13-Nights Private Jordan & Israel - Luxury Tailor Made Travel

Dead Sea, Jordan

Straddling the border between Israel and Jordan, the Dead Sea is the lowest spot on the Earth's surface. If you head there from Amman, don't nod off: The view as you descend from the hills toward the sea is quite striking. The mineral content of this 45-mi-/75-km-long and 6-mi-/10-km-wide saltwater lake tops out at 33%.

The Dead Sea should be seen (and stepped into) at least once in every person's life—it's impossible to sink—but some mild words of caution are in order: Don't shave shortly before swimming (the high salt content will leave you with an excruciatingly painful experience), and take some eyedrops along (getting even a tiny drop of the thick water in your eye is painful). Also try to make sure there are shower facilities or a freshwater stream in which to rinse off nearby—otherwise, the sea's minerals will leave an uncomfortable crust on your skin.

Near the northern end of the Dead Sea are several spa and beach resorts, including the lovely Movenpick Resort and the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Ishatar, which was inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Visitors who are not guests of the resort can generally take advantage of the health and beauty treatments at the spas if they purchase a day membership. For centuries, people have traveled to the Dead Sea to enjoy its beauty as well as its healing properties. Many people go there for relief from chronic ailments such as dermatological problems, asthma, arthritis, circulatory issues and hypertension. The composition of the Dead Sea contains contains high levels of magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium, making it rich in life-enhancing minerals.

A bit inland from the sea, in a beautiful oasis, are thermal springs (including a waterfall) at Hammamat Ma'in.

Also nearby is Bethany Beyond the Jordan, which archaeologists believe to be the site where John the Baptist lived and preached, and where he baptized Jesus. The ruins of a Byzantine church were built on what early Christians identified as the spot where Jesus left his robes. Elsewhere, you can visit the Baptist's Spring, which may have been John's cave where he sheltered, and several other churches and baptism pools. Nearby is Jebal Mar Elias, a small hill referred to in the Bible as Hermon, where the prophet Elijah ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire.

About midway along the sea's shore is the Mujib Reserve. This protected area encompassing a gorge, mountains and valleys boasts an impressive biodiversity of both plants and wildlife. It also has two marked hiking trails and a campsite. At the southern end of the sea, not far south of Wadi Mujib, is the site identified as Lot's Cave, where the biblical figure was said to have taken refuge after escaping from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. A Byzantine church built over the cave entrance has been excavated and is open to the public. A shell-shaped museum has been built 984 ft/300 m from the entrance to Lot's Cave. North of Lot's Cave are the sites of what are believed to be the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which show signs that they were indeed destroyed by fire.

Try to see the sunset at the Dead Sea at least once—it's worth it. The Dead Sea is 25 mi/40 km southwest of Amman.

Caesarea

The ancient and modern beauty of Israel lies in the city of Caesarea located along the Israeli Mediterranean coastline between Tel Aviv and Haifa. The ancient city built in 25 BC by Herod the Great, was once a port city and the capital of the Byzantine period. At the time of its construction Herod named his city honoring the Roman emperor Ceasar Augustus. 
 
Massive archeological sites of ancient Caesarea still stand today.  As for some it is still in operation like the Caesarea Amphitheater that seats 5,000 spectators for concerts and events. Close to the theater lies the Aqueduct of Caesarea that provided the water to the spectators and the city. Visitors can also visit the ancient ruins of Herod’s Palace and the recorded site of where Pontius Pilot reigned at the time.
 
Modern day Caesara is graced with modern homes, beach resorts, and city tours. The world’s only underwater museum resides in Caesaerea. Here, divers can also discover the underwater ruins of the ancient city.

Tel Aviv

Stretched along the beautiful beach of the Mediterranean, Tel-Aviv is Israel's largest city and biggest commercial center. It is a busy metropolis, which inspires visitors with an atmosphere of excitement and fun. With its seafront skyscrapers and exclusive hotels, Tel-Aviv presents a lively combination of entertainment venues, shopping malls, exotic markets, nonstop active nightlife, gorgeous golden beaches, and wonderful restaurants. It is also the country's greatest cultural center, a home for a variety of museums, galleries, theatres and concert halls. By contrast, the ancient port city of Jaffa, has a medieval appearance. This special blend of Mediterranean ambience, seaside resort and modern facade is what makes the city so uniquely appealing.

