Jerusalem, The Red Sea & Petra 2024

Day 1 Arrive Jerusalem

Tour begins: 5:00 PM, Orient Jerusalem Hotel. A transfer is included from Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, often referred to as Tel Aviv Airport, to Orient Jerusalem. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is just 1 km from the Old City and 2 km from the Western Wall, as well as close to a vast array of local attractions. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at your hotel.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Orient Jerusalem

Day 2 The Temple Mount & Via Dolorosa

Few cities in the world evoke the sense of spirituality and history as Jerusalem's Old City does, where people of all faiths have come to worship for thousands of years. Sightseeing today begins with visits to the medieval Tower of David, the historical entrance to the Old City and the symbol for Jerusalem for generations; the Western "Wailing" Wall, built by King Herod in 20 BC and considered the most religious site in the world for the Jewish people; and the Roman cardo, the main street of the Old City over 1,500 years ago and now a vibrant marketplace. Walking through the Jewish Quarter reveals a look at life in a neighborhood that has stood firm for two thousand years, where alleyways lead to historic sites, synagogues, shops and more. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Yad Vashem, Israel's moving memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring as you wish.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Orient Jerusalem

Day 3 Old City sights & the Jewish Quarter

Layered with ancient relics and treasured shrines, Jerusalem's Old City is home to places that inspire quiet awe as you view in person sacred biblical sites like the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and more. Our expert local guide leads the way today on your walking tour back in time that starts with a visit to the Temple Mount venerated as a holy site in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike, where the iconic domed rock reigns as its crown jewel. Listen to insights about its significance for each religion as you explore here today. Continue along the Via Dolorosa route, believed to be the solemn path taken by a condemned Jesus as he carried the cross to his crucifixion. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to have been built over the biblical Calvary, or Golgotha, where Jesus was nailed to the cross, died and rose from the dead. A change of pace and place follows as you taste your way through lively Mahane Yehuda Market for lunch, sampling a mix of traditional and modern-day culinary fare at Jerusalem's largest outdoor market and foodie hotspot. This afternoon, tour the Israel Museum, home to some 5,000 years of cultural treasures, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, among the world's oldest biblical manuscripts.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Orient Jerusalem

Day 4 Bethlehem or Tel Aviv

A choice of excursions this morning travels outside of Jerusalem and includes a walking tour of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, or a visit to the 4,000 year-old seaport town of Jaffa and modern-day Tel Aviv. No longer a little town, Bethlehem is a thriving Palestinian city that evokes the story of Jesus in Manger Square, from the Basilica of the Nativity, the oldest surviving church in the Holy Land, still in use today, to the cave-like Grotto below where Mary is said to have given birth to the baby Jesus. Visit its must-see sights with a local guide and enjoy lunch, before returning to Jerusalem for free time. Alternatively, travel to seaside Jaffa, a romantic enclave of medieval buildings and cobblestone streets, for a guided walking tour and lunch, followed by a visit to Tel Aviv, teeming with architectural wonders and modern-day cultural delights. Return to Jerusalem where your evening is free.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Orient Jerusalem

Day 5 A Kibbutz, Masada & the Dead Sea

Journey into the countryside today, stopping at a rural kibbutz for a close-up look at this integral part of Israeli society, en route to hilltop Masada.  Originally built by King Herod as a palace complex in the last century BC, the rugged desert fortress of Masada was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its role as a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Israel, but you may remember it for the stunning panoramic views of the Dead Sea you will see during today's visit. Get a closer look when you check into your resort this afternoon, nestled on the shores of the great salt lake. Dine at your leisure tonight in the hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isrotel Dead Sea Resort & Spa

Day 6 Aqaba & the Red Sea

Cross the border into Jordan this morning on a leisurely drive to your beachfront hotel in the port of Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city. This afternoon, join us aboard a private boat for a sunset, cocktail cruise on the marine life-rich Red Sea, inspiring with views of the city and sea and inviting with colorful coral gardens renowned for underwater diving adventures. As you gaze across this historic body of water, the story of Moses and the parting of the seas that allowed the great exodus of Israelites to escape from Egypt may come to mind, reminding you of the biblical significance of so many of the sights you'll see this part of the world. Enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight in the hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea

Day 7 A desert adventure to Wadi Rum

Spend the morning at leisure at your seaside hotel, where the white sandy beach is right outside your door. This afternoon pack your spirit for adventure as you ride aboard a 4x4 vehicle bound for the "Valley of the Moon" at Wadi Rum, the movie-set location for Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and more. The lunar landscapes you'll drive through are stunning and include desert valleys, spectacular sandstone mountains, canyons, dunes and arches. Arrive at Wadi Rum for an evening steeped in tradition and local culture. Enjoy a special dinner with entertainment in Bedouin tents and stargazing with an expert.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea

Day 8 Well-preserved Petra

Drive to the town of Wadi Musa for an overnight stay near the ancient city of Petra, one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World." Dating back to 300 BC, this "Rose City" served as the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, whose master builders carved palaces, temples, tombs, storerooms and stables from the soft stone cliffs you'll see on a guided visit today. Enter the ancient city through a high-walled crack called the Siq, walking through a narrow rock-sided pathway that opens to one of its most famous sites, The Treasury, where scenes from the movie Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade were filmed.  Guided exploration here views the tomb-lined Street of Facades, the 700-seat Theatre, the Great Temple, the Royal Tombs and the Monastery. Enjoy lunch and free time this afternoon before choosing to dine tonight with a local family at their private residence or dining at the hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Petra Marriott Hotel

Day 9 Mount Nebo, Madaba & Amman

Depart for Amman today, stopping en route at Madaba and Mount Nebo. Madaba is a Bronze-age market town best known for the Byzantine-era mosaic map you'll see on the floor of St. George's Church, said to represent the oldest map of Palestine in existence. Continue on to Mount Nebo where, according to the Bible, Moses was granted a glimpse of the Promised Land before his death. On a clear day you will be able to enjoy the same views that Moses did from atop the summit, including the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, the West Bank, and sometimes even Jericho and Jerusalem. Your destination this afternoon is the "White City" of Amman, the lively modern capital of Jordan. Settle into your hotel in the heart of the city and spend the remainder of the day exploring as you wish.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : The Ritz-Carlton Amman

Day 10 Sightseeing in Jerash

This morning, a choice awaits you. On one, stay close to home on a tour of Amman's Old City; including a tour of the Amman Citadel, an archeological site dating back to the Neolithic period and home to the remains of the Temple of Hercules. Other highlights include a Roman Theatre visit and a walking tour of the old city itself. Alternatively, drive north through the rolling hills of Gilead, dotted with grazing sheep and goats, to the ruined city of Jerash, inhabited since the Bronze Age and once a thriving Roman settlement. Buried under sand and rubble for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1806 by a German traveler and not excavated until the 1950s. What you will discover on a guided tour offers you a look at life for some of the estimated 35,000 Roman residents who lived here in the first and second centuries. See the triumphal Hadrian's Arch, built in AD 129 in honor of Emperor Hadrian's visit, the hippodrome which hosted chariot races for up to 15,000 spectators and the 5,000-seat South Theatre. Pass by the elegant remains of the Temple of Zeus, built in 162, the huge 56-columned Forum, the main fountain and more as you stroll down the colonnaded cardo maximus, the main street of Jerash, with your informative local guide. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Amman for time at leisure. Join us tonight for a private farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : The Ritz-Carlton Amman

Day 11 Journey home

Tour ends: Amman. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Ritz-Carlton Amman to Queen Alia International Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for check in at the airport.

MEALS : B