Jordan and Israel Discovery with Dead Sea Beach Stay

11 Day Escorted Tour With 3 Day Extension

Jordan, Middle East
23 Meals Included
7 Excursions
Intermediate Pace

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.

Extend your stay in Jordan with a beach break and relax in the beautifully serene surroundings, flanked by mountains to the east and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west. Situated over 400 metres below sea level in a remarkable landscape, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. The land-locked waters of the Dead Sea evaporate to leave a dense, rich cocktail of salts and minerals, supplying industry, agriculture and medicine with some of its finest products.

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
  • Enjoy and explore a range of glorious vistas and ocean scenery on this beautiful extension

Map Key

Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Number of nights

Itinerary

Day 1
UK to Galilee

Dinner

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

Day 2
Galilee

Breakfast & Dinner

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.

Day 3
Galilee to Jerusalem

Breakfast & Dinner

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.

Day 4
Jerusalem

Breakfast & Dinner

We start the day with a panoramic view from 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. 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. 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 photograph, films, documents, letters, works of art, and personal items found in the camps and ghettos of Nazi Germany.

Day 5
Jerusalem to Amman

Breakfast

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

Day 6
Amman

Breakfast & Dinner

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.

Day 7
Amman to Petra

Breakfast & Dinner

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.

Day 8
Petra

Breakfast & Dinner

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.

Day 9
Petra to Wadi Rum

Breakfast & Dinner

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.

Day 10
Wadi Rum to Dead Sea

Breakfast & Dinner

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.

Day 11
Dead Sea

Breakfast & Dinner

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

Day 12
Dead Sea

Breakfast

Continue your stay by the Dead Sea at leisure.

Day 13
Dead Sea

Breakfast

Relax and unwind at your own pace at your chosen hotel.

Day 14
Dead Sea to UK

Breakfast

Following breakfast transfer back to Amman for your return flight to the UK.

View Full Itinerary

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 10 days before you travel
Prima Galil Hotel
2 nights
Tiberias, Israel
More details
Ibis Jerusalem City Centre
2 nights
Jerusalem, Israel
More details
View More

Important Information

The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.

If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

To enter Israel, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least one blank page.

Isreal visa requirements

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 Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport are given an entry card instead of an entry stamp in their passport. You should keep your entry card with your passport until you leave. 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.

From 1 January 2025, to visit Israel you will need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you arrive. The ETA covers a visit of 90 days and will cost 25 new Israeli sheqels (subject to change). You can check your eligibility and apply for an ETA with the Israel Population and Immigration authority.

Jordan visa requirements

To enter Jordan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least one blank page.

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 uploaded your passport information to 'My Booking' on the Mercury Holidays website 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. 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.

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.

IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details, including terminal, airline and baggage allowance, will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.

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.

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.

All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace of Jordan and Israel Discovery is rated “Intermediate”. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, and may be getting on and off coaches, trains and boats and climbing steps which may be irregular. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.

The currency in Israel is the Israel Shekel (ILS/NIS). The local currency, USD ($) or Euro (€) are accepted. 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. Credit cards are widely accepted but debit cards are not.

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.

As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £350 - £450 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.

Tipping

In Israel tipping is at your discretion however it is customary. For the guide we suggest approximately $8-$10 per person per day and for the driver we suggest approximately $4-$5 per person per day. For porters we suggest $1 per person and for waiters it is generally 10% - 12% of the bill.

In Jordan tipping is at your discretion however it is also customary. For the airport representative we suggest approximately JOD 1 per person, for the local guide we suggest approximately JOD 2 per person per day and for the driver we suggest approximately JOD 2 per person per day. For porters we suggest JOD 1 per person and for waiters it is generally JOD 1 per person.

Tips are accepted in the local currency or USD ($), however it is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency that you only pay with notes, as coins cannot be exchanged.

Local Tax

There is a departure tax to be paid when crossing from Israel to Jordan. This must be paid locally in local currency and is approximately £45.

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 15, and the maximum will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 15 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

In Israel you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your time there. On Day 5 when you cross the border, your Israeli guide will take you to the border and then you will be met by a representative on the Jordanian side. In Jordan you will have a guide during the days you have activities, when you have days at leisure the guide will not accompany you.

For Private Tours or groups of 6 and lower, you will be accompanied by a qualified Driver/Guide.

Your stay in Tel Aviv is not escorted by a tour guide. You will have a driver for your airport transfers.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Jordan. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where possible. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.

Desert Camp

During this tour you will have a night’s stay at the Wadi Rum Magic Camp. Your stay will be in a comfortable tent with en suite facilities, whilst this is a unique experience facilities in the desert are necessarily of a lower standard than those in hotels through the tour. Enjoy traditional Bedouin food, cooked authentically each night.

Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.

Vegetarian and Vegan options available, please request prior to departure. Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.

It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels.

Ramadan is the most important month in the Muslim Calendar, and it is a time for people to be with their loved ones, self-reflect and renew their faith. During this time Muslims fast from dawn until dusk and abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum. If you are a tourist visiting Israel, you will not be expected to fast. While eating, drinking and smoking is strictly prohibited in public places, hotels/cruises will offer meals and non-alcoholic drinks at many of their restaurants and bars. If you wish to consume alcohol during your trip, only 5* hotels serve alcoholic beverages. Your guide during your tour will be on hand to give you any additional information that you require.

Modest clothes are required while in Israel, this means covering of knees and no sleeveless shirts. A head covering is also required for visiting holy sites.

On your arrival in Tel Aviv you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Isram Israel, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Isram Israel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. On arrival in Jordan, a Travco Representative will meet you at passport control and show you to your transfer vehicle.

If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:

Isram Israel: Telephone: 00972 3 694 7777 Email: Kelly@isram.co.il

Emergency contact information: Please find below the emergency contact details for Isram Israel 24-hour phone number: 00972 52 588 8760

Travco Jordan: Telephone: 00962 6 5666866 Email: Shatha.barqawi@travco.com or to3.jordan@travco.com

Emergency contact information: Please find below the emergency contact details for Travco Jordan Zaid Al-Kurdi: 00962 77 8464013 E-mail: Zaid.alkurdi@travco.com