COACH TOUR: Journey through Israel and Jordan on this epic 11-day tour featuring the biblical sights of Jerusalem, cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv and beautiful Rose City of Petra. Float in the Dead Sea, admire the ancient fortress of Masada and soak up the views from Mount Nebo, where Moses once viewed the Promised Land.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Coastal Tel Aviv
Sunday. Welcome to Israel and the start of your adventure. You will be met at Ben Gurion Airport and transferred to our start hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Tel Aviv.
Renowned for its hedonistic nightlife, this dynamic city also offers beautiful beaches, art galleries and markets. And with a variety of trendy bistros, high-end restaurants and delicious street food stalls, there's plenty to choose from, for dinner.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Masada & Dead Sea
Tel Aviv- Beer Sheba - Masada (via the West Bank) - Dead Sea - Jerusalem. Leaving Tel Aviv, we drive past the coastal cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon on our way to Beersheba, the capital of the Negev Desert. After a short visit, we continue east to Masada and take a cable car to the UNESCO-listed fortress which was the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. Here we explore the excavations, synagogue, bathhouse and Herod's palaces, as well as admire breathtaking views of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea. We then descend to those salty waters at the Dead Sea for a 'float' before travelling to Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem | Breakfast, Dinner
Bethlehem
Jerusalem - Bethlehem (West Bank) - Jerusalem. Our first stop this morning is the famous Dead Sea scrolls at Israel Museum's Shrine of the Book. We then continue to the Model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem and the Yad Vashem memorial, which commemorates the 6 million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust. This afternoon, we see the birth place of John the Baptist, Ein Karem before we journey to our final stop - Bethlehem to see the Holy Church of Nativity and Manger Square before returning to Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem | Breakfast, Dinner
Jerusalem City Tour
Today we further explore Jerusalem, entering the walled Old City through one of the imposing gates, here we’ll explore the Western Wall and walk the way of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa, Calvary before ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We then drive to Mount Zion and visit King David's tomb, Dormition Abbey and the Room of the Last Supper before enjoying spectacular panoramic views of Jerusalem. The afternoon finds us exploring the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas betrayed Jesus. We then head downtown to experience the colours and aromas of Mahane Yehuda, Israel's largest open market before retiring to our hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem | Breakfast, Dinner
Beit Shean & Golan Heights
Beit Shean - Golan - Tiberias. Bid farewell to Jerusalem and drive north past Jericho, which is considered to be the world's oldest city. Travelling through the Jordan Valley and the new settlements to Beit Shean, see the excavations of this beautiful preserved Roman city before continuing up the Golan Heights, where we will enjoy an Israeli wine country experience. Here, we will tour the winery, learn about the wine production process and even indulge in some wine tasting.
Afterwards, we travel through the Golan, spotting its Druze villages, former Syrian fortifications and panoramic views of Mount Hermon and into Syria. As we descend through the picturesque Hula Valley, our route leads us to Tiberias, nestled along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Renowned as one of the four holy cities in Judaism, it was within these very walls that the Jewish Talmud, the cornerstone of Jewish religious law, was compiled.
Overnight: Tiberias, Nazareth or Haifa | Breakfast, Dinner
Capernaum & Nazareth
Following the scenic shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, our journey proceeds to the historic site of Capernaum, where the ruins of an ancient synagogue stand as a testament to the rich history of the region. From there, we ascend to the Mount of Beatitudes, a revered location associated with the transformative 'Sermon on the Mount.' Our path then leads us to Tabgha, where tradition holds the ground for the profound 'miracle of the loaves and the fish.'
An optional boat excursion awaits, inviting travelers to sail across the waters of the Sea of Galilee, enveloped by an ambiance that has remained remarkably unchanged over 2000 years (book and pay locally).
Our journey then carries us to Nazareth, a city steeped in biblical significance, where we pay a visit to the hallowed Church of the Annunciation and other sacred Christian sites.
Overnight: Tiberias, Nazareth or Haifa | Breakfast, Dinner
Acre, Haifa & Caesarea
Tiberias - Acre - Haifa - Caesarea - Tel Aviv. After breakfast we travel west and to the famous Crusader stronghold and medieval fortifications of Acre. After some time exploring, we continue to Haifa for a panoramic tour of the city, passing sights such as Mount Carmel, Haifa Bay, the Persian Garden and Bahai Shrine. Next, we head along the coast to Caesarea where we visit the Roman Theatre and Crusader Fortress. We end our day with a short city tour of Tel Aviv and Jaffa, a beautiful port town believed to be around 4,000 years old.
Overnight: Tel Aviv | Breakfast, Dinner
Jerash & Amman
Tel Aviv (via West Bank) - Jerash - Amman. Today we leave Israel and cross the border into Jordan. Our first stop is Jerash, the city of the Decapolis, which is located in the fertile heights around 45km north of Amman. We take some time to explore its colonnaded streets, baths and hilltop temple before driving to the Jordanian capital Amman for a fascinating city tour.
