Israel & Jordan: Ancient Sites & Epic Nights

Arrive at any time. Shake off that jet lag and prepare for an evening buzzing with excitement. Head out with your group and CEO for drinks at a favourite local spot. After, feel free to do some exploring in the area on your own or with some fellow travellers. Kick-off your adventure in Jerusalem with lively music, and a healthy dose of fun. Stay: Victoria Hotel Jerusalem

Take a guided walk through the Old City along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the western wall. Later, get a taste of modern life in Jerusalem with a visit to the bustling Yehuda Market, and stop at a local craft beer cafe. Stay: Victoria Hotel Jerusalem (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 with any other travellers who are in your group. You will be met on the Jordanian side of the border by another CEO. See the "Detailed Trip Notes" section of the Tour Details page for helpful instructions on crossing the Israeli-Jordanian border. Safi Kitchen is part of a nonprofit organization working in the South Ghour region, south of the Dead Sea, to create opportunities for members of the local community. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. Their tourism program is key to the expansion of their environmental and social mission. Drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. Head deep into the desert by 4x4 stopping at famous landmarks along the way. Depending on the season / weather conditions, the 4x4 excursion may be done on the morning of day 4. Arrive to the tented camp in time for a traditional meal and learn more about this ancient culture. There is a large, central tent that is traditionally decorated and perfect for relaxing or escaping the cold nights in winter. Our dinner is prepared in traditional fashion, with the meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase (alcohol is not available). Lanterns light the way but we do suggest you bring a flashlight. Stay: Al Zawaydah Desert Camp (B/L/D)

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. In Jordan, alcohol is not often available in accommodations or restaurants. In the town of Wadi Musa (Petra), there are bars to enjoy a drink. Stay: Seven Wonders Hotel (B)

Thursday and Friday are party nights in the Middle East. Join your Jordanian CEO for a night out at the famous Rainbow Street, or in new local favourite spot the Abdali Boulevard area. Stay: Mena Tyche Hotel Amman (B)

Today we stop to float in the Dead Sea – don’t worry if you can’t swim, the water is so dense it’s not possible to sink. After, we will stop in Bethlehem for a quick photo stop to see the Palestinian town where Jesus Christ was born (while there won’t be time to go inside, you’ll be able to see the Church of the Nativity from the outside) and to see Banksy's 'Walled Off Hotel'. Opt to head out tonight and experience the famed Tel Aviv nightlife – day 6 is a Friday, the best night of the week for clubbing with locals. (B)

Some attractions are not open on Shabbat. If you have a particular museum in mind to visit while you are in Tel Aviv, we strongly recommend staying another day or two. (B)

With so much to do and see in Tel Aviv, we highly recommend booking post nights to fully enjoy all that the city has to offer. (B)