided tour
- Wadi Rum desert 4x4 jeep excursion
- Your G for Good Moment: Al Safi Community Kitchen Lunch
- Guided visit to Bethany
- Visit both sides of the Dead Sea
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels (13 Nights), desert camp (1 Night)
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) in Israel and Jordan, local guides
- 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
- Private van/bus, walking
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
G Adventures National Geographic (2023-24)
Combining National Geographic’s more than 130 years of global exploration, science, and storytelling, with the fun, responsible, and culturally immersive travel experiences for which G Adventures is a global leader. Support global initiatives, community projects, and enjoy access to exclusive ventures. Dive into a blend of comfort and discovery, just...more as the renowned National Geographic explorers did.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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