Why book the Best of Israel and Jordan tour?
Best of Israel and Jordan is our 11-day shoestring tour connecting two of the world's most historically layered countries, running from Tel Aviv to Tel Aviv with a full Jordan loop. In 11 days you visit Masada by cable car, float on the Dead Sea, walk the Via Dolorosa and Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, tour Yad Vashem and the Israel Museum, cross to Jordan at Beit Shean, see the Roman ruins at Jerash, and spend a full day in Petra. Golan Heights wine tasting, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, and Haifa's Baha'i Shrine round out an extraordinary two-country experience. Groups run 2-45, sharing with other operators.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to both countries?
Yes. The itinerary is designed to show you the essential highlights of both countries in one efficient trip, saving you from having to organise two separate journeys with two separate border crossings.
What is the difference between this and your other Israel and Jordan tours?
Best of Israel and Jordan is 11 days at a shoestring price point with shared-operator group departures. It covers both countries comprehensively. If you want a Jordan-only itinerary, Jordan Express (6 days) and Best of Jordan (7 days) focus purely on Jordan. If you want private travel, contact us for tailor-made options.
What is the best time of year to do this tour?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures across both countries. Summers can be very hot in Jordan, particularly in Petra and the Wadi Rum area. The Dead Sea and Jerusalem are enjoyable year-round.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
This is our shoestring option for Israel and Jordan, which means good-quality budget accommodation and shared group departures. What is remarkable is what is included at this price: all accommodation, transport, 24-hour arrival transfers, all site entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide for all 11 days. At a shoestring price that is exceptional value.
What is actually included in the price?
Included: 10 nights accommodation (Sea Net Hotel Tel Aviv, Prima Park or Shalom Hotel Jerusalem, Prima Galil Tiberias, Liwan Hotel Amman, Amra Palace Petra), all transport, 24-hour arrival and departure transfers, English-speaking guide throughout all sightseeing, and all site entrance fees.
What is NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
International flights, Israel ETA-IL travel authorisation (currently around a modest fee, check the official site), Jordan Pass (recommended as it includes the Jordan visa for 3+ nights plus entrance fees), border tax between countries (a significant per-person fee, your guide will brief current amounts at the start), travel insurance, all meals, tips, drinks, and personal expenses.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Pay a deposit to hold your place and the balance 8 weeks before departure. Reserve-now-pay-later options are available.
How physically demanding is this tour?
Easy to moderate. The most active section is walking Jerusalem's Old City (uneven stone streets and steps) and Petra (1-3 hours depending on how far you go). All other sightseeing is manageable at a comfortable pace.
What if I am older than the rest of the group?
The tour is well suited to travellers of all ages. Jerusalem and Petra require some walking on uneven ground, but you can take your time. The group includes a wide age range on shared departures.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
Jerusalem's Old City has significant uneven cobblestones and steps. Petra's main path can be done on a horse-drawn carriage to the Siq entrance but the site itself is uneven terrain. Contact us if you have specific mobility concerns.
Is Israel safe to visit right now?
Israel and Jordan are both established tourism destinations. The security situation in Israel can change, so always check current UK Foreign Office travel advice before booking and before departure. Jordan is one of the region's most stable countries.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Both Israel and Jordan are safe for women on guided group tours. In Jordan, modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) is recommended outside tourist areas. Your guide will brief you on local norms.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Tel Aviv and Amman both have excellent hospitals. Jerusalem has international medical facilities. Your guide has first aid training and local contacts. Travel insurance with medical cover is compulsory.
What is the accommodation actually like?
Hotels are clean, comfortable shoestring-category properties in central locations: Sea Net Hotel in Tel Aviv, Prima Park or Shalom Hotel in Jerusalem, Prima Galil in Tiberias, Liwan Hotel in Amman, and Amra Palace in Petra. All rooms are en-suite. This is solid, practical accommodation rather than luxury.
Can I upgrade?
Yes. Comfort (4-star), Superior (4/5-star), and Deluxe (5-star) accommodation upgrades are available throughout. Ask our sales team or select your preferred option when booking.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is available at all hotels on this tour. Israel in particular has excellent mobile connectivity throughout.
What kind of food will we eat?
Israel offers outstanding food: mezze, falafel, shakshuka, and the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem is a destination in itself. Jordan adds Jordanian mezze, mansaf, and street food including Kunefa. Most meals on this tour are self-catered (buy your own), giving you the freedom to explore local restaurants.
Can you cater for vegetarian vegan or gluten-free diets?
Both Israel and Jordan have excellent options for vegetarians and vegans. Kosher and halal food cultures mean ingredient awareness is often higher than in Western restaurants. Inform us of any requirements.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Tap water is generally safe in Israel and treated in Jordan, but we recommend bottled water or a Water-to-Go filter bottle throughout both countries.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Very popular with solo travellers. Shared departures can have up to 45 people, so the social dynamic is strong. You will meet fellow travellers from around the world.
Do I have to share a room?
The tour price is based on twin-sharing. A single supplement is available. We will try to match solo travellers of the same sex if you prefer to share.
What is the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Groups run with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 45 (shared with other operators, average around 25-30). Expect a diverse mix of travellers from across the English-speaking world.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes. Contact our sales team about private departure options with a dedicated guide.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
No minimum age is specified. The content (religious sites, Petra, Dead Sea) is suitable for older children. A private departure would allow for more family-appropriate pacing.
Do I need a visa for Israel and Jordan?
Israel requires an ETA-IL travel authorisation, available online before travel (check the current fee on the official site). For Jordan, the Jordan Pass is strongly recommended: it covers the visa fee for stays of 3+ nights and includes entrance fees to Petra and most other sites. The border crossing at Beit Shean (Sheikh Hussein) requires a border tax paid locally.
What should I pack?
Pack modest clothing for religious sites in both countries (shoulders and knees covered). Israel is relaxed in Tel Aviv but conservative in Jerusalem's Old City. Jordan requires modesty in non-resort areas. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring swimwear for the Dead Sea.
Are any vaccinations required?
For Jordan: Tetanus and Hepatitis A. For Israel: Hepatitis A and Poliomyelitis. No malaria risk in either country. Consult your GP or travel clinic.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. The tour starts and finishes at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv.
What about tipping?
Your guide will advise on appropriate tipping amounts for the guide, drivers, and local guides at the start of the tour.
Can I add Petra by Night?
Yes. Petra by Night is a magical optional experience where the Siq is lit by candles. Available a few nights per week and bookable through your guide locally.
Can I do a Wadi Rum astronomy or balloon experience?
Yes. Wadi Rum astronomy sessions, hot air balloon flights, camel rides, and quad biking are available as optional extras in Jordan. Ask your guide.
How far ahead should I book?
Passover and Easter periods are especially popular. Book two to three months ahead minimum, more for peak religious festival dates.
How does booking work?
Book via the Dates and Prices page. Pay a deposit or hold a reservation. Balance is due 8 weeks before departure.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, compulsory. Must cover medical treatment, evacuation, and repatriation. World Nomads is a recommended option.
What is your cancellation policy?
A sliding scale of charges applies. Full terms are in our booking conditions. Trust My Travel financial protection covers your funds.
What if my dates are already sold out?
Contact us about the waitlist or alternative dates. We can also suggest Jordan Express or Best of Jordan as Jordan-only alternatives.
