escorted tours israel and jordan

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Israel and Jordan Tours & Trips

Explore our diverse offer of tour packages that will take you to new places echoing with thousands of years of history. From the panoramic views over the City of Jerusalem to the unique scenery of the beaches located by the Dead Sea, our tours will reveal these beautiful places. Pick here on of our Jordan and Israel adventures .

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248 israel and jordan tour packages with 1,794 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Best of Holy Land Israel & Jordan and Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise - 17 Days

The best of Holly Land resulted the best of our family trips. Highly recommended, the agency deserve a big COBGRATULATIONS

• Sightseeing

Highlights of Israel and Jordan - 11 days

Guys just book this go you will absolutely love it. The guide was better than you could ever hope for. The tour was great we saw and learned so much more than they can fit in the description. Food ranged from good to great. Hotels were great except I’d recommend you upgrade your nights in Tel Aviv. Also recommend staying for an extra day or two in the city at the end to explore. The whole trip was beyond expectations and we return home feeling very thankful.

• Coach / Bus

Israel, Jordan and Egypt 10 days

My guide in Egypt Kimo Azuvietsh and driver Fayez were excellent. Their professionalism and regard for human decency, was beyond my expectation. My driver and Tour guide acted in just about every conceivable way to accommodate me during the tour. For example: when my hotel room water and Air Conditioner was not working. They reiterated to the hotel officials the importance, of getting these issues addressed in a timely manner or to moved Mr. Wess as previously requested to another room in their native language.

11 Days Highlights of Israel and Jordan (Multi country)

It was a great experience.

Israel, Jordan and Petra 9-Day Adventure

Excellent deal that afforded me the opportunity to observe more fascinating things than I imagined. Choosing the more, ahem, affordable option, I didn't upgrade to a private room. It was a tad uncomfortable at first, but I did get to meet a lot of cool, interesting people, which is quite the feat for somebody with introverted tendencies. Every guide was very well informed and friendly. Although I have a working knowledge of biblical history, they really fleshed out many of the stories within a geographical context, as well as a lot of the traditions that are in place today. Some of the sites we got to experience include the Dead Sea, Masada, the Old City of Jerusalem (including the Western Wall and the Temple Mount), Petra and Wadi Rum, and the West Bank. Navigating entry to both Jordan and Palestine, then back to Israel, would have been tricky had it not been for their expert assistance. If you only have one opportunity to visit this captivating land, then I highly recommend this tour.

Israel and Jordan ( 13 days )

Having 2 guides on one tour bus is not a good thing

Road to Jerusalem - 11 days

Overall a good tour. Archaeological sites well covered. Too much time in Dead Sea area. Jordan tour bus had poor listening quality for the tour guide comments. Another day in Israel would have made a more complete tour.

Best of Israel & Jordan

the tour is organized well, all the customer service is excellent. Only thing I wish the tour should offer is the hotel upgrade option. The hotels during the trip are mediocre, I don't mind to pay extra for the upgrade. But the option is not offered. This could be a major concern to book future trip.

• River Cruise

Israel, Jordan and Egypt with Nile Cruise 12 days

We had great time. We got everything that was listed in the itinerary. The border procedures went smoothly. We paid the visa fees and border taxes beforehand. The coordinator of the Egypt part of the tour was always on top of everything. The tour guide in Aswan was outstanding. His name is Mo. He was the reason why we had a great experience in our Nile cruise. I recommend this tour.

Journey Through the Holy Land with Jordan - Faith-Based Travel

Our guide for Jordan Tour, Suhaib was fantastic! - he was very organised and knowledgeable. Everybody loves him.

Holy Land Discovery with Jordan - Faith-Based Travel - Catholic Itinerary

The tour was excellent in scope. Our Tour Guide Samir is the best I have ever had!!!! In retrospect and talking with fellow tour members I would have done thing differently if I had direct contact with either Tourradar and Cosmos. I.e plane arrangemets and trip modifications. Mike Steven

Highlights of Israel & Jordan - 11 days

Beautiful itinerary, good accommodation and good meals. Competent tour guides. Perhaps lunches stops in Israel could have been planned better.

Holy Land and Jordan - Group Tour

Just finished one of my beautiful memorable a week long journey through the hidden gem of Middle East Jordan with Trip500. Didnt know any other sight than Patra so each day there were surprises for me. Wadi e Rum, Karak, Citadel, Mount Nebu, Baptism Site other places from north to south .... I dont think much world knows about were great to visit n see. Moreover, middle in the areas of wars and conflicts, always the most peaceful and safe country to visit without any hesitation. From first day's airport pick up to last day's airport drop off, every aspect of the trip was perfectly managed. The guide (Maalik) provided to our group was simply amazing ... his trip planning, execution , time management , sight/history briefing etc were fantastic. Food was amazing ????? I highly recommend Trip500 for anyone looking to explore Jordan. Their expertise and attention to details for creating memorable journeys reflects through every aspect of their service.

Biblical Israel with Jordan - Faith-Based Travel - Protestant Itinerary

I enjoyed the tour very much. The guide was very knowledgeable of places we seen and toured. We asked questions and he answered very intelligently.

Israel & Jordan Tour Package, 12 Days

The guides, drivers, and places to visit were all great. Almost everything went off without a problem. And when weather happened, the guides were able to rearrange everything to make it work. The only problem was that the company you hired to pick us up at the airport was not there when we arrived with a sign with our name on it (they said they were helping another arrival) and the vehicle to pick us up was not there. It took almost two hours after landing to get out of the airport. The worst pickup experience I have ever seen. The company was trying to save money by booking to many pickups with too little staff.

What people love about Israel And Jordan Tours

My wife and I went on a 17-day tour of Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. The tour was well orchestrated. All the details of getting into and out of countries were handled professionally and with little cause of concern to us. Hand-offs between countries went well. We were guided by knowledgable people who had our best interests at heart (with possibly one exception).The only real complaint I have is that TourRadar turned out to be more of a facilitator than a tour agency with its own guides. I was confused when we got to Israel and found that neither TourRadar nor Click Tours (which answered my online questions) was the agency actually leading the tours. Not knowing that we would be connecting with Consolidated Tour Operators (CTO) led to some initial confusion in the Tel Aviv airport. Expecting to be linked up with Click Tours and knowing nothing about CTO, we missed connecting with the airport facilitator in Tel Aviv for nearly an hour while each of tried to find the other. If I had been told to look for a CTO representative, our stressful introduction to the tour would have gone much more smoothly. In Israel and Jordan, CTO handled our tour. In Egypt, the agency was Sylvia. I had expected to be part of a group that held together for the entire 17 days, but that wasn't the case. Groups formed and disbanded based on what individuals planned to visit. In Israel there were 11 of us, and we bonded quickly. In Jordan I was surprised that our group dwindled to five. And in Egypt there was only my wife and me. That left us vulnerable in Egypt to the care of our guide, who, because there was just the two of us, managed to fleece us of $150. I would never have signed up with TourRadar if I had understood that my wife and I would be left alone at one point without the safety of a group and unprepared to deal with a guide we didn't fully trust.

The tour part was fantastic and would recommend it for sure. Please drop the Sea Net from your list of Hotels. The rooms are ok but small. The real problem is with service and the meals. Not even a 1 star for breakfast. Bread out but no butter. No coffee just water and really watered down juice.

What a great trip every thing went brilliant, thank you

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UPDATE ON ISRAEL CRISIS

Israel – Jordan

Discover a rich diversity of cultures and faiths in lands that shaped history, exploring centuries-old cities, towns, antiquities, stories and traditions.

• ITINERARIES

Welcome to Israel & Jordan

In these neighboring Middle Eastern nations where the cornerstones of three of the world's major faiths converge, you'll immerse in thousands of years of history and culture at the traditional center of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In Jerusalem, discover the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and much more. Explore Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the fortress of Masada. In Jordan, attend a traditional Bedouin feast (complete with sword dance) in the desert, explore the ancient "lost" red-rock city of Petra, and discover the secrets of the Dead Sea.

Jerusalem's tower of david, the tower of david in the heart of old jerusalem.

What is today called the Tower of David (a.k.a. the Jerusalem Citadel) at the Old City walls stands on the site of fortifications that date back to the time of King Herod, destroyed and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries. First called the "Tower of David" (mistakenly) by the Byzantines, the structure we see today was mostly built by Muslim sultans between the 14th and 16th centuries; the 17th-century minaret is what many now refer to as the Tower itself.

Ancient Petra

The ancient nabataean city of petra in jordan.

The ancient pink city of Petra in modern-day Jordan was carved out of rose-colored sandstone cliffs by its Nabataean builders perhaps as far back as the 4th century BCE, and abandoned sometime during the early Islamic era. Much of it remained hidden in the mountains and desert sands for thousands of years before its "discovery" by western explorers in the early 19th century. Today, its stunning temples, tombs and other key features like Al Khazneh (The Treasury) are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Jordan's most popular historic attraction, which you'll explore on foot and by horse cart.

Dome of the Rock

A sacred place in old jerusalem – the dome of the rock.

Sheltering one of the holiest spots on Earth for three of the world's great religions, the Dome of the Rock is a 7th-century Islamic shrine built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City. Its golden dome shelters the rock from which Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammed ascended to Heaven in his Night Journey. For Jews, it covers the holiest spot on Earth, the Foundation Stone of Solomon's inner temple, which contained the Ark of the Covenant; also considered by many as the site of God's creation of the world and of Abraham's attempted sacrifice of his son, it is of great importance to Jews and Christians as well.

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Israel and Jordan

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2 countries

Uncover the Desert Worlds of Israel & Jordan During a 15-Day Guided Tour

See modern marvels, ancient wonders and stunning scenery on this 15-day guided tour of Israel and Jordan. Travel to Tel Aviv, where you’ll see the Habima National Theater, one of the first Hebrew-language theaters. In Jerusalem, ride a cable car to Masada — a desert fortress atop a rock plateau — then ascend to the top of Mount Scopus for panoramic views of the city below. Later, visit a Holocaust museum and see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book. Buy a hand-crafted souvenir during a visit to the Iraq-Al Amir Women's Cooperative, which teaches local women trade skills. See the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, an ancient city carved from the rose-hued stone of the surrounding mountains and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Take a jeep safari into the desert of Wadi Rum, where you’ll join local Bedouins for tea and authentic Jordanian cuisine under the stars.

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Start Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. End Amman, Jordan.

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Tours in Israel and Jordan: 12 Day Tour Package 2024, 2025

Many departure dates year round.

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Price per person double occupancy.

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Price Includes: Amman Airport Greet & Assist Service (eliminates $60 visa fee normally required on arrival), 4 star lodging, expert Biblical guides, admissions, baggage handling, sightseeing, breakfast & dinner daily, 1 lunch, border taxes.

Please Note: Jordan and Israel gratuities will be paid in advance ($155 per person will be added to your final invoice for gratuities to be paid to drivers, guides and hotel staff).

Not Included: Flight departures (low cost fares available nationwide), most lunches & gratuities.

