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Escorted Tours

Jordan and Israel Discovery


Route:
  • UK
  • Galilee
  • Jerusalem
  • Amman
  • Petra
  • Wadi Rum
  • Dead Sea
  • UK
Tour Pace:

12 DAYS from £2199pp

Tour Highlights
  • Sail the Sea of Galilee taking in the Mount of Beatitudes and ruins of Capernaum
  • Explore Temple Mount, including the gleaming, golden Dome of the Rock
  • Visit the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth
  • Wander the archaeological ruins of Bet Shean
  • Marvel at the ancient rock-cut tombs of Petra and Little Petra
  • Tour Amman, visiting the Blue Mosque and the vast ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre
  • Jeep safari through the dramatic dunes of Wadi Rum with a desert camp stay
  • Relax on the Dead Sea coast

or call us on 0330 818 8907

Jordan and Israel Discovery

Home to a host of iconic sights such as Petra, Jerusalem and Nazareth the area is also blessed with stunning desert landscapes, the vibrant colours of the Dead Sea and picturesque Galilee.

Tour Itinerary

1
UK to Galilee

Depart London on your scheduled flight to Tel Aviv. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in picturesque Galilee.

  • Dinner
2
Galilee

The Sea of Galilee is home to some of Christianity and Judaism's most important sites; the area around this lake also offers rolling hills, valleys and quaint, small towns. Enjoy a day exploring the biblical sites of this region, set against this picturesque backdrop. Sail the Sea of Galilee as you cross these waters by boat to the ruins of the former fishing village of Capernaum, once home to the apostles Simon, Peter, Andrew, James and John. Continue onward to the secluded site of the feeding of the 5,000 before visiting the Mount of the Beatitudes, where Christ gave his Sermon on the Mount. Today, the site is a tranquil garden with a Byzantine church featuring stained glass depictions of the eight beatitudes and sweeping views over the lake and countryside. This afternoon a tour of a local kibbutz gives you a chance to witness this unique, communal style of living and learn more about the values of social equality and shared ownership that underpin these communities.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
3
Galilee to Jerusalem

Depart Galilee for Jerusalem, stopping en route in Nazareth where you can wander the cavernous interior of the Church of Annunciation, believed to be the home of the Virgin Mary. Continue north to the extensive archaeological ruins of Bet Shean, best known as the site where King Saul was killed by the Philistines. Explore the fascinating excavations peppered throughout the area, which include amphitheatres, bathing houses and pagan temples. Continue to Jerusalem, passing through the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley, dotted with palm-filled date farms.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
4
Jerusalem

Churches, mosques and synagogues lie side by side in Jerusalem, a site of spiritual significance for three of the world's major religions. On today's tour, follow a part of the path Jesus took to his crucifixion as you walk the Via Dolorosa, a winding street that leads to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. A visit to this church gives you access to two of Christianity's holiest sites - the hill of crucifixion and the tomb where Christ was buried and resurrected. Journey through Kidron Valley along the route of Jesus' flight to the Mount of Olives, as you make your way to the centuries-old religious monuments of Temple Mount, including the gleaming, golden Dome of the Rock - an Islamic shrine and important pilgrimage site. Continue onward and join the pilgrims fervently praying at the Wailing (or Western) Wall. In the afternoon visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum where you will gain insight into the experiences of the Jewish people during World War Two. The nine galleries of the museum display photographs, films, documents, letters, works of art, and personal items found in the camps and ghettos of Nazi Germany.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
5
Jerusalem to Amman

Drive to the Allenby Bridge where you will cross from Israel into Jordan.

  • Breakfast
6
Amman

A morning tour of Amman's historic downtown area takes in the cultural artefacts of the Archaeological and Folklore Museums, the hilltop ruins of the Citadel, the mosaic dome of the Blue Mosque and the vast ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre. Continue to the ancient city of Jerash which teems with well-preserved Roman ruins. Witness its longstanding theatres, soaring hilltop temples, and spacious public squares and plazas before returning to your hotel in Amman.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
7
Amman to Petra

Set out for the city of Madaba, famous for its 6th century map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land as well as its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. Travel onward to Mount Nebo, renowned as the biblical city where Moses was granted a view of the 'Promised Land' that he would never enter. From here, journey south to explore Al Karak's imposing 12th-century crusader's castle before continuing to Petra for your overnight stay.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
8
Petra

Today's exploration of the awe-inspiring city of Petra starts with a dramatic entry through a long, narrow gorge flanked by soaring cliffs. Pass dazzling rock formations before the final turn opens to a view of the iconic 2,000-year-old facade of the treasury. Believed to be a royal tomb, the impressive rock-hewn site may be recognised from the film 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'. Continuing deeper into the ancient city, you'll have a full day to explore its elaborate, rock-cut tombs, temples, sacrificial altars and Roman-style theatres.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
9
Petra to Wadi Rum

