Bet Shean (Jordan Valley): This place has been continuously inhabited for the past 6,000 years. A vast, Roman-Byzantine city with colonnaded streets and a theater that could house 5,000 people once stood here, although by the 19th century, Bet Shean was a small village. Remnants of earlier civilizations can be seen on the ancient tel (Hebrew for a mound composed of layers of cities) above the Roman ruins.
Petra (Jordan): One of the great wonders of the world, yet forgotten for almost a thousand years, this legendary 2,000-year-old Nabatean city carved from the walls of a hidden desert canyon is now the highlight of excursion tours into Jordan from Israel. The entire Petra experience, including the trek into the canyon, has an air of adventure and mystery -- especially if you plan 1 or 2 nights (or more) at Petra and give yourself time to get a feel for the place early in the morning and in the evening, before the hordes of visitors arrive. Petra and other treasures in Jordan are easily accessible from Israel by tour or independent travel arrangements.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