Airport transfers are included only when airfare is purchased from Pilgrim Tours. Taxi service is available for those purchasing their airfare elsewhere.

Deposit Required: A $300 per person US Dollar deposit (which includes a $100 non-refundable service fee) is required to secure a reservation.

"Come, let us rejoice in the God of our salvation. For He is gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find great peace and joy for your soul".

Day 1: Departure

Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Jordan.

Day 2: Arrival Jordan

We arrive in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and transfer to our lodging for the evening in Amman.

Day 3: Jerash, Petra

This morning we travel to Jerash, one of the best preserved and most complete provincial Roman cities. Jerash, Gerasa of Roman Times, was one of the cities of the Decapolis, a confederation of 10 Graeco-Roman cities dating from the 1st century BC situated in Jordan, Syria and Israel. Known as the Pompeii of the East for its extraordinary state of preservation, the ruins indicate human occupations at this location for more than 2,500 years. From here, we continue on to our lodging for the evening in Petra.

Day 4: Petra

This morning we visit the amazing mountain fortress of Petra, known to be inhabited by the Edomites - the descendants of Esau. Begin the tour with a walk through the "Siq," an immense crack in the Nabatean sandstone, to the city of Petra carved out of the rose red rock. The Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh we are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra's carved and built structures. Departing Petra, we travel northward on the King's Highway where to the west we view the hills bordering the Dead Sea. This is the area of the hilltop palace/fortress of Machaerus, where John the Baptist was beheaded. We overnight in Amman this evening.

Day 5: Mt Nebo, Madaba, Tel Aviv

Our morning tour begins in the town of Madaba, the biblical Medeba, 30 kilometers south of Amman. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics and at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George we view the earliest surviving mosaic map of the Holy land. Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Study the panorama as we read the scripture of God showing Moses the "Promised Land" before He brought him home to heaven. As we travel west toward the Allenby Bridge, we view to the north the Plains of Moab, the area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan and picture the place where Jesus was baptized. Crossing the Jordan River into Israel, we drive to Tel Aviv area with the remainder of the afternoon free. You may wish to take a devotional time with the sunset over the “Great Sea,” a time of prayer and thanks for the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and then enjoy a good night’s rest.

Day 6: Caesarea, Megiddo, & Nazareth

After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre, hippodrome, a film on history and the remains of this famous port city, an aqueduct, and then journey through the Mt. Carmel range, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We drive through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the Nazareth Village, a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumed guides. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next three nights along the Sea of Galilee.

Day 7: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Jesus Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride, Magdala

Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of alternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s confession and pagan worship. We pass the possible site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mount of the Beatitudes. Returning to Galilee for a St. Peter’s fish lunch (other selections available), we then visit the ancient fisherman boat followed by a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. We conclude our day with a visit to Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the first century synagogue and well-preserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel.

Day 8: Capernaum, Corazin, Mt. Arbel, Jordan River Baptism Site

Today we visit the Biblical towns of Capernaum and Corazin. Capernaum is located along the Sea of Galilee and was the hometown of Peter. It is likely where Jesus and the disciples lived during much of His ministry while in Galilee. Next, we visit Corazin which offers another example of a Jewish synagogue and a replica of the “Seat of Moses” which was carved out of the local basalt block and from which the scribes and Pharisees would have read the Torah. We enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Galilee region atop Mt. Arbel. Mt. Arbel could likely be the location that Jesus would get away from the crowds to take time in prayer with His heavenly Father. Here our guide will point out the various towns listed in scripture during the time of Jesus. We conclude our day with an opportunity to be baptized at the Jordan River Baptismal Site.

Day 9: Beit Shean, Bethany Beyond Jordan, Abraham's Tent, Mt. of Olives & Garden of Gethsemane

We travel southward this morning to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis - a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho and view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world. To the east of Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Queser El Yehud) is the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist; Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan; and the children of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time to relive life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, camel ride and authentic food. Arriving in Jerusalem we’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the Old City atop the Mt. of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next three nights in Jerusalem.

Day 10: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Dead Sea Swim

Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon we have an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing float in the Dead Sea.

Day 11: Jesus’ Steps, Western Walls, Southern Steps, Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb

Today we walk where Jesus walked, beginning the day with a visit to the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel, we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders. Next, we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place where Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. This afternoon we move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate, and St. Anne’s Church. While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our guide will explain the differing opinions on the route where Christ was led. (The actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study!) The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.

Day 12: Home

A very early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.

Important Note: Although the itinerary above obviously emphasizes the spiritual aspect of this marvelous country, our guides are also experts in and passionate about the miracle of the return of the Jews and the restoration of the state of Israel. This fact, along with many modern day topics (military, politics, education, and other cultural aspects), will be woven into the commentary in order to give you well rounded information.

*The tour itinerary is subject to change or be slightly modified in order to best meet the interests of the group.

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Israel & Jordan

• 12 Days / 10 Nights
• From: $3900

Book with flexibility. Travel with confidence.

We have updated our policies (effective December 3, 2021) to allow more flexibility, so you can book with peace of mind and travel with confidence when you're ready.

Wonder at some of the world’s oldest sights on this 12-day odyssey through Israel and Jordan. Your escorted vacation reveals the Roman and Crusader ruins of Israel’s Mediterranean shores before taking you to the venerated religious sites of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Galilee. Next, it’s on to mountaintop Masada and the salt-rich Dead Sea before you cross into Jordan to marvel at ancient Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash and other timeless treasures.

Itinerary at a glance:

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From $3900 a person - Your customized trip will draw on the expertise of our travel consultants, each of whom has a deep knowledge of the places you wish to explore.

USA - Tel Aviv, Israel

Board your US flight bound for Israel. Your flight may include international stopovers.

Land at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport and meet your representative. Then, enjoy a convenient transfer to Tel Aviv, sometimes known as the ‘White City’ for its abundance of white-painted Bauhaus-style architecture. After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to get a flavor of Israel's second biggest city.

accommodation:

Tel Aviv - Jaffa - Caesarea - Haifa

After breakfast, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Tel Aviv and Jaffa. View Tel Aviv's highlights and see the restored ancient port of Jaffa as your guide charts its long list of imperial rulers, from the Romans to the British. Next, trace the coastal road to Caesarea, a powerful city in Roman and Crusader times. Explore the ruins, including the amphitheater and other Mediterranean-side relics, and delve into the remnants of the 900-year-old Crusader city. Next, continue to Haifa, whose history extends to the biblical era, and visit the Bahai Gardens, a magnificent terraced garden circling the gold-domed Shrine of the Bab, the world center of the Bahai faith. Conclude the day with a visit to the German Colony, the first colony established by German Templers in the Holy Land.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

Haifa - Sea of Galilee - Capernaum - Tabgha - Nazareth - Jerusalem

Make the scenic journey to the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is believed to have had his ministry and walked on water. Stroll the lakeside remnants of Capernaum to see ruins of what's reputed to be the home of St. Peter, and visit Tabgha, where it's held that Jesus performed the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes. See the church built on the miracle spot before visiting the Church of the Beatitudes, where it's believed he delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Following lunch in Tiberias, enjoy a boat ride on a replica of a Galilean fishing boat from Jesus' time, and continue to Nazareth to view the contemporary Church of the Annunciation. Finally, drive to Jerusalem, one of the world's oldest settlements, for a 3-night stay.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

Old Jerusalem awaits today, with a morning tour of its world-famous sights—many venerated across the faiths. Admire the sweeping vistas over the city's rooftops from the Mount of Olives before heading to Mt. Zion to visit the Upper Room, the believed site of Jesus' Last Supper, and the Tomb of King David. Next, delve deep into Old Jerusalem, entering via the Zion Gate and seeing the Roman Cardo and other fascinating sites. After lunch, see the Western Wall, known as the ‘Wailing Wall’—held holy by the Jewish people—and walk part of the Via Dolorosa, where Jesus is said to have carried his cross. Lastly, visit Calvary and its Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the believed site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.

Jerusalem - Bethlehem - Jerusalem

Today begins in Bethlehem, the reputed birth town of Jesus, with time at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally held to mark his birthplace. Continue to the Milk Grotto, Shepherd’s Field and other sites and then return to Jerusalem to visit Yad Vashem, the Jewish National Memorial to the six million Jewish people killed in the Holocaust. Visit the Holocaust History Museum, Children's Memorial and a memorial service, and afterward, explore the Israel Museum, where you'll see its incredible 50:1 scale model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple era.

Jerusalem - Masada - Dead Sea - Eilat

Bid farewell to Jerusalem and cross the Judean Desert to Masada, site of a majestic rock-top fortress built by King Herod in 35 BC. Ride the cable car to the ruin-strewn plateau and inspect the relics as your guide tells of the Jewish zealots who fought to the death or committed suicide here in 66 AD rather than surrender to the Romans—an event hugely symbolic to the Jewish people. Next, continue to the Dead Sea and enjoy time to float in its salt-rich waters before traveling to Eilat on the Gulf of Aqaba.

Eilat - Wadi Rum, Jordan - Petra

A day of incredible natural scenery begins as you cross the Arava border into Jordan for Wadi Rum, a UNESCO-listed wilderness of desert peaks, valleys and dunes immortalized in the movie ‘Lawrence of Arabia.’ Take an exciting 4x4 guided drive through the red-hued mountains and gorges, stopping at hidden oases, natural springs, and an ancient Nabataean temple. Afterward, continue to Petra for a 2-night stay.

After breakfast, explore UNESCO-protected Petra, the rose-red city carved into a gorge by the Nabataeans 2,500 years ago. Start your guided tour on foot or horseback before entering Petra via the Siq, a narrow rock fissure that suddenly opens onto your first glimpse of the glorious Treasury. After admiring its timeless façade, head deeper into the gorge as it reveals royal tombs, an amphitheatre, and other ancient rock-hewn monuments.

Petra - Madaba - Mt. Nebo - Amman

Today strike westward to Madaba, known as the ‘Mosaic City’ for its stunning Byzantine-era church mosaics. On arrival, enter the Church of St. George to admire the prize mosaic—arichly detailed 6th-century floor map depicting the Holy Land and Jerusalem. Then, make tracks for Mt. Nebo, where it’s believed Moses first saw the bible’s Promised Land before drawing his last breath. Take in the panoramic views from the top, which on clear days extend to Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley, before continuing to Amman.

Amman - Jerash - Amman

Look forward to a full day of discovery today, starting with a tour of Jordan's vibrant capital. View the city's main landmarks, including the Roman amphitheater and Citadel, and then travel onward to the stunning, UNESCO World Heritage site of Roman Jerash. This once-flourishing city was one of Rome's Decapolis (Land of Ten Cities) and is one of the best-preserved of its kind in the world. Marvel at the columned Oval Plaza, streets, temples, and theaters before heading back to Amman where this evening brings a delicious farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Amman - USA

Depart Amman today with an early-morning transfer to the airport to catch your homeward flight to the US.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

What's included

Guided sightseeing tours with specialist local guides.

All first class hotels as listed, or similar.

Daily buffet breakfast at hotels.

