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DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Israel
Depart on your flight to Tel Aviv, Israel
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Tel Aviv
Welcome to Israel! Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport proceed to your hotel to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Thursday - Ancient Jaffa, Sarona Market, Rabin Center
A morning walking tour introduces you to the ancient port city of Jaffa (Joppa), eternally linked with the biblical tales of Jonah and St. Peter. Tour the Ottoman buildings, continue along the winding cobblestone lanes to the reconstructed Artists' Quarter. View the breathtaking landscape of the shoreline of Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean coast. From here continue your tour that reveals the contrasting architecture of this city on the sea, pausing to admire some of the city's splendid Bauhaus buildings - more than any other city in the world. Then on to the dynamic Sarona Market complex, the heart of Israel's culinary art scene, before lunch on your own. Continue with a drive to the Israeli Museum at the Yitzhak Rabin Center chronicling the life of the late Prime Minister and the development of the State of Israel
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Friday - Caesarea, Wine Tasting, Nazareth, Haifa
On the drive north along the scenic Mediterranean coast you reach spectacular Caesarea, built by King Herod, considered one of the greatest builders of the ancient world. Explore this archaeological site with its Roman and Crusader ruins, including an impressive 1st-century theater still being used today and a hippodrome that once held over 20,000 people for chariot races. Afterward, arrive at a family-owned winery, where you will savor a tasting. The tour will proceed towards Nazareth, the sacred town where Jesus spent most of his youth. Here, visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. There will be time for a brief stop at Mt. Precipice. Continue with a drive towards the shimmering seaport city of Haifa. Arrive at your hotel overlooking the bay of Haifa in time for dinner
Overnight: Haifa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Saturday - Baha'i Shrine, Acre (Akko), Rosh Hanikra
This morning, visit the meticulously manicured gardens and striking golden dome of the Baha'i Shrine, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here drive north to visit the port city, a stark contrast in scenery as you arrive in the timeless Crusader city of Acre (Akko). Once a thriving Ottoman city, with its bustling fishing port, stunning architecture and monuments recalling the colorful Middle Ages, walk through the Arab markets. Descend into the underground city of the Crusaders, and walk through a series of subterranean rooms and tunnels. Acre's Old City is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have lunch in Acre before taking a scenic drive past the rugged terrain of the northernmost tip of Israel and the gleaming white cliffs of Rosh Hanikra. Here, descend by cable car to the astonishing underwater grottoes and sea caves, a magical world of nature in all of its splendor. Time at leisure this evening in Haifa
Overnight: Haifa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Sunday - Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Yigal Alon Museum, Beit She'an en route to Jerusalem
Depart from Haifa and travel via verdant rolling hills to the tranquil Sea of Galilee. The drive takes you past kibbutzim that dot the area - the very beginning of Israel's concept of collective communities traditionally based on agriculture. Once you reach the shores of the Galilee Sea, visit Capernaum and view the ruins of a 1st century village. Proceed to the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount, where you stand in wonder at the expansive views of the entire region. Continue with an unforgettable opportunity to visit a working kibbutz and get acquainted with everyday life in this rural community, then proceed with a visit at the Yigal Alon Museum. Head south via the Jordan Valley and reach the impressive site of Beit She'an, an ancient Roman city dating back to King Saul, see the remains of an ancient city and the ongoing excavations. The day is capped by the entrance to "Golden" Jerusalem. Time to settle in at the hotel before dinner
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Monday - The Old City of Jerusalem, Western Wall Tunnels, Herodian Mansions
The exploration of Jerusalem, one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world, begins with a walking tour of Jerusalem within the walled Old City with its four distinct sections: the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Armenian Quarters. Visit the Western Wall remains of the Second Temple, and the holiest prayer site of Judaism. You may leave a prayer note in the crevices of the wall as people of many religions have done for centuries. Your visit continues with a walk through history in the astonishing Western Wall Tunnels. Then follow the steps along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest sites in the Christian world. Pass through the narrow alleys and souks and walk along the Cardo, the colonnaded main street of Roman and Byzantine Jerusalem. Next, visit a six-house compound known as the Herodian Mansions. These were the homes of aristocracy, Temple priests and their families. These dwellings bear witness to the residents' wealth and high standard of living. The remainder of the day is on your own, or attend the optional Illuminated Jerusalem, Dinner & Sound & Light Show. The evening begins with dinner before driving to the Tower of David to attend the spectacular "Sound & Light" Show that tells the story of Jerusalem accompanied by original music and virtual reality images
Optional: Illuminated Jerusalem, Dinner & Sound & Light Show
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Tuesday - Masada and Dead Sea
The day begins with a drive along the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, to reach the clifftop fortress at Masada, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ascend by cable car to the last stronghold of the Zealots, learn about their brave tale and their struggle against the Romans. Visit the archaeological sites including the remains of Herod's Great Palace, a synagogue, bath houses, dwellings, and workshops, and you will discover why the symbolism of Masada remains meaningful to this day. After a visit to the Museum of Masada at the base, continue for lunch and free time to swim in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. Changing rooms will be provided for your convenience. After a relaxing time by the Dead Sea return to Jerusalem, where the evening is at leisure to explore
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Wednesday - Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, Machane Yehuda Market
