January, 2019
somewherenice.blog
An Adventurer's Journey: 10 Days in Jordan and Israel
Embark on an adventure of a lifetime with a 10-day journey through Jordan and Israel. Begin your trip in the iconic city of Amman, Jordan, and explore its vibrant culture and incredible ancient architecture. Continue your journey with a visit to the impressive historic sites of Petra. From there, take a desert tour and spend a night camping in the sand dunes of Wadi Rum. After crossing the border to Israel visit the Dead Sea and Jerusalem's old city. Finish your trip with a stroll along the Mediterranean coast and relax in the luxurious beachside city of Tel Aviv.
Highlights
Amman and Jerash
In Amman, you can explore the beautiful Jordan Museum, browse through the bustling Souk al-Qasr, or admire the view from the Citadel. In Jerash, visit the ancient ruins of the Roman city and discover a number of ancient temples and colonnades. During your day trip, you can enjoy some delicious Jordanian cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs to remember your visit.
Petra
Dating back to the 4th century BC, Petra was once the thriving capital of the Nabataean Empire, a people who left their mark through impressive architecture carved directly into the sandstone rocks. The ancient city has remained largely untouched by time and provides an incredible glimpse into what life was like in the region centuries ago. Here, visitors can marvel at the spectacular Treasury of Al Khazneh and ancient ruins scattered across the landscape, offering plenty of opportunities to explore.
Wadi Rum
Located in the south of the country, this desert is known for its red sands that stretch for miles in every direction. Here, you can explore the vast desert, marvel at its surreal landscape, and discover its hidden caves. Visitors are able to explore the area by jeep safari, discovering stunning cave paintings and camels grazing in the desert. You can even try your hand at sandboarding or stay overnight in Bedouin-style tents.
Aqaba and Eilat
Located at the junction of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, these two cities offer stunning scenery and endless activities. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun on a white-sand beach, explore ancient ruins, or simply take in the unique culture of the region, Aqaba and Eilat have something to offer. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also take advantage of the plentiful snorkeling and diving spots to explore the amazing coral reefs.
Dead Sea
With the world's lowest elevation on land, the Dead Sea is known for its incredibly high salt content, making it a great spot for therapeutic floats. Not to mention, the surrounding area offers incredible hiking trails, historic sites, and of course, stunning views. Whether you're looking to relax and take in the scenery, or explore some of the nearby attractions, a day trip to the Dead Sea is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
Jerusalem
With a history spanning thousands of years, Jerusalem is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Here, you can explore its vast collection of sacred sites and monuments, including the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. You can also explore the markets of the Old City and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city's cafes and restaurants. Whether you're religious or not, Jerusalem is an incredible destination that is sure to provide an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a vibrant city that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. During the day, you can explore the city’s museums, markets, and boutiques, as well as soak up some rays at one of the city’s many stunning beaches. In the evening, there’s no shortage of options for nightlife, from outdoor bars and clubs to theater and live music. And of course, no trip to Tel Aviv is complete without trying the local cuisine. From traditional dishes like falafel and hummus to more contemporary creations, the food here is a real treat.
Tricks and tips
Weather and climate
Traveling can be a great adventure, but it’s important to be prepared for the elements. The weather can change dramatically, so it’s essential to pack a set of warm clothes, a hat, and sunscreen.
Moving between cities
It may be necessary to take a taxi between cities when there is no available space on local bus services. Buy tickets for touristic buses in advance to avoid this scenario.
Jordan-Israel border crossing
When crossing the border, it’s important to know that a taxi may be necessary to get to the border and another taxi on the other side, but you will need to cross it on foot (1 min walk through the gate and duty free shop).
Itinerary
Days 1-2: Amman + Jerash | Arrival
Start in Amman, explore the city and its cuisine, visit Jerash to see ancient ruins.
Days 3-4: Petra
Move on to Petra, where you can spend two days taking in all the wonders of this ancient city. You can stay near Petra or in Wadi Musa (~30 mins walk away from Petra).
Day 5: Aqaba + Wadi Rum
Move to Aqaba and visit Wadi Rum, taking in the desert scenery as well as the sights of the city by the sea.
Day 6: Eilat | Border crossing
Make the crossing to Eilat at the Aqaba-Eilat border. Eilat is a great destination for exploring Israel's natural and cultural heritage.
Day 7: Dead Sea
Spend the day soaking up the sun and floating in the water's natural buoyancy, or relax in the nearby hot springs and mud baths.
Day 8: Jerusalem
Take a trip to Jerusalem and explore its ancient city. From the towering walls of the Old City to the sprawling architecture of the modern city, a trip to Jerusalem is sure to be a memorable experience.
Days 9-10: Tel Aviv | Departure
The last stop before the departure is Tel Aviv. Make sure to see the top attractions in Tel Aviv such as the beaches, restaurants, and art galleries.
Final thoughts
Who is this itinerary for
This itinerary is perfect for the experienced traveler who is looking for a blend of adventure and relaxation. With opportunities to explore the wonders of nature, take in the sights of cities and ancient ruins, and simply relax by the sea, this itinerary is sure to offer a truly unique experience.
What would I've done differently
I chose to take this route in winter when the weather was comfortable for hiking, however, warmer seasons could be ideal for exploring the stunning Red, Mediterranean and Dead Seas. To make the most of your trip, I'd recommend adding a few extra days either in Aqaba or Eilat for some world-class diving and snorkeling.
Overall impression
Exploring Jordan and Israel was an amazing adventure. From the rolling hills to the historical sites, I had the opportunity to experience unique cultures and beautiful landscapes. With friendly locals and amazing scenery, it's a marvelous place to visit in any season.
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