9 restaurant lunches, 5 hotel dinners, and 4 restaurant dinners including farewell dinner in Amman.

Admission fees and special transportation included for sightseeing attractions, including round-trip cable car ride in Masada, 2 hours jeep tour in Wadi Rum, horseback ride in Petra, as per the itinerary.

Group airport-hotel transfers on arrival (Tel Aviv) and departure (Amman) for Air+Land passengers

Luggage handling of one piece per person at hotels where available.

First-class air-conditioned coach touring with professional drivers. A bottle of mineral water per person per day.

Personal audio headset systems for an enhanced touring experience (on select larger groups).

Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 15 guests 

Upgrade to Private Tour

Private tour for 2-9 Passengers: Please contact us for pricing.  

Private tour for 10-14 Passengers: Additional $300 per person

Tel Aviv: Dan Panorama Tel Aviv or Similar

The Dan Panorama Hotel Furnished with contemporary flair and highlighted by splendid views,  across the street is the Mediterranean sea. The hotel features elegantly appointed guestrooms that blend luxury with the efficacy of advanced technology. With a huge pool and sundeck, premium leisure-time facilities and dining options, as well as all the dynamic and sophisticated attractions of Tel Aviv on its doorstep

• 10 Kaufman St, Tel Aviv, 68012
• +972 3 5190190
• Hotel Website

Haifa: Dan Panorama Haifa or Similar

The hotel adjoins the city’s upscale Panorama Mall. The views from this perfect Haifa hotel are simply spectacular, You can have 360° Panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Carmel. The renovated guestrooms sport an elegant and sophisticated décor, while the public areas are ideal for relaxing. The pool area offers great views, and there is also a fitness center with a sauna.

• 107 Hanassi Av.Haifa, 34632
• +972 4 8352222

Jerusalem: Dan Jerusalem Hotel or Similar

Designed around a series of beautiful patios, the Dan Jerusalem Hotel sits on the historic slopes of Mount Scopus, overlooking the famous Jerusalem skyline and the rolling Judean Hills. Hotel features a selection of gourmet restaurants and a bar. There is also a heated indoor pool, and a fully equipped spa offering a wide range of health and beauty facilities.

• 32 Lehi St.Jerusalem, 97856
• +972 2 5331234

Eilat: Dan Panorama Eilat or Similar

Ideal for a vacation that blends sun and fun with Eilat's spectacular natural attractions, the Dan Panorama Eilat Hotel is splendidly located overlooking a tranquil marina where sailboats anchor. A premium Eilat hotel with contemporary style guest rooms and suites - all with private balconies - where everything is planned for your enjoyment and every modern comfort is featured. 

• North Beach Area, Eilat, 88101
• +972 8 6389999

Petra: Hayat Zaman or Similar

The Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort Village is one of the most attractive places in Jordan where tourists meet and enjoy their stay in the country. Hayat Zaman provides the ideal place for visitors who wish to explore Petra while at the same time offering modem recreational facilities and entertainment in an authentic late 19th century Jordanian village. 

• Petra-Wadi Mousa Street, Taybeh Village, Wadi Mousa, Jordan
• +962 3 215 0111

Amman: W Amman or similar

Nestled in the heart of modern Al-Abdali, the past meets the future and the traditions and history of Amman, Jordan, are instilled with unmistakably vivid design. As one of the newest five-star hotels to launch in the country, glam up your stay with stunning views of the Jordanian capital and its seven hills. Enter our hotel through an intriguing canyon walk, which is a breathtaking recreation of the ancient city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

• 13 Rafiq Al Hariri Ave, P.O. Box 5457, Al Abdali,Amman, Jordan,11190
• +962-6-5108888

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Israel & jordan (rij).

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Explore Jordan & Israel Tours

Israel and Wonders of Jordan (QCE2024)

Escorted tour details, a 14-day globus tours tour starting from $4,429.00.

Dates & Prices

• What's Included

Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation.

Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Globus Disclaimer - Indicates that this departure and vacation is available for early booking. Vacation upgrades and/or additions will not be available for early booking, as well as, any extra pre- or post-night pricing. With the exception of Journeys Club discounts, future travel promotions are not applicable and are not retroactive on early bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Applies to new bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Please talk to a travel consultant for more details.

All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-888-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.

Escorted Tour Highlights

Israel, Jordan, Middle East

See Description

Sightseeing Highlights

City Highlights

Title Israel & Wonders of Jordan

Vacation Overview Scenes from Scripture, scenes of the desert, and even scenes from the movies await on this historical and biblical tour of Israel and Jordan. As you travel from Tel Aviv, the “Mediterranean Manhattan,” to the calming waters of the Dead Sea, you 'll come alive as you float in the salt-laden lake, immerse yourself in fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and dig into out-of-this world plates of mezze—the Middle East 's version of Spanish tapas. Between the moving sites of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, you will be inspired by a variety of breathtaking natural wonders. Feel exhilarated on a four-wheel drive through the sand dunes of Wadi Rum, visit Wadi Mujib, the “Jordanian Grand Canyon,” and channel your inner “Indy” as you navigate the narrow gorge of the Siq at the rock-cut archaeological site of Petra—made famous in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Year Round Offers

• Save by forming your own group of 5 or more
• Triple Room Reduction Available for most tours
• 10% Discount for Young Travelers 8-17 yrs old
• Pay less for your second vacation in the same year

Globus Tours

Meals Full buffet breakfast daily; 11 three-course dinners

Herods Hotel Tel Aviv Tel Aviv, Israel Contemporary High-rise Hotel situated on the Mediterranean, in hub of fashionable tourist center. Rating: Superior First-Class

Dan Panorama Haifa, Israel Overlooking the Bay of Haifa and situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel, this landmark hotel offers a choice of spectacular views of the City, Mount Carmel, and endless stretches of Israel¿s stunning Mediterranean coastline. The property is also close to the Panorama Mall, with its many shops and cafes , and the magnificent Bahai Temple. Guest rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and have free Wi-Fi, minibar, and tea / coffee maker. The on-site restaurant serves international and Israeli cuisine. Leisure facilities include a seasonal outdoor pool and a fitness center. Rating: Superior First-Class

Dan Boutique Jerusalem, Israel Dan Boutique is a design hotel with a cozy ambiance. The hotel's contemporary look combines a unique mix of western and eastern elements. The property features a bar, a restaurant, a well-equipped fitness center and a seasonal outdoor sundeck with unforgettable Jerusalem views. Guestrooms come with complimentary toiletries, a private bathroom with a hairdryer, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, air conditioning, and a mini-bar. Rating: Superior First-Class

Landmark Amman, Jordan The Landmark Amman Hotel has 258 guestrooms, all decorated in a stylish contemporary design, enhanced by a colorful array of artwork celebrating local customs, including vibrant mosaics, Arabic calligraphy and individual handicrafts. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, mini bar, coffee maker, flat-screen TV and hairdryer. The Fitness & Wellness center offers a wide range of exercise equipment, a hot tub and a sauna. An array of restaurants serve a delicious range of dining options including the finest Japanese delights at Skyline Sushi, a creative concept where you can learn the art of origami and fresh local cuisine and international dishes at Colors all day dining restaurant. The property is conveniently located just a short walk away from the old city Jabal Al Lweibdeh, as well as the new downtown area of Abdali. Rating: Superior First-Class

Grand Mercure Petra Petra, Jordan Relax in the unique 110 sqm heated indoor pool located on the hotel's garden level. Surrounded with windows opened during summer, enjoy the view onto the private terrace. Rating: First-Class

Moevenpick Resort & Spa Amman-Dead Sea, Jordan Seaside resort that offers therapeutic benefits from the salt water and elaborate marble lobby with grand chandeliers. Rating: Superior First-Class

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Israel and Jordan

Escorted tour details, a 14-day tauck tours tour starting from $8,590.00.

Dates & Prices

• What's Included

Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation.

Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.

Escorted Tour Highlights

Israel, Jordan

See Description

Sightseeing Highlights

A special farewell dinner in Petra – a Bedouin-style traditional feast featuring a sword dance

On this multi-dimensional journey through Jordan and Israel, explore historical and cultural connections that define modern day life; in Israel travel from Tel Aviv to the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem, and into Jordan to the Dead Sea, Petra and more.

When you travel to Israel and Jordan with Tauck you explore all the threads – civilizations, cultures, history, traditions, religions and the arts – that are so intricately woven together throughout this compelling area of the world. Gain special insights into its diversity from knowledgeable local guides and experts in their fields as our multidimensional Jordan and Israel tours take you from bustling modern-day Tel Aviv to ancient sites such as 4,000-year-old Jaffa, King Herod's port city of Caesarea, mountaintop Masada and Jerusalem's Old City. Expand your understanding of the religions that have so much to do with Israel and Jordan, past and present, during a Tauck Exclusive private panel discussion. Sail on the Sea of Galilee, relax at a resort along the Dead Sea, travel on Jordan's King's Highway to the fabled pink city of Petra, and dine Bedouin-style at a traditional feast. Privately guided tours and special cultural experiences for Tauck guests only bring it all to life, and superb hotels put you in the best locations throughout this extraordinary trip.

Year Round Offers

• Special Savings for Single Travelers
• Seasonal Price Savings for specific dates
• Special Savings for Groups of 8, 10++

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental David Tel Aviv.   A transfer is included from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport to the InterContinental David Tel Aviv, set on a beachfront promenade, with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, in the city's most fashionable neighborhood. Please join us this evening for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner where you'll meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Director.

On your first full day in Israel travel excursions around Tel Aviv reveal some of the striking contrasts that define the country. Our guide will give you a little Hebrew lesson with handy words to know during our welcome briefing before you set off for a walking tour through the maze of narrow, cobblestone streets of 4,000-year-old Jaffa, believed to be the oldest port city in the world. Explore the Visitors' Center in Kedumim Square and its museum with exhibits on the history of Jaffa and archaeological treasures. Have lunch at a local café, then travel from the romantic eccentricity of Jaffa to the Bauhaus architecture of Rothschild Boulevard... a true leap of time! Many Jewish refugees from Germany in the 1930s brought functional, modern design with them, and the plethora of square white buildings with curved balconies on every street earned Tel Aviv the nickname "The White City" and a UNESCO World Heritage designation as you'll learn on a city tour. But there the austerity of Tel Aviv ends; for the remainder of the day, spend time exploring this hip, young, city on your own. Your hotel is within easy walking distance of the beach, restaurants and a nightlife that is second to none.

Over a period of just 12 years, Herod transformed Caesarea into a grand city and major seaport – and dedicated it to Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus, who had returned it to Herod after wresting it away from Cleopatra. During a walking tour, view the spectacular Roman amphitheatre, still used as a performing venue today; what was once the great harbor Herod built; the hippodrome that held 20,000 spectators for chariot races; and what remains of Herod's palace. After lunch, continue on to Haifa, international headquarters of the Baha'i Faith, and the Baha'i Shrine and Gardens on famed Mount Carmel. A succession of 19 manicured garden terraces lead to the Shrine of the Bab, entombing the remains of the Bab, Baha'i Allah, the herald of the Baha'i Faith. Your hotel, the Dan Carmel Haifa Hotel, sits atop Mount Carmel with great city views. Following a "Prophet Sharing" panel discussion, a unique opportunity to ask questions and share information about the major religions that co-exist in this multicultural land, dinner this evening will be at the hotel.

