Biblical Lands: Israel & Jordan

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Jerusalem & Bethlehem, Galilee region, Cities of the Decapolis, Amman & Jerash, King’s Highway, Petra, Jordan River, Masada, Jericho

This private tour focuses on Christian history and cultural heritage in Israel and Jordan.

Start in Israel. Upon arrival, enjoy VIP airport assistance before being transferred to Jerusalem. Built entirely from white stone, the city glows and changes from white to pink to rose to gold with the changing of the light. Your expert private guide will bring the beautiful city and its incredible, multilayered history alive. The entire Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of immeasurable religious, historic and archaeological importance. Visit highlights such as the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Via Dolorosa and the Western Wall, including the excavation tunnels under the Western Wall. Explore the narrow streets, twisting alleyways and airy plazas, ancient synagogues and churches, and bazaars and boutiques of the Old City's Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian quarters. See the Mount of Olives and Mount Zion, and walk on the old city ramparts. 

Continue to the beautiful Galilee region. Enjoy flexible private touring around the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Tiberias and Lake Kinneret). Visit important historical and biblical sites such as Capernaum, the Mount of the Beatitudes, the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes, and Kibbutz Ginosar and the Yigal Alon Museum. Other important biblical sites in the region include the Church of the Transfiguration; the Franciscan Wedding Church at Kafr Kanna (Cana) where, according to tradition, Jesus turned water into wine; Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, including the Basilica of the Annunciation; the ancient ruins at Megiddo and Zippori national parks; Kursi National Park, where Jesus is said to have exorcised demons from a possessed man; Magdala, an archaeological site associated with Mary Magdalene; or the possible location of Bethsaida, the hometown of apostles Peter, Andrew and Philip. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a baptism ceremony in the Jordan River.

Other options are visiting a local kibbutz, touring Roman and Byzantine ruins at Beit Shean National Park, browsing art galleries in Rosh Pina, sampling wines at local vineyards, kayaking in the Jordan River and having lunch at a local Druze home. Or, perhaps enjoy active pursuits such as hiking in one of the region’s many nature reserves or a four-wheel drive excursion in the demilitarized zone near the border.

Next, cross the border into Jordan to tour the highlights of the Cities of the Decapolis. Options include Umm Qais, the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gadara, and Pella, an ancient city where early followers of Jesus sought refuge while escaping the Roman destruction of Jerusalem.

Continue to Amman, the modern capital of Jordan, for an overnight stay. During private touring, see ancient Roman ruins and the impressive 8th-century Umayyad Palace complex atop the Citadel, the Jordan Museum, lively souks and shopping streets, and other cultural and culinary highlights of the city. Also explore Amman's best shops selling high-quality Jordanian crafts. Also, take a private excursion into the verdant hills of northern Jordan to tour Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. See highlights such as Hadrian's Arch, the Oval Plaza, the Hippodrome, the theater and the Cardo, a colonnaded stone street once lined with shops.

Next, travel along the King's Highway, a historic route that passes through many fascinating cultural and natural attractions. During private touring en route, visit Mount Nebo and the Memorial Church of Moses to see exquisite Byzantine mosaics and panoramic views stretching down to the Dead Sea. If desired, also visit local mosaic workshops. Next, stop in Madaba to see the fascinating sixth-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, as well as the mosaics in the Madaba Archaeological Park. Continue through Wadi Mujib, a dramatic desert canyon where the biblical Arnon River flows, and perhaps stop at impressive Kerak Castle, a 12th-century Crusader fortress perched on a hill.

Continue to Petra, one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. The Nabataeans created this ancient city by sculpting monuments and tombs into beautiful red sandstone mountains in the desert. During private touring of this fascinating ancient wonder, see Petra's most famous ruin—the iconic Treasury—and explore the atmospheric Siq (gorge). Also see impressive Royal Tombs and Roman ruins, and learn about the history, beliefs and architecture of the Nabataeans while exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. If desired, venture to other parts of the site such as the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice for unforgettable views over Petra. Also visit Little Petra, another desert canyon with Nabataean ruins. In the evening, perhaps opt for a memorable Petra by Night experience, including the opportunity to see the Siq and Treasury illuminated by hundreds of candles.

En route to the Dead Sea, tour the remains of Lot’s Cave or the hilltop fortress of Machaerus, where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. Continue to a luxurious resort overlooking the beautiful and mysteriousDead Sea. During your stay, enjoy the resort's lavish facilities, including a private beach that provides direct access to the Dead Sea where you can float in the mineral-rich water famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities. Also enjoy the resort's spa, swimming pools, restaurants and lush grounds that spread over acres. If desired, visit Al-Maghtas for a private tour of the UNESCO-listed archaeological complex (also known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan”) on the Jordan River where John the Baptist is believed to have baptized Jesus.

Return to Israel, stopping en route to visit Masada, a historic mountaintop fortress, and Qumran, an archaeological site surrounding the caves in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. If desired, you might also like to opt for a hike in the lush Ein Gedi oasis.

Back in Jerusalem, enjoy a tour of the Machane Yehuda Market with a culinary expert guide. Sample local culinary specialties such as burekas (flaky filled pastries), chocolate rugelach and halvah, and shop for regional staples such as tahini, za'atar, dried fruit and nuts. Visit Jerusalem's most important museums, such as the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum and the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. Perhaps also see the Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital. One morning, with an expert Palestinian guide, enjoy a private excursion to Bethlehem to tour the Church of the Nativity or to Jericho, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Perhaps also visit Ein Kerem, a charming village outside Jerusalem regarded as the birthplace of John the Baptist.

If desired, Artisans of Leisure can arrange many special interest activities around Jerusalem, such as a cooking class with a local chef, touring the ancient City of David, joining an archaeological dig, walking through the city's ancient underground water tunnels, specialized shopping or exclusive meetings with local religious experts, geopolitical experts, chefs, artists, fashion designers and winery owners.