Prophets and Petra
11 days - from $2490
• Visit the classic sights of Jerusalem & Jerash
• Travel by camel & 4WD safari into the Negev desert
• Experience the rock-cut city of Petra
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Journey through the Holy Land
We start our explorations with a visit to the Decapolis city of Jerash, with its theatre and cart-rutted Cardo Maximus. Crossing the border to Tiberias, biblical names appear around every corner. On our way south to Bethlehem, we'll visit Galilee, Capernaum and Nazareth. In Jerusalem we walk through the Old City, along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Wailing Wall, bringing to life what are for many names learned in childhood.
Into the Desert
We descend via Qumran, where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found, to the Dead Sea itself and enjoy a float in its saline waters. We then ascend by cable car to the hilltop fortress at Masada before heading south into the heart of the Negev Desert where we travel by camel and 4WD truck. Exploring off-road, we visit this remarkable land and meet Bedouin tribesmen to experience traditional desert life. Crossing the boarder at Aqaba, we journey to Jordan's Wadi Rum where we camp in the heart of the desert.
Petra
Petra is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the Middle East and where we take our time exploring this remarkable 'forgotten city', lost to the world until rediscovered in 1812 and see the famous Treasury and other evocative tombs including the incredible Monastery.
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Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Amman. 2 Sightseeing Jerash. 3 Cross Jordan River; visit to Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves, Church of the Primacy of St Peter, Mt of the Beatitudes; Galilee boat trip from Capernaum. 4 Drive Jerusalem via Nazareth and Bethlehem; swim in Dead Sea. 5 Walking tour of Jerusalem. 6 Ascend by cable-car to top of Masada; drive to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve; continue to Negev camp. 7 Camel ride and 4WD truck safari in Negev. 8 Drive Aqaba and cross into Jordan; PM walk in Wadi Rum. 9 4WD from Wadi Rum to Petra; visit Petra with local guide. 10 Free day in Petra; optional visit El Beidha and Little Petra. 11 Drive Amman Airport; tour ends.
Accommodation: 6nts hotel, 3nts camping, 1nt Kibbutz guesthouse; 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/4WD truck/Camel/On foot/Boat.
Comment: A comprehensive journey through the highlights of the Middle East. Walks are graded B. The trails of the desert and paths around Petra, the paths are generally well defined but you should expect much of the walking to be across rocky terrain. Camping in Israel is in comfortable, fixed, Bedouin-style tents, with shower and toilet facilities nearby; camping in Wadi Rum is more basic, with fewer facilities. Bring lightweight trail boots/walking shoes. Whilst visiting many Biblical sites, please note this is not a pilgrimage tour.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus local guides and drivers; camp staff in the Negev and Wadi Rum.
Trip Reference: MH
