Explore Israel & Jordan

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. 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.

Included Experiences

• Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

Begin the day with a walking tour of Jerusalem’s Old City, home to sites that are sacred to the three of the world’s great faiths. At the Temple Mount, visit the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Continue to the Western Wall, then make your way through the winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter to the historic Hurva Synagogue. Walk along the Way of the Cross, the route that Jesus is believed to have taken on his way to crucifixion, and end at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—according to tradition and to recent findings, Jesus’s tomb is located here. This afternoon, ascend to the top of the Mount of Olives for panoramic views of the city. Later, we’ll enjoy a talk with a local scholar about the struggles of daily life in Jerusalem, discussing interfaith issues, political conflict, and hopes for a peaceful future. 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.

Depending on the time of year and festivals/holidays, the old city can be very crowded with visitors and pilgrims. While we do visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, we often do not have time to visit the "Tomb of Christ", due to long lineups. Should you wish to spend more time in the Church and visit the Tomb, we recommend doing this on your own in your free time (the church is open in the evenings).

Included Experiences

• Mount of Olives Viewpoint: Named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes, the Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge just east of Jerusalem's Old City, separating it from the Judean Desert. Enjoy sweeping views of Jerusalem and enjoy this prominent site which is referenced in Holy Scriptures.
• Jerusalem Lecture with Local Expert: Sit down with a local Jerusalem scholar and business owner for a discussion on what daily life is like from the perspective of a Palestinian resident. Gain insight into life in this hotly contested city discussing aspects of religious, political and cultural differences. Also discuss the varying opinions within the city and community on what a peaceful resolution looks like and hopes for what the future can hold.
• Old Jerusalem Walking Tour - Journeys: Take a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem with your CEO and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural, religious and political aspects of Israel. Visit key sites including the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, and the Al Aqsa Mosque, the western wall and Hurva Synagogue. Also walk the Stations of the Via Dolorosa, ending at the Holy Sepulchre Church.

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.

Included Experiences

• Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum) Visit: The Holocaust History Museum is home to state-of-the-art exhibits on this horrific tragedy. It also showcases original artifacts and survivor testimonies.
• Israel Museum & Dead Sea Scrolls: Visit the famed Israel Museum and view the Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in the Shrine of the Book. Considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the past century, theses ancient manuscripts (dated at over 2000 years old) were discovered between 1947 and 1956 in 11 caves near Khirbet Qumran, on the shores of the Dead Sea. After, enjoy free time to walk through the museum’s state of the art archeological exhibition which showcases some of the most significant finds in the region.
• Mahane Yehuda Market Walk & Kosher Cooking Class: Considered one of the culinary hotspot in Israel, the bustling Mahane Yehuda Market (often referred to as "The Shuk"), is a vibrant local market full of sights, sounds, colours and flavours of the Middle East. Led by a local Israeli Chef, we explore this popular spot for locals and visitors alike; as Jerusalem's largest market it features fruits, vegetables, spices, sweets, speciality food stalls and numerous spots for food and drink. Wander our way through the maze of laneways, with our expert who ensures we taste and sample some local treats and learn about key ingredients in Jewish cuisine. After, continue to a local Kosher Restaurant where our Chef will instruct us in the finer points of kosher cooking. At the end of a busy day, we enjoy a dinner of our creations.

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.

Depending on the time of year and festivals/holidays, Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity can be very crowded with visitors and pilgrims. Access to the grotto is not guaranteed, it is often very crowded with long lines and is closed on some days (without notice).

Included Experiences

• Bethlehem Tour - Journeys: Explore ancient Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and King David; the city is an important site to all three major religions of Israel: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Grotto and Shepard’s field. Continue for a walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp neighbourhood.
• Palestinian Women's Project Local Lunch: Visit the Noor Women's Empowerment group, a grassroots project created by and for refugee women who have children with disabilities and/or are the sole family provider. These engaging women are all experienced home cooks who will teach us how to prepare traditional Palestinian dishes in their shared kitchen in the Aida Refugee camp. After the demonstration, we will eat together and learn about our host’s families and life in a refugee camp.

