Compare Israel and Jordan 2022 by Tauck vs Jordan & Israel in 12 days - Hashemite Kingdom & Holy Land Highlights - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1 Arrive Tel Aviv

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental David Tel Aviv. A transfer is included from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport to the InterContinental David Tel Aviv, set on a beachfront promenade, with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, in the city's most fashionable neighborhood. Please join us this evening for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner where you'll meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Director.

MEALS : D

LODGING : InterContinental David Tel Aviv

PORTOFCALL : Tel Aviv, Israel

Day 2 Ancient Jaffa and Tel Aviv

On your first full day in Israel travel excursions around Tel Aviv reveal some of the striking contrasts that define the country. Our guide will give you a little Hebrew lesson with handy words to know during our welcome briefing before you set off for a walking tour through the maze of narrow, cobblestone streets of 4,000-year-old Jaffa, believed to be the oldest port city in the world. Explore the Visitors' Center in Kedumim Square and its museum with exhibits on the history of Jaffa and archaeological treasures. Have lunch at a local café, then travel from the romantic eccentricity of Jaffa to the Bauhaus architecture of Rothschild Boulevard... a true leap of time! Many Jewish refugees from Germany in the 1930s brought functional, modern design with them, and the plethora of square white buildings with curved balconies on every street earned Tel Aviv the nickname "The White City" and a UNESCO World Heritage designation as you'll learn on a city tour. But there the austerity of Tel Aviv ends; for the remainder of the day, spend time exploring this hip, young, city on your own. Your hotel is within easy walking distance of the beach, restaurants and a nightlife that is second to none.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : InterContinental David Tel Aviv

PORTOFCALL : Tel Aviv, Israel

Day 3 Ancient Caesarea and Haifa

Over a period of just 12 years, Herod transformed Caesarea into a grand city and major seaport – and dedicated it to Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus, who had returned it to Herod after wresting it away from Cleopatra. During a walking tour, view the spectacular Roman amphitheatre, still used as a performing venue today; what was once the great harbor Herod built; the hippodrome that held 20,000 spectators for chariot races; and what remains of Herod's palace. After lunch, continue on to Haifa, international headquarters of the Baha'i Faith, and the Baha'i Shrine and Gardens on famed Mount Carmel. A succession of 19 manicured garden terraces lead to the Shrine of the Bab, entombing the remains of the Bab, Baha'i Allah, the herald of the Baha'i Faith. Your hotel, the Dan Carmel Haifa Hotel, sits atop Mount Carmel with great city views. Following a "Prophet Sharing" panel discussion, a unique opportunity to ask questions and share information about the major religions that co-exist in this multicultural land, dinner this evening will be at the hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Dan Carmel Haifa Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Haifa, Israel

Day 4 Along the Sea of Galilee

A day excursion from Haifa – from the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel travel inland to the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus gathered his first disciples among the fishermen. At Yigal Alon Museum, you'll discover an archaeological treasure that rocked the worlds of archaeology, history and religion when it was found in 1986 – the Galilee Boat, a 2,000-year-old fishing vessel discovered in the mudflats of Galilee. Exhaustive scientific research places the fishing boat in the time and place of Jesus along the Sea of Galilee. Board a working replica of the boat and sail the waters of Galilee on a guided tour to see how fishermen in Jesus' time lived and worked. Learn about this rural area's many kibbutzim – farming communities which teach self-reliance, collective action and civic responsibility, and have lunch at a local restaurant in Tiberias followed by a visit to the Church of Annunciation. Return to your hotel where the rest of the evening is free to enjoy as you please.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Dan Carmel Haifa Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Haifa, Israel

