Prophets And Petra
Prophets And Petra
Prophets And Petra
11 Days Starting in Amman and ending in Jerusalem
Visiting: Amman, Jerash, Dead Sea, Petra District, Wadi Rum Village, Aqaba, Masada National Park, Ein Gedi Reserve, Bethlehem, Jerusalem
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Physical rating:
Medium, Full On
Age range:
Adult
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This trip takes in the fascinating history and cultural sites of both Jordan and Israel. Explore the desert landscapes of Negev and Wadi Rum, visit ancient sites, including Petra and Jerash, and learn about the Holy Land. Experience the desert - Sleep under the stars, taste a Bedouin Zarb and ride a camel in Wadi Rum Jerusalem - Discover the Old City, visit the Mount of Olives and walk the Via Dolorosa Dead Sea - Float in the buoyant waters of the lowest place on the planet
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Amman
Location: Amman
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive in Amman, the capital of Jordan, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Now home to almost half of the country's population, it is a fascinating city of contrasts, where the very ancient and the brand new collide.
Due to a majority of flights arriving in the late evening, your leader will meet you for the welcome meeting on the morning of day two. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Amman at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), which is around 30 minutes' drive .
If you arrive early today you can spend some time exploring the capital of Jordan. Amman is a fascinating city of contrasts - a unique blend of old and new. The Temple of Hercules is in the commercial heart of the city along with ultra-modern buildings, hotels, smart restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. These comfortably rub shoulders with traditional coffee shops and tiny artisans' workshops. Due to the city's modern-day prosperity and temperate climate, almost half of Jordan's population is concentrated in the Amman area. The residential suburbs consist of mainly tree-lined streets and avenues flanked by elegant white houses in accordance with a municipal law, which states that all buildings must be faced with local stone. The downtown area is much older and more traditional with smaller businesses producing and selling everything from fabulous jewellery to everyday household items.
Day 2: A Morning Tour Of Amman Before Travelling To The Ancient Roman Site Of Jerash For A Guided Tour
Location: Jerash
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we visit the cultural heart of the Hashemite kingdom with a tour of its vibrant capital. The origins of this remarkable city have been traced back some 9,000 years but it was the arrival of the Ammonites in 1200BC that saw the city begin its rise to prominence as the great city of Rabbath Ammon. The intervening centuries saw it fall under the influences of the Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Ptolomids, Seleucids and the Romans, under whose auspices it thrived as one of the 10 cities of the Decapolis. Our tour this morning will take in some of the highlights of ancient Amman (Philadelphia), including the Citadel and the Temple of Hercules, the 8th century Ummayad Palace and the Roman Theatre and Nymphaeum. This afternoon we depart the city and head north, towards ancient Jerash, located in the Gilead Hills. One of Jordan's major attractions, this beautifully preserved Roman city is considered to be the best preserved of the Decapolis, a confederation of ten Middle Eastern cities under the Emperor Pompey. One of the highlights of the Middle East, a triple arch gateway gives way to colonnaded streets, theatres, temples and baths and it is estimated that this represents only about 10% of the entire city, the rest is still to be uncovered. We will tour this magnificent site with a local guide before returning to Amman.
Day 3: Float In The Saline Waters Of The Dead Sea And Travel To The 'Rose City' Of Petra
Location: Dead Sea
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we venture south to the Dead Sea. We will take some time to enjoy and float in the remarkable saline waters. At 418m below sea level this salty expanse of mineral rich water has been revered for centuries for its beneficial properties. We then head back to the main road to drive to Petra, the most famous of Jordan's treasures. Abandoned centuries ago Petra was the rock cut stronghold of the Nabateans, a fortress city built to protect the lucrative levies its citizens imposed on the rich caravans heading north. Surrounded by imposing mountains and approached through a deep, narrow cleft in the rocks, known as the Siq, it is a unique and unforgettable place and, enhanced by the play of light and shadow, an altogether overwhelming experience. Entering the Siq on foot we follow its towering sandstone walls towards the site of the captivating and iconic splendour of the beautiful Khazneh (The famous Treasury). A guided orientation tour will take us to some of the key parts of this remarkable site. We'll take in the Colonnaded Street and the Royal Tombs and marvel at the amazing theatre, with its 8,000 seats carved from solid rock. After our guided tour there will be free time to explore independently. This evening we enjoy a Bedouin cookery demonstration and meal at a nearby restaurant, learning how to make a traditional Makloubah (upside down) dish, with meat, rice and fried vegetables, followed by Um Ali, a creamy Arabic dessert with croissant pieces, raisins and nuts.
