The Only Way to See

ISRAEL & JORDAN ITINERARY SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR

AUGUST 14-24, 2021

March 19, 2021

The Only Way to See Israel

Saturday, August 14 Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv Hotel Welcome to Israel! Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport our VIP service at will meet you at the sleeve of the aircraft for a swift process through passport control and luggage claim. You will then be escorted to the awaiting vehicle for your transfer to Tel Aviv.

Sunday, August 15 Tel Aviv Begin your visit to Israel with a tour of Tel Aviv, a vibrant and modern city where you’ll be introduced to the contrasting cultures and architecture of this city. Despite a burgeoning of new architectural styles and skyscrapers, Tel Aviv has held on to the city’s famous spirit of Bauhaus tradition. Drive past some of the classic and renovated buildings. Continue along Rothschild Boulevard, one of the most important and iconic streets in Tel Aviv. Located in the heart of the White City of Tel Aviv, Rothschild Boulevard is a commercial center, with major financial institutions lining the street, a cultural center, with the main theater and concert hall of Tel Aviv, a culinary center, with tens of top restaurants, and a leisure center, with the center of the boulevard popular with dog walkers, bikers, and some of Tel Aviv’s wealthiest and most beautiful who stop off at the amazing coffee kiosks found in the center of the street. Visit the ancient port of Jaffa a melting pot with Jewish and Arab populations living together. Explore the reconstructed Artists’ Quarter with its galleries and boutique, craft shops and the bustling ‘flea market’. The Flea Market is a key site, and the sites, sounds, and smells of the small alleyways and streets which make up this city. (B)

Monday, August 16 Tel Aviv Visit the ancient port of built by Herod the Great. Caesarea was named in honor of Augustus Caesar and became the seat of the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate soon after its foundation. Today you can visit the famous archaeological site and tour the theater, aqueduct and Crusader fortress. Continue to Zichron Yaacov, a town rich with Zionist history. After lunch on your own in Zichron Yaacov, take a walking tour through Zichron Yaacov’s cobblestone streets to learn about Baron Edmond de Rothschild’s vision and contribution to one of the first Jewish settlements in Israel. Walk through the beautiful gardens of Ramat HaNadiv, Baron Rothschild’s Memorial Gardens. Visit the Tishbi Winery, one of Israel’s finest, for a tour and tasting. Drive to the seaport city of draped on the sides of . Stop at the Observation Point and view the magnificent Baha’i Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is considered to be the most holy site for members of the Baha’i faith. See the beautiful, well-tended gardens, which were built into four segments with lawns, citrus groves, topiary and flowers. Learn about how these gardens were designed and inspired by the doctrines of the Baha’i faith. Return to Tel Aviv. (B)

The Only Way to See Israel

Tuesday, August 17 Tel Aviv to Jerusalem Depart Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Visit to Yad Vashem, Israel's memorial to the Holocaust where you will spend time touring the complex, especially the newly opened Children’s Pavilion. Walk along the Avenue of the Righteous where trees have been planted to thank the many who saved Jewish lives during this terrible time in the history of mankind. Continue to Machane Yehuda Market for a tour with a local culinary expert. The market is conveniently located minutes away from the city center, and it is a microcosm of everything Jerusalem has to offer. Machane Yehuda is Israel's most sprawling and buzzing network of alleys and vending stalls. You will have the opportunity to explore the market and enjoy Shuk Bites which gives you a chance to sample a variety of products, flavors and aromas of the market along with back stories on the products and personalities of the vendors. (B)

