Southern District, Israel

Culture & history

Enjoy a captivating journey on this day trip from Amman to Jerash. Pickup from three options that allow you to visit Ajloun castle and the city of Umm Qais. Stay connected along the way with the included Wi-Fi and keep hydrated with the complimentary water. Be picked up from your accommodation in Amman and relax on the scenic drive to Jerash, a world-renowned Roman city that is often celebrated as one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities. Delve into history and stroll through this remarkable archaeological . Upgrade your experience by selecting the option to also visit the Ajloun Castle. After your visit to Jerash, go to see Ajloun Castle, a monumental fortress constructed by Saladin to safeguard Jerusalem. Nestled amidst lush forests, this fortress is a testament to historical grandeur. Get the full experience by selecting the option that includes Ajloun castle and the city of Umm Qais. After visiting the castle make your way to Umm Qais for breathtaking panoramic views that allow you to take in four countries simultaneously, including the mesmerizing Sea of Galilee. Marvel at the remarkable engineering prowess of the Romans in creating Umm Qais on a self-guided tour before returning to your accommodation in Amman.

Embark on a full-day guided tour from Tel Aviv to the Judean Hills and the shores of the Dead Sea by bus. Visit the ancient palace of Masada, ride a cable car, and admire the Qumran caves on your drive back. Perched on a high plateau, the ancient fortified palace of Masada became a refuge for Zealots who took a stand against the Romans, until the mass suicide of the zealots in 73 AD. The ruins sit precariously on a plateau some 1,300 feet above sea level and measure 2,000-foot long by 1,000-foot wide. They boast extraordinary views of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert. It is an exhausting climb, but we will ascend by cable car to make life easier. Explore the fortress built by King Herod in around 37 BC. Visit the remains of the palaces and see mosaic floors, Roman baths, and other findings. Masada was also home to the oldest synagogue in Israel, but one of the most remarkable features is the 12 water cisterns, each with a capacity of up to 140,000 cubic feet. Following the tour of Masada, you will drive to the Dead Sea Mineral Beach located in the Jordan Rift Valley, between Jordan and the West Bank. It is the lowest place on earth and its high density of salt makes for a unique experience as you float on the beautiful aquamarine surface. Take a mud bath and benefit from the therapeutic qualities of the natural Dead Sea mud. You will then drive back to Tel Aviv, with an on-route view of the Qumran cave, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

Embark on a guided tour of the Masada Fortress and take in the sweeping views of the Judean Desert. Travel in a comfortable and airconditioned van to the nature reserve of Ein Gedi before floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Depart Tel Aviv. Be driven through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea region, the lowest on earth. Heading south alongside the Dead Sea, reach the foot of Mount Masada, the ancient fortress which was constructed in Roman times and is famous as the location of an iconic story of heroism. At 9:00 AM ascend Masada by cable car and explore the site. At 11:00 AM continue to Ein Gedi, a beautiful nature reserve and oasis where you will have a chance to take a short hike or walk through the cooling and beautiful surroundings. After Ein Gedi, continue to the Dead Sea where you will access a private beach and have a chance to float in the famous waters and immerse in the muds that are so famous all around the world. Return to your hotel in Tel Aviv in the early evening.

Get to know the holy city of Jersualem. This full-day tour will take you through the city's major attractions, beautiful views and historical gems alike. Today's first stop is Mount Scopus. Here, be treated to a panoramic view of the city below. Next, enter the Old City to see the Western Wall, Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock. Later, move on to the Jewish and Armenian Quarters and the tread the recently restored Roman road of the Cardo. You will visit the colorful city bazaar and the Western Wall, proceeding to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, rumored to be the place where Jesus is buried and was resurrected. If your tour is on a Saturday, at Mt. Zion you can visit the Hall of the Last Supper and David's Tomb. From here, you will continue to the New City and spend some time at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, a beautiful building that stands in contrast to the horrific story told between its walls. If you've got a bit of time to spare, visit the Hall of Remembrance and the Hall of Names before you return to your hotel.

After pickup from your hotel, head to the jeep gathering point. From this point you'll ascend through the wadi along Nahal Solomon, Rehoboam Nahal, Jehoshaphat Nahal up to 725 meters above sea level on the way to Mount Joash. At a few stopping points, your guide will share stories about the history of the area.  You'll also stop for a little picnic with pita bread with local labane cheese and a cup of herbal tea, before continuing up to the last point of your trip. From this observation point you'll be able to see four countries, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. After visiting Mount Joash you'll head back to your hotel.

