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The Middle East is one of the cradles of human civilization, and Israel and Jordan sit at the densest historical crossroads of the world’s three great religions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Jerusalem’s Western Wall, Temple Mount, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre; Jordan’s ancient city of Petra; the surreal float of the Dead Sea — for history lovers and religious culture explorers, this route is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. Based on 2026 travel data, here is a complete 10-day budget and itinerary guide.
1. Visas and Entry Requirements
Israel Visa
Citizens of most countries need to apply for a visa to enter Israel — visa on arrival and visa-free entry are not available. A tourist visa (B-2 visa) can be submitted at Israeli embassies and consulates in major cities. Standard processing takes 5–10 business days. The single-entry visa fee is approximately USD 24. Apply at least one month before departure, as background checks can add processing time.
Note that since 2024, Israel has opened an online application channel (similar to an e-visa) for passport holders who hold a valid US or Schengen visa. Eligible applicants can complete the entire process online without visiting a consulate in person. If your itinerary includes Jordan, you can also enter Israel via the Allenby Bridge border crossing between Amman and Jerusalem — but confirm current border opening status and requirements before traveling.
Jordan Visa
Jordan offers visa on arrival for most passport holders. The fee is approximately 40 Jordanian dinars (around USD 56). If entering overland from Israel, the visa can be processed at the Allenby Bridge border crossing. You can also apply in advance at a Jordanian embassy, with a processing time of 5–10 business days.
If you plan to buy the Jordan Pass, this is by far the best value option. The Jordan Pass costs around 70 JOD (approximately USD 99) for a 1-day Petra visit or 75 JOD (approximately USD 106) for a 2-day version. The Jordan Pass includes Petra entrance (normally USD 70–80 alone), Wadi Rum desert reserve, Petra Museum, and 20+ other sites. If your itinerary includes more than a day at Wadi Rum, the value proposition becomes even clearer. Buy online in advance and save the e-version on your phone for border presentation.
2. International Flights and Arrival
Departure Cities and Flight Options
From most major cities, you have two main routing options: fly direct to Tel Aviv or connect via a hub city to Amman. Multiple airlines serve Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) from major hubs. Middle East carriers (Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha) also offer connections to both TLV and Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), with travel times of approximately 14–16 hours but often at more competitive fares. Economy round-trip fares range from roughly USD 620–900 in off-peak season, rising to USD 1,100–1,650 during peak religious and tourist season (October through March).
For real-time fares, check Kiwi.com or KAYAK — Kiwi.com is particularly useful for piecing together multi-city itineraries combining Tel Aviv and Amman.
Airport to City Center Transportation
From Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport: The train is the easiest option. Israel Railways runs an airport express every 30 minutes to Tel Aviv’s Savidor Center station — fare is about 13.5 NIS (roughly USD 3.70), journey time about 20 minutes. Taxi or ride-hail (Gett) to central Tel Aviv costs approximately 150–200 NIS (USD 41–55). Confirm the price before departure to avoid detours.
From Amman Queen Alia Airport: The Airport Bus runs to Amman’s north bus station for about 3 JOD (approximately USD 4.20), taking 45 minutes to 1 hour. Official taxis from the designated rank to the city center cost around 20–25 JOD (approximately USD 28–35). Agree on the fare before getting in.
3. Daily Itinerary and Per-Day Budgets
Below is a recommended 10-day Israel–Jordan religious history route in chronological order, with suggested nights per city and daily budget references. All budgets are based on two people sharing a standard 3–4 star hotel.
Days 1–3: Jerusalem
Day 1: Arrive from Amman (or Tel Aviv) via the Allenby Bridge crossing into Israel and head to Jerusalem. Check in near the Old City, then spend the afternoon at the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of Jerusalem’s skyline — the best angle for photographing the city, especially at sunset. No entrance fee, open all day.
Day 2: Full day in Jerusalem’s Old City. Start early through the Lion’s Gate and head to the Temple Mount — Islam’s third holiest site and home to the iconic Dome of the Rock. Access for non-Muslim visitors is limited to specific time windows each day; check opening hours in advance. Exterior viewing of the Dome of the Rock is free; interior access sometimes requires special permission.