A day excursion from Haifa – from the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel travel inland to the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus gathered his first disciples among the fishermen. At Yigal Alon Museum, you'll discover an archaeological treasure that rocked the worlds of archaeology, history and religion when it was found in 1986 – the Galilee Boat, a 2,000-year-old fishing vessel discovered in the mudflats of Galilee. Exhaustive scientific research places the fishing boat in the time and place of Jesus along the Sea of Galilee. Board a working replica of the boat and sail the waters of Galilee on a guided tour to see how fishermen in Jesus' time lived and worked. Learn about this rural area's many kibbutzim – farming communities which teach self-reliance, collective action and civic responsibility, and have lunch at a local restaurant in Tiberias followed by a visit to the Church of Annunciation. Return to your hotel where the rest of the evening is free to enjoy as you please.

Today in Israel travel to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cites in the world, Akko, dating back to the era of the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose. Begin your visit to this richly historical city with a visit to the Jezzar Pasha Mosque, an excellent example of Ottoman architecture, named for Ahmed al-Jezzar Pasha, who defeated Napoleon at the 1799 French siege of Acre. A walking tour through the walled city takes in the Knight's Hall, the citadel and prison, as well as the ancient tunnels. Traces of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Ottomans, Bedouins and the British, who have all ruled here, as well as of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, can be seen. Next up is a Tauck Exclusive – lunch at one of the city's best-known, most sought-after restaurants, Uri Buri, run by famed Chef Uri Jeremias; casual with understated elegance, his seafood is famous all over Israel. Continue on to Jerusalem, your hotel, the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, is one of the newest and most luxurious in the city.

For three of the world's great religions, Judaism, Islam and Christianity, Jerusalem is indeed a city of great significance. Your morning in this great city starts with an early entry visit to the Tower of David, followed by a walking tour led by an expert local guide in the Jewish Quarter of the city and the Cardo, a bustling marketplace built atop a site dating back to the time of Emperor Justinian, 6th century BC. The wide plaza before the wall is an open-air synagogue where Jews gather daily to pray; it has been among Judaism's most holy prayer sites for over 2,000 years – people of many religions leave prayer notes in the cracks and crevices of the wall. Descend into the ornate, ingeniously engineered Sephardic Synagogues, built below street level during Ottoman rule in obeyance of a law that no Jewish temple could be higher than the surrounding houses. Your visit reveals a restored complex of four synagogues, Yochanan ben Zakai, Istanbuli, Eliahu Ha'navi and Emtsai, each built in a different time period to accommodate the needs of the Sephardic community of the day. Following lunch at a local café, visit the iconic Western Wall, the last remnant of Solomon's temple, which held the Ark of the Covenant, then enjoy a tour of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, where a guide accompanies you through the images, survivors' accounts, and artifacts that put human faces on the Holocaust; it will be one of the most deeply moving experiences of your trip. The evening is at your leisure in Jerusalem.

This morning, return to the Old City for a visit to Temple Mount where the revered 7th-century Islamic shrine, the Dome of the Rock, is built atop Temple Mount – its golden dome shelters the rock from which the Prophet Mohammed ascended to Heaven. For Jews, it covers the holiest spot on Earth, the Foundation Stone of Solomon's inner temple. For many Christian pilgrims, a walk on the Via Dolorosa, along which Jesus carried the cross to the site of the crucifixion after Pilate's condemnation, is a most meaningful experience. Explore the winding path before continuing on to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which encloses the place where Jesus was crucified and buried. Following lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is free. Join us tonight for dinner at Eucalyptus, one of Jerusalem's most unique dining experiences. After dinner, head to the Tower of David for a spectacular sound and light show.

Following breakfast, you have a choice of spending additional time in Jerusalem or joining us for a guided sightseeing excursion. Go through the security barriers to the West Bank for a visit to Bethlehem. Take a walking tour of the Church of the Nativity, built over what is traditionally thought to be the birthplace of Jesus, one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. Beneath the elaborate church lies the Grotto of the Nativity, with the Chapel of the Manger just steps away. Visit the Milk Grotto, where the Holy Family took refuge before their flight into Egypt, then return to Jerusalem. On your return to Jerusalem, view the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum, where they are exhibited. Spend the evening as you wish in Jerusalem.

Depart Jerusalem for the cliff-top fortress at Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by King Herod between 37 and 31 BC and the mighty stronghold of the Jewish Zealots who fled Jerusalem rather than submit to Roman rule during the First Jewish-Roman War in the 1st century AD. Take a cable car to the top of the mountain with a knowledgeable guide to explore the site, learn the story of what happened here over 2,000 years ago and discover why Masada has such tremendous significance today. Drive to Jordan and your luxury resort and spa on the Dead Sea, where you'll enjoy a premium Pool View room during your two-night stay. A cooking demonstration precedes dinner at your hotel this evening.

Today is a day of personal choice. You may be ready to just kick back and relax today, enjoying your Pool View room and the amenities of your spa resort on the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the "Great Salt Lake" of the Middle East, and true to its name, devoid of life except for the many visitors who come to marvel at its mineral-rich, therapeutic qualities. Or, join your Tauck Director for a visit to the ancient city of Gerasa, today called Jerash. Step back in time 2,000 years as you explore the exceptionally well-preserved remains of Roman architecture in the Middle East, including Hadrian's Arch, the Hippodrome, the Oval Plaza, temples, theatres, arches, walls, baths and more in this fascinating archaeological site. After lunch, return to your resort to spend the rest of the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a lecture by a local woman as she provides insight into what life is like for her generation in Jordan. Dinner tonight is at your choice of restaurants at the hotel.

Today, your adventure takes you from the Dead Sea to Petra along the King's Highway, the oldest continuously used trading route in the world. Traveling south through ancient biblical lands, you'll stop first at Mount Nebo, where Moses looked out upon the "Promised Land." On a clear day, Jericho, the Dead Sea, the River Jordan and even Jerusalem can be seen from Mt. Nebo; visit the Memorial Church of Moses to see the well-preserved ancient mosaics that are located inside the excavated Old Baptistery. Biblical history is everywhere en route, most notably in Madaba; visit St. George's Greek Orthodox Church to view an incredible 6th-century map detailing the major biblical sites of the time. Enjoy a lunch of traditional Jordanian specialties before heading on to Petra, where dinner is at your leisure at your resort – just a short walk to the entrance of the 2,000-year-old city of Petra – where you'll enjoy a Junior Suite.

The 2,000-year-old city of Petra, which the ancient Nabataeans carved out of colorful sandstone cliffs, was named one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" – it is quite truly amazing. Almost forgotten for over a thousand years, Petra is one of the best-preserved biblical sites in the world. You'll travel through the narrow, high-walled canyon called the Siq… and suddenly, there it is, the huge, world-famous Treasury – your first sight is one of those life-transformational moments. Explore this incredible site on foot where you'll view Petra's tomb facades, royal tombs, temples and other structures on foot. Have lunch at the Basin Restaurant in the Old City, and return by camel. The afternoon is spent as you please – then get set for tonight's special farewell dinner! Join us this evening for a real taste of Jordan when you dine Bedouin-style at a traditional feast. A dance troupe of Jordanian men, dressed in customary Bedouin garments, entertains with a performance of the Dabkeh sword dance for a look at centuries-old traditions.

Drive along the winding 5,000-year-old King's Highway, through golden canyons and ancient villages, to Amman; this is one of the oldest continuously used roads in the world. Tauck's Jordan and Israel travel experience ends in Amman. Guests with early evening flights will be taken directly to Queen Alia International Airport while those departing late night or early the next morning will stay at Four Seasons Hotel Amman.

Tour ends: Amman. A transfer is included from Amman Rotana to Queen Alia International Airport. You should allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.

Tauck Tours

Guided visits to diverse sites such as the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, Sephardic Synagogues, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Mt. Nebo, and Jezzar Pasha Mosque

Premium accommodations – including Pool View rooms at Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, and Junior Suites at Movenpick Resort Petra

Walking tours exploring Israel's and Jordan's antiquities, guided by local experts & professional Tauck Directors; modern-day discussions including a "Prophet Sharing" panel discussion

A cruise on the Sea of Galilee aboard a working replica of a 2,000-year-old fishing boat

Guided visit to Bethlehem for a tour of the Church of the Nativity and the Milk Grotto 

A chance to "float" in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea and immerse in its therapeutic, mineral-rich black mud

Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted

33 meals; gratuities to local guides, service charges, admission fees, taxes and porterage

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From: $8,590.00

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15-Day Best of Israel Jordan and Egypt Family Tour

Everlasting family odyssey.

Create enduring family memories with our vacation package for Israel, Jordan, and Egypt . Discover the holy city of Jerusalem, savor the flavors of Amman, wander through the mystical beauty of Petra, marvel at the majestic Giza Pyramids, unwind on a leisurely Nile cruise, and bask in the sun on the pristine beaches by the Red Sea. We are happy to customize this holiday itinerary based on your specific interests and needs. If you would like to adjust the schedule or plan special-themed events and activities, feel free to contact us!

from US$4,950p/p

Oct. to Mar.

International on request

Israel Jordan and Egypt Family Tour Map (Suggested Route)

Brief itinerary.

• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 5,000+ clients

Tour Highlights

Itinerary details.

