Exceptional Jordan and Israel
Enjoy the unparalleled highlights of Jordan and Israel on this action-packed itinerary. With thousands of years of captivating history and incredible landscapes, this tour offers plenty of diversity from discovering ancient cities, to traveling through stunning desert scenery, exploring significant religious sites, and floating in the Dead Sea. Packed with enriching and memorable experiences, the tour provides a real taste of the area’s natural and historic charms.
Journey highlights
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Take in the historic sights of Amman on a guided walking tour, visiting both the impressive Roman Amphitheater and the ancient Citadel.
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Experience the breath-taking sight of Petra, exquisitely carved from the dusty pink rockface. Enjoy a private guided tour learning more about the capital of the Nabataean Empire, as well as a chance to see the stunning Treasury and Siq lit by candlelight.
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Float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the planet. Popular as a health resort since the time of King Herod, these therapeutic waters are lauded for their healing properties.
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Walk the maze of ancient, cobbled streets of Jerusalem on a guided tour of the Old City, taking in some of the world’s most significant religious sites including the Wailing Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Exceptional itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Exceptional Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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The best time to visit climate-wise is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the daytime temperatures aren't too extreme. April is probably the best month, when temperatures are warm and wildflowers are in bloom. March can be cold and rainy in the north but is balmy by the Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea.
Itinerary
Flight to Amman
Amman, Jordan
Your adventure begins in Jordan’s capital city, Amman with a one-night stay at the contemporary all-suite House Boutique Suites Hotel. Located in Amman’s Old Town, the property is just 500m from Rainbow Street with its restaurants and cafés, providing interesting dining options and superb people watching opportunities.
Your first full day begins with a private walking tour of the city, during which you will learn about the area’s history and culture from your knowledgeable guide. Highlights include a wander through the old souk, to soak up the sights, smells and sounds of this ancient market, the impressive Citadel believed to have been built between the 7th and 8th century, as well as the Roman Amphitheater. The city was known as Philadelphia during Roman times and this magnificent theater which could seat up to 6,000 spectators, was expertly cut into one of the city’s hills during the 2nd century AD.
For those with an interest in Roman architecture, the Roman remains of Jerash can be found just north of the city. These are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world and are worth a visit.
Accommodation: The House Boutique Suites ( 1 night )
Wadi Mousa, Petra, Jordan
The following morning you will leave Amman to travel along the King’s Highway to the ancient Nabataean capital city of Petra. Along the way you will stop off at various sites of interest, including the chance to see the incredible mosaics of Madaba. The mosaics were once the floor of an ancient Byzantine Church built around AD 560, featuring the major cities of the Holy Land. You will also visit Mount Nebo, where Moses was shown the Promised Land, which is one of the most significant religious sites in the world. According to time, the journey may also take in the ancient castles at either Shobak or Kerak.
On arrival in the Red Rose City of Petra, you will be taken to your base for the following two nights, the Movenpick Resort Hotel. A delightful property full of Arabic style and warm hospitality, the hotel is ideally located opposite the entrance to the stunning UNESCO-listed site.
To prepare you for Jordan’s majestic jewel in the crown, your first guided tour is a visit to Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid, just north of the town. Siq al-Barid means ‘cold canyon,’ and is named owing to the lack of sunlight that reaches into this narrow gorge. The incredible rock carved buildings which line the gorge are thought to date from the 1st century AD. Along with viewing the carved temples and dining rooms, it is worth climbing up to the Painted House to see the faded Nabataean frescos depicting flowers and birds. We would also recommend climbing to the top of the gorge for fabulous views over the valley.
Next comes the much-anticipated visit to the magnificent Petra site. The dramatic entrance is through the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by towering rosy, red cliffs. As you wind your way between the rocks, you are suddenly rewarded with the astonishing sight of the Treasury, carved into the dusty pink rockface. From here, you can begin to properly explore this hidden canyon, with its incredible carved temples and buildings, as your guide shows you around the key sites.
Another of Petra’s legendary monuments is the Monastery, hidden high in the hills. It is worth climbing the 1,000 or so steps up to see the beautifully carved façade at close quarters, as well as witnessing the spectacular views over Wadi Araba, Israel, and the Palestinian territories.
Staying so close to the archaeological park makes it easy to experience, Petra by Night. Entering through the Siq, you will see the Treasury illuminated by thousands of candles. This spellbinding vision can be enjoyed alongside local music and Arabic tea and is a truly memorable highlight of the trip.
Accommodation: Movenpick Resort Petra ( 2 nights )
Dead Sea, Jordan
Following your adventures in Petra, there’s a chance to unwind by the glorious setting of the Dead Sea. Your base for the following two nights is the Kempinski Ishtar Hotel, which enjoys a prime location on the northern shores of the mineral-rich waters. Set in pretty gardens full of tumbling waterfalls, cool lagoons and inviting pools, the resort is divided into the main building at the top of the resort and ‘Ishtar Village’ in the middle of the resort, carved from local stone and full of Babylonian-inspired flair.
The property has a manmade beach, along with steps leading down to the Dead Sea where you can experience the wonder of floating in the therapeutic waters. At over 400m below sea level, this is the lowest inland point on the planet. Hailed as a health resort since the times of Herod the Great, the healing mud and minerals from the lake are used in the treatments available at the Ishtar Spa.
