The Best of Jordan & Jerusalem Islamic Sites

A 12-Day Quranic and Islamic Tour

See the top Islamic sites in Jordan and Al Qouds Al Shareef. We’ll show you the wonders of fabled Jerusalem and Jordan and the Lost City of Petra on this locally escorted tour. Compare with the 9-day Tour of Jordan Islamic Sites

Tour

DAY 1 – AMMAN-Daily -Year Round
Arrive at Amman Airport. Our local rep will meet you upon arrival and help with the transfer to your hotel in Amman. While this is a daily tour, you may choose your own arrival date, we may have to change the sequence of the itinerary to accommodate any closure of specific sites and/or border crossing, subject to local holidays and regular maintenance of sites etc.

Day 2 – Amman (BL)
Breakfast at the hotel, then we will start by heading out to Salt and its surroundings where we will see and visit several tombs of prominent figures of Islam and others mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. Within a modern mosque in Wadi Shu’ayb lies the shrine of Prophet Shu’ayb (Jethro), the Midianite father-in-law of Prophet Moses and with whom Prophet Moses took refuge after he killed an Egyptian. Repeatedly he preached to his people about monotheism and to abandon their corrupt practices such as under-weighing and under-measuring the commodities they sold. Within a mosque to the west of Salt, on a hill carrying his name lies the shrine of Prophet Yusha (Joshua). He was the apprentice of Prophet Moses and later his successor. Prophet Joshua led the army of the tribes of Israel in conquest over the land of Palestine. Lunch is included enroute, then continue to Amman and your hotel.

Video by Sahil Sila

Day 3 – Amman and Jerusalem – Al Qouds Al Shareef (BLD)
Breakfast at your hotel main, checkout the hotel and transfer to the borders (king Hussein Bridge) for departure. Meet and assist upon arrival at Allenby Bridge and drive to Jericho to visit Hisham’s palace and old Jericho.

Continue to Jerusalem to visit the rest of Raba’a Adawia and to see a panoramic view of the old city of Jerusalem.

Al-Masjid El-Aqsa is an Arabic name which means the Farthest Mosque. To understand its name, and its importance, it must be remembered that the roots of Islam began in the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia today).

Ten years after the Prophet Mohammad (SAAWS) received his first revelation he made a miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and to the Seven Heavens on a white flying horse called Al-Buraq El-Sharif. During his interval in Jerusalem, the Prophet (SAAWS) stopped to pray at the rock (now covered by the golden Dome), and was given the commandment to pray five times a day.

Today, Muslims throughout the World use Mecca as the direction of prayers (Qibla). However, for 16½ months following the Prophet Mohammad’s miraculous journey, Jerusalem was the Qibla.

During Prophet Mohammad’s life, he instructed Muslims to visit not only the mosque where they lived in Mecca, but also the ‘Farthest mosque’ from them which lay 2000 kilometers north, in Jerusalem. Hence the name Al-Masjid El-Aqsa, or Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the second oldest mosque in Islam after the Ka’ba in Mecca, and is third in holiness and importance after the mosques in Mecca and Medina.

The rectangular Al-Aqsa Mosque is 144,000 square meters, 35 acres, or 1/6 of the entire area within the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem as it stands today. It is also called Al-Haram El-Sharif (the Nobel Sanctuary). The Dome of the Chain marks the exact central point of this Mosque.

Al-Aqsa Mosque holds up to 400,000 worshippers at one time, bearing in mind that the space required for each person is roughly 0.8m x 0.5m to enable the submissive kneeling in prayer. On Fridays at noon, during the fasting month of Ramadan, and particularly the 27th of Ramadan (Lailat El-Qadr), the area is filled to virtual capacity.

There are 11 gates to Al-Aqsa Mosque: 7 of which are open. Of the 4 closed gates, one is the Golden Gate.

Indications of any Muslim mosque the World over is the thin spiral minaret which always immediately adjoins the Mosque wall. Minarets are used to call Muslims to prayer five times a day, seven days a week throughout the year. At Al-Aqsa Mosque, there are four minarets: 3 square and 1 cylindrical from the Mamluk period.

There are no minarets on the Eastern side of Al-Aqsa Mosque because there were no inhabitants and thus no-one to call to prayer. After all, it was not till the late nineteenth century that Jerusalem began to expand outside the city walls.

