Jordan & Israel

Today it’s time to kick it old school in Madaba, the site of an ancient holy map that’s so detailed it’s like Google Maps for theologists. Then: soak up views of the Promised Land from the top of Mt Nebo, storm a giant Crusader castle in Karak... and we haven’t even got to the Lost City yet!

‘Historic’ is a word that doesn’t even come close to describing a city that was founded around 312 BC. With 80 m high red sandstone tunnels and a façade made famous by Indiana Jones, Petra stands as testament to man’s ability to create beauty from nothing. Wander through the Siq and remember to pinch yourself when you catch your first glimpse of the Treasury.

Back in the day, camels were the go-to way to cross the desert. Nowadays, we do it in a 4x4 (though the camel ride is still an option if you wanna have yourself a happy hump day). At Wadi Rum, we'll spend the night alongside one of the world's most ancient nomadic tribes in a Bedouin camp. Take it all in as the sun starts to go down and watch the cliffs glow with 50 shades of red. When night comes, get set for an epic show. We’re talking countless stars and the Milky Way as your canopy for the night. Whoever spots the most shooting stars wins!

Founded in around 4,000 BC, Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city – and it sits smack bang in the middle of everything that is the Red Sea. Take the option to (wet) suit up and see what all those ‘top dives in the world’ lists are on about. Also on the optionals menu: snorkelling and a glass bottom boat tour. Who knew the marine life here was so colourful?

Time to enjoy one of the world’s oldest health resorts! At 427 m below sea level (the lowest point on Earth), the Dead Sea is so salty you can float around in it like a cork. Afterwards, we’ll hit the road to Amman. Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad empires have all had their two cents when it comes to this place, creating a melting pot of ancient historical sites.

Today we’ll crank the history knob up to 11 and take you through Jerash – home to a bunch of Greco-Roman highlights, including a hippodrome which was used for chariot racing (and is nothing to do with hippos). Then: you’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre, Citadel and more on this afternoon’s city tour back in Amman.

Christianity, Islam and Judaism all consider Jerusalem a holy place, so it's kind of a big deal. We’ll check out the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, King David’s Tomb, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified), just to name a few.

Step into a real-life nativity scene in Bethlehem before swapping religious sites for Tel Aviv. Wanna top up your tan? You’ve got 16 beaches to choose from! If you’re keen for a wander, head to the chilled-out seaport of Old Jaffa. Tonight we’ll find out why Lonely Planet ranked this place one of the top ten party cities in the world. But before you hit the bars and the nightlife, why not head out for a final dinner with your travel mates? Saluf & Sons does some tasty, traditional Yemeni food that’s well worth a try.

The trip might be over after breakfast, but don’t leave until you track down Abu Hassan for hummus that will haunt your dreams (it’s that good). Don’t miss the boho neighbourhood of Florentin either. There are plenty of cafés here to sample some local coffees and treats – just the ticket after the night before.