The Western Wall is on the western side of the Temple Mount — Judaism’s holiest prayer site, open 24/7 and always free. Male visitors must cover their heads (kippahs available free at the entrance). The Western Wall Tunnels require a ticket (approximately 45 NIS / USD 12) and offer a guided exploration of the ancient underground infrastructure beneath the Old City.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter is traditionally believed to be the site of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Entry is free; show respect for ongoing religious services inside. Day 3 morning: visit the Tower of David museum (approximately 70 NIS / USD 19) for 3,000 years of Jerusalem’s city history.
| Jerusalem 3-Night Budget | Per Person (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 star hotel (3 nights) | 165–275 | Near Old City, double occupancy with breakfast |
| Attraction tickets (Church free, others combined) | 45–65 | Western Wall Tunnels, Tower of David, etc. |
| Meals (3 per day) | 55–90 | Mid-range restaurants in the Old City area |
| Local transport | 9–18 | Bus and light rail fares |
| 3-Day Subtotal | 274–448 | Excluding flights |
Day 4: Dead Sea
Day 4: Drive approximately 1.5 hours from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. At roughly 430 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea has a salt concentration of about 34% — 8–10 times that of normal seawater — making effortless floating completely natural. Resorts and public beaches are concentrated around the Israeli side near Ein Bokek.
Public beach admission (such as Ein Gedi Nature Reserve) costs around 28 NIS (approximately USD 8). Private resort beaches (Radisson Blu, Lotus Hotel, etc.) are free for guests; day visitors pay roughly 100–150 NIS (USD 27–41). Pick up Dead Sea mud on-site or bring your own — it’s rich in minerals and widely regarded as beneficial for skin conditions.
Also nearby: Masada fortress ruins, the last stronghold of the Jewish revolt. Cable car to the top costs around 76 NIS (approximately USD 21); hiking up is free (go early morning to beat the heat). Accommodation on the Israeli side of the Dead Sea ranges from USD 55–83/night for budget options up to USD 110–275+ for high-end resorts like Herods Dead Sea or Isrotel.
Days 5–6: Petra, Jordan
Day 5: Return to the Allenby Bridge, cross into Jordan, drive about 1 hour to Amman, then continue approximately 3 more hours south to Petra. Arrive and check in near the visitor entrance. On Day 6, enter the site as early as possible (aim for 6 a.m. opening) to catch the morning light on the rose-red facade of Al-Khazneh (the Treasury) before the crowds arrive.
Petra is Jordan’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site — an ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs over 2,000 years ago. 2026 ticket prices: single-day ticket approximately 70 JOD (USD 99), including the main site and Petra Museum; two-day pass approximately 75 JOD (USD 106). Jordan Pass holders enter Petra for free (one visit included). The site is vast — key routes include the Siq gorge to Al-Khazneh (2–3 hours), the climb to Ad Deir monastery (4 hours round trip), and the Royal Tombs on the high route.
Day 6 afternoon can include Wadi Rum desert. Wadi Rum is another UNESCO World Heritage Site — the setting for Lawrence of Arabia — about 1 hour’s drive from Petra. A half-day 4WD jeep tour through the desert reserve runs approximately 50–70 JOD (USD 70–98 per vehicle including driver). Overnight Bedouin camp with dinner and breakfast costs 40–80 JOD (USD 56–112). Sleeping in a tent under a star-filled desert sky is the most authentically Middle Eastern experience on this itinerary.
Days 7–8: Amman and Jerash
Day 7: Return toward Amman. On the way, stop at Mount Nebo (traditionally where Moses saw the Promised Land, entrance approximately 5 JOD / USD 7) and Madaba (home to a famous 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land at St. George’s Church, entrance approximately 3 JOD / USD 4).
In Amman, the Roman Theatre is the city’s most important Roman ruin, seating about 6,000, with a ticket price of around 5 JOD (USD 7). King Abdullah I Mosque is Amman’s most prominent modern religious landmark — open to non-Muslims during limited hours, entrance approximately 7 JOD (USD 10). Amman Citadel holds the Temple of Hercules and Byzantine church ruins; entrance approximately 3 JOD (USD 4). Go late afternoon to avoid midday heat and enjoy views over the city.
