Tour PagesTour InfoTour Length: 16 days
Leave Fri. Mar. 10, 2023
$8,785 - Air & Land Deluxe - Small Group Discovery More Information
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alex@doldworldjourneys.com / (808) 732-9430 Israel & Jordan 16 daysDay by Day ItineraryDay 1 HONOLULU DEPARTURE.Our adventure into ancient history begins this morning with a departure for the west coast where we overnight. The preliminary flight schedule is displayed at I&J Flight under the journey's page. Day 2 VIA FRANKFURT GERMANY TO TEL AVIV, ISRAEL.After a comfortable rest we head to the airport in before noon for our flight to Frankfurt, Germany where we make our connection to Israel. Day 3 ARRIVAL IN TEL AVIV, ISRAEL.Welcome to fascinating Israel! Upon arrival we are met and assisted through immigration and customs. Then transfer to the Drisco Hotel a member of the Leading Hotels of the world. We spend our next two nights at this luxury heritage hotel set in the heart of the picturesque and pastoral American-German colony established in 1866. Day 4 DISCOVERING TEL AVIV AND JAFFA.In the later morning our leisurely sightseeing begins in Jaffa, one of the oldest areas of Tel Aviv. An important seaport since antiquity, its ancient streets and still lively waterfront offer a palpable sense of the ancient traders who came here – both by sea and camel caravan. Continue along Rothschild Boulevard to explore the distinctive White City of Tel Aviv. Founded in 1909 and developed under the British Mandate in Palestine, this outstanding example of innovative, early 20th-century town planning is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - recognized as a fine architectural ensemble of the European Modern Movement in a new cultural context. (B, D) Day 5 ALONG THE COAST TO TIBERIAS ON THE SEA OF GALILEE.We journey northward along Israel's Mediterranean Shore to the ancient city of Caesarea. Built by Herod the Great and once the seat of Roman rule in the region, its excavated highlights include an impressive theater and the aqueduct that brought water to the city in ancient times. Enjoy a visit and tasting at Tishbi Winery and learn about ancient Megiddo (UNESCO) in the Valley of Armageddon, an ancient city inhabited continuously for more than five millennia (6000-500 BC). We continue to Cana to see the Wedding Church where Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine. In Nazareth, visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. The current 60-year-old landmark is the fifth church built on the same site. The first was likely a simple 4th-century alter set in the grotto that was believed to be the site of Mary’s house. Many historians maintain that the first actual Church of the Annunciation was commissioned by Emperor Constantine and completed in 470 AD. Our coach takes us Tiberias where we spend two nights at the U Boutique Kinneret Hotel on the Sea of Galilee. (B, D) Day 6 EXPLORING THE SEA OF GALILEE.After breakfast, a boat ride on the tranquil Sea of Galilee offers a terrific introduction to this beautiful region - so rich in Biblical history. Back on land, we’ll visit the Yigal Allon Museum to see a remarkably preserved wooden fishing boat. Discovered in 1986, scholars have since dated it to the 1st century CE during the time of Jesus. Then on to Capernaum where Jesus spent much of his ministry and chose his first disciples. You’ll also see the 2nd-century synagogue where extensive excavations have shed light on ancient life here. We continue to Tabgha to admire the fine mosaics at the Church of the Multiplication, the site of Christ’s feeding the 5,000. On Galilee’s northwestern shores, we visit the Mount of Beatitudes. Although there is still discussion among scholars, this spot has long been commemorated by many as the hill where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Continue our discovery with the archaeological site at Caesarea Philippi at the foot of Mt. Hermon. Built around a spring, one of the main sources of the Jordan River, this Greco-Roman city was in ancient times associated with the Greek God Pan. Ascend the Golan Heights for sweeping clear-day views that stretch all the way to Syria and then return to our luxury resort. (B, D) Day 7 VIA THE JORDAN VALLEY TO JERUSALEM.Begin another day of enriching discovery at Yardenit, a popular Baptismal site on the Jordan River. Continue to Beit She’an where extensive archaeological excavations that have revealed many ancient landmarks including an impressive Roman amphitheater. This is a rich site where we learn about Israel’s many layers of civilizations, dating back 5,000 years to an early settlement that later saw successive waves of conquerors including Egyptians, Philistines and Assyrians. Rebuilt as a Hellenistic city about 2,000 years ago before reaching its peak as a 5th-century Roman metropolis with as many as 40,000 inhabitants. Here we see the unusual Zodiac-motif mosaics of Beit Alpha, a Byzantine synagogue, before continuing to Jerusalem. Before entering the city, we stop at the Mount of Olives for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Holy City, considered one of the oldest places in the world, with a history dating back as far as 4000 BC. Then stroll in