Al-Aqsa is made up of 3 parts, narrow arcades run along one end, a huge atrium and a covered area at the south.

Running alongside the arcades are several family burial sites (maqamat). These persons contributed to the schools and charities in the vicinity of the Mosque run by the Supreme Muslim Council.

The atrium of Al-Aqsa Mosque is an oasis of peace and tranquillity inside a walled city of hustle and bustle. It has trees, lawns, fountains, the beautiful Shrine of the Dome of the Rock small domed rooms and structures which are rooms for scholars, sheikhs and religious court offices, and a museum.

In the center of the southern end of the atrium is the covered area of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Mihrab (niche showing direction of prayer) of the Mosque is located here. Al-Aqsa building (recognizable by its lead dome), was originally built nearly 1300 years ago by Muslim Caliph Al-Walid the son of Abdul Malek bin Marwan in 709 AD (the same Al-Walid who occupied Spain and made it Andalusia).

Throughout its history, Al-Aqsa was subject to successive restoration work due to damages caused by earthquakes, etc. The building now has the central nave and 6 aisles (the original covered area had 14 aisles).

The covered area of Al-Aqsa Mosque is a very simple, but large and imposing, rectangular structure. It has an area of 3500 square meters, and holds up to 5000 Muslims at prayer at one time. The Qibla facing south towards Mecca and the Rock within the Dome of the Rock are on the same central line.

There are 7 large gates to enter the Mosque’s covered area, as well as 1 single door on both the eastern and western sides. There are over 100 clear and colored glass windows, 14 Arches, 27 Italian Marble columns on the eastern side, and the equivalent number of stone piers on the western side.

The outer dome was covered with Lead in 1985 replacing the Aluminum dome of 1964 in order to restore it to its original cover.

The inner dome, decorated with stucco work, dates back to the 13th century.

In accordance with tradition, men and women are permitted to pray within the covered area but in different sections, 3 times a day. The remaining two daily prayers as well as Friday noon prayers, Al-Aqsa is for men only. The covered part of Al-Aqsa Mosque was converted to a Knight’s Hostel in part, and Chapel in part during the Crusader period. Restoration of Islamic atmosphere was done by Salahuddin Al-Ayyoubi.

The restoration of the subterranean Marwani Musallah (praying place) was completed in 1996. It is 4000 square meters, and was tiled in a brief 2 months entirely by volunteers. The Marwani Musallah is mistakenly believed by some to be the site of King Solomon’s stables, however its construction is actually entirely 8th century Umayyad.

In the middle of the 19th century Al-Aqsa Mosque was opened for Non-Muslim visitors. For Non-Muslims, the Mosque is open during fixed times on weekday mornings and afternoons on payment of an entrance fees. The Mosque is closed to Non-Muslims on Fridays throughout the year and all Muslim holidays.

Although in the past, everyone entered Al-Aqsa Mosque without shoes, now Muslims and tourists alike are permitted to enter Al-Aqsa with shoes. Shoes however, have to be removed to enter the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa’s enclosed area as a sign of cleanliness and respect. Cameras likewise, are permitted in Al-Aqsa Mosque, but not inside any building. Visitors should ensure they are modestly dressed with arms and legs covered. Ladies should have a scarf to cover their hair while on holy ground. Overnight in Jerusalem Al Qouds Al Shareef. Dinner is included at the hotel.

Day 4 – Jerusalem – Al Qouds (BLD)
Breakfast at the hotel, morning walking tour of the old medina, with lunch included at an Arabic local restaurant, with afternoon dedictaed to another visit to the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Dinner is included at the hotel.

Day 5 – Al Qouds – Jerusalem Back to Amman (BL)
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer back to Allenby bridge to cross back to Jordan. Arrival at king Hussein bridge, go through the formalities, and on to Amman, while on the way we will pass through salt and around Salt are several tombs of prominent figures of Islam and others mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. Within a modern mosque in Wadi Shu’ayb lies the shrine of Prophet Shu’ayb (Jethro), the Midianite father-in-law of Prophet Moses and with whom Prophet Moses took refuge after he killed an Egyptian. Repeatedly he preached to his people about monotheism and to abandon their corrupt practices such as under-weighing and under-measuring the commodities they sold. Within a mosque to the west of Salt, on a hill carrying his name lies the shrine of Prophet Yusha (Joshua). He was the apprentice of Prophet Moses and later his successor. Prophet Joshua led the army of the tribes of Israel in conquest over the land of Palestine, continue to Amman and your hotel. Lunch is included enroute.