Day 5 Akko, Place of Many Rulers

Today in Israel travel to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cites in the world, Akko, dating back to the era of the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose. Begin your visit to this richly historical city with a visit to the Jezzar Pasha Mosque, an excellent example of Ottoman architecture, named for Ahmed al-Jezzar Pasha, who defeated Napoleon at the 1799 French siege of Acre. A walking tour through the walled city takes in the Knight's Hall, the citadel and prison, as well as the ancient tunnels. Traces of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Ottomans, Bedouins and the British, who have all ruled here, as well as of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, can be seen. Next up is a Tauck Exclusive – lunch at one of the city's best-known, most sought-after restaurants, Uri Buri, run by famed Chef Uri Jeremias; casual with understated elegance, his seafood is famous all over Israel. Continue on to Jerusalem, your hotel, the Waldorf Astoria Jersusalem, is one of the newest and most luxurious in the city.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem

PORTOFCALL : Jerusalem, Israel

Day 6 Jerusalem – City of Cultural Diversity

For three of the world's great religions, Judaism, Islam and Christianity, Jerusalem is indeed a city of great significance. A walking tour led by an expert local guide begins in the Jewish Quarter of the city and the Cardo, a bustling marketplace built atop a site dating back to the time of Emperor Justinian, 6th century BC. Visit the iconic Western Wall, the last remnant of Solomon's temple, which held the Ark of the Covenant. The wide plaza before the wall is an open-air synagogue where Jews gather daily to pray; it has been among Judaism's most holy prayer sites for over 2,000 years – people of many religions leave prayer notes in the cracks and crevices of the wall. Descend into the ornate, ingeniously engineered Sephardic Synagogues, built below street level during Ottoman rule in obeyance of a law that no Jewish temple could be higher than the surrounding houses. Your visit reveals a restored complex of four synagogues, Yochanan ben Zakai, Istanbuli, Eliahu Ha'navi and Emtsai, each built in a different time period to accommodate the needs of the Sephardic community of the day. Following lunch at a local café, visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, where a guide accompanies you through the images, survivors' accounts, and artifacts that put human faces on the Holocaust; it will be one of the most deeply moving experiences of your trip. The evening is at your leisure in Jerusalem.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem

PORTOFCALL : Jerusalem, Israel

Day 7 A day in Jerusalem, a special dinner & a spectacular light show

This morning, return to the Old City for a visit to Temple Mount where the revered 7th-century Islamic shrine, the Dome of the Rock, is built atop Temple Mount – its golden dome shelters the rock from which the Prophet Mohammed ascended to Heaven. For Jews, it covers the holiest spot on Earth, the Foundation Stone of Solomon's inner temple. For many Christian pilgrims, a walk on the Via Dolorosa, along which Jesus carried the cross to the site of the crucifixion after Pilate's condemnation, is a most meaningful experience. Explore the winding path before continuing on to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which encloses the place where Jesus was crucified and buried. Following lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is free. Join us tonight for a cooking demonstration at Eucalyptus, one of Jerusalem's most unique dining experiences. After dinner, head to the Tower of David for a spectacular sound and light show.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem

PORTOFCALL : Jerusalem, Israel

Day 8 Bethlehem / Dead Sea Scrolls

Following breakfast, you have a choice of spending additional time in Jerusalem or joining us for a guided sightseeing excursion. Go through the security barriers to the West Bank for a visit to Bethlehem. Take a walking tour of the Church of the Nativity, built over what is traditionally thought to be the birthplace of Jesus, one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. Beneath the elaborate church lies the Grotto of the Nativity, with the Chapel of the Manger just steps away. Visit the Milk Grotto, where the Holy Family took refuge before their flight into Egypt, then return to Jerusalem. On your return to Jerusalem, view the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum, where they are exhibited. Spend the evening as you wish in Jerusalem.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem

PORTOFCALL : Jerusalem, Israel

Day 9 Masada / Crossing into Jordan

Depart Jerusalem for the cliff-top fortress at Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by King Herod between 37 and 31 BC and the mighty stronghold of the Jewish Zealots who fled Jerusalem rather than submit to Roman rule during the First Jewish-Roman War in the 1st century AD. Take a cable car to the top of the mountain with a knowledgeable guide to explore the site, learn the story of what happened here over 2,000 years ago and discover why Masada has such tremendous significance today. Drive to Jordan and your luxury resort and spa on the Dead Sea, where you'll enjoy a premium Pool View room during your two-night stay. A cooking demonstration precedes dinner at your hotel this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Movenpick Resort/Spa Dead Sea

