Land of the Gods

Welcome to the modern, cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, which kickstarts your journey through Israel and Jordan. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to rest before your unforgettable encounter with many of the world’s holiest sites and in-depth insights into the history and culture of Israel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow pilgrims for a Welcome drink with canapes.

Today's sightseeing will whisk you back in time to the Old Testament and the old port of Jaffa, where Jonah set sail before he was swallowed by a whale. Meet Doris Hiffawi as a Be My Guest experience and enjoy coffee and sweets as Doris invites us to her home in the Ajami neighbourhood of Jaffa. Afterwards, you’ll continue to Caesarea, an ancient port built by Herod the Great in the 1st century BC. Admire what remains of Herod's grandiose building works, reminding yourself that these very ancient stones were stacked to create a city worthy of Caesar more than two thousand years ago. You’ll travel to UNESCO-listed Megiddo, where it is said in the Book of Revelation that the Battle of Armageddon will take place. While this may be the site of the Final Battle, you’ll learn how the place you’re standing has seen many more battles throughout the ages. Your final stop today is Muhraqa on Mount Carmel where you’ll learn how this 17th-century monastery marks the place where the prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. This evening dine at your Stay with Stories Kibbutz and delve into the history of the voluntary lifestyle which dated back to the beginning of the 20th century.

Sail on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus walked on water, then see the ancient Jesus Boat imagining that the ancient vessel or one like it would have carried Jesus and his disciples across Galilee’s waters. Continue to Capernaum, one of Israel’s most sacred Christian pilgrimage sites, to visit the 2nd-century synagogue feeling the significance of this holy place where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Bread of Life. Continue to Tabgha to see the site where Jesus proved that all things are possible with God and famously fed the five thousand with only five loaves of bread and two fish. Then, visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th-century mosaic floor, showing the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. Proceed to the Mount of Beatitudes for deep moments of contemplation, where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Travel to Cana, the place where Jesus manifested his glory and turned water into wine at a wedding feast. Return to your hotel later on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, stopping en route at Yardenit, the Baptismal site. You’ll want to revisit all those incredible memories you’ve made today with your fellow pilgrims over dinner at your hotel.

You’ll head to Nazareth and the Church of the Annunciation, whose cupola overlooks the cave in which Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary to share the blessing that she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God. This is one of the holiest sites you’ll visit during your pilgrimage through Israel and you’ll quietly contemplate Mary’s consent to ‘let it be done’. View Gideon's Spring and learn how Gideon tested his army so he could decide who would join him in battle against the Midianites. Then marvel at Beit She'an, one of the world's best-preserved Roman cities with the Roman theatre, cardo and baths still visible for visitors to explore to this day. Drive to Jerusalem later, perhaps seeking out one of the rooftop bars for a nightcap with new friends and to view the glittering skyline, or get an early night’s rest as tomorrow you’ll dive into history on the ancient streets of Bethlehem.

This morning’s sightseeing tour of Jerusalem's Old Town on foot will leave an unforgettable impression on you as you follow in the footsteps of the prophets, disciples and kings. Ascend the Mount of Olives, then stroll through the Garden of Gethsemane, spending some time in quiet contemplation of the agony of Jesus on the night of his arrest before his crucifixion. Our guide leads us into the Jewish Quarter, where we view the Western Wall where religious Jews cede their prayer notes to the wall’s many crevices that have been the backdrop to important events throughout the centuries. You’ll view the Dome of the Rock located on Temple Mount, learning how the importance of this sacred place for both Muslims and Jews. Connect with the city's ancient spiritual past yourself and walk the Station of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, with every step taking the winding path that Jesus was forced to by Roman soldiers on the way to his crucifixion.

