Adventure Tours   >   North Africa / Middle East Adventure Tours   >  Israel & Jordan: Ancient Sites & Epic Nights

Israel & Jordan: Ancient Sites & Epic Nights Adventure Tour

North Africa / Middle East

  • Israel
  • Jordan

Your Instagram account won't know what hit it after you fill your feed with the incredible snaps taken on this eight-day tour through Israel and Jordan. Explore the winding alleyways of Jerusalem's Old City, see Petra's stunning tombs and monasteries carved into rock walls, learn about Bedouin culture during an overnight stay in the desert, and hit the beach in Tel Aviv. On the brink of settling on the tourist track, now's the perfect time to experience these countries with your budget and an exploratory spirit in mind.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Travel Insurance  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.


What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Al Safi Community Lunch, Jordan Valley
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Yehuda Market walk & craft beer café visit, Jerusalem
Your Local Living Moment: Bedouin Camp Overnight, Wadi Rum
Your Big Night Out Moment: Tel Aviv. Old Jerusalem guided tour. Yehuda Market walk and craft beer café visit. Wadi Rum jeep excursion. Petra day pass and tour. Amman guided tour. Dead Sea visit with swim. Bethlehem visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities


Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.


Group Leader Description  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.


Meals Included  

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner


About our Transportation  

On this trip we will travel by air-conditioned private minivan for most journeys and en route to Wadi Rum and our desert camp we will travel in 4x4 vehicles. For more information see the detailed itinerary.


What to Take  

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

It is important to pack clothes for warm to hot days and cool evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.


Tipping  

Tipping is a way of life in the Middle East. Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement the low salary and wages of the Middle East region.

While on tour in the Middle East, it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.

To make things as easy as possible and avoid embarrassing situations, G Adventures has developed a tipping kitty system where your CEO will collect a contribution from everybody at the start of your tour and use this kitty to tip anybody who has provided services to the group as a whole. On Day 1 of your tour, your CEO will be able to advise on the amount required from everybody to form the tipping kitty for your trip. Please plan approximately $28.00 USD per person for the entirety of the tour (this does not include your G Adventures CEO). You can pay in USD or the equivalent local currency (preferably USD). The CEO will be able to advise you on the exchange rate and the total required in either currency.

If at any time you feel that any service provider failed in maintaining or delivering good service, please bring it immediately to the attention of your CEO so a deduction of tips can take place.

At the end of your trip if you felt that your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however $11-13 USD per person per day can be used as a general guideline.


Safety and Security  

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:


www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/


Packing List  

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear


Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) in Israel and Jordan, local guides.


Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.


Trip Specific Safety  

Like anywhere in the world, major cities have areas safer than others, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and mind your personal belongings.


Local Dress  

While visiting mosques and other religious monuments you should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and you shouldn't wear short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and the more touristic centres, local dress is often more conservative and as a matter of respect we ask that both men and women are aware of this and recommend loose-fitting clothes with your shoulders covered. Ask your CEO for more specific advice.


Highlights  

Check out Amman's party scene, Hike around archaeological marvels in Petra, Stay overnight at a Bedouin desert camp, Take a dip in the Dead Sea, Chill out on the beaches of Tel Aviv.


Transport  

Minivan/bus, 4x4 jeep, walking.


Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.


Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.


Departure Tax  

Included in airline tickets but there may be departure taxes if you are exiting at a land border.

As you cross from Israel to Jordan there is a 187 NIS (Israeli New Shekel) departure tax for all nationalities to be paid at border in Shekel. You can pay using USD or a credit card. As well, you will take a shuttle bus service between Israel and Jordan, the cost is 7 JOD per person and 2 JOD per bag cash.

When we cross back into Israel, there is a Departure tax for exiting Jordan overland of 10 JOD cash. As well, you will take a shuttle bus service between Jordan and Israel, the cost is 7 JOD per person and 2 JOD per bag cash.


Optional Activities  

Jerusalem
- City of David and Hezekiah's Tunnel (25ILS per person)
- Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum) Visit
- Garden Tomb

Petra
- Petra by Night (17JOD per person)

Tel Aviv
- Northern Coast Day Trip (Caesarea and Haifa) (130USD per person)
- Rothschild Boulevard pub crawl (100ILS per person)
- Jaffa Visit
- Tel Aviv Street Art Walk


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.


Visas and Entry Requirements  

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here

ISRAEL AND PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES:
Most tourists to Israel and the Palestinian Territories will be issued a free visa, on arrival valid for 90 days, at air and land borders. Known exceptions to this are India, Singapore and many African countries. Please double check the requirements in relation to the passport you travel on. Usually your entry and visa will not be stamped into your passport, but onto a separate piece of paper.

