An Enriching Journey Awaits
Day 1 – Arrive Amman, Jordan and Journey to the Dead Sea
Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to your enchanting Dead Sea resort, the deluxe Kempinski Ishtar Hotel, for a two-night stay.
Day 2 – Riveting Encounters with Antiquity
Ascend the ancient citadel in Amman and visit the Roman amphitheater built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Its steeply raked seating could accommodate 6,000 spectators and the acoustics today are still near-perfect; from the top row of seats, you can hear the conversations of people on the stage far below. Then mingle with city residents as you browse a fragrant herb and spice market where many come to shop daily. Travel north past the outskirts of the city into the picturesque rolling hills of northern Jordan to explore Jerash with your expert guide. Known as the ‘Pompeii of the East,’ it’s considered by many to be the best preserved Provincial Roman city in the world. As you enter the site, you’ll by greeted by an imposing triple-arched gateway, built in the 2nd century A.D. when Emperor Hadrian wintered here, making the city – for a brief period – the center of the Roman Empire. Then visit the impressive Saracen castle at Ajlun, built in the 12th century to defend against the growing power of the Crusader kingdoms. This hilltop castle was a vital link in a communication of fire beacons and pigeon post that could transmit messages from Damascus to Cairo in a mere 12 hours! Meals B
Day 3 – The Lost City of Petra
A leisurely morning affords time to indulge in the spa and amenities of your resort. At midday, journey south and settle-in to the deluxe Mövenpick Hotel. Then follow your guide on horseback into the shadowy canyon walls of the Siq, emerging into Petra as the stone buildings of the Lost City glow rose-hued in the evening light. After this specially-arranged twilight visit, you’ll dine on richly flavored Jordanian fare at Al Iwan Restaurant. Meals B,D
Day 4 – In the Footsteps of Explorers and Adventurers
Published in 1822, Travels in Syria and the Holy Land recounted the discovery of Petra by a Swiss explorer, firing the imaginations of travelers ever since. This morning, you return to the Lost City with your guide for further exploration. As you pass through the Siq and enter into Petra, the iconic façade of the Treasury looms before you once again, carved into solid rockface and stunningly preserved after 2,000 years. Your in-depth visit includes the massive first-century Theater and the Great Temple. Refresh with cardamom coffee or mint tea and then venture by jeep into Wadi Rum, a remote region of sandstone and granite mountains that rise, sheer-sided, from wide sandy valleys to reach spectacular heights of 4,000 feet and more. A desert Bedouin will lead the way into these landscapes made famous by Lawrence of Arabia. Meals B
Day 5 – Cross the Allenby Bridge to Israel
Journey across the border and check-in to the deluxe King David Hotel Jerusalem. Meals B
Day 6 – Jerusalem Old and New
Ascend the Mt. of Olives and visit the Garden of Gethsemane. The layers of history in ancient Jerusalem are many, and archaeologists continue to make enlightening discoveries about the City of David; be among the first to see these new excavations at the Southern Wall and Pool of Siloam, a small body of water mentioned in the Bible and likely sacred since even earlier pagan times. Then choose your adventure: a Segway tour along the Promenade of Armon Hanatziv or a 4x4 excursion up the Mt. of Olives. Finally, you’ll visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Meals B
Day 7 – Deeper Exploration into the Ancient City of Jerusalem
Jerusalem’s history staggers the imagination... Explore across 4,000 years at the Tower of David Museum, located next to the Jaffa Gate within the 500-year-old walls of the historic Turkish citadel. Then walk along the ancient ramparts of the city to the Damascus Gate. Continue along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and wind your way through the Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall. End your day at the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book to see the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered at Qumran. Meals B
Day 8 – Design your Day in Israel
Pursue your own passions with your choice of an included, guided activity:
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Discover Tel Aviv: After breakfast, drive to the historic city of Jaffa and begin your exploration in the picturesque artisans’ quarter and along the port. Next, a guided walking tour explores Neve Tzedek, the first neighborhood in Tel Aviv now home to vibrant galleries, cafes and boutiques. Then visit the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, famed for its rich collection of modern and classical works. Continue into the Eshtaol Valley and visit the Flam Winery, a boutique vineyard, for a tasting of their excellent vintages including award-wining Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Negev Desert: Journey south in the morning to the edge of the Negev Desert to visit Tel Be’er Sheva, known since Biblical times as the ‘Gateway to the Negev.’ Continue onward to the Bedouin encampment of Sephinat HaMidbar. Learn about desert life, enjoy traditional hospitality, refresh with tea and ride a camel across the bright sands. A two-hour jeep excursion affords an up-close visit to the impressive Ramon Crater.
Meals B,L
Day 9 – Onward to Caesarea
Journey north this morning through the Jordan Valley to the Sea of Galilee. From Mount Beatitude you’ll have a sweeping view over Capernaum, Tabgha and the Sea of Galilee. Feel the history and majesty of the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth and visit St. Joseph’s Workshop and Mary’s Well. Continue on to Caesarea, built by Herod the Great, where Roman, Byzantine and Crusader ruins will astound you. Dinner and overnight at the Dan Hotel Caesarea. Meals B,D
Day 10 – Depart Israel
Transfer to the airport this morning for your onward journey. Meals B
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