Israel/Jordan

Journey of a Lifetime: Israel and Jordan

Program No. 21566RJ
Discover holy sites, stunning architecture, modern cities and well-preserved ruins as you explore these two ancient countries on the shores of the Mediterranean.

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At a Glance

The material and historical riches of Israel and Jordan are relics of their roles as bridges between the Persian Empire and the Greco-Roman world. Their societies have been shaped by millennia of overlapping cultures, religions and languages. Explore ties between past and present in these fascinating nations where 5,000 years of human history converge.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to five miles per day over uneven terrain. In Petra, there is little to no shade and few places to stop and sit down. Stairs on this program are often uneven and without railings. For security reasons, participants must carry their own luggage across the border between Israel and Jordan several hundred yards.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore Jerusalem, a holy city to all three Abrahamic faiths.
  • Discover Petra, a stunning city cut from rose-red rock by the ancient Nabataean people of Jordan.
  • Visit the Dead Sea before continuing on to Amman.
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You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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14 days
13 nights
32 meals
12 B 9 L 11 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Activity note: Important Note: This Road Scholar program is an educational journey to Israel and Jordan to explore the culture, history and religions (Judaism, Christianity & Islam) that shaped the identity of the people of this region. Thus, the program doesn’t focus on one particular faith or denomination, but rather it follows a multidisciplinary approach to give participants a holistic understanding of the destination and its people.

DAY
2
Arrival & Orientation
Tel Aviv
D
Prima City Hotel

Activity note: On entry into Israel you will receive at the border control a small Entry Permit (a small blue card) – this must be kept until your departure out of the country. You will most likely be asked, at hotel check- ins, to produce this as proof of your tourist status in the country, thus exempting you from the Value Added Tax on hotel accommodation, which is currently 17%. If you do not have the Entry Permit you will be liable to pay the VAT directly to the hotel for all services taken at the hotel.

Afternoon: Check into the hotel and take some time to relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Your Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicted distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

DAY
3
White City, Jaffa & Free Time
Tel Aviv
B,D
Prima City Hotel

Activity note: Today's activities include up to two miles of walking on mostly flat terrain. In the old city of Jaffa there are some steps without railings, and stone pavement can be slippery. Standing up to two hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Discover Jaffa, one of the oldest port cities in the world. Built on top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with a natural harbor and fertile soil, ancient Jaffa has been conquered and reconquered countless times by Ancient Civilizations. We will learn about the fascinating and turbulent history of Jaffa and walk its winding streets and alleyways. Then drive through the "White City" of Tel Aviv to Sarona a newly renovated complex in the heart of Tel Aviv. Originally a German Templar Colony, the site sits at the heart of what is a new central business and commercial center.

Lunch: On your own to explore local cuisine.

Afternoon: Free afternoon in Tel Aviv. Later in the afternoon we will have lecture at the hotel regarding the current state of affairs in Israel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Mount of Olives, Old City, Mount Zion & The Western Wall
Jerusalem
B,L,D
Prima Kings Hotel

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to five miles of walking which includes many steps without railings. In the old city the stone pavement can be slippery. Please wear comfortable and sturdy footwear and dress modestly. In order to enter the Western Wall Plaza, women must have their legs and shoulders covered and men should cover their head. The coach ride from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is approximately one hour long.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check-out of our hotel and depart by coach towards Jerusalem. On the way, we will stop for a field trip at a local kibbutz. Here we will learn the history of the kibbutz movement in Israel and learn about the early settlers. Traditionally based on agriculture, the kibbutz is a form of communal living that integrates elements of socialism and Zionism.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will venture on a field trip to Mount Zion to visit the room of the last supper, King David’s Tomb and the Dormition Abbey. We will then enter the old city to visit the Jewish Quarter, where we will see the Roman Cardo and the Biblical Broad Wall dated to the days of King Hezekiah. We will continue to a viewpoint overlooking the Temple Mount (Mount Moriah) and enjoy a great view of the Al Aqsa Mosque and the shrine of the Dome of the Rock. Finally we will reach the Western Wall, also known as “the Kotel” in Judaism and “the Buraq Wall” in Islam. This wall was originally built during the Herodian period, and is the only remnant of the Second Temple destroyed by the Roman Empire in 70 CE. Due to its proximity to Temple Mount, the site of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem, the Wall is considered the most sacred site in the world for Jewish people. During this visit, participants will have the opportunity to put a note between the stones with personal wishes and prayers in a nearly 300 year old tradition. Later in the afternoon we will head to our new hotel, where we will enjoy a lecture titled “Palestinian Society: Its Hopes and Challenges” by a leading Arab scholar.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Holocaust Memorial & Bethlehem
Jerusalem
B,L,D
Prima Kings Hotel