• Welcome to the promised land!
• Enjoy a private transfer to your Jerusalem hotel with a warm and informative intro to Israel in the company of our knowledgeable representative.
• In the morning, our private guide will meet you at your hotel for an exciting Old Jerusalem walking tour.
• Visit the Western Wall in the Jewish Quarter and explore the extraordinary Western Wall Tunnels .
• Discover the Temple Mount and the iconic Dome of the Rock situated in the Muslim Quarter.
• Embark on a journey through history by walking in the footsteps of Christ along Via Dolorosa , and visit the renowned Holy Sepulchre church in the Christian Quarter.
• Explore the Tower of David Museum located in the Armenian Quarter and take in the stunning panoramic view of Jerusalem from its pinnacle.
• Proceed towards Mount Zion through the Zion Gate and explore the Cenacle , the last supper room, and the Tomb of King David .
• Enjoy the Night Spectacular (Sound and Light Show) at the Tower of David Museum, renowned as "A Jerusalem Journey Through Time."
• Explore Bethlehem by visiting its renowned landmarks, including the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Grotto, and Shepherds' Field Chapel.
• Experience a range of emotions upon seeing the Anti-war graffiti on the Israel-Palestine Separation Wall and explore the famous Walled-off Banksy hotel .
• Head to the Mount of Olives and relish the opportunity to gaze upon a breathtaking panoramic view of the Old Jerusalem.
• Discover the Chapel of the Ascension and the Pater Noster Church located on the Mount of Olives.
• Visit the Church of All Nations and the Garden of Gethsemane situated at the base of the Mount of Olives.
• Experience the vibrant fragrances and delectable flavors of Machane Yehuda Market .
• A private transfer across Allenby Bridge is provided.
• Go cross the Israel-Jordan(Allenby) border and meet our representative on the Jordan side who will assist you with your Jordan Visa on Arrival.
• Visit Amman City and indulge in the Amman food tour . Explore the Amman Citadel and the Roman Theatre , then savor the flavors and treats while strolling through the old downtown.
• A private transfer to your Dead Sea resort is provided.
• Discover the wonders of the Dead Sea in the morning.
• Head to Petra with your private driver.
• Delight in the intricate Byzantine Mosaic Map of Jerusalem and Palestine, found on the floor of Saint George's Church in Madaba.
• Uncover the secrets of Mount Nebo , the Biblical site where Moses first glimpsed the Promised Land.
• Stay the night in your Petra hotel.
• Explore the enchanting sandstone city of Petra with a 2-hour guided service.
• Walk along the Siq and admire the impressive steep walls on both sides.
• Encounter the Treasury , a majestic carved monument that appears unexpectedly at the end of the Siq.
• Wander around the Street of Facades and discover the Tomb of Unayshu, the Amphitheater, the Royal Tombs, and the Colonnaded Street along the way.
• Marvel at the size of the Monastery , which is almost twice that of the Treasury and equally stunning in its craftsmanship.
• Head back to your hotel for a night's stay in Petra.
• A private transfer is provided to Amman airport for your flight to Cairo.
• Welcome to the captivating land of Egypt! Our English-speaking representative will meet you in Cairo airport and assist you with your Egypt Visa on Arrival.
• Venture into Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and immerse yourself in a maze of local shops.
• Experience the beloved El Tannoura Dance Show at El-Ghuri Wakala.
• Witness the majestic Great Pyramids on the Giza plateau, an awe-inspiring legacy of ancient Egypt's civilization.
• Take a camel ride for a more-memorable experience of exploring the Giza Pyramids(about 30 minutes).
• Enter the Pyramid of Khafre and explore the secret chambers inside.
• Discover the captivating beauty of the Great Sphinx that once mesmerized Napoleon, presenting a striking scene against the vast desert backdrop.
• Explore the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities* , a remarkable repository showcasing the treasures of ancient Egypt, including the famed Tutankhamun Collection.
• * The Grand Egyptian Museum(GEM) is expected to open in the late Spring of 2024. GH will replace the Egyptian Museum with GEM by then.
• A private transfer is provided to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan.
• Visit the magnificent Temple of Philae and the impressive High Dam with your private guide.
• Board the cruise and enjoy lunch onboard.
• Spend the night on your cozy cruise ship.
• Explore the unique double-design temple dedicated to two sets of gods: the Kom Ombo Temple .
• Immerse yourself in the rock temple and uncover the Speos of Horemheb at Gebel el-Silsila.
• Enjoy dinner in the serene atmosphere of the illuminated temple grounds.
• Take a horse carriage ride to discover the fantastically well-preserved Temple of Horus .
• Immerse yourself in an unforgettable Egyptian Evening of Fun while savoring a delectable dinner.
• Disembark from your ship after breakfast.
• Explore Valley of the Kings and learn about ancient Egyptian funerary practices by entering three of the royal tombs.
• Discover the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut which is the only pharaoh's temple on the west bank of the Nile river.
• Have a photo stop at the massive Colossi of Memnon .
• Marvel at Luxor temple 's pillared hall and admire the stunning reliefs on the walls.
• A private transfer to your Hurghada resort is provided.
• Enjoy a leisurely day at a beautiful Red-Sea beach.
• The tour leader will meet you at your resort and guide you on a small-group safari tour to visit a Bedouin Village .
• Drive through the mountains to the Village in 4x4 Jeeps, and discover Bedouin life and traditions.
• Ride a camel and a quad bike to explore the area and witness the amazing sunset views.
• Enjoy a barbecue dinner before heading back to your resort.
• Enjoy a hassle-free private transfer to Hurghada Airport, connecting with Cairo airport for your flight back home.

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Jordan Experience

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Travel to the ‘Rose City’ of Petra, the highlight on this Jordan trip. But there’s more to discover as you learn about Jordanian culture with the Khzoz family, have dinner with a Bedouin tribe and spend a soulful night gazing at the clear night’s sky when you stay in Wadi Rum desert.

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From the Wailing Wall to the rose-red façades of Petra, this historical interlude with Israel and Jordan will see you visit the tomb of King David, the Mount of Beatitudes and the Dead Sea, before following in the footsteps of spice traders across desert landscapes.

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Visit the Iraq Al Amir Women's Centre

Make a difference at the Iraq Al Amir Women’s Co-op, a community of women who aim to preserve their heritage and provide jobs through their handicrafts. You’ll learn first-hand how they make notebooks from recycled paper and soap from olive oil. You’ll even get to try making your own before enjoying a home cooked meal prepared by the women.

Stroll through the Greco-Roman city at Jerash

Discover the ancient city of Jerash, once an important stop on the incense and spice trade route to the Mediterranean. It was also a favorite city of the Roman emperor Hadrian, and you can explore its towering Corinthian columns of the Temple of Artemis, 2nd-century Hadrian’s Arch and the almost intact city walls.

Be amazed by the unique ancient city at Petra

Marvel at this archaeological wonder, with rose-red facades carved into the sheer rock face over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataean people. It was one of the world’s first cities and today is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We’ll begin our exploration through the iconic Siq, with cliffs soaring 80 meters high.

View the Roman amphitheater and Citadel in Amman

Join our Local Specialists for a tour of Amman to soak up its ancient treasures. We’ll visit the remarkable Roman amphitheater, likely built in the 2nd century AD, with a massive seating capacity of 6,000. We’ll also explore the Citadel, filled with ruins like the Ummayad Palace and the Temple of Hercules.

Admire the mosaic map of the Holy Land at Madaba

We’ll journey to Mount Nebo, where Moses is buried, and see the incredible Madaba Mosaic Map that covers the floor in the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George. The Madaba Map depicts the Middle East, and you’ll see the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem.

Our top 5 things to do in Jordan

A Jordan guided tour with Trafalgar will reveal the country’s ancient wonders, from the city of Petra and the Citadel in Amman, to the Mosaic Map in Madaba.

The Jordan Museum

Located in Amman, the Jordan Museum is one of the best museums in the Middle East. It houses the country’s most significant archaeological treasures, including remains of Petra, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the ‘Ain Ghazal statues which date back to 7,500 BC and are the oldest-known human statues.

Jordan Folklore Museum

The Jordan Folklore Museum showcases items from Jordanian cultural heritage including handicrafts, mosaics, looms, weapons, the rababa (a Bedouin musical instrument), and costumes like the traditional Circassian dress. You can stop in after exploring the Roman Theater, as it’s located in the theater’s entrance.

Aqaba Archaeological Museum

This official archaeological museum houses a collection of Bronze Age artefacts dating back to 4,000 BC. The relics were found near Aqaba and further cement the belief that Aqaba is one of the region’s oldest settlements. You can also find golden coins dating back to the Fatimides and a Quranic inscription from the 9th century.

Best museums in Jordan

Our Jordan escorted tours reveal the country’s vast history through it’s superb museums, from Jordanian cultural artefacts, to the archaeological wonders of The Jordan Museum.

Maqluba is a delicious savory dish made from meat, rice, eggplant and vegetables layered in a pot, which is flipped upside down on a plate when served. The name translates to ‘upside-down’ or ‘flipped over’ and this ancient dish dates back as far as the 13th century.

Roasted nuts

One of the most popular street foods in Jordan, you’ll often smell the aroma of roasting nuts as you walk through the cities. You’ll find macadamias, pistachios and many other nut varieties, which are dried, roasted, salted or coated in herbs and spices, and sold in markets across the country.

One of the world’s favorite street foods, shawarma is the ultimate Middle Eastern sandwich. It’s made of shavings of spit-roasted meats served in a wrap or pita, with pickles, tabbouleh salad and tangy sauces. Our Local Specialists will show you the best places to try this classic dish.

Best food in Jordan

When you travel Jordan with Trafalgar, we’ll reveal the country’s alluring cuisine, from warm roasted nuts, to the shawarma, one of the world’s favorite sandwiches.

What to pack for Jordan

Adaptor plug

In Jordan, the standard voltage is 230 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type C, D, F, G and J. The standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Comfortable shoes

You’ll spend hours exploring the countries sights - a visit to Petra alone can involve a day’s worth of walking - so bring a sturdy pair of walking shoes.

Modest clothing

When visiting Jordan, you’ll need to wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Bring light, loose-fit clothing for the heat and warm layers for chilly desert nights.

A scarf is a handy item for keeping the sun and sand off your face, and for covering your head or shoulders when entering religious sites.

Whether you’re floating in the Dead Sea, or snorkelling the coral reefs of the Red Sea, you’ll want to pack a swimsuit for your Jordan holiday.

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What missiles could Israel use in an attack - and can Iran defend itself?

Sky News looks at how Israel might attack, and how Iran could respond.

By Ben van der Merwe and Saywah Mahmood, Data and Forensics Unit

Friday 19 April 2024 09:48, UK

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Israel has launched a strike against Iran in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented missile-and-drone assault on the country at the weekend.

Experts previously told Sky News Israel was likely to be considering an airstrike on critical Iranian infrastructure, including air bases and nuclear facilities.

Israel is well-equipped for such an operation. The country possesses 39 state-of-the-art F-35 stealth fighter jets, the fifth largest inventory in the world.

Sky News security and defence analyst Michael Clarke says the planes are "pretty well invisible".

"It is rumoured that Israeli F-35s have already been around and about Iranian airspace on surveillance missions," he said earlier this week.

'We are 100% ready'

At a military parade on Wednesday, Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi hailed the attack on Israel and warned against any retaliatory action. "We are 100% ready in all aerial fronts," he said.

"The Iranians have worked hard on improving their air defences in recent years, but how good they are is an open question," says Fabian Hinz, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

Iran is known to possess at least 42 long-range surface-to-air missile launchers, including 32 Russian-made S-300 launchers that it acquired in 2016.

In 2018, however, it was reported that Israeli pilots had travelled to Ukraine to practice evading the S-300, which Ukraine is known to possess.

As a result, Mr Hinz says, Iran has increasingly invested in designing its own air defence systems.

What air defence systems does Iran have?

One of the first such systems, the Sevom Khordad, was reportedly used to down a US Global Hawk drone over the Persian Gulf in 2019.

An updated version of the Sevom Khordad, the Khordad-15, was unveiled in 2019 and is under the command of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. Iran claims it can engage enemy fighters at a range of 75km.

In 2022, Iran unveiled an updated version of the Khordad-15 called Tactical Hunter. Iran says the system has a range of 120km and is defended by its own short-range missile system.

