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Days
14
Price from
6405USD
Map of Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories including Israel and Jordan

Journey through a history of biblical proportions

To explore the lands of Jordan and Israel and the Palestinian Territories is to come face to face with various epochs of history. Jordan’s capital, Amman, and its central Roman theatre remind us of the glories of that great empire. Mysterious Petra appears out of nowhere – a remarkable rose-coloured city hewn from the sandstone cliffs by Nabataean people. And there is Jerusalem – one of history’s great cities and a holy site for many of the world’s religions. The Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Temple Mount – it’s all in one place. Discover all of these cultural hotspots with the guidance of local leaders, staying in premium accommodation and appreciating authentic experiences. This is the heart of the Middle East, loud and proud.

Start
Amman, Jordan
Finish
Tel Aviv, Israel
Destinations
Israel, Jordan
Style
Peregrine
Code
PGJIC
Physical rating
Trip rating
2 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Peregrine trips are now operated by Intrepid Travel

Why you'll love this trip

  • Gaze in awe at the towering wind-swept rock formations at Wadi Rum on an included 4WD adventure, and note how the colours change as the sun makes its way across the sky on your way to a premium Bedouin camp.

  • The unique sensation of floating in the Dead Sea is like nothing else. Venture to the coastline and enjoy a night in its midst, perhaps taking a swim in the salty waters with your small group.

  • Experience for yourself some of the world’s most renowned religious sites – the Church of the Annunciation, the Church of the Nativity, Via Dolorosa and the Western Wall.

  • Get a local perspective of daily life at dinner with a Christian family, and meet a local Rabbi to gain a better understanding of the Israel–Palestine conflict and its progress towards peace.

  • Experience Israel and the Palestinian Territories with a touch of comfort and style, staying in a unique guesthouse in Bethlehem and enjoying a contemporary take on Palestinian cuisine at the renowned Fawda Café.

Is this trip right for you?

  • There is a lot of walking, especially in Petra and Wadi Rum, so please bring comfortable shoes and a hat to make the most of your time at the sites.

  • In Wadi Rum, you will stay in permanent Bedouin style tents with modern ensuite bathroom facilities. Tents are complete with comfortable king-size or twin beds, a Bedouin sofa, mirrors, lamps, and all bedding.

  • During your trip you will visit numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the arms and legs. A light scarf is a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your leader will be able to advise when such clothing is necessary.

  • In 2021, Ramadan will take place from 12 April to 11 May. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience. However, some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period. In 2021, Ramadan will take place from 12 April to 11 May. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience. However, some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period.

  • Sites in Israel can get congested during peak travel periods with large pilgrim groups. We do our best to plan our visits around these times but sometimes it is unavoidable. There may be delays, queues and private services that prevent us from entering the site. Your trip leader will manage this as best as they can on the day.

  • It’s not all hot desert days in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, as the winter months (December– February) can be quite cold. Temperatures in northern parts of the country can drop to freezing overnight. Snowfall around these areas is also common. Regardless of which month you plan to travel, be sure to pack clothes that will prepare you for varying temperatures as they can differ quite dramatically (10 degrees or more) from one side to another.

  • Israel and The Palestinian Territories is by no means a cheap destination and you should budget accordingly. The good news is that your expert local leader is on hand to help you uncover the best deals!

  • The border crossing between Jordan and Israel and the Palestinian Territories will be unescorted; however, you will be met by a border representative who will help you to complete your formalities. It can be a busy border with some delays. Once you exit on the Israel and the Palestinian Territories side you will be met by a Peregrine representative who will drive you to your hotel in Jerusalem.

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UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jerusalem
Peregrine Adventures israel bethlehem houses on hillside
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Peregrine Adventures israel bethlehem church of nativity
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Itinerary
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Welcome to Jordan – cosmopolitan and contemporary yet steeped in biblical history. On arrival at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by a Peregrine representative and transferred to your hotel. You are able to arrive at any time today, keeping in mind hotel rooms are available for check-in generally after 12 pm (midday), and there will be an important welcome meeting with your group and local leader tonight. If you arrive early, perhaps take a walk and pick up a coffee and ara’yes – a toastie filled with spiced meats – at one of the cafes. Otherwise, head to the Old Town’s Roman Amphitheatre, find some culture at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts or look down on the city from the hilltop Temple of Hercules.
Accommodation
  • Sulaf Luxury Hotel Amman or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Peregrine. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel. Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