Start the day with a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Masada, King Herod’s 2,000-year-old mountaintop fortress. Explore the remains of elaborate palaces and bathhouses, then travel to the shores of the Dead Sea for a chance to float in its fabled waters. Continue north to the Sea of Galilee and enjoy a visit to a kibbutz—an Israeli communal settlement—while learning about the origins of the kibbutz movement. In the Galilee area we stay in a local resort-style hotel which is operated by a Kibbutz.

Included Experiences

• Masada Guided Tour: Take a tour of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site and stunning rock fortress that was the last stronghold of the Jewish in their war against the Romans. The story of the site reveals the courage of the defenders of Massada and their battle against the conquering Romans. Visit Herod’s palace, the mikveh, storerooms, watchtowers, and the synagogue.
• Dead Sea Visit (Israel): The Dead Sea is actually a lake, without any from of life whatsoever in its waters, hence its name. The water is so dense that it is practically impossible to sink and its five to ten times as salty as regular sea water. While swimming, cover yourself with the sea's mud, which is reputed to have special healing powers, and don't forget to take a photo of yourself reading a book while floating! You will notice that the salt penetrates any cuts on your body and has an unusual smell, but there are showers to wash off under after swimming.
• Kibbutz Experience: Enjoy an introduction to the Kibbutz movement history which started about 100 years ago around the Sea Of Galille. Discuss the difference between the the "Original" movement to the Kibbutz of today. Learn about the Kibbutz structure including the use of shared public buildings and areas including; dining room, children's houses, laundry station, as well as the agricultural areas.

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.

Included Experiences

• Sea of Galilee area tour: Enjoy stunning sights this morning with a drive to the Mt. of Beatitudes with sweeping views of the Sea of Galilee. Visit the church that was built atop this hill, where Jesus is believed to have delivered his “Sermon on the Mount” speech. Next, tour the ruins of Capernaum, where Jesus lived and preached, and where many apostles, including Peter, made their home.
• Nazareth Tour: Visit Nazareth, a city of religious importance and spirituality. Delve into its rich historic and biblical significance, but also admire its modern culture and Middle Eastern charm.​ Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East.
• Galilee Winery tour and tasting: Visit a local winery in the lush farmlands near the Sea of Galilee and learn about the process and production and the growing popularity of Israeli wine. With an expert we will embark on a guided tour of the wine production process, visit the oak barrel cellar and then indulge our taste buds with an enhanced tasting session, featuring a wide variety of high-quality wines. The tasting takes place in a private room with our wine expert explaining each selection and will be accompanied by a variety of boutique Golan Heights cheeses.

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.

After a very busy trip, should you wish to enjoy some relaxation and leisure time, we do recommend booking post nights in Tel Aviv,

Included Experiences

• Caesarea Guided Tour: Visit the majestic Roman ruins of Caesarea. It was built as part of Herod the Great's ambitious plan to "Hellenise" the Holy Land in the 1st century BC. He chose the site of a small Phoenician port and built a classical Greek city. Herod also constructed an artificial harbour by making use of concrete piling underwater - the first ever such use of concrete.

Travel to the border and transfer to Amman, Jordan. Check into your hotel, meet your new CEO and spend the evening at leisure. 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.

Please remember that Israel and Jordan are very different Countries, in terms of culture, daily way of life and infrastructure. The best part of travel is gaining insight into these difference and keeping an open mind. Its important to note that transport vehicles in Israel are usually much more modern than in Jordan.

Included Experiences

• Border Crossing (Israel - Jordan): The border crossing process takes about an hour on average. Please note that depending on security check process and traffic, the border crossing time can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours.

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.