This morning visit Yad Vashem, a memorial to the Holocaust. Walk through the Museum, the Children's Pavilion and along the Avenue of the Righteous, dedicated to Christians who rescued Jews during the Holocaust. Afterward, drive via the Supreme Court Building and the Knesset (Parliament) to the renowned Israel Museum and view the remarkable Scale Model, a miniature replica of ancient Jerusalem from the Second Temple period and the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed. Return back to the pedestrian area and walk the oldest neighborhood outside the Old walled City of Jerusalem, stroll through the Machene Yehuda Market to observe daily life in Jerusalem. Balance of the day is at leisure, or join an excursion to Bethlehem. Depart the State of Israel and cross the border to the Palestinian Authority where you will be met by your Palestinian tour guide. Visit the Church of the Nativity, commemorating the birthplace of Jesus Christ followed by a shopping stop for local souvenirs and olive wood handicrafts. Return to Israel in the late afternoon. During your dinner on this last evening in Israel, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday - Drive to Jordan
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before proceeding to the Jordan border crossing at the Allenby Bridge. Visa for Jordan is required but arranged free of charge. Israel departure tax of $50-$60 is required and payable locally.* After formalities, on to your hotel nestled amongst lush gardens on the northern shores of the Dead Sea - an oasis of tranquility. Tonight, have dinner together with your new Tour Manager
*Please visit Gate 1 Visa and Gate 1 Entry Fee/ Departure taxes page for more detail
Overnight: Dead Sea
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Friday - Visit Jerash and Ajloun
Today, explore the northern historical part of the kingdom mostly featuring Roman antiquity. Head to Jerash to visit the vast archaeological site known as the "Pompeii of the East". Jerash is one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world, uncovered after being hidden in the sand for centuries. Tour the soaring Temples of Artemis and Zeus, the Roman Forum, Hadrian's Arch, the massive theater and walk along the mile-long Street of Columns. Have lunch in Jerash before visiting the Crusader Castle of Ajloun (Al Rabad) with stunning views of Lake Tiberias and the surrounding northern mountains. Originally built as a monastery, the structure became one of the most important military strongholds of Islamic times until the fall of Kerak 1214. Later constructions expanded and renovated the castle over many years. Then head back to the Dead Sea. In the evening, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Dead Sea
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Saturday - Bethany, Mt. Nebo, Madaba, Shobak Castle, Petra
After breakfast, travel towards Petra. En route stop at the village of Bethany, the site of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. It's also the site where the prophet Elijah ascended to heaven via a chariot of fire. The sites that make up Bethany were part of early Christian pilgrimages between Mt. Nebo and Jerusalem. On to Mt. Nebo, reputed burial site of Moses with its expansive views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Next, visit Madaba where you see the vivid 6th century Byzantine map created of mosaic tiles depicting Jerusalem and the Holy Lands at St. George's Church. Enjoy lunch before briefly stopping to view Shobak Castle, a striking 12th century Crusader fortification. Arrive at the hotel, situated at the entrance to the historic Jordanian city of Petra. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Petra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13, Sunday - "Rose Red" Petra, Chef-led Cooking Lesson
Enter the "rose-red" city of Petra, hand sculpted from a mountain range by the Nabateans in the 3rd century BC. Begin your walk (or ride) through the Siq, a winding canyon road in the shadow of massive red and pink rock walls. At the end, stand in awe at Petra's most extraordinary monument - the towering Treasury building that rises over 140 feet. On the walk, you'll explore soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a theater, burial chambers and water channels - all remnants of a once great Nabatean culture. Petra is both a cherished Jordanian national treasure and an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, linger on your own or return to the hotel. Tonight, join a chef and local women for a cooking lesson. You'll learn the inside secrets of Middle Eastern cuisine and try first-hand the unique Arabic way of preparation. The prepared dinner is shared by all
Overnight: Petra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14, Monday - Wadi Rum, Bedouin Lunch, Amman
Departing Petra travel through the surreal desert landscape to Wadi Rum, with its ancient river beds, wind-sculpted mountains, and pastel-colored sands. Called the "Valley of the Moon", this UNESCO World Heritage Site served as inspiration (and filming site) for T.E. Lawrence's novel, Lawrence of Arabia. Ride in a 4x4 vehicle to explore the valley with its looming rock faces that seem to rise out of the sand. After crossing the huge red sand dunes and eroded pillars of sandstone rock, a unique lunch awaits you in an authentic Bedouin tent, cooked in an oven with hot coals beneath the desert floor. Continue to Amman for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Amman
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15, Tuesday - Qusair Amra and Amman City Tour
After breakfast, head east of Amman to visit Qusair Amra. Built in the early 8th century, this exceptionally well-preserved desert castle was both a fortress with a garrison and a residence of the Umayyad caliphs. The most outstanding features of this small pleasure palace are the reception hall and the hammam, both richly decorated with figurative murals that reflect the secular art of the time. From there, head back to Amman for a city tour. Once here, start your sightseeing at Amman Citadel, located over 400 feet above the city center. The adventure continues while exploring the Roman Amphitheater, considered one of the largest in the Middle East. Its construction dates back to the beginning of the 2nd century AD. End with a walk in Amman's downtown markets and city center before heading to the new downtown at Abdali area for wine tasting of Jordanian wine. During your dinner on this last night in Jordan, share wonderful memories of your journey and bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Amman
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 16, Wednesday - Depart Jordan
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Due to local events, holidays and site openings, the order of sightseeing may be changed. Details to be provided locally by Tour Manager.
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