Compare Explore Israel & Jordan by G Adventures vs Jordan & Jerusalem tour by Audley Travel

Day 1 Jerusalem

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.

Day 2 Jerusalem

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).

Day 3 Jerusalem

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.

Day 4 Jerusalem

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).

Day 5 Jerusalem/Tiberias

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.

Day 6 Tiberias

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.

Day 7 Tiberias/Tel Aviv

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,

Day 8 Tel Aviv/Amman

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.

Day 9 Amman

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.

Day 10 Amman/Wādī Mūsá

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.

Day 11 Wādī Mūsá

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.

Day 12 Petra/Wadi Rum

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.

Day 13 Wadi Rum/Dead Sea

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.

Day 14 Dead Sea/Amman

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.

Day 15 Amman

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 CEO about arranging your transfer to the airport (additional cost).

Day 1: Amman

Accommodation options: La Locanda, The Amman Marriott, The Four Seasons & The Grand Hyatt

Upon arrival into Amman you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel.

Day 2: Amman

Accommodation options: La Locanda, The Amman Marriott, The Four Seasons & The Grand Hyatt

Have a morning at leisure to recover after your late arrival. In the afternoon you drive up north to explore the Roman ruins of Jerash with a local guide. If you have some free time this afternoon, explore Amman under your own steam.

Day 3: Petra

Accommodation options: Petra Guest House, Mövenpick Resort Petra & The Petra Marriott

An early start this morning as it's around a five to six hours drive down the 5,000 years old King's Highway to Petra. En-route you will stop to see Mount Nebo, with its spectacular views over the Dead Sea; the Christian mosaics of Madaba; and the crusader castle of Kerak. In Petra you will stay for three nights at your hotel.

Day 4: Petra

Accommodation options: Petra Guest House, Mövenpick Resort Petra & The Petra Marriott

Today you will enjoy a full day guided tour of Petra. Your private guide will be with you for around two to three hours, after which you have some time to explore further on your own. Although it is probably the highlight of your holiday, bring your walking shoes and be prepared for an inspiring but energetic day!

Day 5: Petra

Accommodation options: Petra Guest House, Mövenpick Resort Petra & The Petra Marriott

One day is never enough to fully take in the wonders of Petra, so you have an extra day to explore under your own steam.

Day 6: The Dead Sea

Accommodation options: The Mövenpick Dead Sea Resort, Holiday Inn Dead Sea, Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea & The Marriott Dead Sea Resort and Spa

After breakfast you'll be collected from the hotel for the transfer to the Dead Sea. On the way you will enjoy a guided tour of the vast, stunning landscapes of Wadi Rum. For your time at the Dead Sea you'll stay for two nights of rest and relaxation.

Day 7: The Dead Sea

Accommodation options: The Mövenpick Dead Sea Resort, Holiday Inn Dead Sea, Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea & The Marriott Dead Sea Resort and Spa

Swimming in the Dead Sea is a unique experience, just watch out for the salt!

Day 8: Jerusalem

Accommodation options: Arthur Hotel, The American Colony Hotel, Bezalel & Mamilla Hotel

This morning you will head off to Israel, crossing the border at Allenby Bridge. En route, to Jerusalem, visit the UNESCO site of Masada.

Day 9: Jerusalem

Accommodation options: Arthur Hotel, The American Colony Hotel, Bezalel & Mamilla Hotel

Today you will explore Bethlehem and the highlights of Jerusalem's Old City with your private guide.

Day 10: Jerusalem

Accommodation options: Arthur Hotel, The American Colony Hotel, Bezalel & Mamilla Hotel

A day at leisure to continue exploring.

Day 11: Return home

You have this morning and lunchtime at leisure to relax, explore or do some last minute shopping before heading off to Tel Aviv Airport.