Grand Journey Israel and Jordan (2010)

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From $3495.00, per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

For centuries, Israel has been a focal point for three of the world’s major religions. This tiny nation, approximately the size of New Jersey, is replete with historic and spiritual milestones. Admire the architectural beauty of Tel Aviv. Explore Roman ruins at Caesarea and the well-preserved Crusader fort at Akko. Walk along the storied shores of the Sea of Galilee and learn about the struggle for settlement near the contested Golan Heights. Stroll the winding lanes of Jerusalem. Descend into the spectacular Jordan Valley and marvel at the Dead Sea—the lowest dry-land point on earth—and the fortress of Masada. Continue to Amman, Jordan, your gateway to the well-preserved Roman architecture of Jerash, the “rose-red” city of Petra, splendid artwork in Madaba and majestic Mount Nebo. Join us on this truly amazing program for an experience you will always remember.

Day 1
Depart for Tel Aviv, Israel, aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)

Day 2
Upon arrival, transfer by motorcoach to the Carlton Hotel. (Transfer provided for Air Program participants only.)
Gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception at the hotel.

Day 3: Old Jaffa
Excursion: The Bauhaus District of Tel Aviv.
See the Bauhaus beauty of the White City, a UNESCO World Heritage List site.
Depart Tel Aviv for Tiberias, Israel.

Excursion: Caesarea. See the aqueduct and the Roman amphitheater.
Lunch is served at a nearby restaurant.
Cultural Event: Carmel Grapes. Stop at a wine cellar in the historic town of Zikhron Ya’acov for a tour and tasting.
Upon arrival in Tiberias, check in at the Kibbutz Lavi Hotel.

Day 4: Upper Galilee
Excursion: Upper Galilee.
Journey along the Sea of Galilee to the Mount of Beatitudes and the ancient fishing village of Tabgha. In the Golan Heights, view the former Syrian town of Quneitra and historic Katzrin. Take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee (weather permitting).

Cultural Event: Enjoy lunch, an olive press tour and a wine tasting in Katzrin.

Day 5: Akko
Excursion: Key to the Levant.
Visit Akko, a well-preserved Crusader port and UNESCO World Heritage List site.
A local restaurant hosts you for lunch.
Excursion: Safed Artist’s Colony.
Stroll through one of the oldest centers of Jewish learning and mysticism.

Day 6: Megiddo and Jerusalem
Depart Tiberias for Jerusalem.

Excursion: An Israelite Kingdom.
Explore the fortified city of Megiddo, a UNESCO World Heritage List site.
Upon arrival in Jerusalem, check in at The David Citadel Hotel.

Excursion: The City of Peace.
Experience Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial, and a lecture by a survivor. Walk through the Children’s Memorial.
See the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament.

Day 7: Jerusalem
Excursion: The City of David.
Visit the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, Davidson Center, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Mount of Olives.

Local Flavor: Savor a tasty felafel lunch in the Arab Quarter.

Lecture: "Is it Finally Time for a Peace Deal?" NPR correspondent Linda Gradstein presents her assessment of Israeli-Palestinian relations.

Day 8: Jerusalem
Spend the day at leisure in Jerusalem.

Day 9: Masada and The Dead Sea
Excursion: Last Stand.
Marvel at the ruins of Masada, a fortress built by King Herod and a UNESCO World Heritage List site.
Continue to Ein Bokek on the Dead Sea.

Cultural Event: After lunch at the Hod Hotel, relax on the beach, swim in the Dead Sea, or indulge in a spa treatment.

The evening in Jerusalem is at leisure.

Day 10
Depart Jerusalem for Amman, Jordan.

Excursion: Vestige of the Decapolis.
Discover Jerash, famous for its wealth of well-preserved Roman architecture.
Upon arrival in Amman, check in at the Kempinski Hotel Amman

Day 11
Excursion: The Rose-Red City.
See the ancient rock-hewn metropolis of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage List site.
Stop for lunch at a restaurant en route.

Day 12: Madaba and Mount Nebo
Excursion: Tiles and Miles.
Admire the Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics in Madaba and ascend Mount Nebo for a panoramic view of Israel.
The afternoon in Amman is at leisure.

Attend a farewell reception at the hotel.

Day 13
Transfer to the Amman airport for the return flights to North America. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)

Updated July 20, 2009.