Day 10 Day along the Dead Sea or Jerash

Today is a day of personal choice. You may be ready to just kick back and relax today, enjoying your Pool View room and the amenities of your spa resort on the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the "Great Salt Lake" of the Middle East, and true to its name, devoid of life except for the many visitors who come to marvel at its mineral-rich, therapeutic qualities. Or, join your Tauck Director for a visit to the ancient city of Gerasa, today called Jerash. Step back in time 2,000 years as you explore the exceptionally well-preserved remains of Roman architecture in the Middle East, including Hadrian's Arch, the Hippodrome, the Oval Plaza, temples, theatres, arches, walls, baths and more in this fascinating archaeological site. After lunch, return to your resort to spend the rest of the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a lecture by a local woman as she provides insight into what life is like for her generation in Jordan. Dinner tonight is at your choice of restaurants at the hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Movenpick Resort/Spa Dead Sea

Day 11 To Mount Nebo and Petra

Today, your adventure takes you from the Dead Sea to Petra along the King's Highway, the oldest continuously used trading route in the world. Traveling south through ancient biblical lands, you'll stop first at Mount Nebo, where Moses looked out upon the "Promised Land." On a clear day, Jericho, the Dead Sea, the River Jordan and even Jerusalem can be seen from Mt. Nebo; visit the Memorial Church of Moses to see the well-preserved ancient mosaics that are located inside the excavated Old Baptistery. Biblical history is everywhere en route, most notably in Madaba; visit St. George's Greek Orthodox Church to view an incredible 6th-century map detailing the major biblical sites of the time. Enjoy a lunch of traditional Jordanian specialties before heading on to Petra, where dinner is at your leisure at your resort – just a short walk to the entrance of the 2,000-year-old city of Petra – where you'll enjoy a Junior Suite.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Movenpick Resort Petra

PORTOFCALL : Petra, Jordan

Day 12 Pink City of Petra & Bedouin evening

The 2,000-year-old city of Petra, which the ancient Nabataeans carved out of colorful sandstone cliffs, was named one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" – it is quite truly amazing. Almost forgotten for over a thousand years, Petra is one of the best-preserved biblical sites in the world. You'll travel through the narrow, high-walled canyon called the Siq… and suddenly, there it is, the huge, world-famous Treasury – your first sight is one of those life-transformational moments. Explore this incredible site on foot where you'll view Petra's tomb facades, royal tombs, temples and other structures on foot. Have lunch at the Basin Restaurant in the Old City, and return by camel. The afternoon is spent as you please – then get set for tonight's special farewell dinner! Join us this evening for a real taste of Jordan when you dine Bedouin-style at a traditional feast. A dance troupe of Jordanian men, dressed in customary Bedouin garments, entertains with a performance of the Dabkeh sword dance for a look at centuries-old traditions.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Movenpick Resort Petra

PORTOFCALL : Petra, Jordan

Day 13 Amazing King's Highway to Amman

Drive along the winding 5,000-year-old King's Highway, through golden canyons and ancient villages, to Amman; this is one of the oldest continuously used roads in the world. Tauck's Jordan and Israel travel experience ends in Amman. Guests with early evening flights will be taken directly to Queen Alia International Airport while those departing late night or early the next morning will stay at Amman Rotana.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Amman Rotana

PORTOFCALL : Amman, Jordan

Day 14 Journey Home

Tour ends: Amman. A transfer is included from Amman Rotana to Queen Alia International Airport. You should allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Amman, Jordan

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready to discover the cultural treasures of Jordan? Arrive at your US departure airport to board a flight to Amman.* Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Amman