Two new defence systems were unveiled in February, but it is not yet clear whether they are operational.

The Arman is reportedly able to engage six ballistic missiles simultaneously at ranges of 120-180km, while the Azarakhsh is said to be able to destroy low-altitude targets within a 50km radius.

"I would guess that the Israelis would be quite good at disabling [Iran's air defences] through jamming and electronic warfare, although we don't know for sure," says Mr Hinz.

If Israel wanted to avoid Iran's air defence systems entirely, it could opt to fire a missile from an aircraft outside Iranian airspace.

Neighbouring countries are unlikely to grant Israel permission to use their airspace, but Mr Hinz says they are also unlikely to try and shoot down Israeli aircraft.

Little is known about Israel's Jericho missiles

Israel could avoid violating its neighbours' airspace by utilising ballistic missiles launched from its own territory.

"If Israel carried out a similar ballistic missile attack to Iran, Iran would certainly struggle to intercept it in the same way," says Jeremy Binnie, Middle East and Africa editor at Janes, the defence intelligence company.

However, it's unclear whether Israel has the capabilities to launch a similar attack. Israel's ballistic missile programme, called Jericho, is highly classified.

Few details are in the public domain, but the IISS estimates Israel has about 24 nuclear-capable Jericho II missiles.

"They have submarine-launched cruise missiles and ballistic missiles which they almost certainly use for their nuclear deterrent," says Mr Hinz.

"But do they have conventional, precision-guided versions that they could use? We just don't know."

A learning opportunity for both militaries

Of the more than 330 missiles and drones launched as part of Iran's attack, US officials say that around half failed to launch or crash landed.

Just nine missiles hit their targets within Israel, with the rest being intercepted by Israel, Jordan and Western forces.

"This obviously doesn't look very successful from Iran's point of view, but actually they now have a much better idea of Israel's capabilities," says Mr Binnie.

However, Mr Hinz says that Israel will also have used the assault as an opportunity to test its air defences.

"With every use of their missile defence systems, they can improve the algorithms, they can improve the operating procedures," he says.

The Iron Dome , a system of radar-guided missile launchers, has consistently blocked more than 90% of short-range rockets fired towards Israel.

Mr Hinz says that the system has been subject to continuous software updates which have rendered it more effective.

Two other systems, Arrow and David's Sling, are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at much further distances. Arrow is capable of flying at hypersonic speeds and intercepting missiles beyond the Earth's atmosphere.

The US has said that Israel's air defences proved their effectiveness in the attack, which caused no fatalities and only minor damage.

"But how much can we attribute that to the help from the Americans and others?" asks Mr Binnie.

"Could the Israeli Air Force have shot them all down by itself? Well, it might well have struggled, quite frankly."

Iran's attack capabilities have been improving

The attack may also have given Israel a better idea of Iran's offensive capabilities.

On Tuesday, Sky News was shown the remains of an Iranian Emad-1 missile at a military base in Israel.

It is similar to Iran's Ghadr missile, first tested in 2004, but with additional precision targeting capabilities.

Both missiles have a range of more than 1,500 kilometres - putting all of Israel well within their sights.

"I would say that what they fired is basically what they have in their arsenal," says Mr Hinz. "It's not that they restrained [themselves] and just used their less sophisticated weapons."

One possible exception is the Fattah, an Iranian-designed weapon unveiled last year.

"They've shown us testing footage, but we don't know if it's operational," Mr Hinz says.

A rocket motor on the warhead of the Fattah could allow it to conduct evasive manoeuvres outside the atmosphere and to increase the speed of its final descent.

"It's specifically designed to beat Israeli air defences," says Mr Binnie.

Another missile unveiled last year, the Khorramshahr, is still thought to be under development.

"The Khorramshahr has a big old warhead on it, 2,000kg, so in theory that's going to be quick and harder to intercept," Mr Binnie says.

Read more on Sky News: Is it safe to travel to holiday destinations as Middle East tension escalates? Are we heading for World War Three? Experts give their verdicts

It's impossible to know how these weapons will perform against Israel's air defences until they are actually used.

"The precision they've achieved is quite impressive, but it doesn't really help if your opponent's defensive systems are even more impressive," Mr Hinz says.

For Iran to cause significant damage to Israel, it may have to rely on increasing the quantity, rather than the quality, of its missiles.

"There will be an upper limit at some point where you've got so many ballistic missiles coming in, Israel just can't shoot them all down," says Mr Binnie. "What that point is, we don't know."

The US estimates that Iran's arsenal includes more than 3,000 ballistic missiles, but it's not clear how many it would be able to launch at once.

Mr Hinz says that the logistical effort in launching 120 missiles simultaneously will already have been enormous - likely involving hundreds or thousands of people.

"Can they scale it up? My guess would be that they could, but perhaps not to a large degree."

If Iran wants to overwhelm Israel's air defences, it is likely to rely on the involvement of Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Lebanon is just 115km from Israel's Tel Aviv, whereas missiles fired from Iran must travel more than 1,000km to reach Israel's commercial centre.

"They're just much closer to Israel and so they can use much cheaper systems," Mr Hinz says. "As a result, they have many, many more than Iran."

The CIA estimates that Hezbollah has more than 150,000 missiles in its arsenal.

The risk for Iran would be that Israel responds forcefully against Hezbollah, one of its most valuable allies. In December, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to turn the Lebanese capital Beirut "into Gaza".

Ultimately, Mr Hinz says, it could come down to a matter of attrition.

"If this becomes a sustained confrontation, someone is going to run out of missiles first," he says.

"Does Iran have more ballistic missiles, or does Israel have more interceptor missiles? We just don't know."

Additional reporting by Sam Doak.

The Data and Forensics team is a multi-skilled unit dedicated to providing transparent journalism from Sky News. We gather, analyse and visualise data to tell data-driven stories. We combine traditional reporting skills with advanced analysis of satellite images, social media and other open source information. Through multimedia storytelling we aim to better explain the world while also showing how our journalism is done.

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• Israel-Hamas war

Israel mulls response after U.S.-led alliance fends off Iranian barrage

TEL AVIV — For several hours on Saturday night, as Iranian missiles streaked through the skies, millions of people in Israel and across a restless region held their breath.

On Sunday morning, Israelis awoke to find their country relatively unscathed, fortified by widespread global support after months of international isolation. The nightmare scenario leaders here had long warned about — a direct attack from Iran — provided a public showcase of the regional coalition and high-tech systems built to repel such an assault.

The five-hour barrage, in retaliation for a deadly Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus, Syria, was massive, involving hundreds of attack drones and guided missiles, and supporting fire from at least some of Iran’s regional proxies. But it also came with some warning and appeared calibrated to head off a wider war. Israel leveraged its sophisticated air defense technology and its network of anti-Iran allies, giving its forces operational freedom across large swaths of Middle Eastern airspace. In the end, most interceptions occurred outside of Israeli territory, the military said.

Even Jordan, one of the fiercest public critics of Israel’s war in Gaza , closed its airspace and “helped in the process of the interceptions,” allowing Israel and its allies to shoot down 99 percent of the Iranian munitions, said Yoel Guzansky, a former official on Israel’s National Security Council and now a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies.

“Never in the history of warfare was such an operation conducted, with so much international coordination, all answering to [U.S. Central Command], and missiles coming from so many places at once, not just Iran” — but also rockets by Hezbollah, in Lebanon, and unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles fired from Yemen and Iraq, Guzansky said.

The U.S.-led regional partnership “proved itself in real time,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman, told reporters Sunday morning. “It showed it can face Iran.”

In a statement late Saturday, President Biden highlighted the movement of U.S. aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the past week, which “helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles.” On Sunday, the president spoke with members of two Air Force fighter squadrons involved in the response, praising them for “defending Israel from an unprecedented aerial attack.”

Even before the missiles landed, Iranian leaders announced that, in their mind, the score had been settled. “The matter can be deemed concluded,” the country’s mission to the United Nations posted late Saturday, but added a caveat: Should Israel “make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe.” On Sunday, Israel said the situation was “ongoing”: The question was how — and where — it would respond.

Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet, which was due to meet Sunday afternoon, said in a video statement that Israel would “exact a price from Iran in a manner and at a time that is right.”

The Israeli army said hits from several ballistic missiles had caused minor damage to the military’s Nevatim air base, in southern Israel. On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces released footage of an F-35 returning to the base. One young girl from a Bedouin town in the south was hospitalized for severe shrapnel injuries, her family said.

But Israel and its allies viewed the event as a “win,” said Michael Horowitz, head of intelligence at the risk consultancy group Le Beck International, adding that the country managed to restore some international legitimacy while avoiding any serious damage on the ground.

“The result matters … but so does the intent, and the intent was very clear: not a symbolic attack designed to fail, but a sustained assault designed to actually hit its targets inside Israel,” Horowitz said.

Under the leadership of the United States, Hagari said, the Israeli military has ramped up collaboration with Britain and France over the past six months, as well as other regional states whose names he said he was not at liberty to reveal — probably a reference to Jordan and other Arab nations that have quietly strengthened security ties with Israel, even as they try to contain mounting public fury in their countries over the war in Gaza.

The Iranian attack consisted of 170 drones, 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles, carrying a combined 60 tons of explosive material, according to the IDF. Israel countered with the Arrow, an anti-ballistic missile system developed by the United States and Israel; and David’s Sling, a medium- to long-range air defense system put in place to ward off missiles from Iran and Syria, according to Jonathan Conricus, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former IDF spokesman.

The success of Israel’s air defenses gives the government time to formulate a “smart and long-term strategy” rather than reacting under “anger and duress,” Conricus said.

“We intercepted. We thwarted. Together we will win,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on X on Sunday morning, a statement that stood out to analysts both for its brevity and its measured tone.

“The prime minister actually gave a very succinct statement, and he doesn’t usually do that,” said Miri Eisin, a former senior intelligence officer in the Israeli military. “He didn’t say, ‘Now we are going to destroy Iran.’”

But there remains uncertainty over whether Netanyahu can withstand pressure from his more extreme coalition partners to escalate against Tehran. “To create deterrence in the Middle East,” Israel “needs to go crazy,” far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said in a video posted on X on Sunday.

“You have Israel again in the favor of other nations. Diplomatically, that could work well for Netanyahu if he is able to leverage it,” said an Israeli familiar with discussions close to the prime minister, speaking on the condition of anonymity to share private deliberations. “On the other hand, within his cabinet, though, if he doesn’t go after Iran, he will be in trouble with some.”

The United States and other allies that played a role in the defensive operation are pushing for restraint, the person said: “He has the Americans and everyone else saying, ‘It happened, no damage was done, we were there for you. Now it’s your turn to be there for us.’”

Middle East conflict

“We don’t want to see this escalate,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, a point he emphasized on a whirlwind tour of six political talk shows. “We’re not looking for a wider war with Iran.”

U.S. officials are sending similar messages in private, urging Israel to limit its retaliation and cool regional tensions, a senior administration official said Sunday, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive closed-door discussions.

