Jordan and Israel Uncovered (Winter)

Welcome to Jordan! Bronze age ruins, a restored Roman theater, art galleries & a Royal Automobile Museum, Jordan's capital city is a Middle Eastern metropolis of ancient and modern and the perfect place to begin our Israel & Jordan adventures. We'll linger here for a night and enjoy an included dinner to get to know each other. (D) Stay: Rawa Hotel Suites (or similar)

We'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before setting off, bound for a visit and lunch stop at the Treadright-supported Iraq Al-Amir Women's Cooperative Society on our way to the ancient Greco-Roman city of Jerash and Rose City of Petra. Here in Jerash, we'll uncover the Greek & Roman influences on this holy land, as a tour of the city sees us peruse Corinthian columns and ancient ruins.

Arriving in Petra, our anticipation will be at an all-time high with the knowledge that tomorrow we'll be visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site that this city is famed for. (B) Stay: Petra Panorama Hotel (or similar)

Today is dedicated to uncovering the wonders of Petra - the magnificent ancient capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, where the hues of pink make us forget what era we're in. Once we're done taking pictures, we'll be awed a second time as our local guide briefs us on the city's history. Getting up close and personal with Pharaoh's Castle, the Triumphal Arc and the Treasury, we'll see just why this is the greatest attraction in the Middle East.

After a full day of exploring, we'll head back to our hotel for an included dinner. (B/D)

All that cultural discovery of the past few days has us craving some chill time, and we'll find it in Wadi Rum. We'll leave Petra and embark on a journey through Jordan's largest and most stunning desert. Silent landscapes, ancient riverbeds and pastel colors will have us glued to the windows as we hop in a 4x4 for the full desert experience.

Tonight, we'll be treated to a Special Stay overnight in the desert, complete with comfortable tents and dinner under the stars. (B/D) Stay: Wadi Rum El Zawaydeh Camp (or similar)

Rested and in love with the desert, we're heading back to Amman today where we'll have a final night here in Jordan. Sun-kissed and relaxed, we'll return to Amman to enjoy a locally guided walking tour (included) and a scrumptious dinner (also included). Our tour will encompass the legendary Roman Theater, Abdullah Mosque and Amman Citadel - so prepare your camera for snappin' and your socks to be knocked off! (B) Stay: Rawa Hotel Suites (or similar)

Rolling over the border to Israel, our first stop will be ancient Jerusalem.

Welcome to Israel, we've arrived in the City of Gold: Jerusalem. In this religious center of Christianity, Islam & Judaism, we'll begin with an included dinner followed by a free evening to explore. (B/D) Stay: Prima Park Hotel (or similar)

Today you have the option to go beyond the monuments and dig deeper into ancient life, with a free day to explore. Maybe step back in history at the Israel Museum to view the Dead Sea Scrolls and see what the city might have looked like in ancient times with the Second Temple Model. Or take up the chance to visit the ancient fortress of Masada and float in the Dead Sea on our optional day trip. (B)

For our second day in Jerusalem we'll begin with a full day tour, uncovering secrets and culture that dates back thousands of years. We'll discover the city's holy history and iconic sites, including the Jewish Quarter and the Arab Market, and visit Lions Gate, Dolorosa, and the Church of Holy Sepulchre.

Tonight you have the chance to see the city lit up at night, with an optional light show. (B)

It's been incredible, but it's time to move on from Jerusalem and discover more of Israel. On our way out of Jerusalem, we'll make a visit to the sobering site of the Yad Vashem Museum and Memorial, also known as The World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Here in Haifa we'll discover life outside of the cities on a Kibbutz, a collective community way of living, unique to Israel. We'll enjoy a traditional dinner here at the Kibbutz and experience Israeli hospitality. (B/D) Stay: Gev-Holiday Village (or similar)

Waving goodbye to Kibbutz life in Haifa, today we have our sights set for Tel Aviv. We'll meet Doris Hiffawi as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience and enjoy famous Anton coffee and sweets as Doris invites us to her home in the Ajami neighborhood of Jaffa. She will share her personal story of a Christian girl growing up in a Jewish, Muslim, and Christian area.

Her heartfelt story shows the complexity of the mixed population city, speaks to the Arab Christian identity in Israel, and explores the true meaning of female empowerment in the area. After all the ancient history we've absorbed on this trip, you'll have the whole afternoon and evening free to orientate yourself into the urban vibes of Tel Aviv. (B) Stay: Lighthouse Hotel Tel Aviv (or similar)

The day is yours to explore at your own pace, and in a city inundated with beaches, parks, museums, shopping centers and cafes, we promise you won't get bored. Keep it high energy with a day full of seeing the sights and sinking your teeth into Tel Aviv's eclectic culinary scene, or slow it down with a day spent perusing boutiques with an ice cream in hand. (B)

It's been one incredible adventure, but all good things must come to an end.

After a hearty breakfast, we'll say our goodbyes and swap details. We sense new adventures on the horizon! (B)