After breakfast, drive from Amman to Wadi Rum (approximately 4.5 hours). Enjoy some lunch in the small village of Rum and browse the informative visitor’s centre. Afterwards, jump into a local jeep and journey into Wadi Rum with your Bedouin hosts. This region is probably best known for its connection with the British officer T E Lawrence, who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917 and 1918. Much of David Lean's movie on his exploits, 'Lawrence of Arabia', was actually filmed in Wadi Rum. Visit several of the area’s distinctive rock formations and appreciate the vast silence and spectacular desert landscapes. These landscapes are home to Bedouin communities that live in scattered camps. You will enjoy an evening with them at one of their camps, set in an amazing location deep in the desert.
Accommodation
  • Desert Nights Camp (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
In Wadi Rum, you will stay in permanent Bedouin-style tents with private bathrooms and hot water. Tents are furnished complete with comfortable king-size or twin beds, a sofa, mirrors, lamps, and premium bedding. All furniture is handmade. Electricity is provided in the guest tents in the evenings via solar power. Each tent has a private terrace with a fantastic view of the Wadi Rum Mountains – an ideal place to watch the stars at night.

Please note that it is often difficult to secure our preferred camp in Wadi Rum. The alternative site is Memories Aicha Luxury Camp. If you would like to confirm in advance which camp is available for your tour, please check with your booking agent 30 days prior to departure.

After waking up in the unique surrounds of your Bedouin camp this morning, take a walk around the area – the length of which depends on the group’s desires – before scaling one of the large dunes to enjoy panoramic views of your surrounds. Afterwards, head in 4WDs back to the main entrance opposite the Seven Pillars of Wisdom – the mountain named after Lawrence of Arabia’s book. The visitor's centre here is also a great spot to buy some jewellery and handicrafts, mostly made by a women's co-operative dedicated to supporting local industries. Continue your journey to the fabled city of Petra (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival, there is time to check out the town that has grown around the site and to relax, ready for a big day of exploring Petra tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Petra Moon Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Petra - Petra By Night - JOD17
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Petra is a small and busy city with limited hotel options, so it is often difficult to secure a preferred hotel here. Alternative hotels in Petra may include Old Village Resort, P Quattro Relax or Hyatt Zaman. If you would like to confirm in advance which hotel is included on your tour, please check with a Peregrine booking agent 30 days prior to departure.

Petra, dating back to the sixth century BC, is the jewel of Jordan, the lost city of the biblical Nabateans, an impressive series of tombs and dwellings carved directly into the rock. The iconic view – the Treasury's glorious facade, glimpsed from a narrow cleft known as the Siq – is perhaps the single-most striking sight of the entire region. The Siq leads through the rock and is sometimes only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 metres on either side. With your guide, explore the old Roman road, amphitheatre and several old tombs. You will also climb up to see the Monastery, providing a magnificent view of the entire site. There is a cafeteria on the site, where you can enjoy your own light lunch. The rest of the day will be at your leisure. This evening, perhaps take the chance to witness Petra by night if your dates align. Seeing the Treasury plaza lit up by candlelight while Bedouin music plays is a truly memorable experience.
Accommodation
  • Petra Moon Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
The optional activity Petra by Night runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, beginning at 8.30 pm from Petra Visitor Centre and finishing back at the Visitor Centre around 10.30 pm. Please ensure you check your departure date if you are planning to book this activity as it is not available on all departures. This activity is suitable to book either tonight or yesterday evening.

For another glimpse at Petra, rise very early for an unguided morning visit, if you wish. Afterwards, drive to the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak – originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea before it fell to Saladin in 1189. Enjoy superb scenery and stop off at the viewpoint overlooking the Dana Nature Reserve before arriving in the late afternoon at your Dead Sea premium accommodation. Named for the lack of life in its waters, this lake is so intensely salty that the water density makes swimming and getting underneath the surface very difficult.
Accommodation
  • Dead Sea Spa Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Petra - Petra second day visit (unguided)
  • Shobak - Shobak Castle
  • Dana - Ancient village visit
  • Dead Sea - Visit Including Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note that Kerak Castle is not included in your tour, as it is often very congested and busy. However, if there is sufficient interest among members of the group, your group leader can also arrange an optional visit to Kerak Castle today.