Day 8: Day trip to Jerash — one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world. The site includes intact Roman colonnaded streets, a theatre, and the Temple of Zeus. About 1 hour by car from Amman; round-trip private transport costs approximately 50–80 JOD (USD 70–112); entrance approximately 10 JOD (USD 14).
Days 9–10: Return and Buffer
Day 9: Final Amman city exploration or shopping. The Jordan Museum (entrance approximately 10 JOD / USD 14) covers Jordanian civilization from prehistory to the modern era and is well worth a visit. In the evening, the upscale Abdali district offers a taste of contemporary Amman.
Day 10: Depart from Amman Queen Alia Airport. If flying direct, journey time back is approximately 9–10 hours. If returning via Tel Aviv, cross back through the Allenby Bridge — allow at least 5–6 hours for the border crossing and the drive to Ben Gurion Airport.
4. Accommodation Types and Recommendations
Israel and Jordan offer accommodation from budget hostels to luxury five-star resorts. Prices below are per person based on double occupancy at mid-range 4-star level.
| Destination | Budget (USD/night) | 3–4 Star (USD/night) | 5-Star (USD/night) | Notable Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jerusalem Old City | 27–48 | 82–165 | 247–480 | Stone guesthouse in the Old City |
| Dead Sea (Israel side) | 48–69 | 96–206 | 206–412 | Beachfront resort with Dead Sea mud treatments |
| Petra entrance area | 34–55 | 69–124 | 165–275 | Walking distance to the site entrance |
| Wadi Rum desert | 41–69 (tent) | 82–137 (upgraded tent) | 206+ (luxury tent) | Bedouin camp experience |
| Amman | 27–48 | 55–110 | 137–342 | Modern hotels in the western new city |
| Jerash area | 21–41 | 48–82 | 110–206 | Guesthouses near the Roman Theatre |
Jerusalem accommodation prices spike significantly during Jewish holidays (Passover, Sukkot, Yom Kippur) — sometimes 1.5–2x normal rates. Book 3–6 months in advance to lock in reasonable pricing. Petra has limited hotels and sells out fast in peak season — book early.
5. Total Budget Summary (10 Days, Two People)
The table below covers a mid-range trip for two people sharing a 4-star hotel. All costs include accommodation, meals, local transport, entrance fees, and activities, but exclude international flights and personal shopping.
| Cost Category | Budget Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fees (Israel + Jordan) | 80–120 | Israel single-entry ~USD 24, Jordan visa on arrival ~USD 56 |
| Local transport (Israel) | 110–206 | Jerusalem–Dead Sea–border, shared or private transport |
| Local transport (Jordan) | 165–274 | Amman–Petra–Wadi Rum–Jerash private transport |
| Accommodation (9 nights, 4-star) | 743–1484 | Double occupancy, per-person approximately USD 371–742 |
| Attraction tickets (full trip) | 206–342 | Israel sites + Jordan Pass |
| Meals (3 per day) | 247–411 | Mid-range restaurants, some local food experiences |
| Dead Sea beach day fee | 27–55 | Resort day pass or public beach |
| Activities (Wadi Rum jeep, etc.) | 55–110 | Wadi Rum desert jeep, Petra night tour, etc. |
| Travel insurance | 27–55 | 10-day comprehensive travel policy |
| Total (excluding flights) | 1,660–3,057 | Per person USD 830–1,529 for 10 days |
| International flights (two people, round-trip) | 1,924–3,288 | Varies significantly by season; check current fares |
| Total including flights | 3,584–6,345 | Two-person 10-day total |
If you opt for budget accommodation (hostel dormitories) and reduce private transport in favor of public buses, the non-flight budget can be trimmed to approximately USD 620–960 per person. If you prefer luxury (Dead Sea five-star resort, Jerusalem boutique hotel), budget USD 2,055+ per person.