Enjoy a day exploring some of the most significant holy sites in Israel on an excursion by bus from Jerusalem. The guided tour sets out from the city early in the morning and drives along the scenic coast via Tel Aviv and the plain of Armageddon to Nazareth. Arrive in Nazareth and visit St. Joseph’s Church and the Church of the Annunciation. The largest Roman Catholic church in the Middle East, the Church of the Annunciation is, according to tradition, the scene of the annunciation of the Virgin Mary.  Continue onwards via Kafr Kanna to view the Mount of Beatitudes and Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish at Tabgha. Set on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, you will stop to view the sea, and continue to the nearby ruins of the ancient synagogue of Capernaum. Visit Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, considered one of the 4 Holy Cities of Judaism, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed. Drive to the Jordan River at Yardenit, where guests are invited to receive an optional baptismal service. Return to Jerusalem via a scenic route that takes in views of Mt. Tabor, the site of the transfiguration.

Discover the underwater world of the Red Sea without getting your feet wet with this glass-bottom boat tour. Departing from Hananya Beach, travel in the comfort of a boat with all of the luxuries including shaded seating, a snack bar, and sun deck. Spot an array of underwater life such as different species of fish and coral.  Sail along the Gulf of Eilat in a 3-deck ship, with the lower deck located 2 meters underwater for optimal viewing. During your tour, see sights such as the Eilat Coral Reserve, the military port, and the Jordan border. Benefit from an informative commentary from the ship's captain along the way.

After being picked up from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem depending on your booking option, travel to Bethlehem where you will meet your guide before heading into the old city of Bethlehem. Enjoy a guided visit to the Church of the Nativity.  Continue your tour with a visit to the Milk Grotto Church before riding to the city of the shepherds, Bayt Sahur where you will visit the Chapel of the Shepherds Field before getting to visit an olive wood factory where you will see artisans crafting wooden sculptures.  Then journey through the wonderful Judean Desert to the lowest point on earth. Have chances to stop and take pictures at the sea level point in the desert overlooking the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, Jericho.  Drive into Jericho where you will see some of the famed sights in the city including Zaccheus's Tree which is mentioned in the bible. Itinerary in Detail - Best Bethlehem, Jericho and Jordan River Tour Explore Bethlehem for 4-5 hours, starting at about 8:30 AM in Bethlehem Shepherds Field (30 Minutes): Visit a charming place where the Christmas story happened. Milk Grotto Church (10 Minutes): Experience calm and peace in this spiritual church. Nativity Church (60 Minutes): Learn about Bethlehem's history at this important place. Note that Grotto visits may not be possible unless booked Small Group option Zuluf Olive Wood Factory & Community Store (25 Minutes): Watch skilled craftsmen at work and shop for handcrafted items, No Lunch Breaks: Enjoy convenient falafel and chicken shawarma sandwiches for takeout Jericho and Beyond Sea Level Stop (5 Minutes): Take a moment to appreciate the significance of this location at sea level. Saint Gerasimous Monastery (15 Minutes): Discover the history of Saint Gerasimous Monastery in Jericho. Jordan River (30 Minutes): Reflect by the Jordan River, a place with deep biblical meaning. Hisham Palace (30 Minutes): Explore Hisham Palace, where old architecture tells stories from the past. Old City of Jericho (30 Minutes): Step back in time as you explore the ancient tales of Jericho's Old City. The Sycamore Tree (5 Minutes): See the Sycamore Tree linked to the story of Zacchaeus from the Bible. Elijah Spring (5 Minutes): Enjoy the peaceful Elijah Spring, a calm oasis in the desert landscape.

After meeting at the David Citadel Hotel, you will begin your 3 to 5-hour tour, depending on the season. You will explore some of the religious highlights of Bethlehem, including the Church of the Nativity, St. Catherine, and the Shepherds' Fields. You will begin with the chance to visit the 1,500-year-old Church of Nativity where Jesus was born. From there you will enjoy beautiful views of the Old City of Bethlehem complete with the Manger Square. You will then take a ride through the city of Bethlehem and Beit Sahour passing by the main sites. A special visit to the Milk Grotto is also available, as well as a tour to the Shepherd’s Field where the Angels first announced the birth of Jesus Christ.

After being collected from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, you will make your way to Masada On. This area is an isolated clifftop in the heart of the desert, a lofty plateau overlooking the Dead Sea and the untamed landscape of the Judean Desert. Whilst in this area you will learn how there was once a magnificent palace that stood there. You will then venture toward Ein Gedi, a wonderful nature reserve which contains various natural wonders. You will encounter David Waterfall, a year-round waterfall along the course of the David Stream, to which there is access by a hiking trail. You will also discover Arugot Stream, a hiking trail for walkers which runs along the length of the stream and flows all year round. Next you will explore the En Gedi Spring, which rises from the mountainside and sustains abundant vegetation. By the spring you will also discover the remains of an ancient flour mill. Next up you will encounter the Dodim Cave, a small and intimate cave at the head of the David Waterfall, before you finally explore the Chalcolithic Temple. Following some free time for relaxation in the Dead Sea, you will return to your point of origin.