Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Tel Aviv & Finishing: Tel Aviv

There will be the chance for the group to head out for an optional local dinner.

Day 2 - Starting: Tel Aviv & Finishing: Nazareth

Enjoy a quick driving tour of Tel Aviv before continuing to historic Jaffa to visit the old markets and the Old Port. After, make a unique visit to a Druze village and enjoy lunch with a local family. Continue on to Akko to visit the old markets, Aljazar Mosque, and the unique underground crusader castle before journeying on to Nazareth for the night.

Day 3 - Starting: Nazareth & Finishing: Tiberias

Travel to Golan Heights and learn more about this history of the area. Visit the Sea of Galilee, including sights like the Church of Transfiguration and the Mount of Beatitudes. Later, travel to a kibbutz for the night. Learn about this unique communal way of life unique to Israel.

Day 4 - Starting: Tiberias & Finishing: Jericho

Travel to Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the famous rock fortress. Opt to hike (or ride) to the top and learn more about this ancient place. Continue on to the fascinating Dead Sea. Cover yourself in the healing mud, bob like a cork in very salty water, or enjoy a little sunbathing on the shore.

Day 5 - Starting: Jericho & Finishing: Negev Desert

Travel to the Negev Desert and visit a village to learn firsthand about Bedouin culture before sleeping overnight in a Bedouin- style camp.

Day 6 - Starting: Negev Desert & Finishing: Jerusalem

Travel to biblical Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity before heading to Duhaishe Camp for Palestinian refugees. The camp has become something of a permanent town. Learn more about the situation of the Palestinians in Israel and what life in the camp is all about. In the late afternoon, travel to Jerusalem for the evening.

Day 7 - Starting: Jerusalem & Finishing: Jerusalem

Visit the four quarters of the Old City on a guided walk: the Christian, Jewish, Armenian, and Muslim quarters. After, walk the 14 stations of the Dolorosa, ending at the Holy Sepulchre Church, and visit the Western Wall. Spend some free time exploring in the afternoon.

Day 8 - Starting: Jerusalem & Finishing: Amman

Cross the border into Jordan and make your way to Amman. Take a free night to explore Jordan's capital city.

Day 9 - Starting: Amman & Finishing: Amman

Set off on a half-day trip to Jerash, a fascinating site and one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy. Continue on to the Dead Sea. Known for its high salinity, opt to bob like a cork in the healing waters. Relax on the shores or cover yourself in therapeutic mud.

Day 10 - Starting: Amman & Finishing: Wādī Mūsá

Depart early for the first stop, Mt Nebo. Learn the ancient history of this spot and check out the views. Continue on to Madaba to see the famous Byzantine mosaics, dating back to the sixth century. After, visit Karak Castle, built during the Crusades. Arrive in the early evening to Wadi Musa, the town just outside Petra.

Day 11 - Starting: Wādī Mūsá & Finishing: Wādī Mūsá

Walk through the narrow canyon that forms the dramatic entrance to the city (the Siq), round the final corner and lay eyes on the dramatic façade of the Treasury building. Learn a brief history of the city and walk approx 25 km to cover the entire site. Return to Wadi Musa in the late afternoon, or continue exploring on your own.

Day 12 - Starting: Wādī Mūsá & Finishing: Wadi Rum

Drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. Head deep into the desert by 4x4 stopping at famous landmarks along the way. Arrive to the tented camp in time for a traditional meal. Learn more about this ancient culture.

Instructions

Accommodation in the desert is in one large goat-hair tent divided into "rooms" with curtains. Basic linens are provided but many travellers prefer to bring a sleep sheet for extra comfort. There are shared, unisex facilities. For religious reasons, no alcohol is permitted at the camp.

Day 13 - Starting: Wadi Rum & Finishing: Aqaba

Drive to the Red Sea resort city of Aqaba. Enjoy free time to enjoy the beach, go snorkelling or check out the city. Make sure to try some fresh seafood for dinner.

Day 14 - Starting: Aqaba & Finishing: Amman

The morning is flexible. Spend a little more time at the beach or head back early. Reach Amman by way of the Desert Highway. Enjoy a final night out in the city.

Day 15 - Starting: Amman & Finishing: Amman

Depart at any time.

More Information

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between May 27th and June 25th, 2017. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can’t at that time.

Group Leader Description

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

About our Transportation

On this trip we will travel by air-conditioned private minivan for most of the journeys. En route to Wadi Rum and our desert camp we will travel in 4×4 vehicles.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

My Own Room Exceptions

Day 5, 12 (Bedouin camp).

About Accommodation

On this trip you can expect to stay in small local hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights.

Joining Hotel

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Joining Hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Checklist

Suggested Items:
-Sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet
•Light fleece top
•Light windproof/waterproof jacket
•Small towel and swimwear
•Sun hat
-Weather-appropriate clothing
•Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
•Sleep sheet (for Wadi Rum)
•Flashlight/torch (with extra batteries and bulbs)
•Sport sandals
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Watch or alarm clock
•Money belt
-First-aid kit
-Rehydration powder
-Insect Repellent

•Camera
•Reading/writing material
•Binoculars
•Cover for backpacks

Documents:
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•EUR/USD cash
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

Jordan:
The currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).

ATMs are found within main cities in Jordan and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible as while there is no hard and fast rule, some banks seem to only work with one brand of card. Please note, your bank will change a fee for overseas withdrawals.

Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. Euros, British Pounds and US Dollars are all easy to exchange to the Local currency. Please note that you should bring some cash with you for emergency situations but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix.

If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 1996, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!

Israel:
ATMs are found widely in Israel and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. While this is the best way to get the majority of your money in Israel, and the vast majority of Cirrus network cards work fine, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will work in the Middle East. Check with your bank before travelling.
Credit cards are accepted by most larger restaurants and stores. W You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5-10% usually applies.
Cash advances can also be made with some banks.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money.
Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. Euros and US Dollars are all easy to exchange to local currency.

Travellers cheques can be tricky to exchange and we do not recommend that you use them as your primary source of funds.

In large cities you can exchange them in some 5-star hotels and banks but this takes time and incurs a high fee. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers cheques in US or Euro currencies are the easiest to exchange.

Always take more funds rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

The currency in Israel is the Israeli Shekel(NIS).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Note that almost all local purchases (meals, souvenirs, most optional activities, etc) will be paid for in local currencies.

Departure Tax

Jordan:
8 JOD departure tax for all nationalities upon to be paid in cash if departing overland.

Israel:
Included in airline tickets but there may be departure taxes if you are exiting at a land border.

Tipping

Tipping ( Baksheesh )

Tipping (also widely referred to by its Arabic term as “baksheesh”) is a way of life in the Middle East. Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement the incredibly low salary and wages of the Middle East region.

While on tour in the Middle East, it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.

In order to make things as easy as possible, and avoid embarrassing situations, G Adventures has developed a tipping kitty system where your CEO will collect a contribution from everybody on tour and use this kitty to tip anybody who has provided services to the group as a whole. The CEO will keep an accurate account of what was spent and any money left over will be handed back to the group.

If at any time you felt that any service provider failed in maintaining or delivering good service, please bring it immediately to the attention of your CEO so a deduction of tips can take place.

A guideline for tipping is about $5-10 USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your G Adventures CEO). On Day 1 of your tour, your CEO will be able to advise on the amount required from everybody to form the tipping kitty for your trip. You can pay in USD or the equivalent Egyptian pound (preferably Egyptian pounds). The CEO will be able to advise you on the exchange rate and the total required in either currency.

Also at the end of your trip if you felt that your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however 20-25 USD per person per week can be used as a general guideline.

Optional Activities

Please see the itinerary for information on optional activities, descriptions and estimated pricing.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

DRINKING WATER: It is advisable to drink bottled water in Jordan.

There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Trip Specific Safety

Like anywhere in the world, major cities have areas safer than others, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and mind your personal belongings.

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at www.gadventures.com/medical-form.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Planeterra is G Adventures’ non-profit foundation created to make a positive difference in the communities where G Adventures takes travellers. Planeterra supports sustainable social and environmental solutions in destinations travellers love to visit.

As travellers, it’s natural to want to give back to the places we’ve come to love. But to truly impact poverty, we work to build self-sufficiency, not dependency.

Planeterra partners with grassroots organizations with firsthand knowledge of local culture and true community needs. This ensures that solutions come from the people we support. Then G Adventures brings travellers to visit, fuelling sustainable local income in these communities. This model is helping many rural and marginalized communities on their way to self-sufficiency because they are harnessing the power of the tourism industry as a force for good. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit planeterra.org.

MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT
Fifty percent of our planet lives on less than $2/day. For the price of a coffee, you can make every day of your trip count by giving back to the communities you visit through Planeterra.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking).

Local Dress

While visiting mosques and other religious monuments you should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and you shouldn’t wear short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and the more touristic centres, local dress is often more conservative and as a matter of respect we ask that both men and women are aware of this and recommend loose-fitting clothes with your shoulders covered. Ask your CEO for more specific advice.

Travel Forum – The Watering Hole

Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you’re interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gadventures.com.

Max Pax

15

Meal Budget

Allow USD395-515 for meals not included.

Meals Included

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

What’s Included

Tel Aviv city tour including Old Port of Jaffa. Traditional lunch with a Druze family. Akko, Nazareth and Bethlehem visits. Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights tours. Guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site of Masada. Jerusalem sightseeing including the Western Wall and Holy Sepulcher Church. Bedouin camp overnight in Negev Desert and Deseih Desert/Wadi Rum. Jerash entrance and guided tour. Dead Sea visit. Madaba mosaics guided tour. Mt Nebo entrance. Karak Castle guided tour. Petra day pass and local guide. Wadi Rum jeep excursion. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Day 2 Optional Activities

• Diaspora Museum -
• Azrieli Observatory -
• Hagana Museum -
• Museum of Modern Art -

Day 7 Optional Activities

• Israel Museum & Dead Sea Scrolls -
• City of David and Hezekiah's Tunnel -
• Zedekiah's Cave -
• Museum on the Seam -
• Garden Tomb -
• Monastery of the Cross -

Day 9 Optional Activities

• Mud Baths -
• Lunch at the Dead Sea Spa Hotel -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Petra by Night -
• Turkish Bath -
• Siq al-Barid (Little Petra) Visit -

Day 12 Optional Activities

• Camel Ride -
• Hot Air Balloon Ride -
• Wadi Rum 4x4 Excursion Extension -

Day 13 Optional Activities

• Aqaba Castle Visit -
• Snorkelling in Aqaba -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Site of Jesus' Baptism -

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