Israel and Jordan

Welcome to Israel – arrive Tel Aviv

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental David Tel Aviv. A transfer is included from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport to the InterContinental David Tel Aviv, set on a beachfront promenade, with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, in the city’s most fashionable neighborhood. Please join us this evening for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Director.

Ancient Jaffa and contemporary Tel Aviv

On your first full day in Israel travel excursions around Tel Aviv reveal some of the striking contrasts that define the country. Our guide will give you a little Hebrew lesson with handy words to know during our welcome briefing before you set off for a walking tour through the maze of narrow, cobblestone streets of 4,000-year-old Jaffa, believed to be the oldest port city in the world. Explore the Visitors’ Center in Kedumim Square and its museum with exhibits on the history of Jaffa and archaeological treasures. Have lunch at a local café, then travel from the
romantic eccentricity of Jaffa to the Bauhaus architecture of Rothschild Boulevard… a true leap of time!

Many Jewish refugees from Germany in the 1930s brought functional, modern design with them, and the plethora of square white buildings with curved balconies on every street earned Tel Aviv the nickname “The White City” and a UNESCO World Heritage designation as you’ll learn on a city tour. But there the austerity of Tel Aviv ends; for the remainder of the day, spend time exploring this hip, young, city on your own. Your hotel is within easy walking distance of the beach, restaurants and a nightlife that is second to none.

Discover grand Caesarea and historical Haifa

Over a period of just 12 years, Herod transformed Caesarea into a grand city and major seaport – and dedicated it to Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus, who had returned it to Herod after wresting it away from Cleopatra. During a walking tour, view the spectacular Roman amphitheatre, still used as a performing venue today; what was once the great harbor Herod built; the hippodrome that held 20,000 spectators for chariot races; and what remains of Herod’s palace. After lunch, continue on to Haifa, international headquarters of the Baha’i Faith, and the Baha’i Shrine and Gardens on famed Mount Carmel. A succession of 19 manicured garden terraces lead to the Shrine of the Bab, entombing the remains of the Bab, Baha’i Allah, the herald of the Baha’i Faith.

Your hotel, the Dan Carmel Haifa Hotel, sits atop Mount Carmel with great city views. Following a “Prophet Sharing” panel discussion, a unique opportunity to ask questions and share information about the major religions that co-exist in this multicultural land, dinner this evening will be at the hotel.

From coastal Israel to the Sea of Galilee

A day excursion from Haifa – from the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel travel inland to the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus gathered his first disciples among the fishermen. At Yigal Alon Museum, you’ll discover an archaeological treasure that rocked the worlds of archaeology, history and religion when it was found in 1986 – the Galilee Boat, a 2,000-year-old fishing vessel discovered in the mudflats of Galilee. Exhaustive scientific research places the fishing boat in the time and place of Jesus along the Sea of Galilee. Board a working replica of the boat and sail the waters of Galilee on a guided tour to see how fishermen in Jesus’ time lived and worked.

Learn about this rural area’s many kibbutzim – farming communities which teach self-reliance, collective action and civic responsibility, and have lunch at a local restaurant in Tiberias followed by a visit to the Church of Annunciation. Return to your hotel where the rest of the evening is free to enjoy as you please.

Akko, a place ruled by many

Today in Israel travel to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cites in the world, Akko, dating back to the era of the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose. Begin your visit to this richly historical city with a visit to the Jezzar Pasha Mosque, an excellent example of Ottoman architecture, named for Ahmed al-Jezzar Pasha, who defeated Napoleon at the 1799 French siege of Acre. A walking tour through the walled city takes in the Knight’s Hall, the citadel and prison, as well as the ancient tunnels. Traces of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Ottomans, Bedouins and the British, who have all ruled here, as well as of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, can be seen. Next up is a Tauck Exclusive – lunch at one of the city’s best-known, most sought-after restaurants, Uri Buri, run by famed Chef Uri Jeremias; casual with understated elegance, his seafood is famous all over Israel. Continue on to Jerusalem, your hotel, the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, is one of the newest and most luxurious in the city.

Jerusalem, city of diverse cultures

For three of the world’s great religions, Judaism, Islam and Christianity, Jerusalem is indeed a city of great significance. Your morning in this great city starts with an early entry visit to the Tower of David, followed by a walking tour led by an expert local guide in the Jewish Quarter of the city and the Cardo, a bustling marketplace built atop a site dating back to the time of Emperor Justinian, 6th century BC. The wide plaza before the wall is an open-air synagogue where Jews gather daily to pray; it has been among Judaism’s most holy prayer sites for over 2,000 years – people of many religions leave prayer notes in the cracks and crevices of the wall. Descend into the ornate, ingeniously engineered Sephardic Synagogues, built below street level during Ottoman rule in obeyance of a law that no Jewish temple could be higher than the surrounding houses.

Your visit reveals a restored complex of four synagogues, Yochanan ben Zakai, Istanbuli, Eliahu Ha’navi and Emtsai, each built in a different time period to accommodate the needs of the Sephardic community of the day. Following lunch at a local café, visit the iconic Western Wall, the last remnant of Solomon’s temple, which held the Ark of the Covenant, then enjoy a tour of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, where a guide accompanies you through the images, survivors’ accounts, and artifacts that put human faces on the Holocaust; it will be one of the most deeply moving experiences of your trip. The evening is at your leisure in Jerusalem.

