November 6th – 19th 2020

An incredible adventure our travel club has been pining over for years and we've finally been able to squeeze it in our 2020 calendar! This journey combines the best on & off the path experiences throughout the mystical land of Israel, filled with so much history & iconic religious artifacts, and Jordan, the epicenter of thriving middle east life, home to remarkable deserts loved by Hollywood, & Petra, a wonder of the world that must be experienced at least once in your life! Check out the highlights and details below! 

Email us to see our Israel & Jordan small group tours daily itinerary at joinus@photoflytravel.com

Part 1: Israel (8 Nights/9 Days)

"Few places on earth stir up passion the way that Israel does: the breathtaking beauty of its hills and valleys, the eerie stillness of the Dead Sea, the multi-colored canyon of Makhtesh Ramon, and the ancient walls and pathways of Nazareth and Jerusalem. The call of the muezzin and the quiet prayers of Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall reflect how the religious devotion of the Muslims, Christians and Jews who live here runs through every facet of life." - Lonely Planet

The first part of our journey is spent exploring many corners of this beautiful country. Astounding landscapes, amazing people, surreal history (not just religious!), and diverse varieties of local cuisine make for the trip of a lifetime, and this is only part 1!

Tel Aviv (2 Nights)

"Tel Aviv, Israel's ever-growing metropolis, would be unrecognizable to its founders, a small group of Jewish immigrant families in what was then Ottoman-ruled Palestine. A skyline of shimmering skyscrapers has replaced the towering sand dunes of just over a century ago." "Meaning 'Hill of Spring' in Hebrew, (Tel Aviv) has an air of perpetual renewal: flowers bloom, new restaurants open and there's always a party somewhere." - Fodor's & Lonely Planet Respectively 

* Privately guided orientation tour of the city; Highlights:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Explore "The White City", including the well-known Rothschild Boulevard and other famous landmark Bauhaus edifices.

• The Center for Israeli Innovation: Discover the Israeli innovation system, which famously gave Israel the title of “start-up nation”, and a world-leader for cutting-edge,  groundbreaking innovations in fields such as security, science, and medicine.

• Ein Hod Artist Village: Outside the city center, at the foot of Mount Carmel, this quaint cultural gem overlooks the stunning Mediterranean coast. Artists and craftspeople thrive here, taking much inspiration from the beautiful surroundings. 

• Tasting Experience at the Carmel Market: Sample local delicacies at the most famous street market in town, while taking in all the sights, sounds and colors of this lively souk.
  

* Jaffa: The colorful, ancient port city has photo ops around every corner and an interesting flea market to explore. 

Haifa, Kibbutz, Akko, Nazareth, & the Turquoise Grottoes of Rosh Hanikra (2 Nights)

These gems along the northern coast of Israel offer a variety of incredible experiences. From the fascinating Kibbutz Museum & way of life in Ein Shemer, the beautiful coastal city of Haifa, the Crusader Citadel in ancient Akko, & finishing in Rosh Hanikra, where huge white cliffs greet the Mediterranean & turquoise grottos beg to be explored!

* Kibbutz Living: Learn about this unique way of communal living in the Kibbutz museum before a stop at the innovation agricultural center of Kibbutz Magal to see how Kibbutzim can be drivers of innovation in agricultural technologies. A tasty lunch is enjoyed in a real Kibbutz dining hall allowing us to connect to their modern daily life, an experience found only in Israel!

* Haifa: Israel’s third-largest city is beautifully set on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea, nicknamed  ‘Israel’s San Francisco’. The city is also known for its mixed population of Jews and Arabs, who peacefully coexist resulting in amazing fusions of Arabic and Jewish culture. 

* Akko: Explore the underground tunnels, port, and traditional Arab shuk at the Crusader Citadel, an UNESCO World Heritage site. 

* Rosh Hanikra: Israel's northwestern tip is home to a stunning coastline and enchanting sea caves. It's a must-visit that many travelers to Israel don't even know about!

* Steepest Cable Car in the World: As the cliffs give way to the Mediterranean, an impressive cable car takes us down to the grottos for a unique perspective of these turquoise wonders. A walk through the caves is the perfect way to capture great images. 

* Kayaking through the Grottos: After seeing the caves from above, we'll enjoy a guided sea kayak to experience them up close and personal! 

* Nazareth: Known as the "Arab Capital of Israel" and a world-famous claim to where Jesus grew up, we can't come to this country without a stop here! But our guided walk will be a surprise to many; modern-day Nazareth is a mini-metropolis buzzing with shops, restaurants, and businesses. We'll go to the Church of the Annunciation to learn about the Nazareth that Jesus knew when it was just a small, Roman-ruled village. 

The Sea of Galilee, Mt Gilboa, & the Warm Springs of Gan Hashlosha National Park 

* Capernaum Fishing Village: This quaint village on the shores of the Sea of Galilee became Jesus' hub of ministry and earned the name "Jesus' own city" in the Bible. It's here where he met five of his future disciples (James, John, Peter, Andrew the fishermen, and Matthew the tax collector) & performed many of his miracles.  The village also marks the starting point for our ascent up the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount. 