the Garden of Gethsemane where ancient, gnarled olive trees still bear fruit and give the Garden a timeless feel. Our next four nights are at the 5-star Inbal Hotel overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem (UNESCO). This evening stroll to the Tower of David, an ancient citadel near the Jaffa Gate entrance to Jerusalem’s Old City. As darkness envelops the site, a spectacular Sound and Light Show unfolds with breathtaking virtual reality images and sophisticated trompe l’oeil technology to tell the story of Jerusalem. (B) Day 8 EXPERIENCING OLD JERUSALEM.A Holy City for three of the world’s great religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – Jerusalem occupies a unique place in humanity. Enter the Old City and stand before the Temple Mount and the Western (Wailing) Wall - the holiest of Jerusalem’s Jewish sites, sacred because it is a surviving remnant of the Herodian retaining wall that once enclosed and supported the Second Temple. In front of the Western Wall is a large plaza that was created in 1967 as an area for prayer. Continue along the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter to visit the historic Hurva Synagogue. Destroyed in 1948 during the Arab Israeli War, it was recently rebuilt in its original 19th-century style. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, an important pilgrimage site since the 4th century, and then continue through the lively Arab Bazaar. On Mount Zion, we’ll see the traditional Tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper. A highlight today is the colorful Mahane Yehuda Market; established nearly a century ago, it’s still the largest open-air market in Israel. Engage with friendly vendors and mingle with the city’s rich mosaic of residents as our guide shares insight into Israel’s modern food scene and enduring traditions. And with a prepaid Bites Card, you can sample exotic Middle Eastern delicacies and foods from around the world. Tonight, experience a traditional Shabbat dinner at our hotel. (B, Bites Card, D) Day 9 EXCURSION TO THE DEAD SEA AND MASADA.After breakfast, we embark on a full day excursion to explore the region of the Dead Sea; at nearly 1,400 feet below sea level, it’s the lowest point on Earth. First, we visit the site of the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Then continue to the spectacular cliff-top Fortress of Masada (UNESCO), where we ascend by cable car to visit the hilltop ruins and hear the chilling tale of its brave inhabitants. Overlooking the Judean Desert and Dead Sea, Masada is a natural fortress of rugged beauty. Atop this strategic site, Herod the Great built a palace complex in the classic style of the early Roman Empire. In 73 A.D., it was the site of a violent clash where Jewish patriots made their heroic last stand in the face of an overwhelming Roman army. Today, the fortifications and attack ramp that encircle the monument are the most complete Roman siege works surviving to the present day. Our next stop is the Dead Sea! Be sure to bring your swimsuit as we will savor lunch and time for a relaxing float in the buoyant therapeutic waters. On our return journey to Jerusalem, we stop to see Wadi Qelt and its 5th-century Monastery of St. George, still inhabited by monks, and built into the side of a cliff. Back in Jerusalem, our evening is free to dine and enjoy as we wish. Alex and our director will be around to assist. (B, L) Day 10 DISCOVERING MODERN JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM.This morning, browse through Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Founded in 1953 as a principal center for the documentation, research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust, Yad Vashem remains a dynamic and vital place dedicated to safeguarding the memory of the past and imparting its meaning to future generations. Then enjoy an expertly guided tour through the Israel Museum. Established in 1965 as the largest cultural institution in Israel, it’s now ranked as one of the leading art and archaeology museums of the world. Among the highlights in its vast millennia-spanning collection are the Dead Sea Scrolls and a detailed model of ancient Jerusalem during the Second Temple Period. Later travel to Bethlehem to have lunch in the home of a Palestinian Christian family. With a tempting variety of Middle Eastern salads and appetizers and a main course, this congenial lunch is enhanced by lively conversation with our hosts – and a chance to gain genuine insight into their lives. Then visit the Nativity Church, the oldest standing church in the Holy Land. Originally built in the 4th century by St. Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine, the present 6th-century structure was erected by Justinian. This evening’s farewell dinner celebrates the end to our historical visit of Israel. (B, L, D) Day 11 VIA JERICHO TO JORDAN.If permitted by local authorities, we will visit the Palestinian city of Jericho. Commonly known as “the oldest city in the world,” Jericho has a wealth of historic roots, in Arabic, Hebrew, and Greek alike. Later we cross the historic Allenby Bridge, now called Sheikh Hussein Bridge, into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Take in our first glimpses of the Biblical lands of the Ammonites, Amorites, Edomites, and Moabites as we climb toward the country's capital, Amman. Experience a fascinating fusion of ‘east meets west’ and a melting pot of cultures on our city exploration. Discover the rich flavors of Jordanian cuisine at tonight's dinner at a local restaurant. Our stay is at the W Hotel in the heart of the city. (B, D) Day 12 ALONG THE KING’S WAY TO PETRA.This morning we set out along the historic King’s Way, a trade route of vital importance in the ancient Near East. Traveling southward, our coach makes its way to Madaba where we visit St. George Church to see an incredible 6th-century mosaic depicting Biblical sites from Egypt to Palestine; with 157 Greek captions, it is the oldest-known map of the Holy Land. Then sit down to a home-cooked meal in a restored century-old residence before ascending Mt. Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land and lived out his life. At the summit, with its panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, there stands a Franciscan structure that was erected to protect the remains of a 4th-century Byzantine church. Continue along the King’s Highway to the fortified Crusader town and castle of Kerak (or Montreal). Then on to the fabled Rose Red City of Petra (UNESCO). Here we spend two nights at the deluxe Movenpick Hotel, ideally located across from the visitor’s entrance. (B, L) Day 13 EXPLORING PETRA.Mighty Petra, one of the "Seven New Wonders of the World," was a strategic link in ancient caravan routes and is still stunningly preserved after nearly 2,000 years. Built by the Nabataeans and later abandoned, it was lost to civilization for centuries until its accidental rediscovery by a Swiss adventurer. The entire city is carved into the sides of a deep gorge, and the only entrance is through a narrow opening called the Siq which was the dramatic backdrop of a scene in one of the Indiana Jones films. This morning we begin our journey into Petra from between these 100-foot cliffs, a remarkable vista will unfold before us. Temples, tombs, and dwellings chiseled out of the solid, rose-hued stone. Over the next 3 hours, our exploration of Petra includes the famous Treasury, a monumental 131-foot building artfully carved out of the sheer rock, and other ancient monuments like the haunting Street of Facades and the Roman Theater. Our lunch today is a delicious barbecue at Basin Restaurant located inside Petra. Free time to linger on to explore more of the Valley at our own pace: Numerous tombs, large and small residences, temples, bathhouses, and other public spaces offer fascinating insight into what life was like when Petra was a thriving city. As we walk down the rock stairs and rock streets past the Qasr al-Bint Castle Shrine and the Al-Habis Caves, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time. We’ve included full-day entry, so we can even return to our hotel to relax before returning later in the afternoon to continue your independent exploration. This evening, visit the Petra Kitchen for a hands-on culinary experience. Working alongside local villagers under the supervision of a skilled chef, we will prepare a variety of traditional Jordanian dishes. It’s a congenial, enriching, and fun evening. Enjoy the bounty of our labors when we sit down for a wonderful well-earned dinner! (B, L, D) Day 14 VIA WADI RUM TO AMMAN.Today’s adventure that takes us deep into the captivating landscapes of Wadi Rum (UNESCO), a historic fort run by the desert patrol, or "Camel Corps." This illustrious site with its colorful past is strongly associated with T. E. Lawrence, widely known as Lawrence of Arabia. Traveling in comfortable 4WD vehicles over moonlike desert landscape, discover a remote region where sandstone and granite mountains rise sheer sided from wide sandy valleys to reach spectacular heights of 4,000 feet and more. An exciting camel ride promises a timeless and intimate experience of Wadi Rum’s evocative beauty. At Khazali Canyon, enjoy a short hike to see ancient Nabataean inscriptions and drawings. Then sit down to a traditional Bedouin lunch with a local family before returning to the W Hotel in Amman for the next two nights. (B, L) Day 15 EXCURSION TO JALON AND JERASH.This morning we take a short drive north through the picturesque hills of ancient Gilead to Jerash. Known as one of the best-preserved provincial Roman cities in the world, Jerash is often referred to as the "Pompeii of the East." Our local guide will tell us 2,500 years of history as we stroll past the magnificent Triumphal Arch, the Hippodrome, the great elliptical forum, the impressive Roman Bridge, and a wide street lined with columns that leads to the Temple of Artemis. Next, we visit to the magnificent 12th-century Saracen Castle at Ajlun. Originally built in 1184, the castle was used as a base in his successful campaign to drive the Crusaders from Jordan. Sadly, it’s time to pack and rest before our early farewell dinner at our hotel. (B, D) Day 16 HEADING HOME.Early this morning we head to the airport with vivid memories of a historical once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We arrive home in the evening of the same day. |
