Land at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport and meet your representative. Then, enjoy a convenient transfer to Tel Aviv, sometimes known as the ‘White City’ for its abundance of white-painted Bauhaus-style architecture. After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to get a flavor of Israel’s second biggest city.

After breakfast, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Tel Aviv and Jaffa. View Tel Aviv’s highlights and see the restored ancient port of Jaffa as your guide charts its long list of imperial rulers, from the Romans to the British. Next, trace the coastal road to Caesarea, a powerful city in Roman and Crusader times. Explore the ruins, including the amphitheater and other Mediterranean-side relics, and delve into the remnants of the 900-year-old Crusader city. Next, continue to Haifa, whose history extends to the biblical era, and visit the Bahai Gardens, a magnificent terraced garden circling the gold-domed Shrine of the Bab, the world center of the Bahai faith. Conclude the day with a visit to the German Colony, the first colony established by German Templers in the Holy Land.

Make the scenic journey to the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is believed to have had his ministry and walked on water. Stroll the lakeside remnants of Capernaum to see ruins of what’s reputed to be the home of St. Peter, and visit Tabgha, where it’s held that Jesus performed the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes. See the church built on the miracle spot before visiting the Church of the Beatitudes, where it’s believed he delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Following lunch in Tiberias, enjoy a boat ride on a replica of a Galilean fishing boat from Jesus’ time, and continue to Nazareth to view the contemporary Church of the Annunciation. Finally, drive to Jerusalem, one of the world’s oldest settlements, for a 3-night stay.

Old Jerusalem awaits today, with a morning tour of its world-famous sights—many venerated across the faiths. Admire the sweeping vistas over the city’s rooftops from the Mount of Olives before heading to Mt. Zion to visit the Upper Room, the believed site of Jesus’ Last Supper, and the Tomb of King David. Next, delve deep into Old Jerusalem, entering via the Zion Gate and seeing the Roman Cardo and other fascinating sites. After lunch, see the Western Wall, known as the ‘Wailing Wall’—held holy by the Jewish people—and walk part of the Via Dolorosa, where Jesus is said to have carried his cross. Lastly, visit Calvary and its Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the believed site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.

Today begins in Bethlehem, the reputed birth town of Jesus, with time at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally held to mark his birthplace. Continue to the Milk Grotto, Shepherd’s Field and other sites and then return to Jerusalem to visit Yad Vashem, the Jewish National Memorial to the six million Jewish people killed in the Holocaust. Visit the Holocaust History Museum, Children’s Memorial and a memorial service, and afterward, explore the Israel Museum, where you’ll see its incredible 50:1 scale model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple era.

Bid farewell to Jerusalem and cross the Judean Desert to Masada, site of a majestic rock-top fortress built by King Herod in 35 BC. Ride the cable car to the ruin-strewn plateau and inspect the relics as your guide tells of the Jewish zealots who fought to the death or committed suicide here in 66 AD rather than surrender to the Romans—an event hugely symbolic to the Jewish people. Next, continue to the Dead Sea and enjoy time to float in its salt-rich waters before traveling to Eilat on the Gulf of Aqaba.

A day of incredible natural scenery begins as you cross the Arava border into Jordan for Wadi Rum, a UNESCO-listed wilderness of desert peaks, valleys and dunes immortalized in the movie ‘Lawrence of Arabia.’ Take an exciting 4-wheel guided drive through the red-hued mountains and gorges, stopping at hidden oases, natural springs, and an ancient Nabataean temple. Afterward, continue to Petra for a 2-night stay.

After breakfast, explore UNESCO-protected Petra, the rose-red city carved into a gorge by the Nabataeans 2,500 years ago. Start your guided tour on foot or horseback before entering Petra via the Siq, a narrow rock fissure that suddenly opens onto your first glimpse of the glorious Treasury. After admiring its timeless façade, head deeper into the gorge as it reveals royal tombs, an amphitheatre, and other ancient rock-hewn monuments.

Today strike westward to Madaba, known as the ‘Mosaic City’ for its stunning Byzantine-era church mosaics. On arrival, enter the Church of St. George to admire the prize mosaic—arichly detailed 6th-century floor map depicting the Holy Land and Jerusalem. Then, make tracks for Mt. Nebo, where it’s believed Moses first saw the bible’s Promised Land before drawing his last breath. Take in the panoramic views from the top, which on clear days extend to Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley, before continuing to Amman.

Look forward to a full day of discovery today, starting with a tour of Jordan’s vibrant capital. View the city’s main landmarks, including the Roman amphitheater and Citadel, and then travel onward to the stunning, UNESCO World Heritage site of Roman Jerash. This once-flourishing city was one of Rome’s Decapolis (Land of Ten Cities) and is one of the best-preserved of its kind in the world. Marvel at the columned Oval Plaza, streets, temples, and theaters before heading back to Amman where this evening brings a delicious farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Depart Amman today with an early-morning transfer to the airport to catch your homeward flight to the US.

Meal Code:
AB=American Breakfast, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner at Local Restaurant, DH=Dinner at Hotel, DP=Dinner Party, DS=Dinner & Show