Day 4: A Full Day To Explore Ancient Petra
Location: Petra District
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we have a full free day at Petra. Returning to the city we climb steep paths to the sacrificial 'High Places' (altars) and hike to the top of Jebel Harin (1396m) for a stunning view over Wadi Araba and the Negev Desert. The Monastery is the largest of Petra's monuments and certainly worth the steep climb up to it. Towering to a height of 40m its doorway alone measures 8m in height, dwarfing anyone framed within it. We also recommend a trip to El Beidha (or 'Little Petra' as it is known) or to an excavated Stone Age village where you can see the remains of houses, fireplaces and workshops dating from around 6000BC. This evening there may be a possibility of enjoying an enchanting tour of the city by night (optional).
Day 5: Drive South To Wadi Rum For An Optional Camel Trek And A Night Camping Under The Stars
Location: Wadi Rum Village
Accommodation: Camp, Tented
This morning there is the opportunity to spend some more time at Petra if you wish before we continue our journey to the haunting vistas of Wadi Rum. We enter another world, one inhabited by the nomadic Bedouin peoples for generations and steeped in the legend of Lawrence of Arabia. Indeed scenes from the remarkable film of his life were shot here, deep in the fabulous purpleblack mountains that rise from the sand of the desert. On arrival we transfer into 4 wheel drive vehicles and cross the dramatic desert landscape, to marvel at the panoramas of what is surely some of Jordan's most dramatic wilderness. We arrive at our camp in time to watch the golden glow of the sunset cast its pall over the desert landscape and settle in to enjoy dinner and a night under the stars. The campsite we use presents the opportunity to experience traditional Bedouin living arrangements in a large communal style goat hair tent, which provides the best protection against typical desert extremes of hot and cold weather. The tent is laid out with rugs, mattresses, pillows and blankets and is where each tribe would commune to eat, sleep and socialise. A toilet and wash block with limited washing facilties is also available during your stay.
Day 6: Free Time On The Red Sea Coast In Aqaba With An Opportunity To Go Snorkelling
Location: Aqaba
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we drive to Aqaba and have a day to enjoy the Red Sea. The day is your own but your tour leader will be on hand to offer advice on any optional activities to maximise your time here. You can explore both above and below the waves, taking a boat trip or hiring snorkelling equipment.
Day 7: Cross Into Israel; Ascend Masada By Cable Car For Dramatic Views Over The Desert And The Dead Sea
Location: Masada National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we'll have an early start to make our way to the border, as we say goodbye to Jordan and our Jordanian leader before crossing into Israel and the Palestinian Territories where we will be met by our new local leader and driver.
Making our way north, we'll have a long drive of about three hours before arriving at the isolated hilltop fortress of Masada. Once the last stronghold of the Zealots, against the Romans during the First Revolt AD70, the tale of Masada is shrouded in mystery. Originally fortified by Herod the Great the fortress became renowned for withstanding a further two years of assault after the crushing of the Jewish resistance in Jerusalem by the Romans, before succumbing to the invasion. We'll take a cable car up to the citadel where there are stunning views of the surrounding desert, Mount Moab and the Dead Sea. We will have time to explore the ruins and take in the dramatic scenery before returning to the bus for a short drive to our accommodation in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.
The hotel in Ein Gedi had very humble beginnings, starting off as a few pools in the sand for women of the local kibbutz to visit for the healing qualities of the water gradually growing in popularity and size over time. Now the hotel sits within gardens with the Dead Sea flanking one side and Ein Gedi Nature Reserve on the other.
Day 8: Visit Qumran National Park Before Spending The Day Exploring The Ancient City Of Jerusalem
Location: Ein Gedi Reserve
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast this morning, we will drive into the West Bank to make our way to Qumran National Park, located a 30 minute away. Qumran National Park was once the home of the Essenes, a strict and devout Jewish sect who lived in the area until early in the 1st century AD. It is believed that the Essenes were the authors of the 2,000 year old manuscripts found among the hillside caves in 1947; the ancient Dead Sea scrolls. We'll spend some time here exploring the site and learning about the history as our guide takes us around.
