Ancient & Holy Lands

As our feet touch down on Middle Eastern lands, we’re whisked to the Lost City. Cherish two nights at the Mövenpick Resort Petra, where the magnificent metropolis lies just moments away. As if created by a bolt of lightning, the Siq’s dramatic walls provoke anticipation. Mere footsteps away, the Treasury, Petra’s famous facade, awaits. Further within these ancient walls, see the Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, Pharaoh’s Castle and the Monastery.

On a Jeep expedition, see carvings of human figures and Nabataean rock inscriptions. After lunch at a desert camp, the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea in the Jordan Valley awaits for a two-night stay. Set on the banks of the Dead Sea, we’re afforded private access to the hallowed waters. Explore the ancient Roman remains of Jerash, see the mosaics of Madaba and pay a visit to Mt Nebo, or simply float in the Dead Sea on a Your World experience.

We enjoy five nights at the iconic King David Hotel. During our time here, we visit the Temple Mount, Mt Zion and the room of the Last Supper, the Avenue of the Righteous and the Children’s Memorial at Yad Vashem. At the Israel Museum, discover the Dead Sea Scrolls. Become immersed in history and spirituality of Bethlehem as we explore the sites of Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, as well as the monasteries of the Shepherds’ Fields.

We travel to the monumental Great Rift Valley, where a cable car delivers us to the desert fortress of Masada. Back in Jerusalem, we visit the Garden of Gethsemane, travel along the Via Dolorosa, also known as the Way of Sorrows, to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Garden Tomb. Presented with a biblical menu at The Eucalyptus restaurant, we savour traditional Israeli flavours with a twist before a sound and light show.

Together we walk the path of pharaohs, kings and caliphs in Beth Shean. Israel’s Middle Eastern charm is on display in Nazareth. While here, perhaps submerge yourself in the Jordan River at Yardenit, where it is believed that Jesus was baptised. We sail upon the Sea of Galilee before making our way to the Spa Hotel Mizpe Hayamim. We pause at Golan Heights, born from volcanic eruptions, continuing east to Banias Nature Reserve.

In Tel Aviv, a cable car ride takes us past beautiful grottos and caves of Rosh Hanikra. Our journey continues to Akko and the Bahai Gardens, before a tour of ancient Caesarea. An Israeli archaeologist shares insight into the Holy Land before we retire at the Hilton Tel Aviv. Our time here is occupied by a visit to Independence Hall and the Palmach Museum, as well as a sampling dinner at Market Kitchen.

Today we visit the main museum, the Avenue of the Righteous and the Children’s Memorial at Yad Vashem. Taking a step further back in time at the Israel Museum, discover a range of archaeological finds, including the Dead Sea Scrolls. After lunch, venture to Bethlehem. Become immersed in history and spirituality as we explore the sites of Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, as well as the monasteries of the Shepherd’s Fields.

This morning, we travel to the hilltop fortress of Masada. Boarding a cable car, we reach the ancient ruins, which were the site of the final Jewish revolt against the Romans. Surrounded on all sides by the Judean Desert, we’re afforded remarkable views of the vast and undulating landscape, with the Dead Sea in the middle distance. While making our return to Jerusalem, we stop to visit the Garden Tomb, said to be the location of Christ’s final resting place. At dinner this evening, we raise a glass to our wonderful day.