6. Practical Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
October to April is the ideal travel window, with October–November and March–April offering the most comfortable temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F). Summer (June–August) brings scorching heat inland — 35–40°C (95–104°F) — particularly brutal at the Dead Sea and in the desert. December–February is mild in most areas, though higher-altitude zones like the Jerusalem hills can see rain or occasional snow without significantly disrupting travel. During major religious holidays (Jewish Passover and Sukkot, Christian Easter, Islamic Ramadan), accommodation demand and crowd levels surge noticeably — plan and book ahead.
Safety
Israel and Jordan are generally safe destinations, but stay updated on advisories from your government’s travel office. Certain zones in Israel — particularly areas near the Gaza border and parts of the West Bank — carry elevated risk; check current warnings before you travel. Jordan’s overall security situation is good, but be cautious of wildlife crossing roads at night and mountain road conditions when self-driving. Booking transport and activities through licensed local operators is a sensible approach, especially for first-time visitors to the region.
Cultural Etiquette
Respect for local religious customs is essential throughout this trip. When visiting mosques and synagogues, cover shoulders and knees; women may be required to wear a headscarf in certain areas (such as the Temple Mount). Avoid photography or using electronic devices in ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods during the Sabbath (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset). In Jordan, accepting tea or coffee offered by a local host is considered polite — declining can be seen as disrespectful.
Currency and Payments
Israel uses the New Israeli Shekel (ILS); Jordan uses the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Both currencies are freely exchangeable at local banks and exchange bureaus. The US dollar is widely accepted in both countries. Credit card acceptance is excellent throughout Israel — Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere. In Jordan, urban areas accept cards reliably, but smaller towns, souks, and rural spots may still require cash. Carry some USD for small purchases and tipping (restaurants: approximately 10% of the bill; drivers: approximately USD 10–20 per day).
Need eSIM data for Israel and Jordan? Airalo offers regional Middle East eSIM plans — activate before you land, no physical SIM swapping needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Israel and Jordan?
A: Israel requires a visa application (or an e-visa if you hold a valid US or Schengen visa). Jordan offers visa on arrival for most passport holders at approximately 40 JOD (USD 56). If crossing overland between the two countries, have both visas ready for border inspection.
Q: When is the best time to visit Israel and Jordan?
A: October to April is the best window, with October–November and March–April being the most comfortable (15–25°C / 59–77°F). Summer (June–August) is extremely hot with temperatures regularly above 35°C inland. During major religious holidays (Passover, Ramadan, etc.), accommodation prices can increase 1.5–2x — book well in advance.
Q: How much does a 10-day Israel–Jordan trip cost?
A: Excluding international flights, a mid-range budget for two people over 10 days is approximately USD 1,660–3,057 (USD 830–1,529 per person), including accommodation, meals, local transport, entrance fees, and activities. Budget travelers who use hostels and public transport can get this down to approximately USD 620–960 per person; luxury travelers may exceed USD 2,055 per person.
Q: What should I know before swimming in the Dead Sea?
A: The extremely high salinity (approximately 34%) means you must avoid getting water in your eyes or mouth. Limit your float to 20–30 minutes and rinse thoroughly with fresh water afterward, then apply moisturizer. Do not enter the water if you have open wounds or cuts. Dead Sea mud can be applied all over the body — let it dry naturally before rinsing off.
Q: How long should I spend at Petra?
A: Petra is enormous. A standard visit requires at least a full day (6–8 hours). Buy a two-day ticket to fully explore the site. If you’re planning to hike to the Ad Deir monastery (1.5–2 hours each way) and visit Wadi Rum, budget an additional full day. Enter at opening (around 6 a.m.) to beat the crowds and photograph Al-Khazneh in the best morning light.
Q: What do I need to know about crossing the Allenby Bridge border?
A: The Allenby Bridge is the main land crossing between Israel and Jordan, typically open Sunday to Thursday 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., with reduced hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Bring your passport, visa, and a printed or digital copy of your Jordan Pass. Crossing can take 2–4 hours depending on the queue — leave plenty of time. No luggage storage is available at the border, so travel light.
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