A day in Jerusalem, a special dinner & a spectacular light show

This morning, return to the Old City for a visit to Temple Mount where the revered 7th-century Islamic shrine, the Dome of the Rock, is built atop Temple Mount – its golden dome shelters the rock from which the Prophet Mohammed ascended to Heaven. For Jews, it covers the holiest spot on Earth, the Foundation Stone of Solomon’s inner temple. For many Christian pilgrims, a walk on the Via Dolorosa, along which Jesus carried the cross to the site of the crucifixion after Pilate’s condemnation, is a most meaningful experience. Explore the winding path before continuing on to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which encloses the place where Jesus was crucified and buried. Following lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is free. Join us tonight for dinner at Eucalyptus, one of Jerusalem’s most unique dining experiences. After dinner, head to the Tower of David for a spectacular sound and light show.

Bethlehem and the Dead Sea Scrolls

Following breakfast, you have a choice of spending additional time in Jerusalem or joining us for a guided sightseeing excursion. Go through the security barriers to the West Bank for a visit to Bethlehem. Take a walking tour of the Church of the Nativity, built over what is traditionally thought to be the birthplace of Jesus, one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. Beneath the elaborate church lies the Grotto of the Nativity, with the Chapel of the Manger just steps away. Visit the Milk Grotto, where the Holy Family took refuge before their flight into Egypt, then return to Jerusalem. On your return to Jerusalem, view the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum, where they are exhibited. Spend the evening as you wish in Jerusalem.

Masada and on to Jordan

Depart Jerusalem for the cliff-top fortress at Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by King Herod between 37 and 31 BC and the mighty stronghold of the Jewish Zealots who fled Jerusalem rather than submit to Roman rule during the First Jewish-Roman War in the 1st century AD. Take a cable car to the top of the mountain with a knowledgeable guide to explore the site, learn the story of what happened here over 2,000 years ago and discover why Masada has such tremendous significance today. Drive to Jordan and your luxury resort and spa on the Dead Sea, where you’ll enjoy a premium Pool View room during your two-night stay. A cooking demonstration precedes dinner at your hotel this evening.

Jerash or a leisurely resort day

Today is a day of personal choice. You may be ready to just kick back and relax today, enjoying your Pool View room and the amenities of your spa resort on the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the “Great Salt Lake” of the Middle East, and true to its name, devoid of life except for the many visitors who come to marvel at its mineral-rich, therapeutic qualities. Or, join your Tauck Director for a visit to the ancient city of Gerasa, today called Jerash. Step back in time 2,000 years as you explore the exceptionally well-preserved remains of Roman architecture in the Middle East, including Hadrian’s Arch, the Hippodrome, the Oval Plaza, temples, theatres, arches, walls, baths and more in this fascinating archaeological site. After lunch, return to your resort to spend the rest of the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a lecture by a local woman as she provides insight into what life is like for her generation in Jordan. Dinner tonight is at your choice of restaurants at the hotel.

On the road… to Petra

Today, your adventure takes you from the Dead Sea to Petra along the King’s Highway, the oldest continuously used trading route in the world. Traveling south through ancient biblical lands, you’ll stop first at Mount Nebo, where Moses looked out upon the “Promised Land.” On a clear day, Jericho, the Dead Sea, the River Jordan and even Jerusalem can be seen from Mt. Nebo; visit the Memorial Church of Moses to see the well-preserved ancient mosaics that are located inside the excavated Old Baptistery. Biblical history is everywhere en route, most notably in Madaba; visit St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church to view an incredible 6th-century map detailing the major biblical sites of the time. Enjoy a lunch of traditional Jordanian specialties before heading on to Petra, where dinner is at your leisure at your resort – just a short walk to the entrance of the 2,000-year-old city of Petra – where you’ll enjoy a Junior Suite.

The Pink City of Petra and a Bedouin dinner

The 2,000-year-old city of Petra, which the ancient Nabataeans carved out of colorful sandstone cliffs, was named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” – it is quite truly amazing. Almost forgotten for over a thousand years, Petra is one of the best-preserved biblical sites in the world. You’ll travel through the narrow, high-walled canyon called the Siq… and suddenly, there it is, the huge, world-famous Treasury – your first sight is one of those life-transformational moments. Explore this incredible site on foot where you’ll view Petra’s tomb facades, royal tombs, temples and other structures on foot. Have lunch at the Basin Restaurant in the Old City, and return by camel. The afternoon is spent as you please – then get set for tonight’s special farewell dinner! Join us this evening for a real taste of Jordan when you dine Bedouin-style at a traditional feast. A dance troupe of Jordanian men, dressed in customary Bedouin garments, entertains with a performance of the Dabkeh sword dance for a look at centuries-old traditions.

Jordan’s capital, Amman

Drive along the winding 5,000-year-old King’s Highway, through golden canyons and ancient villages, to Amman; this is one of the oldest continuously used roads in the world. Tauck’s Jordan and Israel travel experience ends in Amman. Guests with early evening flights will be taken directly to Queen Alia International Airport while those departing late night or early the next morning will stay at Amman Rotana.

Jordan’s capital, Amman

Journey home for those not departing on Day 13 Tour ends: Amman. A transfer is included from Amman Rotana to Queen Alia International Airport. You should allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.