Please note: Egypt and Jordan have a peace agreement with Israel, which allows travellers to cross boarders between these countries; having an Israeli stamp in your passport will not affect your ability to travel to Egypt or Jordan.

If you are planning to enter Israel via land from Egypt or Jordan, the exit stamps from these neighbouring countries will indicate that you have visited Israel. Even without an Israeli visa in your passport, these stamps will impact your ability to use the same passport to travel to Syria Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Saudi, Libya and Yemen.

IMPORTANT NOTE
Israeli hotels have new requirements due to the Israeli Value Added Tax (VAT) authorities regulation. According to the law, hotels must receive photocopies of passports and B2 visas of all visitors.
The B2 visa is a small document travelers receive upon entering Israel at passport control. Please hold on to that document as it will be requested at the hotels. If the hotels do not receive that information then they will charge an additional 17% to the rate of accommodation.

JORDAN:
For our groups the Jordanian visa will be organized at the border. Not all nationalities automatically qualify for this visa on arrival, and it is vital that you contact your local embassy or consulate for updated information according to your passport nationality.


About Accommodation  

On this trip you can expect to stay in local hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a bit in facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights.

Please be advised that some of the accommodation for this tour will have shared bathroom facilities and that where we use multi-share accommodations, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.


Joining Instructions  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer, you can take a public bus for around 35 ILS, or a metered taxi which will cost about 150 ILS.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.


Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.


Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures  

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures' itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.

Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.

Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.


Max Pax  

15


Important Notes  

1. Please note that there are nights that use multi-share accommodation. On these nights, you will be sharing space with other travellers of the same gender in dorm style accommodation.

2. RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Mar 11th - Apr 8th 2024, and Mar 1st - Mar 29th 2025. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.

3. SATURDAY'S IN ISRAEL
For travellers with accommodation arranged on a Saturday evening, please be advised that Saturday is the religious day of Shabbat in Israel. Shabbat is observed as a day of rest, therefore, travellers who check in on a Saturday will only be able to check in after 7:00pm in the evening.

4. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this trip is part of a combination of multiple tours. As such, the CEO, staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.

5. TIPPING NOTE:
Tipping is a way of life in the Middle East. Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. Due to this expectation, your CEO will collect a Tipping Kitty at the start of the tour. For more details see the Tipping section below.


Money Exchange  

The currency in Israel is the Israeli Shekel (NIS) and the currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).

ATMs are found within main cities in Israel and Jordan and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible as while there is no hard and fast rule, some banks seem to only work with one brand of card. Please note, your bank will change a fee for overseas withdrawals.

Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. Euros, British Pounds and US Dollars are all easy to exchange to the Local currency. Please note that you should bring some cash with you for emergency situations but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix.

If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 1996, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.


Rooming and "My Own Room" Exceptions  

Night 3, Bedouin tent stay.


Emergency Contact  

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. 

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Representative (Israel)
Emergency Phone Number: +972 54 554 4905 (Simon)

G Adventures Local Office (Istanbul, Turkey)
Emergency number: +44 (7817) 262559

Regional Office Emergency Contact Number: +44 1858378000 (Jordan)
Local Contact Emergency Phone Number: +962 7 9806 0551 (Jordan)

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999


Detailed Trip Notes  

Please keep these helpful instructions in mind when crossing the border between Israel and Jordan:

1. Arrive to The Israeli Border and proceed to desks # 1-3. Here, you will be required to pay the exit fee in cash (187 NIS). Please note that there are no ATM machines in the border crossing point, only currency exchange kiosks.

2. Proceed to Customs desks #6-8 to have your passport stamped. You may be required to answer some security questions at this point. Exit the building through the Duty Free shop.

3. Upon exiting, you will be required to take a 3-5 minute shuttle (5 NIS - cash only) to the Jordanian border; this shuttle will leave when it is full, so be prepared to wait.

4. Upon arrival, proceed to the main building where there will be a G Adventures Representative will be waiting with a "G Adventures" sign. The group will be escorted to passport control, and will receive a group visa (free of charge). Please note that you will be charged an exit fee when leaving the country independently (via border or airport), at the end of your tour.

5. Follow the G Adventure representative to the customs room to check your luggage through the security scanner. You will then be escorted to the bus, and transferred to your hotel in Amman.


Newsletter  

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation - Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.


Group Size Notes  

Max 16, avg 12


Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.


Solo Travellers  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


Accommodation  

Simple hotels (3 nts), hostel-dormitory (3 nts) basic desert camp (1 nt).


Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at [email protected] and we will send it on to you.

Day 1 Jerusalem

Arrive at any time.

Shake off that jet lag and prepare for an evening buzzing with excitement. Head out with your group and CEO for drinks at a favourite local spot. After, feel free to do some exploring in the area on your own or with some fellow travellers. Kick-off your adventure in Jerusalem with lively music, and a healthy dose of fun.

The international airport is in Tel Aviv - Prebook a transfer from the airport to start your tour in Jerusalem. This is a vibrant city with much to see and do; we recommend booking prenights, should you wish to book optional activities or explore on your own.

Day 2 Jerusalem

Take a guided walk through the Old City along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the western wall. Later, get a taste of modern life in Jerusalem with a visit to the bustling Yehuda Market, and stop at a local craft beer cafe.

Day 3 Jerusalem/Wadi Rum

Cross the border into Jordan. Stop at a G Adventures-supported community cafe for lunch then continue into Wadi Rum. Head out for a 4x4 desert excursion before a traditional dinner and overnight at a Bedouin desert camp.

You will have one CEO in Israel and one in Jordan. In this case you will be transferred to the border and cross over unescorted to Jordan with any other travellers who are in your group. You will be met on the Jordanian side of the border by another CEO. See the "Detailed Trip Notes" section of the Tour Details page for helpful instructions on crossing the Israeli-Jordanian border.

Safi Kitchen is part of a nonprofit organization working in the South Ghour region, south of the Dead Sea, to create opportunities for members of the local community. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. Their tourism program is key to the expansion of their environmental and social mission.

Drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. Head deep into the desert by 4x4 stopping at famous landmarks along the way. Depending on the season / weather conditions, the 4x4 excursion may be done on the morning of day 4.

Arrive to the tented camp in time for a traditional meal and learn more about this ancient culture. There is a large, central tent that is traditionally decorated and perfect for relaxing or escaping the cold nights in winter. Our dinner is prepared in traditional fashion, with the meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase (alcohol is not available). Lanterns light the way but we do suggest you bring a flashlight.

Please remember that Israel and Jordan are very different Countries, in terms of culture, daily way of life and infrastructure. The best part of travel is gaining insight into these difference and keeping an open mind. Its important to note that transport vehicles in Israel are usually much more modern than in Jordan.

Accommodation in the desert is in one large goat-hair tent divided into "rooms" with curtains. Basic linens are provided but many travellers prefer to bring a sleep sheet for extra comfort. There are shared, unisex toilette facilities. For religious reasons, no alcohol is permitted at the camp.

Day 4 Wadi Musá/Petra

Start early to visit iconic Petra for a tour and free time to hike and wander on your own. This evening, opt to visit Petra by Night.

The site is large so please be prepared for a lot of walking over sand and rocks for the entire day. Pace yourself, stay hydrated and be sure to have proper walking/hiking shoes.

In Jordan, alcohol is not often available in accommodations or restaurants. In the town of Wadi Musa (Petra), there are bars to enjoy a drink.

Day 5 Wadi Musá/Amman

Drive to Amman, and take a tour of key sites, including the famous Citadel and the Roman Amphitheatre. Later join your CEO for a night out at the famous Rainbow Street.

Thursday and Friday are party nights in the Middle East. Join your Jordanian CEO for a night out at the famous Rainbow Street, or in new local favourite spot the Abdali Boulevard area.

Day 6 Amman/Tel Aviv

Travel back across the border into Israel with a stop to float in the Dead Sea and orientation visit to Bethlehem including a stop at Banksy's 'Walled Off Hotel'. Continue to the vibrant city of Tel Aviv.

Today we stop to float in the Dead Sea - don't worry if you can't swim, the water is so dense it's not possible to sink. After, we will stop in Bethlehem for a quick photo stop to see the Palestinian town where Jesus Christ was born (while there won't be time to go inside, you'll be able to see the Church of the Nativity from the outside) and to see Banksy's 'Walled Off Hotel'.

Opt to head out tonight and experience the famed Tel Aviv nightlife - day 6 is a Friday, the best night of the week for clubbing with locals.

Today your Jordan CEO will accompany the group to the border where you will cross back over unescorted into Israel. You will be met on the Israel side of the border by your Israel CEO. See the "Detailed Trip Notes" section of the Tour Details page for helpful instructions on crossing the Israeli-Jordanian border. The boarder is often busy so be prepared for long lines and a wait.

Day 7 Tel Aviv

Full free day to explore, chill on the beach, check out the street art or opt to take an excursion to Caesarea and Haifa. Later catch the sunset at a beach bar.

Some attractions are not open on Shabbat. If you have a particular museum in mind to visit while you are in Tel Aviv, we strongly recommend staying another day or two.

Day 8 Tel Aviv

Depart at any time.

With so much to do and see in Tel Aviv, we highly recommend booking post nights to fully enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Details

Duration: 8 Days

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Service Level: Basic

Merchandising: Planeterra Project

Trip Type: Small Group

Physical Grading: 2 - Light



Call Us: 01 2311889



TRAVEL AWARE - STAYING SAFE AND HEALTHY ABROAD

The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and follow dfatravelwise