Jordan Extensions

Visiting Jordan is a natural addition to any tour of Israel, so why not add a few extra days to your Israel tour with one of our Jordan Extensions.  There are 3 border crossings – one in the North, one in the South and one in the Center – making it exceptionally easy to cross between the two countries. Whether its a short day trip to Petra or a multi day visit taking in more of the Kingdom’s fascinating sites, Touring Israel can offer you a seamless, high end luxury private tour of both neighboring countries.

Petra

The ancient and fabled city of Petra was built from 800 BC to 100 AD by Nabatean Arabs.  In this era Petra was a fortress, carved out of craggy rocks in an area which was virtually inaccessible. In the first and second century, after the Romans took over, the city reached the peak of its fame. Petra covers an area of about 100 square km, in which over 800 monuments can be found.  When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city’s importance gradually dwindled; it fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was re-discovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burkhart. Nowadays Petra is Jordan’s number one tourist attraction, known as the “rose-red city half as old as time”. The Khazneh (the Treasury), was featured in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’.

One Day Petra Tours From Eilat

If you’re on a really tight schedule its possible to see Petra on a private day tour from Eilat. Petra is located about 2 hours from the Arava Border Crossing near Eilat and we can arrange to have you picked up from a hotel in Eilat, have a private tour of Petra and be back in Eilat by late afternoon. Its not our favorite way of experiencing Petra, but its enough to get a taste of this incredible site. There is also a domestic air service between Tel Aviv and Eilat, so its in fact possible to do the tour in one day from Tel Avi and Jerusalem, although its a long day. Touring Israel can take care of everything including flights and all transfers.

PLEASE NOTE: As of January 1st 2016, all tourists entering Jordan at the Arava border crossing and staying for less than 48 hours require a Visa for Jordan. For stays of more than 48 hours Visa can be obtained at the border.

Wadi Rum

If you have 2 days to spare for Jordan, we recommend combining Petra with a visit to Wadi Rum. Otherwise known as Valley of the Moon, the landscape of Wadi Rum with its immensity, color and awe-inspiring shapes creates an almost supernatural atmosphere. The setting for the film ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and the actual location where T.E. Lawrence set his camp, whose book ’The Seven Pillars of Wisdom‘ was named after the seven natural columns varying in height located en route to Wadi Rum.  Bedouin camps are evident in the Wadi. These are still home to a number of Bedouin families who welcome visitors with the hospitality and generosity that Bedouins are so famous for. Explore the desert with a 4×4 driven by a local Bedouin for 2 hours.

Amman and Beyond

Jordan is well worth an extra day or two if you can spare it. From the Greco – Roman city of Jerash, the ancient Citadel of Amman, the stunning Byzantine mosaics at Madaba and through the Crusader Fortress of Kerak, Jordan offers a wealth of history and culture that is highly rewarding. Jordan’s selection of high end hotels is also outstanding.