Jordan and Israel Discovery

Trip starts at the hotel in Amman on Day 1 of the itinerary.

*Comfortable hotel*

After an early breakfast we head to the Citadel for breathtaking views of
Amman and a short tour of this site. There is a small but very interesting
museum to explore.  From this viewpoint we can see the remains of the Roman
Theatre in the old city area.   Leaving Amman we join the King's Highway
which takes us up and down huge 'wadis' (valleys). We stop en route at
Madaba, known as the city of the mosaics, and beautiful Mt Nebo where Moses
saw the promised land just before he died.  Further south we reach the
magnificent city of Petra; Jordan's premier historic site and one of the
world's most outstanding ancient cities.  This is a full day with great
sites and stunning natural landscapes.

This morning we have an early start to make the most of our day exploring the
UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra. Petra was hidden for centuries until
the Swiss explorer Burckhardt made his great discovery in 1812. It was
founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the 6th century
BC. Building at Petra began in the third century BC and continued through the
Roman period, financed by taxes levied on the desert caravans. Two features
of Petra are unique: firstly, it is a city made defensible by being built
down a series of chasms, rather than on a hilltop. Secondly, it is built
directly into the rock - beautiful red and yellow sandstone carved into the
most impressive facades which glow in the brilliant sunlight. 
To enter Petra we must begin by walking down a narrow chasm, known as the
Siq, surrounded by high cliffs on either side. Unveiled at the end of the Siq
is El Khazneh, the Treasury. This is just the first breathtaking sight of a
remarkable day. Continuing to the centre of the city, we pass the houses and
tombs of the rich citizens and the remarkable scale of the site begins to
unveil itself.  A optional walk can then be done up 850 steps to El Deir,
the monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn.  

Explore Little Petra with its well preserved ruins which are hidden away in
the mountains, before continuing to the spectacular Wadi Rum desert. This is
where Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the
attack on Aqaba in the First World War, and also where sections of many
famous films have been shot including 'Lawrence of Arabia, 'Star Wars' and
'The Martian' were shot. Its Mars like landscape is truly breathtaking.  We
take a four-wheel drive safari throughout the area stopping at a an outcrop
of rocks for sunset before returning to our Exodus permanent tented camp for
a star filled night. 

*Full-service Camping*

Today we head back up North to the amazing Dead Sea for a float and relaxing
evening.  On the way we stop at Al Karak (or Kerak)  Castle for a guided
tour of this imposing Crusader stronghold.  This is a place of legend in the
battles between the Crusaders and the Islamic armies of Saladin
(Salah-ad-Din).  A guided tour through the well preserved ruins opens up
another aspect of the history of Jordan.  We continue on to the Dead Sea in
time for float in its incredible saline waters and to watch the sunset over
Israel on the opposite bank. 

*Comfortable Hotel*

After breakfast we take a short drive to the Allenby Bridge for the crossing
to the West Bank.  Your tour leader will explain in detail what happens at
the border and how the crossing works.  It is sadly time to say farewell to
the Jordanian Leader and driver.  On arrival on the West Bank the leader who
will accompany the group for the rest of the trip will be waiting.  First
stop is Jericho in Palestine,  claimed to be the oldest city in the world,
it is rich with Biblical associations.  We take a 2km (1 mile) cable ride to
the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Temptation with wonderful views of the
Judaean Desert below.  The monastery dates back to the 12th century and is
supposedly built around the grotto where the Devil appeared to tempt Jesus. 
From Jericho we head to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found by a
Bedouin Shepherd boy. Although the caves cannot be entered there is a centre
where a short film is viewed and then a trail takes us through the cliffs
where the various caves are located.  After this visit we continue on to
Jerusalem.

*Standard Hotel*

Today we step back in history with a guided walking tour of the old city of
Jerusalem.  This includes the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, the Wailing
Wall and the Church of the Sepulchre. The city is perfect to explore on foot
as it is compact and there are plenty of sites to see and places to sit and
rest. Jerusalem's history stretches back more than 3,000 years  and a guided
tour of this labyrinthine is sure to be on the top of the list of memorable
experiences of this trip. 

*Standard Hotel *

Today is free for personal exploration of Jerusalem.   The leader will
provide suggestions for more places to visit and information on how to get to
each one.  You may want to return to the old city and take a leisurely
stroll through the streets or head to the Mount of Olives, best known as the
scene of Christ's agony and the Garden of Gethsemane.  Another option is the
Yad Vashem or Holocost museum and memorial.  

*Standard Hotel*

Today we have a local guide in Bethlehem who will reveal its Biblical
traditions.  Perched on a hill at the edge of the Judaean Desert it was the
childhood home of David and the birth place of Jesus. It has been a major
site of pilgrimage since the construction of the Church of the Nativity in
the 4th Century AD.  It is located on the spot which is generally believed
to be the likeliest site of the nativity.  It is also one of the world's
oldest churches. The tour will include Manger Square, St Catherine's Church
and the Milk Grotto.   

*Standard Hotel*

Today we head to vibrant Tel Aviv the modern face of the Jewish state.  This
Mediterranean resort has a long sandy beach and palm-filled avenues lined
with elegant buildings in the Bauhaus style.  First stop is Old Jaffa where
according to the Bible a settlement was founded by Noah's son Japheth in the
wake of the great flood.  Remains dating back to 2000 BC found here have
established Jaffa as one of the world's oldest ports.  The House of Simon
the Tanner is traditionally held to be where the apostle Peter once stayed
and the compact old town is now an attractive centre of local arts and
crafts. From here we continue on to Tel Aviv where a city tour includes the
colourful Carmel Market.  Tonight there are plenty of great restaurants
where the group can head for dinner to share the wonderful memories this trip
has created.

*Standard Hotel*

Trip ends after breakfast in Tel Aviv.   For those with onward flights our
sales team can arrange a private transfer to the Ben Gurion airport  at
extra cost or you can arrange a taxi through the hotel reception. Please see
transfer section for more details.