Touch down in Amman and transfer to your hotel.* Amman is the modern capital of Jordan but possesses dozens of ancient historical sites, set into the hillside in northern Jordan. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Alternatively, if you arrive early in the day, why not take an optional city tour to get to know the most emblematic sights in the city? ** Dinner and overnight stay in Amman.**** Possibility of booking early check-in in the next step of the booking process.*Optional Amman City Tour with Dinner: Explore Amman this afternoon, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom founded 7000 years ago. See the city's most emblematic sights including Amman Citadel, Hercules Temple, the Byzantine Church and the Ummayad Palace and pay a visit to the fascinating Amman Archaeological Museum. Head downtown to see the incredible Roman Amphitheatre and the old markets before exploring the newer part of the city. End the tour with an authentic Jordanian dinner at a local restaurant. *** Please note: If you arrive at the hotel after 9:00 p.m, dinner will not be included. Instead, you will have the option to reserve a cold packed dinner for an additional charge in the next step of the booking process.

Day 3: Amman - Jerash - Ajloun Castle - Amman

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a brief city tour of Amman. See both the new and old parts of the city on a panoramic bus ride. Afterwards, continue to Jerash, known as the 'Pompeii of the East'. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, this amazing Greco-Roman city is the best-preserved example of Roman-era ruins in Jordan. See the impressive Hadrian's Arch, the Hippodrome, the Temple of Artemis and the Roman Theatre, among other highlights, as you explore this amazing archaeological site. Next, continue to Ajloun Castle, built by Saladin in the 12th-century. One of the most amazing castles in the Middle East, here you can soak up the fabulous views of the Dead Sea from its hilltop vantage point. Return to Amman and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Amman.

Day 4: Amman - Desert Castles - Dead Sea - Amman

Breakfast at the hotel. Head east today to discover the Desert Castles of Azraq, Kharanah and Amra. Dating from the early Islamic era, the castles were built as retreats for the Caliphs of the time. Explore these historic fortresses and learn more about the history of 7th-century Jordan. Afterwards, continue to the eternal Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth at an amazing 400-meters below sea level! Take in the spectacular views before enjoying some free time to relax, swim and float in the salty waters! The mineral-rich mud is said to be therapeutic so be sure to treat your skin to a little indulgence! Return to Amman after an action-packed day. Dinner and overnight stay in Amman.

Day 5: Amman - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Shobak Castle - Petra

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Madaba this morning to see the oldest mosaic map in the world, housed within the historic St. George Church. Continue to Mount Nebo, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Believed to be the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land and later buried, take in the spectacular views of this sacred place. Next, drive to the fascinating Shobak Castle, a Crusader Castle dating back to 1115. At the end of the visit, head to Petra and check in at the hotel. Spend the evening at your leisure, ready to discover the ancient city in the morning! If you can't wait, we recommend an optional Petra by Night excursion!* Dinner and overnight stay in Petra. *Optional Petra By Night Excursion: Savour the opportunity to discover the legendary sights of Petra by night! Walk along the Siq Gorge before arriving at the iconic Treasury to admire its legendary candlelit facade. A spectacular sight!

Day 6: Petra

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend today exploring the famed Nabatean capital with an excursion to Petra! During the visit, discover the most important and representative monuments, sculpted into the rock by this ancient civilization. Admire the Treasury, the famous and most internationally recognised monument, as seen in one of the Indiana Jones films and other highlights, such as the Colored Tombs and the Royal Tombs. Let your imagination run wild as you learn about life here in ancient times. Petra is one of those places in the world that you must visit at least once in your life! A true wonder of the world, enjoy an unforgettable day exploring this bucket-list site. At the end of the visit, return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Petra.