Day 6 – Jordan valley (BL)
Breakfast is included daily at the hotel, and then proceed north to visit Jordan valley. Join other pilgrims in the Jordan Valley and visit the tombs of Prophet Mohammad’s venerable companions and military leaders The venerable companion Abu Ubeida Amer ibn Al-Jarrah was the Prophet’s relative and one of the first converts to Islam. Among the early Muslims who fled to Abyssinia, Abu Ubeida participated in all major events. Furthermore, he is one of the ‘Blessed Ten’, to whom the Prophet, promised paradise. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Back to Amman and your hotel.

As the supreme commander of the Northern Muslim Army, Abu Ubeida successfully conquered Greater Syria. Prophet Mohammad dubbed him “The Trustee of the Nation” because of the knowledge he acquired.

When the Prophet (SAAWS) died, Abu Ubeida was among the candidates for the Caliphate. He believed Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq was to lead the Muslims and become Caliph because Prophet Mohammad (SAAWS) had asked him to lead prayers upon his death.

Abu Ubeida thus managed to avoid insurrection and disunity amongst Muslims. At the age of 58, he fell victim to the Great Plague that spread through Greater Syria. In the central Jordan Valley, his tomb is a major Islamic center with a mosque, library, and a cultural center.

The handsome, generous and venerable companion Mo’ath ibn Jabal entered Islam at the age of 18. He was one of the six charged with the task of compiling the Holy Qur’an during the life of Prophet Mohammad who said of him “the most knowledgeable on what is allowed and prohibited (in Islam) is Mo’ath ibn Jabal” and that “Mo’ath will be at the forefront of all scholars on Judgment Day”.

In fact, he was regarded as the most learned in matters of Halal (permissible acts) and Haram (forbidden acts). Before accompanying Abu Ubeida Amer ibn Al-Jarrah on his conquests and later succeeding him, Prophet Mohammad sent Mo’ath ibn Jabal as counselor to the people of Yemen.

He also took part in the Aqaba Allegiance Convention between the Prophet and his supporters from Medina. He died at the age of 38 in the Jordan Valley, having spent his short life teaching faith and the Holy Qur’an. Today a modern building with 5 domes houses the tomb.

The venerable companion Shurahbil ibn Hasanah was among the early Muslims who fled to Abyssinia. He was reputed for his strong faith, intelligence, bravery and successful administration. Shurahbil actively participated in the Battle of Yarmouk and the conquest of Jerusalem. When the Caliph Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq sent the Muslim armies to Greater Syria. Shurahbil was in command of the army assigned to the conquest of Jordan.

Later, the Caliph Omar ibn Al-Khattab appointed Shurahbil the governor of a province in Greater Syria, where he distinguished himself for his fair dealings with subordinates. He died from the plague on the same day as the venerable companion Abu Ubeida Amer ibn Al-Jarrah.

The venerable companion Amir ibn Abi Waqqas was the maternal cousin of the Prophet and the 11th man to convert to Islam. He was devoted to his faith, although his mother Himnah, daughter of Abi Sufyan ibn Harb ibn Umayyah, swore to stay out in the burning sun until he renounces Islam. He migrated to Abyssinia and fought in the Battle of Uhud and was later entrusted with carrying messages from the commanders of the Muslim army to the Caliph in Medina.

Furthermore, he was the deputy of the venerable companion Abu Ubeida in his governorship of the military district of Syria. You can visit his tomb located inside a new building erected on vaults, within the village of Waqqas in the northern Jordan valley.

The venerable companion Derar ibn Al-Azwar was a poet and a fierce warrior who loved combat. He fought in the wars of Apostasy and took part in the conquest of Greater Syria along with his distinguished sister Khawlah bint Al-Azwar. In the town of Deir Alla a mosque superimposed by a dome houses the tomb of Dirar ibn Al-Azwar. The 18th year after Hijra was when he, too, became a victim of the Great Plague.