* Tabgha: Another ancient town on the Sea of Galilee, famous for its 5th-century mosaic inside the Church of the Multiplication. It's also the place you can dip your feet in the same spot where, according to legend, Jesus walked on water! A boat ride will be waiting for us to relax and take in the surroundings of these holy lands before moving on.

* Mt Gilboa Scenic Drive & Hike: A stunning drive marks our access point into this array of hikes, viewpoints, bike paths, and stunning outlooks. Many photo stops will be in order to capture colorful landscapes in every direction. A circular path makes for the perfect hike, boasting breathtaking views across the West Bank, Nablus, and Jenin Valley.

* Gan Hashlosha National Park: Without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Israel, some say it's the actual location of the Garden of Eden. Once we visit, perhaps we'll understand why. The most striking features of the park are the waterfalls and three pools of freshwater that are naturally heated to 83 degrees all year round. A relaxing swim will really hit the spot!

Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, & Everything In-between (3 Nights)

"Destroyed and rebuilt over thousands of years, Jerusalem's spiritual magnetism endures. With interlacing histories, clashing cultures and constant reinvention, the city is an intense, multisensory experience" - Lonely Planet

* Privately guided tour of one of the most iconic, famous, and holy cities on earth:

- The Old City: Explore & photograph historical treasures including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, and the bustling bazaar in the Muslim quarter.

- Dome of The Rock. Also known as the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque, witness the picturesque golden dome while learning about the unique history behind this place, and why it's so sacred to Christians, Jews, & Muslims alike.

- Photograph Iconic Landmarks: Including the Russian Compound, the Haas Promenade with fantastic views of the holy city, and the First Station (Tachana) cultural compound.

- Tasting Tour at Machane Yehuda Market: Also known as a shuk, this bustling market is the largest in Jerusalem filled with fascinating sounds, sights, and smells to take in, photograph, & taste test!

* Traditional Shabbat Dinner  An unmissable experience, with a local Jewish family, to witness the Israeli lifestyle “from the inside”

* Bethlehem: "Bethlehem may no longer be the 'little town' of Christmas carols, but you don't have to go far in what is now a pulsing city to see the stories of Mary and Joseph, stars, mangers and a savior hardwired into every paving stone, street and church" - Lonely Planet. We'll discover this place where Jesus was born on a guided walk, including the Church of the Nativity and Shepherd’s Field.

* Jericho: Descend to the lowest city on earth AND the oldest!  In Old Jericho, we'll take the cable car up the Mount of Temptation for breathtaking views and photos of the lush oasis that makes up the landscape.

* Judean Desert Road Trip & Desert Fortress: Descend to the lowest place on earth on our scenic drive throughout the desert, arriving in Masada to take a cable car up the mountain to the impressive ancient ruins.

* The Dead Sea: A private beach on this iconic body of water is waiting for us.  Float in the salty waters without lifting a finger, and enjoy the famous mud used for its healing properties over the millennia. 

* Ein Gedi Oasis: At this nature reserve we'll explore the diverse landscapes and botanical gardens among spectacular beauty in every direction. A spring and idyllic waterfall are a few highlights we'll enjoy and photograph.

Eilat (1 night)

"Plonked between the copper-colored rocks of the Negev desert and the rippling, luminescent corals of the Red Sea, Eilat occupies an enviable position on Israel’s southern tip. Understated this resort city is not, but those who dare to peel back its rough-and-ready shell will find a seaside city thronging with activity, including some of the best diving and snorkeling in the region." - Lonely Planet

* Optional Snorkeling Adventure: Take a plunge into the warm, turquoise waters of the Red Sea to discover a vibrant world full of incredible living corals, fish, anemones, & marine mammals. (Not Included: price and sign up details TBD)

Part 2: Jordan (5 Nights/6 Days)

"Jordan has a tradition of welcoming visitors: camel caravans plied the legendary King’s Highway transporting frankincense in exchange for spices while Nabataean tradesmen, Roman legionnaires, Muslim armies and zealous Crusaders all passed through the land, leaving behind impressive monuments...It's easy to see why TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) was so drawn to this land of weathered sandstone and reddened dunes. But Jordan's desert landscapes are not confined to the southeast: they encompass a salt sea at the lowest point on earth, canyons flowing with seasonal water, oases of palm trees and explosions of springtime flowers scattered across arid hills." - Lonely Planet

Part "Deux" of our adventure takes us across the nearby border, but it's like stepping back in time 1000 years! Where Israel has been modernized in many areas, Jordan has retained massive swaths of uninhabited wonderlands, dotted with tiny villages and ancient traditions still practiced to this day. It's during this part of our journey that some of the images we capture will likely end up on your walls for years to come...

The Wadi Rum (1 Night)

"Prepare to be awed. There's more to Jordan's most famous desert than vast expanses of sand, though the undulating dunes are certainly mesmerizing..." "The closest you'll ever come to camping on Mars, Jordan's Wadi Rum is an otherworldly experience you shouldn't miss in your lifetime" - The Points Guy (latter) & Fodor's (former)

* Luxury Camping on  "Mars"

In the heart of Wadi Rum’s majestic landscape stands our incredible camp, offering a uniquely awe-inspiring experience of serene desert living. Our distinctive Bedouin-style tents afford mountain views with a private bathroom/hot water shower,air conditioning, & a terrace. 