Day 7: Petra - Little Petra - Wadi Rum

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head to a lesser-known site named Little Petra, located north of Petra. A narrow gorge of 2 meters wide, this rocky landscape is adorned with typical Nabatean architecture, making this one of the most unique sites in the country. Originally, Little Petra was inhabited by the Nabateans and is home to a number of tombs, water tanks and riverbeds. Next, continue to beautiful Wadi Rum, the desert made famous by Lawrence of Arabia. Take a 4x4 excursion across the lunar-like landscape for an unforgettable experience. We recommend an optional Stargazing Excursion to discover the secrets of the night's sky!* Dinner under the stars and overnight at the camp in Wadi Rum. *Optional Wadi Rum Stargazing Experience: Discover the secrets of the night's sky! Head to an area without light pollution and enjoy a 20-minute presentation before viewing the incredible star constellations with the help of telescopes. This excursion is weather dependent.

Day 8: Wadi Rum - Amman

Breakfast at the camp. At the indicated time, return to Amman and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, soaking up the culture and atmosphere of the Jordanian capital. Dinner and overnight stay in Amman.

Day 9: Amman - Tel Aviv - Jerusalem

Breakfast at the hotel.* It's time to leave Jordan behind as you head for Israel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Tel Aviv. Touch down in Tel Aviv and transfer to Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world and a place of immense religious importance for three major religions: Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring the historic streets of this ancient city. Overnight stay in Jerusalem. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Day 10: Jerusalem

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, discover Jerusalem's immortal Old City with a tour of the most revered sights. See the Aqsa Mosque and the golden Dome of the Rock before visiting the Western Wall and the area around Temple Mount, prominent sites in both Judaism and Islam. Appreciate the colourful bazaars along the city streets. Walk along the Via Dolorosa and the Stations of the Cross, before reaching the sacred Church of the Holy Sepulchre, thought to be the site of Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Spend some time exploring the old city at your leisure. Around every turn, you'll find priceless historic sites. Take the opportunity to soak up the diverse atmosphere or perhaps dine on delicious Israeli cuisine! Overnight stay in Jerusalem.

Day 11: Jerusalem - Tel Aviv

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy some free time this morning to explore at your own pace or take an optional excursion.* Later in the day, transfer to Tel Aviv, on Israel's Mediterranean Coast. Known for its striking Bauhaus architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere, visiting Tel Aviv allows visitors to experience the modern face of Israel. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, strolling along the beachfront promenade or diving into the city's rich gastronomic scene. Overnight stay in Tel Aviv. Please note: you will only be able to choose 1 of the optional activities available on this day. * Optional Half-Day Excursion to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem: Discover the birthplace of Jesus Christ as you walk through historic Manger Square to visit the Church of the Nativity, the oldest church in the country. Explore the Grotto of the Nativity to see the spot where Jesus was born before visiting the nearby Church of Milk Grotto. * Optional Half-Day Dead Sea Excursion: Journey through the Judean desert to visit the Dead Sea. Float, relax and experience the salty waters of this legendary body of water and take the opportunity to cover your skin in mineral-rich Dead Sea mud at Kalia Beach. Stop at a Dead Sea cosmetics shop included. * Optional Jerusalem New City Tour: Visit the cultural sights of the newer part of Jerusalem city. Explore the Israeli Museum, home of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls and visit the neighborhood of Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist, to discover the historic Church of Saint John.

Day 12: Tel Aviv

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning at your leisure, with the option to take an exciting tour of historic Jaffa and Tel Aviv!* Alternatively, explore the city at your own pace, perhaps enjoying the delicious flavours of Carmel Food Market or visiting Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Overnight stay in Tel Aviv. * Optional Tour of Tel Aviv Jaffa: Enjoy the freedom of two wheels as you discover Jaffa and Tel Aviv. Begin in Jaffa, riding along the coastal promenade to see the home of former Israeli Prime Minister, Ben Gurion. See Rabin Square and Rothschild Avenue before visiting the Hall of Independence. Return to Jaffa, through the charming streets of Neve Tzedek to end the tour. Duration: 2 hours.

Day 13: Tel Aviv - US

Breakfast at the hotel.* It's time to bring your journey through Jordan and Israel to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch your own flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.