After breakfast, visit Al Beidha, known as 'Little Petra' for the similarity of its rock-cut tombs and structures. Witness centuries-old dining halls, washrooms, fountains and rooms which are skilfully hewn into the stone. Next, travel further south to the undulating desert dunes of Wadi Rum where you'll embark on a scenic jeep safari. Described by T.E Lawrence as 'vast, Home to a host of iconic sights such as Petra, Jerusalem and Nazareth the area is also blessed with stunning desert landscapes, the vibrant colours of the Dead Sea and picturesque Galilee echoing and god-like', the locals refer to the untamed sea of red sand as the 'Valley of the Moon'. Soak in the breath-taking crimson mountains, canyons and dunes and overnight in a desert camp.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
10
Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea

Transfer from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea. A day at leisure provides the perfect opportunity for relaxation or a trip to the shores of Dead Sea where you can float on its salty waters and cover yourself in its rejuvenating, black mud.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
11
Dead Sea

Take another day to relax on the Dead Sea or explore this area of incredible colour and beauty.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
12
Dead Sea to the UK

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

  • Breakfast

Important Information

Visas

Israel
A visa is not required for entry into Israel as a tourist. On entry, visitors are granted leave to enter for a period of up to 3 months. Visitors entering via Ben Gurion airport are given an entry card instead of an entry stamp in their passport. While this practice is in place at other ports of entry, there have been instances where passports have been stamped for entry purposes. You should keep your entry card with your passport until you leave. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Israel. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destination's tourist board or embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.

Jordan:
A visa is required for your trip to Jordan. For UK Nationals, the Jordanian Government has waived visa fees for travellers staying a minimum of two consecutive nights. Our representative in Jordan will apply for this visa on your behalf, therefore, please ensure that you have sent a copy of your passport page to our team at least 60 days prior to departure. Failure to receive this in the given time will mean that we are unable to apply for a visa on your behalf, and you will need to obtain your own visa. You can get a single-entry visa valid for 1 month on arrival at the airports or the Sheikh Hussein/North Border crossing at the Jordan/Israel border. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.

IMPORTANT: Entry requirements to be completed before travel
All non-Jordanian travellers should complete the Travel To Jordan Declaration Form on the Gateway2Jordan platform, www.gateway2jordan.gov.jo and follow all guidance provided by the Government of Jordan. Upon completion of the form you will be given a QR code which you must take with you and show at check-in.
The Gateway2Jordan form requires all travellers to submit a medical cover declaration. See the FCDO's guidance on foreign travel insurance www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance. Travel insurance must cover medical costs, emergencies and COVID-19 treatment. All passengers should check requirements with their airlines as visitors may be asked for evidence of insurance upon check-in.

Previous travel to Israel
Evidence of a previous visit to Israel like an Israeli entry/exit stamp in your passport does not normally cause any difficulties when entering Jordan. It is, however, for the Jordanian authorities to determine the right of entry into the country. If you have any concerns, you should contact the Consulate of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in London.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Currency Information

The currency in Israel is the Israel Shekel. Currencies such as Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and other major currencies can be exchanged in Israel. ATMs and exchange facilities are available. We advise that you request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases.
The currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar, known as JOD, but US Dollars are also widely accepted in the major cities. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in the local currency.

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKPrice
2024 Dates
15 Apr 202426 Apr 2024SOLD OUT
06 May 202417 May 2024SOLD OUT
03 Jun 202414 Jun 2024£2599.00
23 Sep 202404 Oct 2024£2699.00
04 Nov 202415 Nov 2024£2499.00
02 Dec 202413 Dec 2024£2199.00

Included in the Price

  • Local English-speaking Guides
  • Scheduled Flights from the UK.
  • All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
  • Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
  • All airport taxes and security charges.

Additional Expenses

  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Any meals not specified in your itinerary
Please note there is a departure tax to be paid when crossing from Israel to Jordan. This must be paid locally and is approximately £45pp but will be charged in the local currency.

What to expect

Fact File
Currency

Jordanian Dinar

Average Flying time

5 hours

Min/Max temperature

10 °C / 35 °C

Spoken languages

Arabic

When to go

Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Tel Aviv

Jerusalem

Amman

Petra

What to pack
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun hat
  • Waterproof lightweight jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Lightweight clothing
  • Swimwear
  • Camera
  • Towel
  • Long-sleeved tops & long trousers/skirts for visiting religious sites
  • Binoculars
  • Personal first aid kit
Tour Map
Jordan and Israel Discovery Route Map
Tour Dossiers
Extensions
  • Jordan
    Aqaba Beach Stay

    4 nights from £599pp

    View
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Hotels & Accommodation

Extensions

Aqaba Beach Stay
Tour Route
  • UK
  • Galilee
  • Jerusalem
  • Amman
  • Petra
  • Wadi Rum
  • Dead Sea
  • Aqaba
  • Amman
  • UK

Relax for 4-nights at the Red Sea resort of Aqaba, on Jordan's southern coastline. A popular beach resort this town has a relaxed atmosphere and is famed for its diving opportunities.

4 nights
from £599pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension