Essential Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories

Welcome to the Middle East! Touch down in Jordan's capital city, Amman. Meet up with your leader and fellow travellers at an important welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, but until then, you’re free to hit the streets. Why not make a beeline for Rainbow Street for a falafel and a shisha – it’s what the locals do. Something more substantial? Maybe head to the Old Town’s Roman Amphitheatre, have a cultured afternoon at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, snap some pics of the city from the hilltop Temple of Hercules, or sweat it out in a Turkish bath house. After your welcome meeting, why not get a group together and head out for the night – your leader will know of some spots to go.

This morning, take a tour with your leader around Amman, beginning at the hilltop Citadel, then following the edge of the walls down into town past the Roman Theatre, the Nymphaeum ruins and the Al Husseiny Mosque. Be sure to stop in at some nut shops or a souq for some snacks along the way. After lunch, drive 4 hours to Wadi Rum. Once arrived, you'll meet your Bedouin hosts, who'll show you around camp and offer you many rounds of ‘Bedouin whisky’ (mint tea), so settle in for a night of traditional hospitality. This evening you'll be dining on traditional Bedouin cuisine, sleeping in Bedouin-style tents and gazing up at some traditional Bedouin skies. Did we mention Bedouin?

You won’t want to miss this – Wadi Rum rarely looks as fine as she does early morning. Wake up early to take in a magical sunrise, and once you're breakfast-ed, it’s time to head on safari. Jump in one of the jeeps and begin driving around the curious landscapes, passing by Lawrence Spring – a rocky landscape contrasted by a freshwater spring, with panoramic views over the valley. You’ll also stop at Lawrence House, supposedly the house where Lawrence of Arabia lived and stored his equipment. Continue on to one of the largest sand dunes in Wadi Rum and check out some of the famous rock bridges. The deserts around Wadi Rum have got a real otherworldly feel to them, and many Hollywood blockbusters have been shot in and around where you’ll tour today. Later in the afternoon, return to your camp and enjoy a second night of Bedouin hospitality.

Today, farewell your Bedouin mates and journey on to Petra (about a 2-hour drive). You’ll have two full days exploring Petra and its surrounds, so be sure to take your time in seeing the spectacular archaeological site. Once you’ve arrived, take a guided tour of the site, where you’ll learn about its thousands of years of history, and the many films that have used this as a backdrop. You'll get to follow in Indiana Jones’s footsteps on a guided tour that'll take you through the site's narrow siq (a narrow crack in the mountain) to Petra's tombs, temples and rock-hewn amphitheatre. For those wanting to admire the 'rose-red city' from a different angle, there's also the option of continuing up a cliff-top path past the Monastery for elevated views over the site. After a long day of exploration, you’ll probably be feeling quite weary, so the cave bar is a good place to relieve your parched throat and put your feet up for a while.

You’ve got another day to explore the majestic Petra, and the best thing is you’re free to do as you please. Perhaps walk the road to Al Khanzneh (the Treasury) – one of the most stunning temples of the whole site. Or, if you didn’t make it yesterday, head up the stairs to El Dier (the Monastery). Other great options today are to hike to the royal tombs or visit the incredible Byzantine mosaics. Your leader will know all the good things to do, so ask them for help with arranging these.

This morning after breakfast, head away from Petra and drive down the King’s Highway towards Madaba. You’ll stop to check out the famous Dead Sea and have the chance to swim in its salty waters. If you’re feeling a bit sore and weary after your Petra expedition, do not fear, as the Dead Sea’s mud has known healing properties and will be sure to bring back your youthful good looks. Afterwards, swing past Mt Nebo where you will have the opportunity to view the Promised Land, just like Moses did. Arrive in Madaba – the city of mosaics – and take a leader-led walking tour to get your bearings of the city. Included this afternoon is a visit to St Georges Church where you’ll see the intricate mosaic map, containing the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem. Later on, perhaps head out with the gang for dinner – there are some awesome places to eat in this city; your leader knows where to go.

Shalom! Welcome to Jerusalem. Your adventure begins with this afternoon’s important welcome meeting at 4.30 pm. If you arrive early, you could grab a coffee or a cold one from the many bars, cafes and restaurants near your hostel.

Once you've made your introductions, head out on an orientation walk with the group. You'll stop at Machane Yehuda Market, where you can sample tasty local cuisine using a Bite Card – your ticket to tasting the likes of sabich (pita stuffed with fried aubergine and boiled egg) and authentic kubbeh soup (veggie broth topped with meat-filled dumplings). Your leader will leave you here to spend the evening as you wish – we recommend checking out the laneway bars with your new-found friends as the market comes to life, or wandering nearby streets to check out the shop-shutter graffiti only visible at night.

This morning you’ll take in some of Jerusalem’s cultural wonders on a walking tour of the Old City. Follow the stations of the cross along the Via Dolorosa, which represents the route Jesus took before his crucifixion; witness locals and pilgrims rocking in prayer at the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site; and get fabulous views of the golden Dome of the Rock – and the city's countless other spires and towers – from the rooftop terrace at the Austrian Hospice, a historic Catholic guesthouse.

The rest of the afternoon is free to explore. You could try a flight of boutique Israeli brews at the Beer Bazaar, hunt down the perfect hummus in the Old City (ask your leader for tips) or grab some snacks and find the perfect picnic spot at Sacher Park – saving time to wander the winding paths of the nearby Wohl Rose Garden.

Rise and shine nice and early (approximately 3am) to drive out to the spectacular cliff-top desert fortress of Masada, near the Dead Sea. Kick off the day with a morning hike up the Masada Snake Path, which meanders up approximately 400 metres from the lowest point on earth (the Dead Sea) to the peak. This World Heritage site is important to the Jewish people; it’s seen as a symbol of their exile from the Holy Land as well as bravery and self-sacrifice.

Catch the cable car back down and drive to the Dead Sea for a float in the oh-so-salty waters. Apparently, Cleopatra used products from the area as part of her beauty regime, which is also said to have included almond extract and goat's milk. After soaking in the briny sea, transfer back to your hostel in Jerusalem for a free evening.

This morning, check out of your hostel and head to the Mount of Olives for panoramic views of the Old City. From there, you’ll drive to Bethlehem. Visit the Church of the Nativity, built on the spot where Jesus is said to have been born, and head to the Shepherd’s Fields, where angels allegedly appeared to bring the good news.

You’ll also have time to explore the street art that emblazons much of the contentious West Bank Barrier – including pieces by famed British artist Banksy – and learn the personal stories and political implications behind some of the more prominent pieces. Afterwards, continue to Tel Aviv via the ancient port city of Jaffa. This afternoon, enjoy some free time in this relaxed city. An optional sunset bike ride (approximately 2 hours) is a great way to get your bearings. Tonight, why not get the gang together and hit the town? Tel Aviv is known for its happening nightlife.

There aren’t any activities planned for today, so you’re free to leave the hostel at any time. That doesn’t mean your Middle Eastern adventure has to come to an end! If you’re looking at spending more time in Tel Aviv, we don’t blame you. Let us know in advance and we’ll happily organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).