After this morning's visit, we will drive for one hour leaving the West Bank to the viewpoint at the Mount of Olives, stopping to see the panoramic view over the old city of Jerusalem. Continuing on we'll leave the bus and begin a walking tour of the ancient city with our leader. Passing through Herod's Gate and making our way along the narrow winding streets overflowing with stalls and shops to the Via Dolorosa, traditionally believed to be the route taken by Christ on the day of his execution. We will follow the 'Stations of the Cross' to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the holiest site in Christendom and the reputed place of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jerusalem is unique in that it is a place held sacred by the three great monotheistic religions of the world and after having visited Christendom's most sacred site we'll continue exploring these ancient streets, including a visit to Mount Zion including the Last Supper rooms and King David's Tomb.
This evening will be free to relax and get some rest after a busy day. Jerusalem has so much choice when it comes to food including international options but if you still have a taste of Middle Eastern food then Jerusalem is arguably home to the tastiest hummus.
Day 9: Spend The Morning Exploring The Old City Of Jerusalem Before An Afternoon In Palestinian Bethlehem
Location: Bethlehem
Accommodation: Hotel
We'll have an early breakfast this morning before returning on foot to the Old City, where we'll continue in our in depth discovery with our leader. Along the way we will visit Temple Mount, the City of David and the Western Wall. Temple Mount, known as Haram esh-Sharif in Arabic, is a small hill inside the walls of the Old City and one of the most contested religious sites in the world. Continuing on, we'll also visit the historic City of David, the first city of Jerusalem and thought to be the place that Jesus healed a blind man. Another stop of utmost importance this morning is the Western Wall, sometimes referred to as the Wailing Wall, this spot is believed by Jews to be the last remnant of the second sacred Temple and, as such, considered the most revered of all sites for the Jews. Here you will see and hear many Jews praying at the wall, so atmospheric that at this spot, no matter your beliefs, it's a memorable experience.
After lunch we will drive to Bethlehem, about one hour's drive away. Along the way we will pass the Knesset - Israel's Parliament - and the Supreme Court. Shortly before arriving to Bethlehem we will cross the border back into Palestinian Territory and our leader will swap with a local Palestinian guide, who will lead us around the town that is an icon in religious history as the biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ. The Bus will park in the central bus station and we will continue on foot up a cobbled street to the Church of the Nativity before continuing by bus to the Shepherd Fields and the Milk Grotto.
Please note, Bethlehem can become very busy with tourist and pilgrims therefore we are unable to guarantee the time access inside each of the sites. Queueing times are unpredictable and areas have little shade so please be prepared for long waits if you wish to see inside the Church of Nativity and the Milk Grotto.
This evening will be free to continue exploring Jerusalem. You may wish to explore the more modern areas outside of the Old City and the main pedestrianised street - Jaffa Street.
Day 10: Visit Yad Vashem The Official Memorial To The Victims Of The Holocaust
Location: Jerusalem
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we will take the light rail with our leader and make our way to Yad Vashem, the world's official memorable centre for the victim of the holocaust. Yad Vashem is based outside of Jerusalem's centre and is a large state-of-the-art museum where you can learn the facts of the holocaust period in a linear format taking you through the years as this period evolved. There are also true life stories and a memorial for the 6,000,000 people those who were lost. The centre has been created to share historic information and ensure the victims are never forgotten. The architecture itself is a site to behold and the museum offers panoramic views over Jerusalem.
This afternoon we return the bustling city centre for another walking tour in the Old City. The Old City of Jerusalem is packed inside ancient walls and is home to numerous world-famous religious sites but it's also full of street-vendors, hole in the wall shops and some lesser known places of interest. For this reason, this afternoon's exact routing will be dependent on how much we have managed to pack in to our time in Jerusalem already and our leader's areas of expertise. There will be the option to have a free afternoon if preferred to rest, do some last minute shopping or perhaps return to some of the important sites for more time.
Day 11: Trip Ends In Jerusalem
Location: Jerusalem
The trip ends this morning after breakfast. All customers departing from Ben Gurion Airport today will receive a complimentary airport transfer.
What's Included
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Fully Guided
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 10 Dinner: 3
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
9 nights comfortable hotel 1 nights simple tented camp
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Accommodation
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Check out our Q&As
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.