Akko (Acre)

Located in the northern coastal plain of northern Israel, Akko faces the Haifa Bay.  The city is surrounded by steep, thick sandstone walls which bear the marks of the nations that left their impression on the city. This ancient city has taken an important role in history; many people have wanted a piece of Akko from the Crusaders to Napoleon Bonaparte. 
 

Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a bustling city located in the West Bank, 10 km south of Jerusalem. It is revered by Jews and Christians as the historical birthplace of Jesus. Bethlehem is major area of tourism and culture, with the Christmas season the most popular time to visit when Christians make pilgrimage to the Church of the Nativity.

Jerusalem

Situated high in the Judean Hills, Jerusalem, the Capital of Israel, is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world, presenting a unique combination of ancient history, spiritual sanctity and colorful cultures. Established 3000 years ago by King David, Jerusalem is a fascinating city of many contrasts and diversities. It is a city where old and new, holy and secular, pure nature and beautiful architecture mix into magical harmony of smells, sounds and sights. Sacred to the world's three main religions, Jerusalem is a captivating city, whose visitors are left touched and inspired by the shining glow of its religious shrines, picturesque scenery and magnificent golden limestone. It is home to the Israeli parliament, the President's Residence and the government offices. A visit to Jerusalem, known as the "City of Gold" is an unforgettable experience.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum or Valley of the Moon, is a valley of sandstone and granite rock situated in southern Jordan. Wadi Rum has been inhabited by nomads since prehistoric times and is currently home to the Zalabia Bedouin people who guide ventures of climbers and trekkers. Eco-adventure tourism is a developing success and their main source of income. Travelers can visit the key spots of Wadi Rum’s desert history: the Thamudic inscriptions of Wadi Rum, Nabatean Temple, and Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

Petra

From Jordan's port on the Red Sea, you can travel to the mysterious lost city of Petra, which was hidden for centuries. At first it looks like a mirage: rugged sandstone hills seem to melt into windows and doorways, columns and gargoyles. But it is not: all the buildings of Petra, except one, were elaborately carved into the rock hills by a nomadic Arabian tribe in the 6th century B.C. It is a remarkable sight. You can also visit Wadi Rum, where Bedouin families set black goat-hair tents at the base of massive, striated "jebels," the sheer-faced hills of the region.

Mt. Nebo

Mount Nebo is rich with mythical and religious significance. Rising 2,680 feet above sea level, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape can be viewed from the summit - including Jericho and on clear days, Jerusalem. According to Judeo-Christian mythology, this is where Moses had his view of the 'promised land' of the Israelites and is the prophet's burial site. The ruins of Sygaha monastery, dated to the 4th century, are at the mountain's peak. Of modern interest is the sculpture by Giovannai Fontani, the Brazen Serpent monument, also at the top of the mountain.

Jerash

Located 33 mi/54 km north of Amman, the 2,000-year-old Greco-Roman ruin of Jerash, Jordan, is the best-preserved of the Decapolis cities.

The city is nestled in a valley carpeted with yellow mustard flowers in springtime. An urban Greek center in the third century BC, Jerash later flourished under Roman rule for about 200 years.

Today, its theaters, arches, fountains, temples, churches, houses, baths and colonnaded streets are still so magnificent that even jaded travelers who loathe to visit another ruin get excited.

Each year in July and August, the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts is held.

Jerash can be visited from Amman by taxi, car or escorted day tour.

Amman

Amman has served as the modern and ancient capital of Jordan. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is built on seven enchanting hills. Gleaming white houses, kebab stalls and cafes are interspersed with bustling markets and the remains of civilizations and ages long past. The greatest charm of Amman, however, is found in the hospitality of its residents who give visitors a warm welcome.