Wednesday, August 18 Jerusalem Today you will explore the four quarters that comprise Jerusalem’s Old City. Begin the day with a in the Jewish Quarter. Visit the Western Wall, the last remaining wall that enclosed the Temple Mount in the Second Temple Period. Set aside some time for a few minutes of prayer and contemplation before proceeding to the Southern Wall Excavations to see the original steps that lead to the Temple Mount. Next, take a tour through the Western Wall Tunnels an incredible labyrinth of tunnels, arches and passageways that expose Jerusalem’s rich history, archeology and topography. Afterward, take a leisurely walk down the Cardo, the main street in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. Visit the Muslim Quarter, the largest and most populated, which preserves some of the finest medieval Islamic architecture. View the Dome of the Rock, mosque of Islam; Walk through the Armenian Quarter, established on Mount Zion, to scope out Armenian shops, art, and ceramics. Continue to the Christian Quarter and see why it is the most visited quarter of the Old City. Follow the steps of the Via Dolorosa through narrow alleys and souks to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Ascend Mount Zion to visit Dormition Abbey, the traditional Upper Room and the Tomb of King David. Continue to your hotel to check in. (B)

Thursday, August 19 Jerusalem This morning depart Jerusalem and drive to Masada via the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Arrive at Masada and ascend by cable car to this last stronghold of the Zealots in their struggle against the Romans. It was an ancient fortification on top of an isolated rock plateau on the eastern edge of the Judean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea.

The Only Way to See Israel

Herod the Great built palaces for himself on the mountain and fortified Masada between 37 and 31 BCE. The Siege of Masada by troops of the Roman Empire towards the end of the First Jewish-Roman war ended in the mass suicide of the 960 Jewish rebels and their families holed up there. Masada was declared a “World Heritage site”. Tour Herod’s Palace, synagogue and bathhouse. Descend by cable car and drive Continue to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, which rests over the cave where Jesus was born. It was originally built by the Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. Pass by Shepherds’ Fields to see the remains of the Byzantine Monastery and caves. (Note Israeli Guides are not allowed to enter Bethelehem so tour will be conducted by local guide from Bethlehem; Israeli guide will pick you up and drop you off at entry to Bethlehem). This evening enjoy the Night Spectacular Sound & Light Show at the Tower of David. The walls of the Citadel serve as a stage for a night show which is a celebration of sight and sound. Amidst the archaeological remains in the Citadel’s courtyard and to the sound of original music, the story of Jerusalem unfolds through giant breathtaking, virtual reality images. The Night Spectacular uses trompe l’oeil technology – the stones of the walls and structures fade into the scenes and the screened images envelop the viewers and whisk them off to a one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience. (B)

Friday, August 20 Jerusalem to Jordan Dead Sea This morning travel to the Allenby King Hussein Bridge to enter the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Our representative will meet you at the Allenby Terminal. Relax in the VIP lounge while we attend to the passport and crossing formalities. You will then be transferred in a private vehicle across the bridge to Jordan. On the Jordanian side, VIP services include all assistance and processing of arrival documents. Upon arrival in Jordan you will be transferred to your hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. This afternoon enjoy a float on the unsinkable waters of the Dead Sea or a massage at the luxurious spa. (B)

Saturday, August 21 Dead Sea/Wadi Rum/Petra This morning your Jordanian Guide and Driver will meet you at your hotel to begin your tour of Jordan. Drive to Wadi Rum, a journey to another world. Board your 4X4 jeep, driven by professional Bedouin drivers onto Jordan's legendary sandstone area of Wadi Rum. The enchanting Wadi Rum is an area almost surreal in its distinctive beauty. Cross red sand dunes and explore the beautifully eroded pillars of sandstone rock, amongst the natural attractions are what have become known as ‘The Seven Pillars'. It was this area of Wadi Rum that so inspired T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Wadi Rums beauty remains intact and its breathtaking scenery is still an inspiration for those who travel there. Enjoy a delightful lunch hosted in an authentic Bedouin Tent! Drive to Petra.

