Cultural Treasures of Israel & Jordan

Depart Home city/Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv, Israel

Jaffa is one of Israel’s most enchanting, old-world gems, located just a few miles up the coast from Tel Aviv. Stroll the cobbled alleyways, browse flea markets and visit with local artists in the Old Town. Then it’s off to the artsy Neve Tzedek neighborhood, known for its quirky boutiques, shops and bistros. We’ll also enjoy a visit to the ANU – Museum of the Jewish People, the world’s largest and most comprehensive Jewish museum.

Tel Aviv | Vad Vashem | Jerusalem

Set off to discover Tel Aviv’s beautiful Bauhaus-style buildings. This district was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site under the name of “The White City.” Next, experience local life at the bustling Machane Yehuda Market, followed by a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to the millions who perished in the Holocaust. Tonight, take part in a Q&A session with a Yad Vashem guide.

Jerusalem

As the spiritual heart of three world faiths — Judaism, Islam and Christianity — Jerusalem is showcase to a trove of religious shrines, temples, churches and mosques. Follow in the footsteps of Biblical stories while exploring the Old City’s highlights, including the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Also see Temple Mount, revered as the holiest site in the Jewish religion. Lunch on falafel in the Arab Quarter, a neighborhood famous for its colorful markets.

Masada | Jerusalem

Take an incredible journey through the Judean Desert to the poignant Masada fortress. This isolated flat-top rock stands sentry beside the Dead Sea and is one of the most iconic sites in Jewish and Israeli history. Following your insightful tour, you can enjoy some leisure time to explore the museum or shop. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Israel Museum.

Cesarea | Haifa | Akko | Tiberias

Visit Caesarea to see Herod’s massive Roman theater and a hippodrome once home to gladiator games and chariot races. Continue to Haifa, resting at the foot of Mount Carmel. Enjoy this intimate look at Israel’s only natural harbor and home to the striking Bahá’í World Centre, followed by a visit to ancient Akko. Then check in to your hotel in Tiberias. Tonight, you’re in for a treat as you experience an authentic Shabbat dinner with a local family.

Tabgha | Capernaum | Qatsrin | Tiberias

Embark on a scenic cruise on the Sea of Galilee (weather permitting). Next, visit the fishing village of Tabgha, an important stop during pilgrimages. Above Tabgha sits the Mount of Beatitudes, from which Jesus gave his historical sermon. Nearby is the Biblical village of Capernaum, home to an ancient Byzantine-era synagogue and the House of Peter. Cap off the day during a wine tasting in the beautiful Golan Heights region.

Jerash | Amman

Following breakfast, cross into Jordan and start your discovery with a tour of Jerash. Step inside the old city walls and discover long colonnaded streets, monumental arches, Roman baths, hilltop temples, marvelous theaters and spacious squares and plazas.

Madaba | Mount Nebo | Wadi Musa (Petra)

Start the day at Madaba, home to famous mosaics dating from the Byzantine and Umayyad eras. Ascend Mount Nebo, where Jewish and Christian tradition holds that prophet Moses climbed the mountain for a view of the Promised Land. Continue to Petra and check in to your hotel.

Petra | Wadi Musa

Another day filled with incredible moments begins. Enjoy an insightful excursion to Petra, best known for its dramatic tomb and temple facades. Walk through the Siq toward the entrance to ancient Petra. Sight the unforgettable pink-hued Treasury and pass a variety of spectacular tombs to the massive theater, which was built to hold an audience of 8,500 people. Tonight, delight in an authentic Jordanian experience! Enhance your culinary skills at the Petra Kitchen while learning to cook Levantine cuisine.

Dead Sea | Sweimeh

Begin the journey to the Dead Sea. Check in to your hotel, the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea. Then descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth. The heavy salt content and rich minerals in the soil have made the sea a popular landmark for thousands of years. Take a moment to float in the therapeutic mineral-rich waters or relax on the beach. Celebrate your journey tonight at a Farewell Reception and Dinner.

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