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to four miles of walking, sometimes uphill, which includes many steps without railings. In Bethlehem the stone pavement can be slippery. Standing up to two hours. Please wear comfortable and sturdy footwear and dress modestly. Bethlehem is part of the Palestinian Authority and therefore includes a border crossing, so please be sure to bring your passport along with you. The coach ride from Jerusalem to Bethlehem is approximately 35 minutes each way.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will start our day with a field trip to Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Yad Vashem was established by Israeli law in 1953 to commemorate the six millions Jews and their communities wiped out in the Holocaust. It has the largest and most comprehensive archive and information repositories on the Holocaust, housing more than 50 million pages of documents and hundreds of thousands of photographs and film. After our visit, we will transfer via coach to the city of Bethlehem.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch we will explore the city of Bethlehem. Mentioned in any number of Christmas carols, this “little town” attracts pilgrims worldwide on account of its description in the New Testament as the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest churches in the world, is the focus of Christian veneration within the city. However, for people of Jewish faith, Bethlehem is revered as the birthplace and hometown of David, King of Israel, as well as the traditional site of Rachel’s tomb. In the late afternoon we will return by coach to our hotel in Jerusalem.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Archeological Dig, Israeli Museum & Christian Quarter
Jerusalem
B,L
Prima Kings Hotel

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to three miles of walking which includes many steps without railings. In the old city the stone pavement can be slippery. Standing up to two hours. Please wear comfortable and sturdy footwear and dress modestly.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast, we will participate in an archeological project on site of an archeological dig in Jerusalem. We will then enjoy a field trip to the old city to visit the Christian Quarter, including a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This church contains two of the holiest sites in Christianity: firstly, the site where Jesus was crucified, and second, the tomb where Jesus was buried and from which he resurrected. The control of the church is shared among several Christian denominations, including but not limited to the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Syriac Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Lunch: At local restaurant.

Afternoon: In the afternoon we will enjoy a guided field trip of the Israel Museum of Jerusalem. Opened in 1965, it has the world’s largest collection of archeological findings of the Holy Land and Jewish art and life. Among some of the exhibits is a scale model of Jerusalem as it stood during the Second Temple era and the Shrine of the Book, where fragments of the Dead Sea scrolls and other artifacts discovered in Masada are displayed.

Dinner: On your own to explore local cuisine.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Masada & Qumran
Sea of Galilee (Eastern Shore)
B,L,D
Ohalo Manor Hotel

Activity note: Today’s activities include walking up to three miles on gravel and uneven terrain, but not uphill. We will ascend and descend the fortress of Masada by cable car, walking up to two hours continuously with stops in shaded areas. Railings are available at most sites on the mountain. At Qumran, there will be walking on uneven ground for an hour with stops on the way. Railings are also available. The drive from Jerusalem to Tiberias is approximately two hours long, not counting the stops on the way.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check out of our hotel and drive to the ruins of the Fortress of Masada, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. This magnificent fortress was built by King Herod the Great and later became a refuge from the Zealots who withstood the attack of the Roman Legion. Explore the bathhouses, ritual baths, store houses and the Herodian Villa, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Dead Sea and the mountains of Jordan.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch we continue our drive to Qumran, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the biblical community of the Essenes. Discover the history of the Dead Sea Scrolls, considered the most extensive set of religious texts outside the Bible. Gain insight into the Second Temple period, the Roman conquests and the Jewish revolts. Later in the afternoon, we will continue our drive towards Tiberias where we will check-in to our new hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Capernaum, Magdala & Nazareth
Sea of Galilee (Eastern Shore)
B,L,D
Ohalo Manor Hotel

