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. Then: channel your inner crusader as we storm 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.

Can you imagine wandering through the streets of a 10,000-year-old city? Don't just imagine it. LIVE it. The Lost City is a labyrinth of ancient tombs, hypnotic temples and flaming-red cliff faces. Our day begins with an orientation walk with our expert Trip Leader. Then: spend the arvo uncovering all of Petra’s secrets for yourself. A fan of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? Rock the fedora and pose for a photo in front of the iconic rose-red façade. Bucket-list moment: tick! Worked up an appetite? You won’t wanna miss tonight’s optional dinner: an authentic meal of maqluba with a local family. Awesome food with awesome people guaranteed.

Back in the day, camels were the go-to way to cross the desert. But we’re in the present. With our spit-free, buttock-friendly 4x4 transport. Sit back as we venture across The Valley of the Moon to our traditional Bedouin Camp in the heart of the Jordanian desert. This? This is real travel. 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.

We’re swapping sand for sea today, so get ready for all things aquatic at Aqaba! The only coastal city in Jordan sits on the edge of the Red Sea. You know what that means? It's your chance to trade feet for fins and dive right in! Spot Sebastian, Nemo and some coooool dude turtles. Discover lost army tanks, sunken airplanes and mysterious shipwrecks. Once you’re done with your gills, it’s time to hang up the flippers and head to the beach for sunset. A shawarma (Jordanian kebab) isn’t for sharing, but there’s plenty to go round!

A big fan of salt? You love it on your hot chips. But how about on your skin? ’Cos the Dead Sea is FULL of it. Float on top of the rippling water like a weightless cloud. Even after a hefty serving of breakfast. Ever dipped a papercut into salt by accident? Yep. You’ve just scrunched up your face. Same thing applies here – let those hairs grow. Nobody is looking – pinky swear. Soak up the natural minerals, say see ya to stress, and then wave goodbye to the lowest point on Earth. We’re going full circle back to where this journey began: Amman. Here, our top-tier Trip Leader will fill you in on allll the historical deets with a walking tour. Byzantine Basilica, Ummayad Palace, the Temple of Hercules... Hope you're ready to catch your jaw – it’s about to DROP.

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 Trip Leader. After another included group dinner, we’re bunking down in the heart of Jerusalem tonight. Sit back and enjoy the vibe. This sh*t hits different.

Jerusalem is the G.O.A.T. of holy places. Christianity, Islam AND Judaism believe it encompasses all things sacred. Get educated about this city on a guided tour. We’re talking Mount of Olives for the incred views. Church of All Nations AND the Garden of Gethsemane. Then, the old city. Phew! We’re not even halfway. Cue: Via Dolorosa, Stations of the Cross, and a tonne of sacred sites. Jesus’s final resting place at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre? Check. The Western (Wailing) Wall aka the most sacred place in Judaism? Check. Mount Zion – the traditional site of the Last Supper? Check. (Ginny’s dad being God-like has a whole new meaning.) Still got energy to explore? That daily step count is gonna explode. One thing you cannot miss this avvy: 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 begins on a sombre note with a visit to Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Centre – please dress respectfully. In the museum, you can take in the Hall of Names, read survivors’ tales and see personal artifacts of Holocaust victims. It’s an eye-opening experience. After, we’re hitting up Bethlehem. Yep, the birthplace of Jesus himself. Our walking tour’s main attraction: the Church of the Nativity. Then: get your art fix at the Separation Wall. Its history will make you feel things. The graffiti will make your jaw drop. You’ll learn something that might change your outlook on life. Okayy, *deep breath* heavy chat over, it’s back to Jerusalem for the night.

Tranquil. Stormy. Unbelievable. REAL. Nope, it’s not the latest retrograde. It’s Lake Galilee. Our first stop of the day. You may not get to walk on water, but you can deffo embrace the serene atmosphere on an included boat tour. Onwards to Golan Heights. Get your tastebuds ready cos a local wine tasting is about to happen. Then, it’s back to the waters with a visit to Yardenit, a turquoise baptismal site on the Jordan River. Next up: a local Kibbutz. What’s that? A community settlement entirely unique to Israel. You wanted to experience the authentic side of travel. This is it. And you’re staying the night. With traditional dins included! Don’t say we don’t treat you.

Our road trip continues! First stop: Nazareth. An awesome sight you’ll behold on our included walking tour: the Basilica of the Annunciation. According to Catholic tradition, this is the site of Mary’s home, where Angel Gabriel announced she would give birth to the Son of God. Want a beaut view of the terraced Baha’i Gardens in Haifa? Sorted. After: it’s our last stop. Put the tissues away for now cos we’re in Israel’s capital. It’s giving bright. It’s giving awesome. It’s giving love. Tel Aviv understands the assignment. Get to know this iconic city on a walking tour with your Trip Leader. Top sights you’re gonna fall for? Jaffa’s Old Port, Rabin’s Memorial Site, Neve Tzedek. And MORE. Tonight, we’re gonna tuck into our last supper, Topdeck-fam style. Where’s the shakshuka at?

Down your pomegranate juice and take a deep breath – this morning it’s time to say our goodbyes. Get in on the WhatsApp group for next year’s reunion, where it WILL make it out of the chat. Sticking around? Track down Abu Hassan for hummus that will haunt your dreams (it’s that good).