Ancient paths - Israel and Jordan

Journey through the lands of ancient history – from Amman’s Roman theatre and mysterious rose-coloured Nabataean Petra, regarded as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’, to Wadi Rum – still resonating to the exploits of T.E. Lawrence, Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Temple Mount, during Peregrine Adventures’ new 12-day Jordan & Israel Explorer.

From Amman, transfer by road to Aqaba. Here, exchange wheels for camel hooves, and ride deep into Wadi Rum exploring the desert surroundings before a memorable overnight in a Bedouin encampment. Next morning, scale one of the nearby large dunes for prime photographic opportunities before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, where the famous rock-carved Treasury is glimpsed through a narrow, rose-coloured chasm.

Next, travel the King’s Highway, dating from the time of the Old Testament, to Shobak Castle, originally built to protect the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes. At Madaba, visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, home to an ancient mosaic map depicting Palestine and Lower Egypt around 550 AD. Cross into Israel via the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge and experience Jerusalem’s highlights including the Western (Wailing) Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, then take a pilgrimage to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity (just don’t annoy the priests!) in Bethlehem.

Journey on via Ma'aleh Adumim in the Judean Desert to Masada, fortress of King Herod and the last stronghold of the Zealots. Next, descend to the Dead Sea - the lowest place on earth (360 metres below sea level), relaxing in Ein Gedi Spa before taking a ‘salty’ dip in the sea. Continue to the Sea of Galilee via the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes - no picnic lunch required! Pass Tiberias, en route to the baptismal site on the River Jordan, before returning to Jerusalem and the conclusion to the tour.

The tour costs £1,440 p/p including arrival transfer, transport, hotel and Bedouin camp accommodation, some meals, sightseeing and entrance fees, an expert Peregrine tour leader and local guides. International flights are not included.

For more information and bookings, log on to Peregrineadventures.co.uk.