Israel and Jordan

Optional experiences

Most Insight tours already include a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. There may also be an exciting array of Optional Experiences which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Tour Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your tour. Please note, many Optional Experiences are operated by independent third party suppliers, not Insight Vacations. The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Jerusalem By Night

Drive through the time-worn streets of Jerusalem by night to witness the ancient sites and monuments beautifully illuminated. Enter the walled old city and walk through the twisting maze of alleyways of the Jewish quarter to the flood lit Western Wall. Above it shines the golden orb of the Dome of the Rock.

Adult Price: USD 25

Code: JER0001

Bethlehem Excursion

Meet your local guide at the West Bank border and continue to the city of Bethlehem. Visit the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. The structure is built over the cave that tradition marks as the birthplace of Christ, and it is considered sacred by followers of both Christianity and Islam. Important: Please note from the Check Point this tour will be operated by a local Bethlehem guide and coach.

Adult Price: USD 40

Code: JER0002

Dessert Castles (Kharraneh, Amra & Azraq)

Pick up from Amman and transfer to the East; to the Jordan's desert castles, beautiful examples of both early Islamic art and architecture, stand testament to a fascinating era in the country's rich history. Their fine mosaics, frescoes, stone and stucco carvings and illustrations, inspired by the best in Persian and Graeco - Roman traditions, tell countless stories of the life as it was during the eighth century. Called castles because of their imposing stature, the desert complexes actually served various purposes as caravan stations, agriculture and trade centers, resort pavilions and outposts that helped distant rulers forge ties with local Bedouins. Several of these preserved compounds, all of which are clustered to the east and south of Amman, can be visited on one - or two - day loops from the city. Qusair Amra, one of the best preserved monuments, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its interior walls and ceilings are covered with lively frescoes, and two of the rooms are paved with colorful mosaics.

Adult Price: USD 113

Code: AMM0001

Iraq Al-Amir Visit

Pick up from Amman Hotel and transfer to Iraq Al-Amir visiting Qasr Al-Abd; Although little is known for definite about the history of Qasr al-Abd it is widely believed to have been built by aTobiadnotable,HyrcanusofJerusalem, head of the powerful Tobiad family and governor ofAmmon. According to a local legend, Tobiad was a commoner who fell in love with the daughter of a nobleman. When he asked for her hand in marriage, the nobleman said that Tobiad could only have her hand if he built the so-called "Castle of the Slave." After completing the castle, the nobleman had Tobiad killed as he did not want his daughter marrying a commoner. After the tour, we visit the local Women Association to experience how soap from Olive Oil is made & how greeting cards & note books are made of recycled paper. Of course, we get to try a little with our hands! We sit then to enjoy a meal prepared by the women. After lunch, transfer back to Amman for drop off Amman Hotel.

Adult Price: USD 138

Code: AMM0002

Amman To Ajlun Castle

Pick up from Amman Hotel and transfer to Ajloun Castle for a visit. (Qal'at Ar-Rabad) was built by one of Saladin's generals in 1184 AD to control the iron mines of Ajloun, and to deter the Franks from invading Ajloun. Ajloun Castle dominated the three main routes leading to the Jordan valley and protected the trade and commercial routes between Jordan and Syria; it became an important link in the defensive chain against the Crusaders, who unsuccessfully spend decades trying to capture the castle and the nearby village. After the tour, head to Rassoun for lunch with a local family. Nestled among a forest of oak and pine trees, is a quaint village about 20 minutes drive from Ajlun. Lunch in Rassoun, a simple but generous home-cooked meal, is served in the home of Abu Baker and his family. Abu Baker, a retired army officer, has built a modest living room and kitchen (with facilities) on top of his house, where he entertains paying guests to a typical Jordanian meal prepared by his wife and daughters. After lunch, head back to Amman for drop off at Amman Hotel.

Adult Price: USD 165

Code: AMM0003

Additional Included Highlights

• Tel Aviv: See Habimah National Theatre, Rabin Square and Carmel market.
• Jaffa: Visit the ancient port and artists' quarter.
• Acre: See the fortress, the old harbour area and Crusader crypt.
• Nazareth: Visit the Church of the Annunciation.
• Galilee: A brief talk on the history and contemporary life on a Kibbutz. Visit Capernaum and the Mount of the Beatitudes. View the ancient wooden boat, which is said to date back to the times of Jesus.
• Qumran: See the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.
• Jerusalem: Walk the Garden of Gethsemene, Room of the Last Supper, Pool of Bethesda, Ecce Homo Arch. See the Temple Mount. Visit the Jewish sites of King David's Tomb and the Western Wall.
• Amman: See the Roman Amphitheatre and Citadel Hill.
• Shobak: Explore the Crusader fortress seeing the Crusader chapel.