Day 7 – Mutaa – kerak (BL)
Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch is included enroute.
Head south to mutaa. The most significant and the fiercest battle fought during Prophet Mohammad’s lifetime was the Battle of Mutah (629 AD). It also took the lives of his closest companions, martyred fighting against a combined Byzantine/Ghassanid army. You can visit the tombs of the venerable companions Zaid ibn Harithah, Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, and Abdullah ibn Ruwahah in the town of Al-Mazar Al-Janubi near Kerak.

Prophet Mohammad’s (SAAWS) adopted son, the venerable companion Zaid ibn Harithah led the Muslim army during the Battle of Mutah. Zaid fought in matchless spirit of bravery until he fell, fatally stabbed. He is the only companion mentioned in the Holy Qur’an by name [Sura 33, verse 37]: “Then when Zaid had dissolved (his marriage) with her, we joined her in marriage to thee: in order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved (their marriage) with them. And Allah’s command must be fulfilled”.

The deputy commander of the army the venerable companion Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, cousin of Prophet Mohammad, then took the banner after Zaid. He is often known as “The Flying Ja’far” because he lost his hands during the battle and continued to hold the banner. Ja’far, was known to be similar to the Prophet both in features and in character. He was renowned for his kindness towards the needy and for narrating the hadiths directly from the Prophet.

Ja’far was charged with heading a group of Muslims who migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia). The non-believers sent a delegation headed by Amr ibn Al-Aas to bring the Muslims back to Mecca. A debate took place in the presence of the King of Abyssinia where Ja’far proved to be indomitable and unflinching in elaborating the Muslim viewpoint.

When the King asked him about Prophet Mohammad’s (SAAWS) opinion of Jesus the son of Mary, Ja’far wisely answered: “I will tell you what Prophet Mohammad says about Jesus based on the words of Allah: Jesus is the spirit and word of Allah who revealed it to Mary the Pious Virgin”. Content with the reply, the King of Abyssinia allowed the Muslims to stay.

The venerable companion Abdullah ibn Ruwahah, the third in charge of the army after Zaid and Ja’far, then assumed command. Abdullah was known among the companions for his piety, obedience and patience. Furthermore, he was a faithful and selflessly dedicated soldier. He was a famous poet of his time, and became the Prophet’s poet. Before being martyred in the Battle of Mutah, Abdullah said the following lines as his army faced an overwhelming number of Byzantine and Ghassanid Arab troops:

“O my soul! If you are not killed, you are bound to die anyway. This is the fate of death overtaking you. What you have wished for, you have been granted. If you do what they (Zaid and Ja’far) have done. Then you are rightly guided”.

In and around Kerak other shrines of significance to Islam are located. You can visit Prophet Nuh ‘Noah’ shrine in the city of Kerak. Allah sent Noah to his people to warn them of divine punishment if they continued to worship idols. As stated in the Holy Qur’an in a Sura entitled Noah (Sura 71, verses 1-3): “We sent Noah to his People (with the Command): Do thou warn thy People before there comes to them a grievous Chastisement. He said: O my People! I am to you a Warner, clear and open: That ye should worship Allah, fear Him and obey me”.

Credited with great wisdom and piety, the Prophet and King of Israel, Sulayman ‘Solomon’, has a shrine in Sarfah near Kerak. Prophet Solomon had great powers that included control over the winds, over the Jinnis and understanding the language of birds and other animals. Islam regards Solomon as impeccable like his father Prophet and King Dawud ‘David’. Prophet Solomon is mentioned in 16 verses in the Holy Qur’an.

Also in Kerak is the shrine of Zaid ibn Ali ibn Al-Hussein. He was the great, great, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, and a religious leader known for his righteous, majestic and knowledgeable ways. When describing Zaid, Al-Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq said: “Among us he was the best read in the Holy Qur’an, and the most knowledgeable about religion, and the most caring towards family and relatives”. (120 km) continue to Kerak to visit the castle of Kerak.

DAY 8 – AMMAN (BL)
Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Full day tour: In addition to the main Islamic attractions in Amman: the citadel, grand Husseini Mosque, king Abdallah Mosque, we will tour many noteworthy Islamic attractions.

