Jerusalem, The Red Sea & Petra

ARRIVE JERUSALEM

Jerusalem, Israel

A transfer is included from Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, often referred to as Tel Aviv Airport, to the David Citadel Hotel in the heart of Jerusalem, steps from the Old City.

Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at your hotel. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the hotel’s guest rooms offer stunning views of the city’s storied skyline at night.

Dinner

The David Citadel Hotel

THE TEMPLE MOUNT AND VIA DOLOROSA

Jerusalem, Israel

Few cities in the world evoke the sense of spirituality and history as Jerusalem’s Old City does, where people of all faiths have come to worship for thousands of years. Layered with ancient relics and treasured shrines, it is home to places that inspire quiet awe as you view in person sacred biblical sites like the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and more. Our expert local guide leads the way today on your walking tour back in time that starts with a visit to the Temple Mount venerated as a holy site in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike, where the iconic domed rock reigns as its crown jewel. Listen to insights about its significance for each religion as you explore here today.

Continue along the Via Dolorosa route, believed to be the solemn path taken by a condemned Jesus as he carried the cross to his crucifixion. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to have been built over the biblical Calvary, or Golgotha, where Jesus was nailed to the cross, died and rose from the dead.

A change of pace and place follows as you taste your way through lively Mahane Yehuda Market for lunch, sampling a mix of traditional and modern-day culinary fare at Jerusalem’s largest outdoor market and foodie hotspot. This afternoon, tour the Israel Museum, home to some 5,000 years of cultural treasures, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, among the world's oldest biblical manuscripts. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring as you wish.

Breakfast, Lunch

The David Citadel Hotel

OLD CITY SIGHTS AND THE JEWISH QUARTER

Jerusalem, Israel

Sightseeing continues with visits to the medieval Tower of David, the historical entrance to the Old City and the symbol for Jerusalem for generations; the Western “Wailing” Wall, built by King Herod in 20 BC and considered the most religious site in the world for the Jewish people; and the Roman cardo, the main street of the Old City over 1,500 years ago and now a vibrant marketplace.

Walking through the Jewish Quarter reveals a look at life in a neighborhood that has stood firm for two thousand years, where alleyways lead to historic sites, synagogues, shops and more. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Yad Vashem, Israel's moving memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch

The David Citadel Hotel

BETHLEHEM OR TEL AVIV

Jerusalem, Israel

A choice of excursions this morning ventures outside of Jerusalem and includes a walking tour of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, or a visit to the 4,000 year-old seaport town of Jaffa and modern-day Tel Aviv. No longer a little town, Bethlehem is a thriving Palestinian city that evokes the story of Jesus in Manger Square, from the Basilica of the Nativity, the oldest surviving church in the Holy Land, still in use today, to the cave-like Grotto below where Mary is said to have given birth to the baby Jesus. Visit its must-see sights with a local guide and enjoy lunch, before returning to Jerusalem for free time.

Tel Aviv, Israel

Alternatively, travel to seaside Jaffa, a romantic enclave of medieval buildings and cobblestone streets, for a guided walking tour and lunch, followed by a visit to Tel Aviv, teeming with architectural wonders and modern-day cultural delights. Return to Jerusalem where your evening is free.

Breakfast, Lunch

The David Citadel Hotel

A KIBBUTZ, MASADA & THE DEAD SEA

The Dead Sea, Israel

Journey into the countryside today, stopping at a rural kibbutz for a close-up look at this integral part of Israeli society, en route to hilltop Masada. Originally built by King Herod as a palace complex in the last century BC, the rugged desert fortress of Masada was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its role as a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Israel, but you may remember it for the stunning panoramic views of the Dead Sea you will see during today’s visit. Get a closer look when you check into your resort this afternoon, nestled on the shores of the great salt lake. Dine at your leisure tonight in the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Isrotel Dead Sea Resort & Spa

AQABA & THE RED SEA

Aqaba, Jordan

Cross the border into Jordan this morning on a leisurely drive to your beachfront hotel in the port of Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city. This afternoon, join us aboard a private boat for a cocktail cruise on the marine life-rich Red Sea, inspiring with views of the city and sea and inviting with colorful coral gardens renowned for underwater diving adventures. As you gaze across this historic body of water, the story of Moses and the parting of the seas that allowed the great exodus of Israelites to escape from Egypt may come to mind, reminding you of the biblical significance of so many of the sights you’ll see this part of the world. Enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight in the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea

A DESERT ADVENTURE TO WADI RUM

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Spend the morning at leisure at your seaside hotel, where the white sandy beach is right outside your door. This afternoon pack your spirit for adventure as you ride aboard a 4x4 vehicle bound for the “Valley of the Moon” at Wadi Rum, the movie-set location for Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and more. The lunar landscapes you’ll drive through are stunning and include desert valleys, spectacular sandstone mountains, canyons, dunes and arches. Arrive at Wadi Rum for an evening steeped in tradition and local culture. Enjoy camel rides, a special dinner with entertainment in Bedouin tents and stargazing with an expert.

