Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Europamundo! Upon arriving at the airport, we will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Check the information boards in the hotel reception area for details of the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travelers.
Day 2: Istanbul
We’ll start with a panoramic tour of the city, exploring this unique metropolis that spans two continents. Our tour includes a visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, as well as stops at the ancient city walls, the Golden Horn, and the bustling fishing district, along with a chance to admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia.As the afternoon draws to a close, we’ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city’s most vibrant commercial district. There, you´ll have time to dine at one of its many restaurants and hop on the charming old tram that runs through the area. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Galata Tower.
Day 3: Istanbul - Ankara
We’ll begin our day with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, famous for its stunning courtyards and pavilions (admission included). Afterward, we’ll embark on a boat trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included), lasting about two hours on a private boat exclusively for Europamundo travelers. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We’ll enjoy the lively activity of the strait with its many boats. We’ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. We’ll then disembark on the Asian side for a leisurely walk through the Uskudar district, known for its impressive mosques like Yeni Valide and the Maiden’s Tower, as well as its tranquil streets. After some free time for lunch, we’ll continue our journey to the Anatolian Peninsula, arriving in Ankara in time for dinner, which will be included.
Day 4: Ankara - Cappadocia
After breakfast, we’ll begin our day with a tour of Ankara, the cosmopolitan capital of Turkey, home to over 5 million people and a vibrant cultural scene. The city boasts the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, and numerous national theater companies. We’ll visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, the ancient Ankara Castle, which dates to the 8th century B.C. We’ll also include admission to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, offering insight into the various cultures that have left their mark on Turkey. By late morning, we’ll stop at a large shopping mall where you can choose from a variety of dining options at the food court. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey to Cappadocia, making a stop at the Salt Lake, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. We’ll also visit Hacibektas, a revered pilgrimage site. Please be mindful of the dress code and maintain silence during our visit, as this sanctuary houses the mausoleum of Hacibektas, a 13th-century Sufi mystic. We’ll then proceed to Nevsehir, arriving in time for dinner, which will be included.
Day 5: Cappadocia
We’ll spend the entire day exploring the incredible region of Cappadocia, famous for its lunar-like landscapes, ancient churches, and troglodyte villages. Our adventure will begin in the Göreme Valley, where we’ll visit the open-air museum and marvel at the rock-cut churches (tickets included). Next, we’ll visit Uchisar, home to a natural fortress, followed by a visit to Kaymacli, an underground city that could once house up to 30,000 people. On our way back to Avanos, we’ll stop at Pasabag, also known as the Fairy Chimneys, where we’ll take a walk in this breathtaking natural area. You’ll have some free time before we wrap up the day. Dinner will be included.
Day 6: Cappadocia - Safranbolu
We’ll enjoy a fantastic day traveling through the heart of Anatolia, heading north where the landscapes turn lush and green. We’ll arrive in Safranbolu by early afternoon, a delightful small city and UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a key stop on ancient caravan routes. In the courtyard of a beautifully preserved caravanserai, you’ll enjoy a traditional Turkish tea. Dinner will be included.
Day 7: Safranbolu - Gokgol magarasi - Eregli - Istanbul
Today, we’ll journey along the Black Sea coast, taking in the region’s lush green landscapes. Our first stop will be Gökgöl Magrasi. Admission is included to explore this magnificent cave with an underground river and vibrant colors. In Eregli, a coastal town on the Black Sea, you’ll have time for lunch, and later, we’ll visit the impressive Cehennemagzi caves and tombs, rich in mythology. We’ll arrive in Istanbul by the end of the day.
Day 8: Istanbul - Tel aviv
Day 9: Tel aviv - Cesarea - Haifa - Saint john of acre - Nazareth
Breakfast. Departure from the city of Tel Aviv bordering the Mediterranean Sea until reaching Yaffo, old port of Israel, today an artists´ quarter. Visit of the Church of Saint Peter. Continue along the coast to CAESAREA, ancient Roman capital, where we will visit its Theater, the Fortress’ Wall of the Crusaders and the Roman Aqueduct. We will continue our journey to the city of HAIFA, we will go up Mount Carmel, where the Grotto of the Prophet Elijah is located and observe the Bahai Temple and its Persian Gardens, and there we will have a panoramic view of the city and the port. Continue to SAINT JOHN OF ACRE (Akko), capital of the Crusaders, visiting the medieval fortresses. Arrival in NAZARETH. Dinner included. Accommodation.
Day 10: Nazareth
Breakfast. We will begin the day with a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee. We will continue to visit MAGDALA, where we will see remains of the town and its Synagogue, and we will visit the modern Church. Later, we will visit the MOUNT OF THE BEATITUDES, where "The Sermon on the Mount" took place. Arrival at TABGHA, place of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Visit of CAPERNAUM where the House of Saint Peter and the ruins of the old Synagogue are located. Return to Nazareth. Dinner included and accommodation.NOTE: The boat trip on the Sea of Galilee may be the next day.
Day 11: Nazareth - Mount precipice - Cana of galilee - River jordan - Judea desert - Jerusalem
Breakfast. In the morning visit of the city of Nazareth we will visit the Church of the Annunciation, the Carpentry of Saint Joseph, and the Fountain of the Virgin. Continuation to the MOUNT OF THE PRECIPICE, from where we can admire a beautiful panoramic view of Nazareth and its surroundings. We will continue the day with the visit of CANA OF GALILEE, where the first Miracle of Jesus took place. In the afternoon departure to Jerusalem through the Jordan River Valley, bordering the oasis of Jericho, where we will enjoy a panoramic view of the Mount of Temptation and the Dead Sea. Ascent through the Judean desert and entrance to Jerusalem, a messenger city of peace, cradle of the three great Cosmopolitan religions. Accommodation.