In Jubeha, a suburb of Amman, visit the tomb of the venerable companion Abdul-Rahman ibn Awf Al-Zuhri. Lined up stones mark the burial place of one of the ‘Blessed Ten’, to whom Prophet Mohammad promised paradise. He took part in all major battles and campaigns of Islam; including Badr, Uhud (in Medina), Al-Khandaq (the Trench), the Conquest of Mecca, and Hunayn.

He was the signatory on behalf of the Muslims at the Treaty of Hudaybiyah (west of Mecca), a compromise that was reached between Prophet Mohammad and Meccan leaders, in which Mecca gave political and religious recognition to the growing community of Muslims.

At the conquest of Jerusalem he was one of the Muslim signatories. Abdul-Rahman was a successful businessman who shared his wealth. On one day he managed to free 31 slaves, another time he gave a caravan of 700 camels loaded with food to charity and upon his death he made a charitable will of 1000 horses and 50,000 dinars.

A modern building protects the tomb of the venerable companion Bilal ibn Rabah at the village of Bilal, in Wadi Essair another suburb of Amman. Whilst still a slave Bilal embraced Islam, which brought upon him the wrath of his master Umayyah ibn Khalaf who tried to coerce him into rejecting his faith by placing a huge rock on his chest during the peak summer heat of Mecca.

He fought bravely in the Battles of Badr and Uhud, where he was able to avenge himself from his former master. Gifted with a beautiful voice Bilal became the Prophet’s personal muezzin.

A popular attraction outside of Amman is Kahf Al-Raqim or The Cave of The Seven pious young men who slept for 300 year. Mentioned in the Holy Qur’an in a Sura named Al-Kahf (the Cave), it is located outside the village of Al-Raqim, 10 km east of Amman. Persecuted by despotic rule of Trajan for monotheism, a group of pious youths took refuge in this cave.

When the Pious Seven awoke, they thought that they were only asleep for a day or so. Christianity was widespread by then. At the cave, there still stands Byzantine and Roman ruins as well as a mosque. in the after noon visit the cave of the seven sleepers then back to your hotel in Amman for the night.

Day 9 – Petra (BLD)
We drive south along the King’s Highway, an ancient caravan route, to PETRA. Lunch is included enroute. The afternoon is at leisure to get some rest, and enjoy your hotel. Dinner is included at the hotel.

DAY 10 – PETRA (BD)
We’ll spend the entire day at Petra, the stunning desert city hewn by the Nabateans from solid cliffs of pink and violet sandstone. Petra was known in the bible as Sela, and rediscovered only in 1812. You’ll feel like Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark as you penetrate into the city through a narrow sandstone gorge, the Siq, and wander among the Temple of the Winged Lion, tombs, Roman theater, and the imposing Treasury.

Petra has a lot to tell. The visit starts at the visitor’s center, where each person is assigned a Bedouin guided horse for the journey to the entrance of the lost city. After passing some tombs which are located outside the city, the visitor passes through the SIQ, an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone. It is a winding, one-kilometer-long fissure between overhanging cliffs that seem to meet more than 300 feet overhead.

Near the end of the passage, the SIQ, with great style, makes one last turn and out of the gloom in towering brightness appears Petra’s most impressive monument, el Khazneh – The Treasury. This is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity, carved out of the solid rock from the side of the mountain, is nearly 140 feet high and 90 feet wide.

Beyond el Khazneh the visitor is surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra’s carved and built structures, soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a carved Roman theater, large and small houses, burial chambers and much more. The Victorian traveler and poet, Dean Burgon, gave Petra a description which holds to this day – “Match me such a marvel save in Eastern clime, a rose-red city half as old as time.” After that, we will return to the hotel to get prepared for a Moonlight dinner served at a Bedouin camp. This evening we have a fantastic traditional dinner under the stars in a Bedouin camp, at a site that dates back more than 2,000 years.

DAY 11 – Petra – Dead Sea – (BL)
Breakfast at the hotel then off to the DEAD SEA / GALILEE
After breakfast, continue northwards to Pella in the Jordan Valley. Visit Um Qais, for a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee, the Yarmouk River drive down to the lowest spot on Earth and experience floating in the waters of the Dead Sea and your resort such as the Mövenpick Dead Sea, the Ishtar Dead Sea Kempinski Resort for Deluxe category, or similar. Lunch is included enroute.