Today's trip to the Church of the Visitation at Ein Karem reminds us of the visit paid by the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Here you’ll see the 42 ceramic tablets bearing the verses of the Magnificat in as many different languages. Next, you'll proceed to the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the second Temple period, learning what the city would have looked like at the height of its heyday and the eve of the great revolt of the Jews against the Romans. Arriving later in Bethlehem, you’ll feel moved by being in the birthplace of Jesus and King David. Here you’ll meet a Local Specialist for a visit to the Church of the Nativity, built over the cave thought to be the spot where Jesus was born. ​

This morning we travel across the Judean wilderness like John the Baptist once did to preach the Word of God. Arriving in Jericho later, you can almost imagine the roar of trumpets and triumphant shouts that led Joshua's army to victory by the grace of God. See the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, then continue to the striking clifftop fortress of Masada. Ride by cable car to the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before plunging to their deaths. Explore the excavations of Herod's Palace with some free time later today to float in the Dead Sea, unlike any other swimming experience you’ve ever had. You’ll absorb its healing energy as you enjoy first-hand the effortless feeling of floating and bobbing in its warm waters.

After breakfast, the excitement builds as you transfer to Allenby Bridge where you'll cross the border to Jordan and meet your Jordanian Travel Director who will accompany you for the rest of the spiritual journey. You’ll enjoy a visit to the Bethany Beyond Jordan Lutheran Church, the site of Jesus' baptism before continuing to the white stone city of Amman. Dive headfirst into this effervescent Middle Eastern city’s exciting nightlife, perhaps taking a stroll along Rainbow Street and gathering new friends to share in a delicious meal of Mansaf and Falafel you’ll be dreaming about for years to come.

Our next stop is the Iraq al-Amir Women's Association for an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where we’ll learn first-hand how the cooperative’s resident women make soap from olive oil and craft greeting cards and notebooks from recycled paper. Try your hand at making your own before enjoying a meal prepared by the women. You’ll know that through your visit you are helping these brave women preserve their local handicraft traditions and support their families. We continue to the ancient city of Jerash, a jewel in the ancient Roman empire, before returning to the seven hills of Amman. This evening, we Connect With Locals and enjoy a traditional Be My Guest experience with a Jordanian family in their home. This is a true local encounter with Jordanian hospitality and flavours that will not only your stomach, but also your heart.

Today's trip takes us along the King's Highway, and you’ll be thrilled that you’re following the very same route that Moses hoped to follow as he led his people north. You’ll imagine that difficult journey watching the desolate landscape unfold before you as you head towards your next stop, the ancient trading city of Petra. But first, we'll visit Mount Nebo, the place where Moses is buried, to see the Madaba Mosaic Map that covers the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, ascending to the Crusader Shobak Castle later. Arriving in Petra, you'll join a Bedouin tribe for an incredible traditional dinner in their camp, under the clear night sky. You’ll gain a deep understanding of their nomadic way of life, enjoying an evening filled with folk songs, tea and delicious local flavours.​

​The rose-red façades of Petra beckon today as we Dive Into Culture and enjoy a full day to explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Carved into the sheer rock face over 2,000 years ago by Nabataeans, Petra was an important link in the Silk Road trade route. Enter the city through the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked on either side by cliffs soaring 130 feet (40 m). Emerge from the path and see the magnificent 40-metre façade of the Treasury. Leaving this ancient wonder behind, you'll trek through the timeless landscapes of the Wadi Rum desert, once described by T.E. Lawrence as 'vast, echoing and god-like.' Check into your luxury accommodation in Bedouin tents and soak up the endless desert landscapes. Watch a breath-taking sunset lighting up the surrounding sandstone mountains in brilliant golden hues, then gaze up as the day turns to night and the star-studded sky takes centre stage for the rest of the evening.​

This morning, you may wish to embark on an adventure-filled jeep tour through the desert, then return to Amman for your final night in Jordan, enjoying a Farewell Dinner with your travel companions. As the sun sets on this magical city, listen to the mystical call of the muezzin and reminisce over an enchanting spiritual journey that has brought the incredible history and religious significance of this region to life.

Your spiritual journey through two holy lands comes to an end this morning.