* Martian Dome Optional Room Upgrade: Ultra-modern dome architecture offers unique living & comfort while still getting the authentic desert experience. Gaze at the magnificent moon and stars through triangular windows which make up the entire wall in front of you, all right from a toasty bed. *See daily itinerary for price & more details.

* Jeep Safari: Our 4X4 adventure allows us to reach the far-away gems of Wadi Rum where our camp awaits. Massive canyons, towering mountains, rock arches, enormous sand dunes, & ancient Nabatean sites come into view with our camera's ready. 

* Optional Sunrise Hike to Rock Bridge: Located in the southeast of the protected area, the 115 ft high Jabal Burdah rock bridge is considered one of the highest natural arches in the world, and one of the most spectacular sites in Wadi Rum. Different trails lead to the bridge but our favorite is the ‘Bedouin Road’ on the north side of the mountain. The optional 1.5 mile walk is one of the most rewarding hikes in all of Jordan! *See daily itinerary for price, inclusions, exclusions, & more details. 

Petra (2 Nights)

"Poet Dean Burgon called Petra, the ancient city of dazzling facades tucked into the mountains of southern Jordan, the "rose red city, half as old as time...Its boulevards, temples, and splendid tombs (800 in all), secreted among the high cliffs, evoke incomparable mystery and grandeur." - Fodor's.

Not to mention, it's been voted one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World', and when you see it, this too becomes an understatement. 

* Magical Nabatean City Guided Tour: A plethora of history, some magical highlights include the Siq, Treasury, Obelisk Tomb, Calligraphy, Jabal Madbach (sacrificial palace), & Theater. 

*We'll explore Petra once in the PM and once in the AM  to allow for plenty of time to see more & photograph at your own pace. *See daily itinerary for price & more details.

Amman (2 Nights)

"As Middle Eastern cities go, Amman is a relative youth, being mostly a creation of the 20th century. But though it lacks the storied history and thrilling architectural tapestry of other regional capitals, there’s plenty here to encourage you to linger awhile...Downtown Amman is a must-see. At the bottom of the city’s many hills and overlooked by the magisterial Citadel, it features spectacular Roman ruins, an international-standard museum and the hubbub of mosques, souqs, and coffeehouses that are central to Jordanian life." - Lonely Planet

En Route from Petra:

* Shobak Castle: Discover this impressive Crusader castle built by Baldwin I of Jerusalem in 1115 AD. In its heyday, 6000 people resided here  & was attacked several times by Saladin, finally falling to his army in 1189. 

* Madaba: “The City of Mosaics” is best known for its collection of Byzantine and Umayyad artwork, including a Byzantine mosaic depicting a map of the HolyLand.

* Mt Nebo & Moses' Discovery: This is the mountain considered to be, according to the Old Testament, where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. 3000 ft high, Mt. Nebo is a sacred pilgrimage site for all followers of the 3 Abrahamic religions.  We'll get to see, just like Moses, the breathtaking view over Israel. On a clear day, we may even be able to spot Jericho and Jerusalem!

Guided tour of Amman

* Roman Theatre: Originally built between 138 and 161 CE to accommodate 5000 spectators, it's still used to this day for hosting cultural events & tours.

* Citadel and the Temple of Hercules: Towering above the capital on a hill is the Amman Citadel. The historic site has a 5600 ft wall that dates back to the Bronze Age, the iconic Temple of Hercules, and the Umayyad Palace. The temple is of particular significance because of the enormous 40 ft high statue of Hercules that once stood here. A set of three fingers crawling over the side of the hill and a huge white fragment of the elbow is all that remains, but unique and fun images can be captured here!

* Old City Walk: Known to the locals as Al Balad (downtown), this is the oldest part of the capital. A great place to run into friendly locals eager for a chat, it's full of stores, artisanal goods, handicrafts, coffee shops, & restaurants.

The Eastern Desert Castles

* Al Kharaneh: This majestic structure was more of a fortress than the other nearby castles, with raised walls, narrow slits, and four angle towers for defense. It's also arguably the most photogenic of all the desert castles!

* Amra Castle: Another exceptionally well-preserved desert castle deserving of Unesco World Heritage status, its interior walls and ceilings are covered with lively frescoes, and two of the rooms are paved with colorful mosaics.

* Al Azraq Castle: The last crusader castle we visit dates from 300 AD. Once the home of T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), it's remaining walls and structures offer a layered history, beginning with the Romans & finishing with a significant role in Jordanian military history.

Price: $3395.00

Single Supplement: $895.00

Cancellation Policy & Refunds

*There is a $100.00 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made made 120 days (July 9th 2020) or more prior to trip departure date are fully refundable except for the $100 fee. Cancellations less than made 120 days (July 9th 2020) prior to the trip departure date will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. Credit card fees and paypal processing fees cannot be refunded. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Travel insurance strongly encouraged (ask us about policy options).

*Hotels subject to change based on availability

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