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to three miles of walking over uneven terrain which includes many steps without railings. The entrance to the Church of Annunciation is steep and can be slippery. Please wear comfortable and sturdy footwear and dress modestly.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will embark on a field trip to Capernaum. Located on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, the ruins of Capernaum were first discovered in 1838 by American explorer Edward Robinson. Numerous archeological excavations have taken place here since the 20th century, including most recently one that uncovered the remains of a synagogue and several residential complexes. Archeologists believe one of these complexes to be the home of Apostle Peter. We will continue to the newly excavated site of Magdala, believed to be the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. Among some of the notable findings at this site is the Midgal Synagogue, dating from the Second Temple Period and the oldest synagogue found in the Galilee.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch we will continue to Nazareth and visit the Church of Annunciation. This church is believed by many, particularly those of Roman Catholic faith, to be the site where archangel Gabriel informed Mary that she would conceive Jesus. After the visit, we will return to Tiberias.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Border Crossing into Jordan, Jerash & Amman
Petra
B,L,D
Kempinski Hotel Amman

Activity note: The drive from Tiberias to the border with Jordan is approximately an hour long. Border crossing procedures may take up to an hour. Please note that for security reasons, you will need to carry your own luggage several hundred yards from the Israeli bus through border security to the Jordanian bus. The drive to Jerash is one and a half hours long; it is another hour to Amman. Today’s activities include up to three miles of walking over uneven terrain, including several steps without railings.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and drive towards the Israeli-Jordanian border. We will say farewell to our Israeli Group Leader and driver and complete the border crossing procedures on our own. Please note that due to security reasons, participants must carry their own luggage several hundred yards from the Israeli security checkpoint to the Jordanian security checkpoint. After officially entering Jordan, we will be greeted by our new Jordanian Group Leader and driver who will assist in loading luggage onto the new bus. As a group we will then depart via coach towards the city of Jerash, considered the Pompeii of the Middle East. Archeological excavations have revealed ancient Jerash to have been a prominent Greco-Roman city destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th century CE. During the Crusades, the ruins of Jerash were transformed into military fortifications.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Jerash.

Afternoon: We will transfer via coach to Amman, the capital city of Jordan. Enjoy a panoramic drive through the city before getting an opportunity to explore the Mosque of Amman. We will then venture on a visit to the Amman Citadel, locally called Jabal el Qal’a, one of the oldest continually inhabited placed in the world. Archeological evidence shows that this hill was inhabited since the Bronze Age (1800 BC) through the Umayyad Caliphate (7th century CE) and therefore includes structures belonging to a multitude of empires including Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods. The Citadel is also the location of the Jordan Archeological Museum, where we will enjoy a visit for an overview of Jordan’s past. After our explorations, we will head to our new hotel for a late afternoon check in.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
Mt. Nebo & Madaba
Petra
B,L,D
Movenpick Resort Petra

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to three miles of walking. In Madaba, stone pavement can be slippery. The drive from Amman to Mount Nebo is approximately 45 minutes; it is another 20 minutes to Madaba and another three hours to Petra.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check out of our hotel and head on an excursion to Mount Nebo. According to Jewish and Christian tradition, Moses was buried by God somewhere on this mountain.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Madaba.

