| HIGHLIGHTS: Amman - Aqaba - Wadi Rum - Petra - Kings Highway - Jerash - Bethlehem - Nazareth - Capernaum - Sea of Galilee - Jerusalem
We start in Amman and head down to the charming port city of Aqaba. Anyone wanting to experience the highlights of the Middle East, Jordan is a 'must' - the people are extremely friendly, the food is excellent and the monuments are among the most impressive in the region. While Petra is undoubtedly the 'jewel in the crown', Jordan also boasts a fine crusader castle at Shobak and an outstanding Roman city at Jerash. Our final destination is holy Jerusalem - where the fabrics of various great religions can be found intertwined in the narrow streets of the Old City.
Day 1 Amman. Your trip starts today in Amman. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Amman Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town Our local Amman guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast. Please check the notice board for any messages from your guide.
Day 2 Amman - Aqaba. Our local Amman guide will put us on the regular bus service this morning. We then head south to Aqaba, an easy three hours drive. Here we meet our tour guide who will remain with us for the rest of our tour. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore this lively beach side town. Relax on the beach, do some shopping and maybe grab a meal at a local seafood restaurant.
Day 3 Aqaba - Wadi Rum - Petra. For many people, Wadi Rum represents everything that a desert should be. It's a magical place where weathered sandstone mountains rise out of pink - coloured sands. T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) spent a fair bit of time here, and the region is also home to the famous Desert Police, who can sometimes be seen riding camels and wearing their long - flowing robes and headdresses. We enjoy a fantastic jeep tour into the desert and later we continue our journey to Petra.
Day 4 Petra. We spend much of the day exploring the many wonders of this ancient city, founded more than 2000 years ago as a temporary refuge for nomadic Arabs and Bedouin. We enter through the narrow 'siq' and visit the numerous tombs, temples and public buildings - as well as the impressive rock - hewn amphitheatre. It's a really interesting day, but a tiring one, and at the conclusion we can enjoy an optional Turkish Bath at our hotel - a great way to end the day.
Day 5 Petra - Kings Highway - Amman. We follow the ancient Kings Highway, a road that dates back to the Old Testament, and beyond. We reach Dana, where we have time to stroll though the ancient village. Recent finds have revealed evidence of Paleolithic, Egyptian, Edomite, Assyrian, Nabataean and Roman civilisations. While here we can visit the craft centre to purchase attractive locally - made silver jewellery and charms. Continuing our journey, we reach the splendid crusader castle at Shobak, originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea before falling to Saladin in 1189. Further on, at Madaba, we visit the Greek Orthodox church of St. George, which houses a 6th century mosaic map depicting the old city of Jerusalem. We arrive in the lively city of Amman, where we check in to our hotel before heading out 'on the town'.
Day 6 Jerash. The Roman city of Jerash is in a fine state of preservation. Founded in the time of Alexander the Great, it had become a centre of considerable importance by the 3rd century AD. Today it is one of the grandest ancient cities in the world, with an imposing collection of archways, theatres, baths and colonnaded streets. We enjoy a morning tour and the afternoon is free for an optional excursion to the Dead Sea, or to explore Amman further.
Day 7 Bethlehem - Jerusalem. An early start sees us leave Amman and head for the Israel border. Please read the notes below on the border crossing - this is important. Once we have cleared customs, we will be met by our driver and transferred to Jerusalem. The rest of the day is free to explore this timeless city.
Day 8 Jerusalem. We begin our tour of Jerusalem with a panoramic view of the city. We then drive via the Garden of Gethsemane to a gate through which we enter the Old City. We walk to the 'Cardo' in the recently restored Jewish Quarter, which was the old north - south axis in Roman times. We visit the Western (Wailing) Wall, Via Dolorosa (Stations of the Cross) and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After lunch (not included) our tour continues with a visit to Yad Vashem (Israel's memorial to the Holocaust) We continue on to the biblical city of Bethlehem, where we visit Manger Square and Church of the Nativity - the birthplace of Jesus Christ. We head back to Jerusalem after for a well earned rest this evening.
Day 9 Nazareth - Capernaum - Sea of Galilee - Jerusalem. We drive to Nazareth for a visit to the Church of the Annunciation and the Church of St. Joseph. We then continue to the Sea of Galilee via the ruins at Capernaum, Tabgha and the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes. Passing Tiberias we reach the baptismal site on the Jordan River before returning to Jerusalem.
Day 10 Jerusalem. A free day for further exploration of Jerusalem, or join an optional tour to Masada, the fortress of King Herod and the last stronghold of the Zealots. Another choice is an optional trip to the Dead Sea where we have time to enjoy a dip at the the lowest place on earth (360 metres below sea level).
Day 11 Jerusalem. Our trip ends today after breakfast. If you have arranged a private transfer you will be advised of the pick - up time. Please speak to your travel agent or Gecko's if you wish to book further accommodation in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv to extend your stay in Israel.
This journey covers some of the most important historical and biblical sights in the world 11 day tour departing Amman. 10 nights accommodation in budget/tourist class hotels. 10 breakfasts. Gecko's expert English-speaking local guides in both countries, and local site guides at some sites. Sightseeing including entrance fees where applicable. Full day exploring Petra. Jeep safari in the Wadi Rum. Time to relax at the Dead Sea
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