Accommodation: Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea ( 2 nights )
Jerusalem, Israel
Today you travel from the Dead Sea into Israel for a three-night visit to the Holy City of Jerusalem. Your base is one of the city’s flagship hotels, The David Citadel. Offering luxurious accommodation, upscale dining, flawless service and a tranquil spa, this modern hotel occupies a prime location overlooking the Old City Walls, Tower of David, and the Jaffa Gate.
During your time in Israel’s first city, you will enjoy a private guided walking tour of the Old City. A charming maze of historic narrow passageways, cobbled streets lined with stalls and hole-in-the-wall eateries, the tour is a chance to see some of the world’s most significant religious sites. These include the Jewish Quarter with the famous Wailing Wall and Dome of the Rock shrine. You will also walk along the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, a path that marks the 14 stations of the Cross on the day of the crucifixion, which leads to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This site is where it is believed that Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Other highlights include the Tower of David, the citadel built by the Israelite King David and Mount Zion, home to the Tomb of David, the Room of the Last Supper, and the Church of the Dormition.
Your stay also includes leisure time, during which you can explore many of the first-class museums. We would recommend a visit to Yad Vashem, the memorial for the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The site includes the Children's Memorial, the Hall of Remembrance, the Museum of Holocaust Art, and outdoor commemorative sites such as the Valley of the Communities. You may also wish to visit the Israel Museum, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls or the Ammunition Hill Memorial and Museum, dedicated to those who died during the Six-Day War in 1967.
The leisure day also includes a treat for foodies, with a specialist tour of Machane Yehuda food market. Once a trading hub for Arab and Jewish merchants, today the market has a vast array of food stall and cuisines to sample, from boutique stalls to international chef restaurants. You’ll learn about the history of the market, meet the stallholders, and sample the fabulous produce from flavored tahini to spiced halva.
On your last full day in Jerusalem, you will be collected from your hotel by your driver guide for a day trip out to Masada, the Dead Sea, and the Qumran Caves. Built by King Herod, the UNESCO-listed Masada Fortress was the last stronghold of the Zealots against the Romans during the First Revolt of AD 70. You can reach the top by riding the cable car or hiking up Snake Pass. Built around 30 BC, there are three rock terraces to explore including a Roman-style bathhouse with mosaic floors, along with epic views of the valley and the Dead Sea.
For those who need to cool off, there will be another chance to enjoy the saline-rich waters of the Dead Sea, before making the journey to the Qumran Caves. This is where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, the earliest manuscript of the Hebrew Bible and one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century.
Accommodation: David Citadel Hotel ( 3 nights )
Jaffa, Israel
Israel’s second city, cosmopolitan Tel Aviv is the final stop on your tour and for the following three nights you will stay at The Jaffa Hotel. Located in the ancient port area of Jaffa, a historic city now absorbed into Tel Aviv, the hotel is a sophisticated and tasteful blend of contemporary design and 19th century grandeur.
Your stay includes a private guided tour of modern Tel Aviv and historic Jaffa. Tel Aviv’s first neighbourhood, the fashionable Neve Tzedek district was founded in 1887, on the outskirts of the ancient port of Jaffa, but over time the two cities have merged. This has created a metropolis of delightful contrasts. Historic highlights include the ancient port area, with its narrow cobblestone streets and Artists’ Quarter, brimming with artisans, shops, and cafés. While modern Tel Aviv boasts UNESCO-listed Bauhaus architecture, the vibrant Carmel Food Market, along with many world-class museums and landmarks.
For those interested in Jewish history, we would recommend a visit to Beit Hatfutsot: The Museum of the Jewish People. The museum documents the 2,500-year history of the Jewish Diaspora and marries well with a visit to Independence Hall, where the Israeli Declaration of Independence was signed in 1948 by David Ben-Guiron. Another highlight is the Palmach Museum which charts the experiences of 10 soldiers during the years 1941 to 1948. The Palmach military unit was initially set up to help the Allies during the Second War World, before becoming the backbone of the Israeli Army during the 1948 War of Independence.
Tel Aviv is a wonderful city to explore, and your last day is spent at leisure. With 14km of Mediterranean coastline and fabulous beaches, you may wish to spend the day on the beach. The promenade is another highlight, lined with chic cafés, boutiques, and dining options, it’s a great place to watch the world go by.
On your final day, you will be transferred to Tel Aviv Airport to make the journey home.
Accommodation: The Jaffa, Tel Aviv ( 3 nights )
Flight from Tel Aviv
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | $17,600 | $4,400 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | $17,600 | $4,400 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | $17,600 | $4,400 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | $17,600 | $4,400 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | $15,500 | $3,900 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | $13,300 | $3,300 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | $13,300 | $3,300 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | $13,300 | $3,300 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | $13,300 | $3,300 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | $15,500 | $3,900 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | $17,600 | $4,400 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | $17,600 | $4,400 | plan your trip |
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$17,600
Deposit from*$4,400
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$17,600
Deposit from*$4,400
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$17,600
Deposit from*$4,400
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$17,600
Deposit from*$4,400
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$15,500
Deposit from*$3,900
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,300
Deposit from*$3,300
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,300
Deposit from*$3,300
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,300
Deposit from*$3,300
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$13,300
Deposit from*$3,300
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$15,500
Deposit from*$3,900
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$17,600
Deposit from*$4,400
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$17,600
Deposit from*$4,400
- plan your trip