In a matter of hours, analysts said Israel appeared to largely regain its standing in the world community, a position that has been badly eroded by the civilian death toll from its war against Hamas in Gaza and its restrictions on aid delivery, which has put the north of the enclave on the verge of famine .

Noam Tibon, a retired Israeli military general, said the Iranian attack allowed Israel to reset on two fronts: in Gaza, where it has been under growing domestic and international pressure to agree to a cease-fire and a deal to free the hostages still held by Hamas; and on its northern border with Lebanon, where Israel has traded near-daily fire with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group and political party, and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes.

“This was the first time in this war that Israel has had a clear victory,” Tibon said. “The West is helping, is standing beside us, and if Israel is not careful, it will reverse all of that just like it did in Gaza.”

Leaders of the Group of Seven countries put out a statement Sunday after an emergency meeting convened by Biden, condemning Iran’s “direct and unprecedented attack against Israel” and warning of an “uncontrollable regional escalation.”

“This must be avoided,” the statement said.

“There has to be a price for what the Iranians did,” said Yossi Kuperwasser, former head of research in Israeli military intelligence. “Timing is of the essence here.”

But he added: “It’s very important that we coordinate with the Americans and retaliation is approved and supported by the United States.”

The attack Saturday had some parallels to a smaller Iranian assault on the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq in January 2020, after influential Iranian general Qasem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad.

In that case, Iran responded with a salvo of 16 ballistic missiles, 10 of which hit the base. About half of the U.S. troops there had been evacuated in advance, but 110 still suffered traumatic brain injuries, some of which caused months of health complications .

Then-President Donald Trump declined to respond militarily, saying in the aftermath that “Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world.”

Following the latest attack by Tehran, the U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting late Sunday.

“It’s very clear that Iran has violated every norm,” said Eyal Hulata, who served as the head of Israel’s National Security Council until last year. “It’s either the international community acts or Israel will need to make its own decisions.”

U.N. restrictions on Iran’s missile program expired in October as part of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the pact also means key guardrails have fallen away, leaving Iran closer to nuclear weapons capability than at any time in the country’s history — which Israel sees as an existential threat.

Eisin said Israel’s overnight military performance had a redeeming quality after the intelligence and security failures on Oct. 7, when the army did not predict the Hamas-led assault and was slow to respond to the carnage unfolding across southern Israel.

In Saturday’s attack, “barely anything hit the ground at all, and that’s a success that gives a boost to our sense of security,” she said. “We need that, because this isn’t over yet.”

Hendrix reported from Jerusalem and Morris from Berlin. Dan Lamothe and Michael Birnbaum in Washington contributed to this report.

Israel-Gaza war

The Israel-Gaza war has gone on for six months, and tensions have spilled into the surrounding region .

The war: On Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel that included the taking of civilian hostages at a music festival . (See photos and videos of how the deadly assault unfolded ). Israel declared war on Hamas in response, launching a ground invasion that fueled the biggest displacement in the region since Israel’s creation in 1948 .

Gaza crisis: In the Gaza Strip, Israel has waged one of this century’s most destructive wars , killing tens of thousands and plunging at least half of the population into “ famine-like conditions. ” For months, Israel has resisted pressure from Western allies to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave .

U.S. involvement: Despite tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some U.S. politicians , including President Biden, the United States supports Israel with weapons , funds aid packages , and has vetoed or abstained from the United Nations’ cease-fire resolutions.

History: The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mistrust are deep and complex, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 . Read more on the history of the Gaza Strip .

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Iran launches drone and missile strike against Israel as Biden rushes back to White House

US president convenes top advisers as US and Jordanian forces help Israel intercept barrage

• Iran launches attack against Israel – live

Iran said it launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles towards Israel on Saturday in a major attack following days of acute tension building up in the region and warnings from the US and elsewhere about a wider conflict erupting.

Air attack warning sirens began wailing over Jerusalem just before 2am local time on Sunday after the weapons were fired a few hours earlier from Iran with US and Jordanian military assisting Israel’s air defenses in intercepting the first incoming barrage.

With weapons believed to be still in the air en route to Israel, Iran’s mission to the United Nations posted on X: “Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded.”

However, it threatened more severe action in the face of further Israeli aggression and warned the US and Jordan specifically not to assist Israel.

Nevertheless, the United States military and Jordanian fighter jets shot down some Iranian drone aircraft, officials said.

And the US embassy in Jerusalem told all US government employees to shelter in place until further notice, according to a security alert posted on Saturday.

R Adm Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, had earlier said that Iran launched the new offensive late on Saturday.

It was the Islamic Republic’s first-ever direct attack on the Jewish state, a development that brings the two countries to the brink of all-out conflict after more than a decade of shadow war and soaring stress six months into Israel’s war in Gaza following the Hamas attack last October.

It was reported on Israeli television that Iran had launched more than 100 drones as well as cruise missiles towards Israel, and Iran later said it had fired a “first wave” of ballistic missiles.

Joe Biden rushed back to Washington DC on Saturday afternoon from a weekend trip to Delaware as it became clear from leadership signals that some sort of an attack by Iran was imminent.

The Iranian weapons were launched just a few hours after the White House had first announced the US president was returning to Washington from a planned weekend at the beach in Delaware, “to consult with his national security team about events in the Middle East”.

There had been nearly two weeks of speculation about when, where and how Tehran or its proxy forces in Syria, Iraq and Yemen would respond to a 1 April Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in the Syrian capital of Damascus, which killed Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior figure in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards, and eight other officers.

Biden soon after made public that Israel had not shared its intentions with the US and said he had not had prior knowledge of the strike in Syria, signaling that, in addition to Israel’s blockade on Gaza provoking famine , US influence over Israel has limits.

In addition, Biden’s hasty return to the White House on Saturday followed his saying on Friday that he expected an Iranian attack on Israel “sooner rather than later” and issued a last-ditch message to Tehran, saying, “Don’t,” which clearly was not heeded.

Earlier on Saturday, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corps in the strait of Hormuz, 50 nautical miles off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, seized an Israeli-affiliated container ship.

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The ship’s operator, the Italian-Swiss group MSC, later confirmed that Iranian authorities had boarded it, rappelling from a helicopter. The White House condemned the seizure of the British-owned vessel.

National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the US strongly condemned the seizure and urged Iran to release the ship and crew immediately , calling the incursion a violation of international law and an act of piracy.

Upon returning to the White House, Biden walked into the Oval Office and then convened a top-level meeting in the Situation Room.

According to the White House, the president was joined by Lloyd Austin, the defense secretary; Antony Blinken, the secretary of state; Gen Charles Brown, the chair of the joint chiefs of staff; William Burns, the CIA director; Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence; and Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser.

Austin spoke with Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defense minister, earlier on Saturday to discuss the urgent regional threats in the Middle East and “reiterated unwavering US support for Israel’s defense”, according to the Pentagon.

After the attacks began, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said: “Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defensive systems are deployed … We appreciate the US standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries.”

The US House of Representatives will make a change in its schedule to consider legislation that supports Israel and holds Iran accountable, the House majority leader, Steve Scalise, said in a statement on Saturday.

It was unclear whether Scalise was referring to a standalone bill to aid Israel, or the $95bn supplemental spending bill that includes $14bn for Israel, in addition to $60bn for Ukraine, support for Taiwan and billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance, which has been held back from a vote by House Republicans.

Reuters, Agence France-Presse and the Associated Press contributed reporting

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April 14, 2024 - Iran's attack on Israel

By Jerome Taylor, Heather Chen , James Legge, Sophie Tanno, Emma Tucker , Kaanita Iyer , Paul LeBlanc , Catherine Nicholls, Maureen Chowdhury , Antoinette Radford and Eve Rothenberg, CNN

Biden told Netanyahu US will not participate in offensive operations against Iran, US official says

From CNN's MJ Lee

The US will not participate in any offensive operations against Iran, US President Joe Biden has made clear to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a senior administration official told CNN.

The comments were relayed during the phone call that the two leaders shared in the aftermath of Iran's retaliatory strikes against Israel.

Biden tells Netanyahu tonight was a win, nothing of "value" hit in Israel, US official says 

Israel should consider tonight a win because the current US assessment is that Iran’s attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israel’s superior military capability, President Joe Biden told Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in their phone call, a senior administration official told CNN.

The US’s assessment tonight was that almost all of the drones and missiles – including more than 100 ballistic missiles -- launched by Iran had been knocked out of the sky. No cruise missile made impact, the official said, and nothing of “value” was hit. 

No reports of injuries directly through Iranian strikes, according to Israel’s emergency service

From CNN’s Benjamin Brown in London

There have been no reports of injuries suffered directly through Iranian strikes, according to Israel’s emergency service.

However, the Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service said it was called to treat a total of 31 people who suffered minor injuries while making their way to shelters and who suffered panic attacks during the drone and missile attacks.

Earlier, MDA said it had taken a 7-year-old girl to hospital who had suffered a severe head injury due to shrapnel from an interceptor missile that was launched to intercept an Iranian projectile. 

Israeli military says more than 55 rockets fired from Lebanon to Israel over past hour

More than 55 rockets have been fired from Lebanon to Israel over the past hour, according to the Israeli military's spokesperson.

This comes after about 40 rockets were fired at Israel from southern Lebanon on Friday, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Hezbollah militants said they had fired the rockets at Israeli artillery positions in response to recent Israeli attacks and in support of Palestinian people in Gaza.

Remember:  Since the start of the Hamas-Israel war on October 7, Israel's flare-up with Hezbollah has intensified on Lebanon’s southern border with Israel.

Hezbollah — a Lebanese armed group backed by Iran — has its main area of operations there. Hezbollah has frequently fired missiles into Israel since October 7 and Israel has responded with its own fire, including airstrikes. Israel has ordered the evacuation of communities along the Lebanese border.

Iran's attack on Israel lasted about five hours, US officials say

From CNN’s Oren Liebermann

The wave of strikes launched from Iran towards Israel appears to have subsided, two US officials said. The attacks lasted approximately five hours.

Early Sunday morning in Israel, the country’s Home Front Command canceled its request for citizens to remain near shelters, an indication that the Israeli military believes the immediate threat of incoming attack has passed.

The US, along with Israel, monitored the barrage of drone and missile attacks that began Saturday night and continued into early Sunday morning. The number of launches appeared to fall during Sunday's early hours, the officials said.

US forces throughout the region were positioned to provide defensive support to Israel ahead of the attack, and the US intended to intercept as many of the launches as it could. US forces intercepted a number of drones intended for Israel as part of a coordinated defensive effort, and Washington remains vigilant for the potential of more activity.

However, even as the number of Iranian drone and missile launches has fallen, Iranian proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon fired a barrage of rockets at northern Israel early Sunday morning.

"Whoever harms us, we will harm them," says Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Saturday that Israel had been preparing for an attack from Iran.

"In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran," he said.

"Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong," he said.

Netanyahu thanked the US, Britain, France and its other allies for "standing alongside Israel."

"We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination," his statement said.