Enjoy a relaxing morning spent at the Dead Sea, perhaps heading back to the lake shores for a swim. The warm, highly saline waters make bobbing on the water's surface a unique experience. After lunch, leave the Dead Sea for Mount Nebo, considered to be where Moses saw the Promised Landed before he died. The modest church here with foundations dating back to the fourth century houses some of the best mosaics in Jordan. Continue to Madaba – or the City of Mosaics – and stop at St Georges Church, best known for its Byzantine mosaic depicting a map of the Holy Land. Head back to Amman and spend the evening here.
Accommodation
  • Sulaf Luxury Hotel Amman or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
  • Mt Nebo - Site visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, leave Amman for a short drive north to Jerash (approximately 1 hour) – once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world. These are some of the best ruins Greco-Roman ruins around. Reaching its peak as a favourite of the emperor Hadrian, it has a striking collection of archways and theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets, and is a beautiful place to spend the morning exploring. Grand columns encircle the city's centrepiece of the Oval Plaza – an atmospheric place to linger after exploring Jerash's riches. Afterwards, return to Amman for the evening (approximately 1 hour). Perhaps spend your night at one of the many bars and restaurants in West Amman, or speak with your group leader about the traditional cafes dotted around the city where locals spend their evenings.
Accommodation
  • Sulaf Luxury Hotel Amman or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerash - Roman ruins
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today, you will transfer to the Allenby Bridge Border Crossing in private transport with your Jordanian group leader. On arrival at the border, a VIP crossing service has been arranged for you. After departure formalities with Jordanian customs, there will be private transport to transfer you the six kilometres to the Israel and Palestinian Territories border. After clearing customs again here, your Peregrine transfer representative will collect you and transfer you to your hotel in Jerusalem. The journey from Amman to Jerusalem takes approximately 2 hours, but this can vary depending on the time of year and how busy the border crossings are. There are no activities planned today until a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, join your leader on an orientation walk and drink, then consider having dinner with some of your group members on your free evening.
Accommodation
  • St Georges Guest House or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s border crossing is unaccompanied. Due to current border regulations, it may be difficult to locate your driver after passing into Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Please be patient – they will collect you once they have been made aware of your arrival. If after 5-10 minutes you cannot locate a Peregrine representative, have the border officials call the number in the ‘Problems and Emergency Contact Information’ section of your Essential Trip Information.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

On occasion, it may not be possible to confirm our preferred hotel. For this reason, we have selected an alternative hotel – either the Golden Walls or the Sergei Palace Hotel. Please speak to a Peregrine booking agent for more details.

Meet your leader for a walk, beginning at St Stephen’s Gate (or Lion’s Gate) to enter the Old City, and visit the church of St Anne and the Pool of Bethesda. Walk along the Via Dolorosa – the 'Way of the Cross’ or ‘Way of Sorrows' following Jesus’ path to crucifixion – and stop by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built where Jesus is believed to have been crucified. Continue along the Cardo in the Jewish Quarter – a road that ran the entire length of the city in Byzantine times. Visit the remains of the Western Wall on the Temple Mount, where written prayers are slid into the cracks between stones. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to wander around the city at your leisure. Meet up with your group later this evening for a meal with a local family in the Old City, learning about living a Christian life in the Holy Land.
Accommodation
  • St Georges Guest House or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerusalem - Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
  • Jerusalem - Old City walking tour
  • Jerusalem - Church of the Holy Sepulchre
  • Jerusalem - Local Family Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning, drive to the biblical town of Ma'aleh Adumim and the Inn of the Good Samaritan in the Judean Desert. This inn is a museum located near the original site mentioned in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Continue to Masada and take a cable car to discover the clifftop fortress of Masada. This World Heritage-listed site is important to Jewish people – a symbol of exile from the Holy Land, of bravery and self-sacrifice. Afterwards, drive to Qumran, an archaeological site on the West Bank, home to major discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls. You will also have a chance to float in the extremely salty and buoyant Dead Sea. Discover the slow-paced town of Jericho in the West Bank, where people have lived for over 11,000 years. See the Mount of Temptations and a Sycamore Tree mentioned only in the Luke’s Gospel. Return to Jerusalem and meet up with a local Rabbi, learning of Jewish traditions and a different perspective on the Israeli–Palestine conflict.
Accommodation
  • St Georges Guest House or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Qumran - Archaeological site visit
  • Masada - Dead Sea & Fortress visit
  • Jerusalem - Conversation with a local rabbi
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