The Only Way to See Israel

This evening, enjoy dinner at the lively “Petra Kitchen”, where you will enjoy learning how to prepare a traditional meal. The “Petra Kitchen” has a relaxed atmosphere where you will work alongside local women under the supervision of a chef. The meal will include soup, cod & hot mezzo & salads, a main course and take home recipes. (B.L.D)

Sunday, August 22 Petra to Amman Today you will take a tour into the “rose-red city” of Petra. Ride horse or walk along the Siq. At the end of the passage you’ll see Petra’s most beautiful monument – The Treasury (The Khazneh) which starred in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Beyond the Treasury, you’ll discover soaring temples; elaborate royal tombs, a theatre, burial chambers and water channels. In the first and second century, after the Romans took over, the city reached the peak of its fame. When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city’s importance gradually dwindled; it fell to disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was re-discovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Petra is Jordan’s top tourist attraction, known as the “rose-red city half as old as time”. After lunch in Petra travel to Amman, the modern and ancient capital of Jordan. (B.L)

Wednesday, August 23 Amman This morning travel north to experience Jerash, site of the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gerasa. It is sometimes misleadingly referred to as the "Pompeii of the Middle East or Asia", referring to its size, extent of excavation and level of preservation (though Jerash was never buried by a volcano). Jerash is considered one of the most important and best preserved Roman cities in the Near East. You will explore the Temples of Artemis and Zeus, the Roman Forum, Hadrian’s Arch, the massive Theatre and the mile-long Street of Columns. Step back in time as walk though this impressive Roman city. Continue west to Saladin's 12th century Arab castle, Qalaat al Rabad (Ajloun), one of the finest examples of military architecture. Return to Amman known as Rabbath Ammon and Philadelphia in Biblical times. See the remains of the Roman Theatre, the Archeological Museum and the Citadel containing the remains of the massive Temple of Hercules. (B.L)

Thursday, August 25 Amman Hotel to Amman Airport Transfer from Amman Hotel to Amman Airport for departure flight. (B)

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

The Only Way to See Israel

LAND PRICE PER PERSON IN DOUBLE $6,490 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT &1,700

INCLUDED IN ABOVE RATES:

PROPOSED ACCOMMODATIONS:

DATES CITY HOTEL ROOM TYPE # NIGHTS In Out 14-Aug 17-Aug Tel Aviv The Vista at Tel Aviv Hilton Vista Sea View 3 17-Aug 20-Aug Jerusalem David Citadel Deluxe Old City 3 20-Aug 21-Aug Dead Sea Kempinski Junior Suite 1 21-Aug 22-Aug Petra Movenpick Junior Suite 1 22-Aug 24-Aug Amman Four Seasons Deluxe 2

TOURING: Eight days (August 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 23) comprehensive private sightseeing in an air-conditioned vehicle including the services of a licensed, English-speaking Guide as per the attached itinerary based on the passengers listed above. All entrance fees to sites visited are included.

MEALS: Breakfast daily, Dinner at Petra Kitchen, 2 lunches in Jordan

TRANSFERS: 1. From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv Hotel 2. From Jerusalem Hotel to Allenby Border Crossing with Assistance 3. From Allenby Border to Dead Sea Hotel 4. From Amman Hotel to Amman Airport

OTHER INCLUSIONS: VISA FOR ENTRY TO JORDAN VIP ASSISTANCE ON ARRIVAL AT BEN GURION AIRPORT AND CROSSING TO JORDAN VIA ALLENBY BRIDGE

Not Included Tips to driver, guide and hotel personnel Gratuities of a personal nature (driver, guide, hotel personnel) Travel Insurance International Air Transportation Border crossing fees between Israel and Jordan (must be paid locally, approximately $65 per person)

The Only Way to See Israel

Deposits, Cancellations and Payments The above proposal is subject to your approval. Hotel reservations, driver and guide services will not be processed without your verbal authorization to proceed, as well as a deposit of $500.00 per person by credit card (American Express, Visa or Master Card) with proper authorization only.

The balance of all land and/or airfare (due 60 days prior to departure or within 7 days if booking is made less than 60 days in advance of departure) is payable by agency check or by credit card (American Express, Visa or Master Card) with proper authorization only.

CANCELLATION CHARGES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE – PER PERSON FOR ALL CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMS: Up to 60 Days………………$400 59-45 Days……………………$600 44-31 Days………………….. $800 30 – 16 Days…………………$1,000 15 days or less……………..50-100% of Trip