Overnight: Amman | Breakfast, Dinner
Rose city of Petra
Amman - Petra. After an early breakfast we travel south, reaching the rose city of Petra. You'll have the option to ride on horseback to the Siq, a canyon marking the entrance to Petra. We continue on foot and explore all that this ancient capital has to offer, including the Treasury, El Khazneh, obelisks and the field of tombs. From the Al Madhbah viewpoint we marvel at this lost city and its incredible lunar-like landscape.
Overnight: Petra | Breakfast, Dinner
Madaba & Mount Nebo
Petra - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Tel Aviv. On our final day of sightseeing we travel to Madaba to see the ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land. We also have time to explore several ruins before our short drive to Mount Nebo. It's from this mountain that Moses viewed the Promised Land and the stunning views stretch from the Jordan Valley to Jericho and the Dead Sea. We then continue to the remains of a Byzantine church with a beautiful mosaic floor before crossing the border back into Israel for our final night in Tel Aviv.
Overnight: Tel Aviv | Breakfast, Dinner
Tel Aviv
Wednesday. Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. A transfer to the Ben Gurion Airport is included to meet your flight home.
Tel Aviv offers so much to see and do that we highly recommend extending your stay. We can book pre and post tour accommodation, please enquire.
For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our travel guide.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour when booking 4 star. For the frequently used 5 star hotels, please refer to the 5 star Trip Notes. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Metropolitan, Tel Aviv
Within easy walking distance from major city attractions, Hotel Metropolitan is a modern hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms are designed in a contemporary style with soft furnishings and stylish en suite bathrooms. The hotel also has an onsite bar and cafe serving food throughout the day. In the summer head to the outdoor pool with sundecks - the perfect way to start the day! Perfectly located in the centre and very heart of Tel Aviv.
Grand Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv
Located just a few minutes walk from Tel Aviv's golden beaches, the Hotel Grand Beach offers a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere. Guest rooms are modernly furnished and include free Wi-Fi. With a number of excellent eating options including a lavish buffet in the 'Jerusalem' dining room. The roof top pool is another highlight affording stunning views of the seafront and the city and is a great place to cool off! Perfectly located close to the sea front and the bustling city centre with lots of restaurants and cafes nearby.
Hotel Grand Court , Jerusalem
Centrally located. the Hotel Grand Court is a very modern hotel and an excellent base for exploring the holy city. Guest rooms are bright and well furnished with free Wi-Fi throughout. The Garden Court is the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast al-fresco. There is also a refreshing outdoor pool to relax in or by (open April - September). Perfectly located just a short walk from the Old City.
Ramada by Wyndham Jerusalem, Jerusalem
Conveniently located near the entrance to the city with plenty of museums and shopping close by and the Old City just a short 15-minute taxi drive away. This comfortable hotel offers spacious and bright guest rooms and has a wide range of amenities including free WIFI and a hearty Israeli buffet breakfast. During your spare time unwind in the saunas or go for a swim in the indoor or seasonal outdoor pools.
Lake House Hotel, Tiberias
The Lake House Hotel is located near to the historic centre of Tiberias and the majestic Golan Heights, set on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Guest rooms are contemporary in design equipped with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features a large collection of facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the exciting view of the Sea of Galiee. Lake House hotel has a fantastic variety of dining options. The Lobby Bar and restaurant offer fine dining with rich and varied menus.
The Hotel Royal Plaza, Tiberias
Located on the outskirts of Tiberias, the Hotel Royal Plaza is a modern hotel offering a tranquil atmosphere in an unbeatable location. Guest rooms are warm, inviting and tastefully furnished. Meals are served in the bright and airy dining room and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The onsite Royal Spa Health Club is a great place to relax and get some pampering. The outdoor pool offers a cooling respite form the Israeli heat. The property is located opposite a well-maintained public beach, situated just outside of Tiberias.
Grand Palace Hotel, Amman
Set in the prestigious Shumesani district, the Grand Palace Hotel boasts a great location within Jordan’s capital city. Each of the guestrooms are fitted with minibars, air conditioning and a large ensuite, with sound-proof windows to ensure you have a peaceful night. There's also a state-of-the-art fitness centre and heated indoor pool offering spectacular views of Amman. Guests can enjoy a range of relaxing massage treatments using Dead Sea product oils. And when it comes to food you’re spoilt for choice, with the chefs and staff going all the way to make your stay memorable.
Petra Moon Hotel, Petra
Just 300 ft from the entrance gate to Petra, the Petra Moon hotel features spacious rooms with private balconies and flat-screen TVs. It also has a roof garden with a seasonal outdoor pool. The soundproofed rooms and suites at Petra Moon come with satellite channels, a DVD player and extra-long beds. Each has air conditioning and a private bathroom. The hotel's restaurant serves a delicious selection of international meals in both buffet-style and a la carte.
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.
Read More