Jordan, Israel & Palestine Discovery

• Two nights in four/five-star hotels, five nights in three-star hotels, two nights in comfortable hotels, one night in a private desert camp
• Travel by air-conditioned bus and 4×4
• Group normally 5 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16

All breakfasts are included and two dinners at the Wadi Rum camp and the Dead Sea resort in Jordan. While staying in hotels, we usually eat in local restaurants and the leader can arrange group bookings if people want to dine together. Meze (Arabic) or salatim (Hebrew) meals are very popular as they provide a range of small shared dishes to try along with a main of barbecued chicken/meats or a vegetarian dish. These allow fast service with a variety of tasty food for the group. In Jordan, meals usually cost around 10-15 Jordanian dinars (US$14-US$21). Palestine and Israel can be more expensive so it is advisable to allow around 60-80 shekels per person (US$17-US$23). If you are vegetarian, main meals are limited in choice; however, meze is almost always available in restaurants and is a good, filling choice. While camping in Wadi Rum, we enjoy a wonderful traditional meal called zarb, which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables will be cooked separate to the meat for vegetarians. Alcohol is available in Jordan, but not widely. Many hotels do not sell alcohol but will often allow it to be brought in from elsewhere. It is best to plan ahead if you’ll want a drink, your tour leader can tell you what’s possible and may be able to arrange a stop at a supermarket or liquor store (depending on location). In Petra, the unique Cave Bar in Petra Guesthouse is open to the public. A less expensive option is the bar in the Petra Palace Hotel, which is also open to all.

Spring and autumn are very popular times of year to visit Jordan, Palestine and Israel. Summer is very hot, especially July and August, so we don’t have departures in these months. In spring and autumn, average temperatures can be around 25C-30C (77F-86F). In winter, it is generally crisp and warm in the day, approximately 10C-15C (50F-59F).

On average, Wadi Rum in summer is around 30C (86F) though it can get as high as 40C (104F). In winter, it is much cooler and can get as low as 10C (50F) during the day. In the evening, it is around freezing point. There are occasions when there is rain or even snow in the desert. If weather conditions require, we may need to modify the itinerary or the camp location for your comfort and safety. The Dead Sea air temperatures vary from around 14C (57F) in winter up to high 30s (around 100F) in summer. The water temperature, however, doesn’t drop below 20C (68F).

Rainfall does occur in all countries during winter so it is advisable to take an umbrella at these times. There are even occasions when it snows in Jordan during winter. As with many countries in the world, seasons can go on longer than usual so it is advisable to always check the weather of the country you are travelling to a week or two before your trip so you can pack appropriately.

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate).

Although this is a cultural trip, some days (such as those in Petra) can be long and tiring. There is a lot of ground to cover on this day; however, climbing up stairs to view the royal tombs and the hike up to the Monastery (850 steps) are optional. Your leader can provide further advice on how to get the most of your trip to this magnificent site. There is extensive walking during our days in Israel to see as many of the sites as possible during our guided tours. You also have a free day in Jerusalem to plan your own exploration of this incredible city.

Although the Wadi Rum campsite has plumbed toilets and showers, it is basic and hot water may be limited. Our private Exodus camp is, however, often mentioned as a highlight of the trip for many of our guests.

This trip crosses from Jordan into the West Bank at the Allenby Bridge and there is a change of leader at this point. This crossing is often busy (it is the only point through which West Bank Palestinians can travel abroad). The leader and driver for the Israel and Palestine portion of the trip have to wait for the whole group to clear Israeli security checks before they are allowed to drive to the exit hall, this can mean there is a wait at the exit hall before the leader and driver arrive.

Our leaders for the Israel and Palestine portion of this trip usually live in Jerusalem. This means they will not be with us in the evenings but can give advice on places for dinner.

From just before sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday, Shabbat is observed by religious Jews. Restaurants and shops are closed in many Israeli cities; however, this is to a much lesser extent in Tel Aviv with many cafes and bars remaining open. Tel Aviv beaches are busiest on Saturdays. When our time in Israel coincides with Shabbat, we plan the itinerary to consider what is and is not open on this day.

In very rare instances where local conditions require, we may need to amend the order of the itinerary. However, we ensure that all the elements of the itinerary are still included and site visits are of the same duration.

Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 10 March-10 April 2024 and 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.