Introduction to Israel & Jordan

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Eilat, Petra, Tel Aviv

This 8-day introductory tour features in-depth touring in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and a few days in Eilat, a southern resort town on the Red Sea. Eilat is the perfect base for exploring the Negev Desert and the magnificent archeological site of Petra in Jordan.

Begin in Jerusalem, one of the world’s most historically important cities. A city of countless monuments of enormous significance to Jews, Christians and Muslims—the entire Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it is also a place of great beauty, with a balmy, Mediterranean climate and year-round sunny skies warming the golden hue of its limestone buildings. Today Jerusalem is a fascinating mélange of cultures, created by the traditions culled from the diverse backgrounds and religions of its varied citizenry. Your expert private guide will bring Jerusalem and its multi-layered history alive through comprehensive touring of the city. In addition to touring well-known attractions and areas such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Via Dolorosa, the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and Israel Museum, and the Mount of Olives, also visit fascinating but lesser-known neighborhoods, museums, and markets. Walk along the ramparts of the Old City. Learn about the city’s varied architectural styles, including Roman, Byzantine, Romanesque, Islamic, and Art Deco. Browse art galleries, specialty shops, food markets and souks as your guide helps you experience the very best the city has to offer. One day, opt for an excursion to Bethlehem or spend an afternoon wine tasting in the Judean Hills.

Next, travel to southern Israel. Along the way, spend the afternoon at one of our favorite spots along the Dead Sea—beautiful and away from the crowds. While there, relax in the salt and mineral-laden water, famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities. Also opt to visit the fortress at Masada or explore the natural rock formations at Timna Valley.

Spend the next three nights in Eilat, Israel’s resort town on the Red Sea. During free time, enjoy your beachfront resort, go snorkeling in the reef, or visit an underwater marine observatory. One morning, opt for a private camel ride or a 4x4 excursion through the rugged mountain and desert landscapes nearby.

Spend one day on a private excursion into Jordan to tour magnificent Petra, one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites. The Nabataeans created this ancient city between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD, sculpting monuments and tombs into the surrounding mountainside—the most spectacular of which is the pink-hued Treasury. Learn about the history, beliefs, architecture and daily life of the Nabataeans during private touring of this fascinating ancient wonder. VIP border crossings will be arranged.

Next, fly to Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest and most vibrant city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy flexible introductory touring of the city’s most interesting sites, such as Old Jaffa, Museum of the Jewish Diaspora, the Bauhaus architecture district, the city’s most interesting museums, and the fashionable Neve Tzedek neighborhood.

Throughout the tour, sightseeing is very flexible and tailored to your interests, and accommodation is at Israel's leading luxury hotels. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities, such as an afternoon in Jerusalem’s Old City with a geo-political expert, private wine pairing dinners with an Israeli wine expert, a cooking lesson with a Michelin-star chef, family-focused activities, and special religious experiences.