Breakfast, Dinner

Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea

WELL-PRESERVED PETRA

Wadi Musa, Jordan

Drive to the town of Wadi Musa for an overnight stay near the ancient city of Petra, one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” Dating back to 300 BC, this “Rose City” served as the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, whose master builders carved palaces, temples, tombs, storerooms and stables from the soft stone cliffs you’ll see on a guided visit today. Enter the ancient city through a high-walled crack called the Siq, walking through a narrow rock-sided pathway that opens to one of its most famous sites, The Treasury, where scenes from the movie Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade were filmed.

Guided exploration here views the tomb-lined Street of Facades, the 700-seat Theatre, the Great Temple, the Royal Tombs and the Monastery. Enjoy lunch and free time this afternoon before choosing to dine tonight with a local family at their private residence or dining at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch

Petra Marriott Hotel

MOUNT NEBO, MADABA & AMMAN

Madaba, Jordan

Depart for Amman today, stopping en route at Madaba and Mount Nebo. Madaba is a Bronze-age market town best known for the Byzantine-era mosaic map you’ll see on the floor of St. George’s Church, said to represent the oldest map of Palestine in existence.

Mount Nebo, Jordan

Continue on to Mount Nebo where, according to the Bible, Moses was granted a glimpse of the Promised Land before his death. On a clear day you will be able to enjoy the same views that Moses did from atop the summit, including the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, the West Bank, and sometimes even Jericho and Jerusalem.

Amman, Jordan

Your destination this afternoon is the “White City” of Amman, the lively modern capital of Jordan. Settle into your hilltop hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring as you wish.

Breakfast, Dinner

Four Seasons Amman

SIGHTSEEING IN JERASH

Jerash, Jordan

Drive north through the rolling hills of Gilead, dotted with grazing sheep and goats, to the ruined city of Jerash, inhabited since the Bronze Age and once a thriving Roman settlement. Buried under sand and rubble for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1806 by a German traveler and not excavated until the 1950s. What you will discover on a guided tour offers you a look at life for some of the estimated 35,000 Roman residents who lived here in the first and second centuries.

See the triumphal Hadrian’s Arch, built in AD 129 in honor of Emperor Hadrian’s visit, the hippodrome which hosted chariot races for up to 15,000 spectators and the 5,000-seat South Theatre. Pass by the elegant remains of the Temple of Zeus, built in 162, the huge 56-columned Forum, the main fountain and more as you stroll down the colonnaded cardo maximus, the main street of Jerash, with your informative local guide. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Amman for time at leisure. Join your guides and companions tonight for a private farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Four Seasons Amman

JOURNEY HOME

Amman, Jordan

Tour ends in Amman. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Four Seasons Hotel Amman to Queen Alia International Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for check in at the airport.

Breakfast

• ALL guests must carefully verify the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation DIRECTLY WITH THEIR LOCAL CONSULATES OR EMBASSIES or with a visa service, as these requirements may change. Guests without proper documentation may be denied entry and will not be entitled to a refund

• 60 days or more before departure: $525.00 per person
• 59-8 days before departure: $925.00 per person
• 7-1 days before departure: $1500.00 per person
• On departure day and later: 100% of total price
• Any changes or cancellations to airline reservations made through Tauck either before or after departure are subject to the cancellation / change policies of the individual airlines. In n some instances these cancellation / change fees may be up to 100% of the ticket price.
• Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including extra night accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions reserved prior to, during, and after the tour. If flight changes, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations or name changes, are requested after full land and air deposits are received, revision fees, change fees, or airline cancellation fees will apply.
• All cancellations must be received in writing prior to tour departure. The cancellation policy will apply according to the date that the cancellation notification is received. The MINIMUM cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.
• The purchase to trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

• Land only “from price” is per person based on two people sharing a room together and does not include airfare unless expressly stated.
• All prices are in US Dollars.
• A $525 non-refundable, non-transferable, per-person, per-vacation deposit is required to reserve space for you. Payment of the deposit indicates you have read and accepted all Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit payment is processed and you receive a confirmation invoice.
• Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure. Within the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land, cruise, and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the due date.
• Additional deposits or payments are required for international air added to the start and/or end of your vacation.