The Middle East

Jordan is a bucket-list destination for many who dream of seeing the ancient city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But the country is rich in history and dotted with geographical marvels and deserves much more than a cursory day trip to Petra. Jordan is the safest country in the Middle East and the people exude warmth and hospitality. As a traveler, “Welcome to Jordan” is the phrase you’ll most often hear. Jordan is an incredible destination and delivers an extraordinary travel experience. Be prepared to be blown away!

Like many of you, I’ve wanted to visit Jordan since I first saw Indiana Jones ride in front of Petra’s Treasury in the 1989 film. Jordan is so much more than just Petra. In two weeks, you’ll get to step away from the beaten path — and the crowds — to explore more deeply and see the amazing history, landscapes and culture that Jordan holds. You’ll be thankful for the extra days on your itinerary, and wish you had even more. I hope you fall in love with Jordan like I have!

Ancient ruins and sacred sites, modern museums and flavorsome food, Mediterranean beaches and desert oases - there are so many reasons to love Israel. Located only two hours from Greece, you can taste the similarities between the Mediterranean cooking you will experience throughout the region. If you love food, ancient history and warm weather year-round, Israel is a must-see. Discover how you can spend seven days in Israel with this guide I've created to the best sights, hotels and restaurants.

A lovely place that is unpretentious and makes you feel like an honored guest. The staff is a who's who of the United Nations, so just chatting with the staff who hail from places as far away as Kenya, Vietnam, Philippines, Spain is itself a learning experience!

This destination is so special, because it holds so much religious history. Traveling to the holy land is often a once-and-a-lifetime experience for many people. Walking along the Jordan River, floating in the dead sea, visiting all the towns where miracles happened.

Incredible beaches, bustling markets, cafes on every corner — and parks galore, Tel Aviv is an incredible (and incredibly family-friendly) destination. Whether you want to see art and architecture, taste the local cuisine, explore history ancient and modern or just hang on the Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv really has it all... and this itinerary will help you feel more local than tourist. (NB: This itinerary assumes no guide and no car... but happy to help you plan with either or both of those).

Jerusalem is a city of many names, many religions and many faces. From the ancient walls to the modern shops, Jerusalem is a city whose past, present and future are constantly on display. See the holy sites of Judaism, Christianity and Islam by day, and spend your night amongst the food and art of Machane Yehuda (the central marketplace). From the midrachov of Ben Yehuda to the cobblestones of the Old City, from the Israel Museum to the Cinematheque, the energy (and challenges) of this remarkable city are unique in every way.

Exploring Jordan was an extraordinary journey, blending ancient history, rich culture and stunning landscapes. Each destination, from the rose-red city of Petra to the serene waters of the Dead Sea, revealed unique treasures. These explorations offered not only a deep connection to Jordan’s heritage but also a luxurious escape into some of the world’s most remarkable sites. I’m thrilled to share these experiences, ensuring your visit will be filled with the same wonder and delight that I experienced.