Afternoon: Enjoy a field trip to the city of Madaba. Madaba has been continuously inhabited for nearly 3,500 years and contains one of the most impressive concentration of mosaic monuments in the region. Among the most iconic mosaic art is a map of Palestine located in the early Byzantine Church of Saint George. After our visit, we will continue via coach to Petra. Check in to your new hotel and take some time to settle into your rooms before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Petra
The Dead Sea
B,L,D
Movenpick Resort Petra

Activity note: Today’s activities include strenuous walk in and out of Petra along a sloping path that includes natural and slippery surfaces. Total walking distance will be up to five miles over uneven terrain and in hot conditions under the sun with no shade. There are only two benches along the way. The optional trails that can be done during free time are an additional two to five miles each. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will begin our day by exploring the monuments and settlements of Petra, whose name derives from the Latin word “petrae”, meaning rock. Since its “discovery” in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, numerous archeological excavations have taken place in this site. Hidden in a great rift valley east of Wadi 'Araba, 80 kilometers south of the Dead Sea, Petra was the principle city of ancient Nabetaea, though subsequently ruled by several other empires including the Roman, Byzantine, and Persian. Note: Horse rides are available during the excursion to Petra and are included with your ticket. The ride is from the visitor center to the entrance of the Sikh, approximately a half mile. Animal transportation is also available in some of the other trails in Petra for an additional price. However, both of these animal rides are bumpy and not suitable for people with back, neck or leg pain. They are not covered by insurance and Road Scholar does not recommend their use.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Petra.

Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to explore Petra on your own. Afterwards, return to the hotel walking. For participants who have difficulties walking further or wish to return to the hotel early, please inform your group leader so they can assist you. Once we have all returned to the hotel, we will enjoy a lecture by a local expert about the life and culture of Bedouins in Jordan.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Wadi Rum
The Dead Sea
B,L,D
Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea

Activity note: Today’s activities include limited walking over sandy, uneven and difficult terrain. Participants must be able to climb on/off of vehicles on their own. There will be two hours of bumpy desert driving off-road in vehicles that are old, with no air-conditioning or seat belts. Guests with mobility restrictions and/or back and neck conditions are not advised to participate. The drive from Petra to Wadi Rum is approximately two hours; it is another four hours to the Dead Sea.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel and depart by motorcoach for Wadi Rum. This wadi is the largest in Jordan, and covers nearly 300 square miles of a harsh landscape with high mountains, deep valleys, canyons, caves, and sand. Over millennia, residents and travelers have left their mark in ancient petroglyphs, inscriptions, and in the ruins of temples. The Bedouin people who continue to live here are descendants of those who fought with Lawrence of Arabia. As a nationally protected area, there is an intensive conservation program in place to protect the unique landscape. Here, we will hop aboard open off-road vehicles and enjoy an expert led exploration of this area. These vehicles are owned and operated by local Bedouins. The vehicles will travel over rough terrain, so participants are advised to notify the Group Leader if they wish to skip this activity.

Lunch: At Hasan Zawaideh Camp in Wadi Rum.

Afternoon: We will board the motor coach once again and transfer to the Dead Sea region. Upon arrival, we will check-in to our new hotel. Enjoy some time to settle into your rooms and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
13
Bethany Beyond the Jordan & Dead Sea
Amman
B,D
Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea

Activity note: Today’s activities will include walking up to two miles over uneven terrain which includes several steps without railings. The drive from the hotel to Bethany Beyond Jordan is approximately 30 minutes each way. If you are interested in swimming in the Dead Sea, make sure to bring along your swimsuit and water shoes. For participants who booked Road Scholar airfare, transfers will take place this evening and the following morning according to your flight schedule.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Begin the day with an exploration of Al-Maghtas, officially known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” in the Christian tradition. This World Heritage Site is located on the east bank of the Jordan River, and is considered to be the location where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Afterwards, we will attend a lecture about Christianity in Jordan.

Lunch: On your own to explore local cuisine.

Afternoon: Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to experience floating and swimming in the Dead Sea. Towels and changing rooms will be provided by your hotel.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Enjoy your evening at leisure. Transfers to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman for participants who booked their airfare with Road Scholar will take place this evening and the following morning in accordance to their flight schedule. The rooms are booked until tomorrow noon.

DAY
14
Departure from Amman
In Flight
B

Breakfast: At the hotel

Morning: Continuing early morning transfers for participants who booked Road Scholar airfare. Thank you very much for joining us on this program. We hope you enjoyed this learning adventure and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. You can find us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes on all of your journeys!






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