Day 12 – Departure From Amman (B)
Transfer to Amman Airport for your return flight. Transfers are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur. Jordanian departure tax is included in our rate. Salam & Bon Voyage!

RATES per person: in US$
	Triple	Double	Single
Category B hotels	$ 3553.	$ 3686.	$ 4260.
Category A Hotels	$ 4152.	$ 4215.	$ 4765.

Rates For Groups or Families with a minimum of 10-15 Guests Rates per person in USD$
	Triple	Double	Single
Category B hotels	$ 2650.	$ 2790.	$ 3575.
Category A Hotels	$ 3250.	$ 3350.	$ 3885.

 Your fully escorted tour includes:

• All transfers always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffer.
• Private local guides, and guided sightseeing as per itinerary.
• Accommodation with breakfast and lunch or dinner daily (as indicated in the itinerary): B: Continental breakfast, L: preset menu lunch, D: Dinner.
• Services of a local professional guide in each of Jordan and Al Qouds Al Shareef.
• Admission fees to museums and sites as listed / detailed in the itinerary.

The tour does not include:

• International airfare.
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenditures (beverages, laundry, special meals, etc.)
• Tips to hotel and restaurant staff, drivers and guides etc.
• Visa for Israel if needed, please check with the Israeli consulate nearest you.
• Israeli Departure tax if/when leaving Isreal using Allenby Bridge (USD 50.00 per person subject to change without notice).
• Visa fee for Jordan (Visa fee will be waived for groups or families with a minimum of 5 paying guests).
• Jordan Departure tax if/when using Allenby Bridge  (USD 14.00 per person subject to change without notice).

Sample Hotels or similar	Amman	Petra	Jerusalem Al Qouds Al Shareef	The Dead Sea
Category B Hotels	Landmark Hotel International Imperial Hotel or similar	Crown Plaza Petra Hotel Petra Plaza Hotel or similar	Novotel Notre Dame Hotel Jerusalem Hotel	The Dead Sea Spa Hotelor similar
Category A Hotels	Marriott Amman Shearton Al-Nabil Hyatt Ammanor similar	Taybet Zaman PetraMovenpick Petraor similar	The American Colony Hotel	Kempinski Dead SeaMovenpick Dead Sea or similar

Border Crossing Details Between Israel, Palestine and Jordan: Allenby Bridge and Sheikh Hussein Bridge.

Sample Hotels in Jerusalem

The American Colony Hotel Jerusalem – Deluxe

The American Colony Hotel, a landmark fairytale get-away in the heart of Jerusalem, has been providing its luxurious hospitality services for more than 120 years. Personified by classic Arabian arches, elaborate furnishings and opulent suites, this elegant boutique hotel prides itself in offering guests an enchanting ‘east-meets-west’ experience in a distinctively tranquil and romantic setting. With state-of-the-art amenities for business and leisure travelers and the bygone grandeur of royalty in the Pasha’s suite, the American Colony’s ambience and splendour enchants its guests with the ultimate blend of modern conveniences and old world charm. Its lush gardens, world-class restaurants and quintessential style, have earned the American Colony its distinguished reputation as an ‘oasis’ where timeless elegance meets contemporary facilities to provide new and returning guests of all ages with an extraordinary experience.

The hotel is within walking distance of all of Jerusalem’s major sights and within ten minutes of the Damascus Gate in the Old City, abd a 45 minute drive from the airport outside Tel Aviv. The American Colony Hotel. One Louis Vincent St, Jerusalem 97200

General info on Hotels in Israel and Palestine

Four stars – sample hotels used or similar

• Novotel: A four-star Accor Hotel very close to the Old City of Jerusalem – around a 7 minute walk.
• The Notre Dame Hotel: The Notre Dame is a nice hotel just across the New Gate leading into the Old City, but the rooms are Spartan – no TV’s, refrigerators or room service, yet very clean with a good homey atmosphere.
• Jerusalem: Jerusalem Hotel
  Quiet European elegance, comfort, and affordability meet in the Jerusalem Gold Hotel to create a hidden sanctuary amid the overwhelming blaze of history, diversity, and faith that is Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem Gold Hotel along with a world renowned architect has designed a haven of tranquility and warmth set into the very hub of local and national transportation in Jerusalem, thus allowing guests to enjoy the seemingly impossible combination of calm and serenity, with the ultimate accessibility.