Day 12: Jerusalem
Breakfast. Excursion to visit the New City of Jerusalem, seeing the Shrine of the Book in the Museum of Israel, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed, and the model that represents the city of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. We will go through the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, then going toward Ein Karen, a picturesque neighborhood on the outskirts of the city to visit the Shrine of Saint John the Baptist. We will also see Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum and Memorial. In the afternoon, we will travel to BETHLEHEM, located behind the wall built in recent years to separate the two communities. We will take a Palestinian guide to visit the Church of the Nativity, the Grotto of the Manger and the Shepherds’ Field. Return to Jerusalem and accommodation.
Day 13: Jerusalem
We include a visit to the old city of Jerusalem. Excursion by Mount Scopus toward the Mount of Olives. There is an extraordinary view of the walled Holy City from the top. We then continue to Gethsemane, the Basilica of the Agony. Departure toward the Old City. Visit to the Western Wall (Wailing Wall). We will continue along the Via Dolorosa to arrive at Calvary, the place where Christ was crucified, and to see the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We then go onward to Mount Zion to visit the Tomb of King David, the Cenacle (Hall of the Last Supper) and the Abbey of the Dormition. Accommodation in Jerusalem.
Day 14: Jerusalem - Sheikh hussein bridge - Jerash - Amman
Breakfast. Early departure to border of Israel and Jordan. Arrival at Sheik Hussein Bridge to complete border and visa procedures. Welcome to Jordan! We explore the FORTRESS OF AJLUN, an imposing castle dating back to the 12th century. In this area, Muslims and Orthodox Christians have always lived together. We visit the historic CHURCH OF SAINT SERGIUS. Shall we all pray for peace? Lunch included. We continue to JERASH to visit its impressive Roman archaeological site. We then travel to AMMAN. Arrival and accommodation.NOTE: The Sheik Hussein border must be crossed on a special bus for this purpose. This costs around $3 per person, which must be paid directly by the passengers themselves.IMPORTANT NOTE: There are customs regulations upon arrival in JORDAN that prohibit the entry of religious objects. These objects can be withdrawn from the passenger without prior notice and without any compensation. Europamundo is not responsible if this happens.FEES: Each country requires an entry/exit fee that passengers must pay directly at their destination. For guidance purposes, these are the fees/visa fees that may apply (prices subject to change without notice): Israel: $32 (Departure Fee to Jordan); Jordan: 40 dinars/$60 (Sheik Hussein Border visa).
Day 15: Amman - Madaba - Amman
We will depart towards the CASTLES OF THE DESERT, built between the 7th and 8th centuries. We will visit QASR KHARANA, with its imposing structure of thick walls and the QUSAYR AMRA World Heritage Site, notable for its remarkable frescoes. Then, we travel to MADABA, lunch is included. We will visit the Madaba Archaeological Park, which we cross via an ancient Roman road, and the Church of St. George, with its fantastic 6th Century mosaic representing the oldest known map of the Holy Land. We continue to MOUNT NEBO, where Moses stopped to look over the Promised Land. Return to Amman. Arrival and free time.
Day 16: Amman - Bethany - Dead sea
We leave for BETHANY on the banks of the River Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; this is where John the Baptist baptised Jesus. Then we visit the DEAD SEA MUSEUM, which an impressive Panorama Complex. Lunch is included. Arriving at our hotel at the DEAD SEA, do not forget to take a dip in the saltiest sea and lowest altitude on earth. Dinner and accommodation included.
Day 17: Dead sea - Shoubak - Petra
Exciting section in the heart of Jordan. We ascend to the historic King´s Road, which tells us about the Moab Kingdom of the Bible. At the top of a hill we will be surprised by the castle of KARAK (entrance included), an impressive example of military architecture of the twelfth century. It soon became one of the most important fortresses between Jerusalem and Aqaba. Arrival at DANA, a small picturesque town of stone houses on a huge cliff. Lunch is included. We continue along the King´s Route to SHOBAK, where we take photographs (outside only) of the great Crusader Castle. We continue to WADI MUSA (the site around Petra). We will explore the MOSES SPRING, where Moses is said to have tapped the rock with his rod and the water gushed out, and the Petra Museum, an excellent exhibition that enables us to learn about the history of the Nabateans and to see magnificent pieces found in the area. Dinner (included)and accommodation. Any travelers who wish can go to an old Turkish bath or see a light and sound show in Petra.
Day 18: Petra - Wadi rum
Today we have the most exciting day of the trip: First, we visit the impressive archaeological site of PETRA, which is accessed through a narrow canyon, and discover the temples and tombs excavated on the cliffs in this city that was founded 300 years before Christ. After lunch (included) we leave for the impressive desert of WADI RUM. At the Visitor Centre we board 4x4 vehicles to visit some of the most impressive landscapes. We stop in the town of RUM to visit the ruins of the Nabatean temple. We include a 45-minute camel ride through the desert. We will also visit the Khazali Canyon. In this spectacular place, we will see the engravings that reveal the origins of the Arabic language. Dinner and accommodation included in a desert camp.
Day 19: Wadi rum - Aqaba
After breakfast we will leave for AQABA, Jordan’s second city. We will visit Jordan’s second city, a modern, commercial port city. Afternoon free to enjoy the hotel-resort and the warm waters of the Red Sea!
Day 20: Aqaba - Amman
After breakfast we will depart via “the desert road” to the AMMAN. Arrival at Amman airport and end of our services. Please, check the time of your flight in case you might need an additional night. Note: Depending on the number of travellers, the trip from Aqaba to Amman may be made by regular VIP coach.
