Jordan to Jerusalem: The Classic Near East

Visit Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Middle East, where you can see where the gladiators once fought and walk down streets that once thronged with toga-clad citizens and merchants. Then, after a Lebanese-style lunch, take the Desert Highway to Petra.

A full day to discover the rock-hewn ruins of ancient Petra, Jordan’s foremost tourist attraction. Once the capital of the Nabataean Arabs, who controlled the lucrative trade routes between Arabia and the Mediterranean coast, Petra or ‘Rekem’ as the Nabataeans called it, was ‘lost’ to the outside world for a thousand years until its rediscovery in 1812. The site is approached through a hairline crack in the mountain known as the Siq, emerging into the ancient city, where you are greeted by the breathtaking sight of the vestiges of long-forgotten kings and once a fabulously wealthy empire – a spectacle that is unequalled in the Middle East. This evening, see Petra by candlelight.

Drive to Wadi Rum, where you will explore the spectacular red desert by jeep, then head north along the Desert Highway to the Dead Sea, which at 430m below sea level, is the lowest point on dry land on Earth.

At leisure by the Dead Sea. Here you may experience the unique sensation of floating cork-like in its waters, indulge in spa treatments, and benefit from the region’s special dry climate with its weakened ultraviolet radiation and high oxygen content.

Drive to the Allenby Bridge and cross to the West Bank with VIP assistance. Then, drive through the barren hills of the Judean desert to Bethlehem via the spectacularly located monastery of Mar Saba. See the Shepherds’ Fields (Beit Sahur), where the angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus. After a Palestinian lunch, visit the Church of the Nativity where you will see the grotto where Christ is said to have been born, and wander through Bethlehem’s Old Quarter. View the street art on the Security Fence, including work by the British street artist Banksy, before driving to Jerusalem.

Today, there will be a full-day guided tour of the Old City of Jerusalem. Held sacred by three major religions, the Eternal City of Jerusalem is one of the holiest, most complex and fascinating cities in the world – a place that literally effervesces with faith, passion and history. Sightseeing will include the Mt of Olives, the Western (Wailing) Wall, Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and more…

Today will be at leisure to explore Jerusalem on an independent basis. Your hotel is within easy walking distance from the Old City’s Jaffa Gate.

A private transfer will bring you to Tel Aviv International Airport. VIP assistance on departure through to the gate.