Included Experiences

• Jerash Guided Visit: Take a step back in time visiting Jerash, one of the most well-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy. Wander amid its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains, and city walls pierced by towers and gates – all in exceptional condition.
• Beit Khayrat Souf women-run cafe: Part of the G Adventures for Good program, Beit Khayrat Souf is a women-run cafe with the purpose of training and employing women to gain their own financial independence. Women manage the cafe and lead cooking classes on site. They engage more women outside the organization by sourcing and making preserves sold at the cafe.
• Women's Cooking Class & lunch: As part of an experience exclusive to National Geographic Journeys travellers – and part of our G Adventures for Good program, prepare your own traditional Jordanian meal with a lively group of women at Beit Khayrat Souf. This café is run and managed by women seeking financial independence. Here, women help prepare food along with leading cooking classes on-site. The café also sources and makes preserves which are served and sold at the café, helping to engage even more women living in the charming hills of Souf.
• National Archaeological Museum & Citadel: Visit the museum for an overview on Jordan's history and ancient sites. Continue on to the Citadel archaeological site, best known for the Roman Temple of Hercules, but used by numerous civilizations dating back to the Bronze Age.

Optional Experiences

• Dar ne'meh - Weibdeh Optional Visit & Dinner: In the artistic neighbourhood of Jabal al-Weibdeh, one of Amman’s oldest and most vibrant districts, Dar Ne’meh Weibdeh offers travellers a cultural experience that blends tradition, creativity, and community impact. This G Adventure-supported, women-led social enterprise provides a welcoming space where heritage and empowerment come together. Travellers who choose this CEO recommended optional activity will begin their evening with a traditional Jordanian dinner, sampling authentic flavours prepared by the local women of the project. They can then explore an array of handmade crafts created by local artisans or participate in hands-on activities such as embroidery, pottery painting, or flower block printing—each reflecting Jordan’s rich artistic traditions. Throughout the experience, travellers will hear inspiring stories from the women behind Dar Ne’meh, learning how collaboration and creativity are generating new opportunities and sustainable livelihoods across the country.

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.

Included Experiences

• Mt Nebo Visit: Visit Mount Nebo, a historic site believed by many to be the location of Moses' death and has thus been a centre for pilgrimage since the earliest Christian times. Reach to the summit (817m or 2,680 ft), and be rewarded with views of the stunning surrounding countryside and Israel in the distance.
• Madaba Mosaics Guided Tour: Explore Madaba’s long history on this guided tour, including its role as the centre of early Christianity. See some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world, including the famous sixth-century mosaic map of the Middle East. Tour churches, the Archaeological Park, and the local museum that's housed in several old Madaba residences.
• Petra Archaeologist Talk: Join an archaeologist for a talk about the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra, the ancient city that was half-built and half-carved into a sandstone landscape. Learn about the ongoing excavation taking place here, and get a better understanding of the site for when you explore it yourself.

Rise early to discover the legendary city of Petra, carved out of sandstone cliffs by the Nabataean Arabs as early as the second century BC. Venture into the city by way of a gorge called the Siq, and enjoy a guided walking tour of the magnificent rose-red ruins. Spend some time exploring on your own before returning to our hotel. This evening, opt to experience Petra by night, when the site glows in the light of thousands of candles, and take in a performance of Bedouin music. 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.

Included Experiences

• Petra Guided Tour: Journey to Petra to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Wind your way through the Siq, a narrow, 1km-long (.6 mi) gorge flanked by soaring 80m-high (262 ft) sandstone walls. Take in the astounding colours and patterns of the rock, and, at the end of this passage, catch your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh, the famed treasury of Petra. Explore in depth with your Expedition Leader and get a brief history of the city, one of the greatest attractions in the Middle East. The Nabateans carved this capital from the living rock of the surrounding mountains in Petra. Visit monuments that include the Pharaoh's Column, the triumphal arch, the amphitheatre, and the monastery.
• Free Time: Continue to explore Petra on your own.

Optional Experiences

• Petra by Night: Enjoy a magical night at Petra. Sit back in the candle lit Siq and treasury, and enjoy bedouin live music show. This activity is only available to book Sunday-Thursday
• Turkish Bath: You've done some walking this tour, so take this opportunity to give your muscles some much needed attention. Enjoy this true hammam experience.

Explore Experiences

After breakfast, continue to Wadi Rum—a vast landscape of sweeping red sand dunes and towering sandstone arches. Enjoy lunch at our desert camp, then set out on a thrilling 4x4 excursion into the desert. Drive past spectacular rock formations, look for ancient petroglyphs, and pick the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Return to camp for a typical Bedouin feast. Later, head out with your Bedouin guide for a nighttime walk, admiring the dazzling, starry skies of the desert. 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.

November – February: The desert can get very cold after the sun sets and it can be cool during the days. If you are visiting during the winter months you should pack warm comfortable clothing for daytime and especially the evenings (a jacket, hat, gloves and warm pajamas). September/October & March/April: evenings can still get chilly so you should bring something warm to wear. Daytime is usually warm and comfortable but you can bring a sweater or jacket just in case. May – August: the weather is very hot during the day and the evenings are usually comfortable and warm.

Included Experiences

• 4x4 Desert Trip: Head deep into the desert by 4x4 and enjoy the amazing natural beauty and unique landscape on this unforgettable drive. Along the way drive up red sand dunes, view stunning rock formations, and visit ancient sites to view rock art and inscriptions.
• Wadi Rum Night Walk: There’s nothing quite like counting stars in the night sky from the desert below, away from the noise and light pollution of our modern world. Enjoy this experience while walking with a Bedouin who’s lived in this remote region his entire life.

Travel towards the Dead Sea, one of the saltiest bodies of water on the planet. Stop for lunch at a G Adventures–supported community café, located on lush green farmland surrounded by desert. Continue to the shores of the Dead Sea and settle into our hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing poolside, or choose to take a dip in the mineral-rich waters of the lake, long known for their therapeutic properties. 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.

Included Experiences

• Al Safi Community Lunch: Stop for lunch at Al Safi Kitchen to enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal. Take a tour of the grounds, taste a delicious meal with the freshest ingredients from Safi’s farms, and learn about how this nonprofit is working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. They also offer equal job opportunities for all members of the local community.
• Safi Crafts Visit: A visit to Safi Crafts offers a captivating experience that merges cultural education with conscious shopping. Guests are welcomed into the facility where they can observe the artisans as they meticulously carry out the natural dyeing process, and learn about the local plants and ancient techniques used. This is a unique opportunity to witness traditional craftsmanship firsthand and gain a profound appreciation for the artistry and dedication involved. By purchasing a product, travellers not only take home a beautiful, handmade souvenir but also directly contribute to the economic empowerment of these skilled women, supporting their continued success and the preservation of this invaluable heritage.
• Dead Sea Visit: Discover the legendary healing qualities of the Dead Sea, famous for its unique mineral makeup and salinity. Spot salt chunks drifting by like icebergs on the water’s surface. Take a dip yourself and float like a buoy or cover yourself in the mud along the shore, believed to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. There are showers nearby to wash off after.
• Free Time: Relax under an umbrella next to one of the freshwater swimming pools or enjoy the other facilities at the resort hotel. Why not indulge in an optional massage or one of the other health and beauty therapies available?

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.

Included Experiences

• Bethany Beyond the Jordan: Visit the archaeological site of Bethany, thought to be the site of John the Baptist's settlement and where Jesus was baptized. Fairly recently rediscovered, the site is an important archaeological find, numerous sites are being uncovered including Roman and Byzantine Baptismal pools, ancient churches, and caves.

Depart at any time. 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.

Speak to your Expedition Leader about arranging your transfer to the airport (additional cost).