In the morning, drive out to visit the Garden of Gethsemane – the place where Jesus prayed beside his sleeping disciples before crucifixion. See the Church of All Nations, which holds inside a section of bedrock where Jesus is said to have prayed before his arrest. Continue to Yad Vashem for a sobering and moving visit to Israel’s memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and take a guided tour with a local. Travel to Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity – marking the spot of the stable where Mary is said to have given birth to Jesus, and the Shepherds’ Fields in Beit Sahour just a couple of kilometres east of the city. This area has been identified as the scene where angels visited the lowly shepherds and informed them of Jesus’ birth. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore.
Accommodation
  • Hosh Al Syrian Guesthouse (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane & Basilica of the Agony
  • Jerusalem - Yad Vashem Museum
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Our local leaders are not permitted to guide in this museum, so you will have a tour with a local guide which will take approximately 2–3 hours.

This morning, travel to Tiberias and, weather permitting, take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. Afterwards, visit Tabgha. This is where the Bible says Jesus performed the ‘Feeding of the 5000’ with loaves and fishes. Here, you can see the church and its ancient mosaics that were built to mark the spot of this miracle. A short way up the lakeshore is Capernaum, where you’ll see the site of two ancient synagogues and a church said to have been the home of Saint Peter. Here you will have the traditional St Peter’s Fish lunch – ask your leader about his significance. Visit the Church of the Annunciation, where Mary received the news of the Immaculate Conception, along with the well where she drew water every day. Continue to Haifa for the evening, perhaps taking a late stroll through the Baha’i Gardens. With 19 terraces flowing down to a domed shrine, these gardens are considered Haifa’s crowning glory.
Accommodation
  • The Colony Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tiberias - Church of the Multiplication
  • Tiberias - Sea of Galilee boat ride
  • Capernaum - St Peter's Church
  • Nazareth - Church of Annunciation & Mary's Well
  • Haifa - Bahai Gardens view & photo stop
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today, stop at the former crusader port of Acre. Visit the complex of buildings occupied by the Knights of St John, excavated to uncover rooms such as a large hall, dungeon, dining room and the crypt of an ancient Gothic church. You will also see the secret tunnel of their rivals – the Knights Templar. Continue to Caesarea, which served as the capital of Israel during the Roman and Byzantine eras. This was once a great port town built by King Herod around 25 BC, complete with an amphitheatre, hippodrome, palace, Roman temple and a network of aqueducts. The city was eventually abandoned and lost under the desert sands, but thanks to excavations since the 1950s, is on show once again. Arrive in Tel Aviv and spend the afternoon discovering the city with your leader, visiting the Old City of Jaffa and Peace Square. This afternoon, you’ll also partake in some hummus tasting – the city claims to have the best. Arrive at the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Cinema Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Acre - Knights of St John Complex
  • Caesarea - Roman ruins
  • Tel Aviv - Hummus Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

With no activities planned for today, your journey through Israel and the Palestinian Territories comes to an end after breakfast. You are free to leave the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If you are catching a flight today, we recommend that you allow at least three hours to check-in and pass through security before your departure, due to strict security measures at Tel Aviv Airport.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners

Transport

4WD vehicle, Boat, Bus, Camel, Jeep, Private aircon bus, Public aircon coach

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (11 nights), Luxury Desert Camp (1 night - Jordan Feature Stay) Guesthouse (1 night - Bethlehem Feature Stay)

Included Activities

  • Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
  • Petra - Petra second day visit (unguided)
  • Shobak - Shobak Castle
  • Dana - Ancient village visit
  • Dead Sea - Visit Including Dinner
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
  • Mt Nebo - Site visit
  • Jerash - Roman ruins
  • Jerusalem - Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
  • Jerusalem - Old City walking tour
  • Jerusalem - Church of the Holy Sepulchre
  • Jerusalem - Local Family Dinner
  • Qumran - Archaeological site visit
  • Masada - Dead Sea & Fortress visit
  • Jerusalem - Conversation with a local rabbi
  • Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane & Basilica of the Agony
  • Jerusalem - Yad Vashem Museum
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
  • Tiberias - Church of the Multiplication
  • Tiberias - Sea of Galilee boat ride
  • Capernaum - St Peter's Church
  • Nazareth - Church of Annunciation & Mary's Well
  • Haifa - Bahai Gardens view & photo stop
  • Acre - Knights of St John Complex
  • Caesarea - Roman ruins
  • Tel Aviv - Hummus Tasting

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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