Delve Deep: Jordan & Israel

Rise and shine! We’re off to the Lost City after breakfast. But it’s not just about the destination – the road to Petra is gonna be amazing. First? Madaba: the site of an ancient holy map that’s so detailed it puts Google Maps to shame. Check out the vibrantly coloured and intricately detailed Byzantine-era mosaics scattered across the city before we take in allllll the views of the Promise Land from Mt Nebo. Seen Kingdom of Heaven? Channel your inner Orlando Bloom as we storm through the Crusader stronghold of Karak Castle. And to round it all off? Level up your chef skills with an optional local cooking class. Or experience Petra – by night. Opt for a goosebump-inducing walk down the dark ravine, following the sound of traditional music and the soft glow of a candle-lit desert floor. Awesome is an understatement.

Words can’t describe how breathtaking this place is, so why would we try? Spend the whole day uncovering the magic of the Lost City and learn why people have been drawn to this place since 312 BC. With towering burning-red cliff faces and a façade made famous by Indiana Jones, this place rocks (sorry not sorry). Get your bearings on an orientation walk with our expert Trip Leader. Then: the rest of the day is yours to explore. Just be back in time for tonight’s optional dinner – a delicious traditional meal of maqluba with a local family. This is as authentic as it gets.

Back in the day, camels were the go-to way to cross the desert. But we’ve got a more buttock-friendly transport option today as we switch the coach for a 4X4 and venture across The Valley of the Moon to our traditional Bedouin Camp in the heart of the Jordanian desert. If you want to see if Alice really does have two humps, there’s an optional ride on offer today. Or just sit back and take it all in. This is your moment. Tonight’s included dinner is brought to you by one of the world’s most ancient nomadic tribes – tuck in around the camp fire and learn all about Bedouin life with your trip mates. And later? Get starry-eyed with an optional stargazing experience. What. A. Day.

From a sea of burnt-red sand to well, the actual sea – we’re making tracks to Jordan’s only coastal city. Dating back to 4,000 BC, Aqaba’s located smack-bang in the middle of the Red Sea, with temps rarely dropping below 20°C. Meaning? It’s THE place for diving, snorkelling and Nemo-spotting. And you’ve got the whole afternoon to do just that. Scuba dive around sunken military tanks, transport planes and Lebanese freighters. Make friends with flashy fish, colourful coral and green turtles (maybe). Then, gather the gang for a shawarma (Jordanian kebab) and sunset on the beach. This is livin’.

Ready to tick “bob on top of the Dead Sea” off your bucket list? Today is your day. At 427 m below sea level (the lowest point on Earth), the Dead Sea is so salty you can float weightlessly around like last night’s second helping of shawarma didn’t happen. Tip: avoid shaving your legs, face or other... parts before your swim. Sh*t stings! Give yourself a free spa treatment with the mineral-laden mud. Snap a pic for mum. And pile back on the coach – we’re heading back to Amman for an education in the Roman, Byzantine AND Umayyad empires that have left their mark on this place. Check out the Roman Amphitheatre, Citadel and melting pot of ancient historical sites on a walking tour with your fact-filled Trip Leader before heading downtown for a falafel feed.

Crank the history knob to 11 with a visit to Jerash – home to a bunch of Greco-Roman highlights, including a hippodrome which was used for chariot racing (and has nothing to do with hippos). Then wave goodbye to Jordan as we cross into Israel. Flash your passport and meet your local Israeli guide. After another included group dinner, we’re bunking down in the heart of Jerusalem tonight. Sit back and enjoy the view at our hostel’s rooftop terrace. This is what you came for.

Christianity, Islam and Judaism all consider Jerusalem a holy place, so it's a big deal. Get educated on a guided tour of the old town, checking out the likes of Via Dolorosa, Dome of the Rock, Gethsemane, King David’s Tomb, the Western Wall and Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified). Then: the rest is up to you. Need some suggestions? Take in all the I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E views from the Mount of Olives. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed by some to be Jesus’s final resting place (expect queues!). Then, check out Mahane Yehunda Market – a variety of local produce stores by day, buzzing bars and shisha stalls by night. You wanted free time to delve deeper – go get it!

Today we’re rolling on to the culturally rich city of Bethlehem to see the very spot Jesus was born (according to certain sources). Wander across Manger Square and check out the Church of Nativity with your local guide, before heading over to Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel for the ‘worst view in the world’. Think: a hotel, museum, protest and art gallery all in one. Learn your ABCs of Israeli wine with a quick stop at a local winery, before we arrive in Tel Aviv. Discover the chilled-out seaport of Old Jaffa – ticking off the Clock Tower and St Peter’s Church. Then: there’s a reason they call this place ‘Non-Stop City’ – time to gather your trip mates and find out why.

The trip may be winding up – but the adventure sure isn’t over yet! Today is 100% yours to delve deeper into this electrifying gem of a city. Sniff out some heady spices and show off your mad bartering skills (or not) at traditional Carmel Market. Make like a local and head to HaYarkon Park for a people-watching picnic. Or check out Sarona Market for alllll the world snacks under one roof (warning: Geminis and Librans will need help with decisions here). And this evening? Time for one final group dinner at a local eatery. WHAT an adventure it’s been.

Down your pomegranate juice and brush away those tears – this morning it’s time to say our goodbyes. Swap those Insta handles and pencil in next year’s reunion trip. Sticking around? Track down Abu Hassan for hummus that will haunt your dreams (it’s that good).