US has significant military presence in region and has said it will defend Israel

From CNN's Haley Britzky

Ahead of Iran launching dozens of drones toward Israel, President Joe Biden on Friday made clear the US would help defend its ally.

“We are devoted to the defense of Israel,” he said from the White House. “We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed.”

The US has forces in Iraq and Syria that could potentially intercept drones en route to Israel, depending on the location from which they’re launched. US Navy forces in the Red Sea have previously intercepted long-range missiles launched from the Houthis in Yemen toward Israel. 

Troops in region: There are thousands of US troops throughout the Middle East, and a US defense official told CNN this week that the Defense Department was moving additional assets to the Middle East. 

At the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, the US shifted a significant number of assets to the Middle East in an attempt to act as a deterrence and prevent the conflict from spilling out into the region more broadly. 

Another  roughly 1,000 US troops  are still en route to help set up a floating pier that will be used to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said this week that it was still on track to be operational by late April or early May.

Strike group: The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group remains in the region. The strike group includes 6,000 sailors, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Gravely (DDG 107). The group also includes Carrier Air Wing Three, which is composed of nine squadrons, including four strike fighter squadrons. 

Houthi attacks: For the last several months, the US has continuously shot down missiles, rockets, and drones launched by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, as well as attacks launched by Iran-backed proxy groups in Iraq and Syria. Three US soldiers  were killed  in January when a drone was launched at a small US outpost in Jordan. 

CENTCOM leader: Gen. Erik Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM who is the senior general overseeing US forces in the Middle East, was in Israel on Friday for meetings with his Israeli counterparts. A US official told CNN on Saturday that Kurilla had left the country.

Iran launches retaliatory strikes toward Israel

From CNN's Lauren Izso, Jeremy Diamond, Hamdi Alkhshali and Adam Pourahmadi

Iran  launched a wave of retaliatory strikes toward Israel, fueling fears of regional escalation following an apparent Israeli attack on an Iranian embassy complex in Syria last week.

Several dozen drones were launched from within Iran on Saturday, a senior US administration official told CNN, while an Israeli military officer put the number at “more than 100.” Iran state media confirmed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had “launched extensive drone strikes against targets in occupied territories,” referring to Israel.

Missiles were also launched, according to Israeli and Iranian media.

Public shelters were opened in the northern Israeli city of Haifa and Israel’s transportation ministry said it would close its airspace. Nearby Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq also announced the temporary closure of their airspace.

US President Joe Biden met with his national security team to assess the attack, according to a US official.

The US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said Saturday that Biden is “in constant communication with Israeli officials as well as other partners and allies,” and reaffirmed his position that the administration’s “support for Israel’s security is ironclad.”

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A Show of Might in the Skies Over Israel

Iran’s retaliation for Israel’s killing of senior military leaders was a highly choreographed spectacle. But fears of a wider war still loom.

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By Helene Cooper ,  Farnaz Fassihi ,  Aaron Boxerman ,  Patrick Kingsley and Eric Schmitt

Iran’s much-anticipated retaliation for Israel’s killing of senior military leaders produced a fiery aerial display in the skies over Israel and the West Bank.

But in important ways, military analysts say, it was just that: a highly choreographed spectacle.

The more than 300 drones and missiles that hurtled through Iraqi and Jordanian airspace Saturday night before they were brought down seemed designed to create maximum drama while inflicting minimal damage, defense officials and military experts say. Just as they did back in 2020 when retaliating for the U.S. killing of Gen. Qassim Suleimani, Iranian leaders this weekend gave plenty of warning that they were launching strikes.

Iran also sequenced the attack, a retaliation for airstrikes on an Iranian Embassy building in Syria on April 1, in such a way that both Israelis and Americans were able to adjust their aerial defenses once the Iranian missiles and drones were in the air.

The result: a lot of bang, but relatively little destruction on the ground.

Few of Iran’s drones and missiles found their intended targets, an inaccuracy level that military experts and defense officials say was probably by design.

Iran planned the attacks in a way that would send a warning to Israel and create deterrence but avoid sparking a war, according to two members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, said Iran gave countries in the region about 72 hours advance warning.

“I think Iran is very concerned about what comes next if they were too effective,” said Gen. Joseph L. Votel, a former leader of the U.S. military’s Central Command. “The early notification of what they were doing seems a little interesting to me.”

The repercussions of such an immense aerial attack could still push Israel, Iran and even the United States closer to the wider war that President Biden has been trying to avoid. It was Iran’s first direct attack on Israel after decades of a shadow war, and Israeli leaders were considering a possible response.

Mr. Biden has made clear to Israeli leaders that while the United States is committed to defending Israel, he has no interest in attacking Iran. In fact, the president and his team, hoping to avoid further escalation, are advising Israel that its successful defense against the Iranian airstrikes constituted a major strategic victory that might not require another round of retaliation, U.S. officials said.

In the space of five hours on Saturday night, Israel demonstrated that with the help of its allies, it could provide residents with solid protection from deadly airstrikes.

Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, which became operational in 2011, intercepts rockets. But this weekend, Israel primarily used fighter jets and its Arrow 3 system, which is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the earth’s atmosphere, including those armed with nuclear and other nonconventional warheads, a defense official said.

Iron Dome’s interceptors are six inches wide and 10 feet long. They rely on sensors and computerized guidance to target short-range rockets. The Arrow system can fly longer distances to go after bigger threats.

Jacob Nagel, a former acting Israeli national security adviser, said Israel also used a system called David’s Sling, which shoots down drones, missiles and rockets, and interceptions from Israeli warplanes.

The strikes were proof of concept for the Arrow 3 system, which had mostly been used to take down the occasional incoming missile fired by Houthi militia forces in Yemen. During the Iranian assault, the long-range system saw “more use than during the rest of its time since its invention put together,” Mr. Nagel said. “And we saw that it works.”

“The achievement as a whole is surprising,” he added. “The Iranians never dreamed that we would intercept so many. They must have anticipated that a large chunk would be shot down, but they did not realize that 99 percent would be intercepted.”

Mr. Nagel strongly rebuffed the idea, however, that Iran had not sought to inflict damage on their targets in Israel. “Symbolism is when you fire three or four rockets, not 320” drones and missiles, he said. “They fired all the varieties in their arsenal.”

Israel got help from the United States, Britain and France. American officials said U.S. fighter jets shot down more than 70 exploding drones in the attack, while two Navy warships in the eastern Mediterranean destroyed four to six missiles, and an Army Patriot battery in Iraq knocked down at least one missile that passed overhead. The more than 300 drones and missiles Iran launched was on the high end of what U.S. analysts had expected, one official said.

Jordan, a critic of Israel’s war effort in Gaza, said that its military had shot down aircraft and missiles that entered its airspace during the attack.

Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., a retired leader of Central Command, told CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Sunday that Israel showed that it could defend its airspace, cities and people.

“So I think that Israel this morning is now much stronger than they were yesterday,” he said.

On the surface, that would suggest that Iran came out weaker and showed that it still had a long way to go before it could make good on its leaders’ frequent calls for the destruction of Israel.

But military analysts and defense officials cautioned about drawing firm conclusions about Iranian military capability from Saturday night’s display.

Iran demonstrated that weapons fired from its territory could reach Israel, and for a foe with demonstrated nuclear ambitions, that capability should worry Israeli military strategists, General Votel, who led Central Command from 2016 to 2019, said in an interview.

“They can launch missiles that can reach Israel, even though they were shot down outside Israeli airspace,” General Votel said. “It’s concerning, particularly for a country that is pursuing nuclear weapons capability.”

Afshon Ostovar, an expert on Iran’s military at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., said that Iran showcased a large part of its military capability, but not all of it.

Many of Iran’s drones were Shahed-136 “kamikazes,” the same type that Russia is using in Ukraine. These are slow-moving and fly low, he said.

Fabian Hinz, an expert on Iran’s military at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Berlin, examined footage of the drones and missile launches published by media outlets affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, as well as photos of debris published by Israel, to determine the types of weapons that Iran used in the attack. Mr. Ostovar analyzed the attack from a strategic point of view, taking into account the weapons that were used.

Iran launched two types of long-range cruise and ballistic missiles, both developed by the Guards aerospace unit, both analysts said.

The cruise missile, called the Paveh, has a range of about 1,650 kilometers, or about 1,000 miles. It is the same type of missile that Iran has provided to the Houthi militia group in Yemen and to Shiite militant groups in Iraq. The ballistic missiles, they said, are called Emad and have a similar range.

Iran also used the Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile, one of its newest and most advanced. The precision-guided missile has a range of 1,450 kilometers, or about 900 miles. Iranian military officials have said its warhead can evade missile defense systems.

“The mix of weapons is what you would have expected in a substantial attack against Israel,” Mr. Hinz said. “They have basically used their sophisticated system to conduct these strikes. Launching over 100 ballistic missiles over a short period of time is quite something, and doing a combined attack with that many different weapons is really the upper tier of potential actions they could do.”

Helene Cooper is a Pentagon correspondent. She was previously an editor, diplomatic correspondent and White House correspondent. More about Helene Cooper

Farnaz Fassihi is the United Nations bureau chief for The Times, leading coverage of the organization, and also covers Iran and the shadow war between Iran and Israel. She is based in New York. More about Farnaz Fassihi

Aaron Boxerman is a Times reporting fellow with a focus on international news. More about Aaron Boxerman

Patrick Kingsley is The Times’s Jerusalem bureau chief, leading coverage of Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. More about Patrick Kingsley

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Maps show how US, Israeli weaponry was used against Iran's aerial attack

Israel is weighing its response to an Iranian attack carried out by an estimated 300 drones and missiles Saturday, Iran’s first direct strike against Israel ever and a move that could lead to open warfare between the two nations.

The attack caused relatively minor damage, officials said. About 99% of the Iranian weapons were shot down with the help of the U.S., U.K. and Jordan, according to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the Israeli military and a defense force post on Instagram.

The attack is an escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran and could spark a military escalation that could involve the U.S. and other countries and alter the  Israel-Hamas war  in the  Gaza Strip .

U.S. and European military forces intercepted more than 80 uncrewed one-way attack aerial vehicles and at least six ballistic missiles, the U.S. Central Command said Sunday.

In the Mediterranean Sea, two U.S. guided-missile destroyers, the USS Carney and the USS Arleigh Burke , shot down four to six ballistic missiles , the U.S. Naval Institute reported Sunday.

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F-15E Strike Eagles from two squadrons shot down about 70 attack drones , according to The Washington Post.

Most of the drones and missile were fired from inside Iran. A few penetrated Israeli defenses, seriously injuring a 10-year-old girl with shrapnel and causing minor damage to a military base, Israeli officials said.

Did Israel bomb the Iranian Embassy in Syria?

Iran said it launched the attack in retaliation for an airstrike by Israeli warplanes on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1. Iran said seven of its military advisers, including three senior commanders, were killed in the attack. Israel never confirmed it was behind the attack.

Iran said Sunday that it would not retaliate further unless Israel counterattacked.

What weapons did Iran use?

According to Israeli officials, aerial weapons used in the attack included:

• 170 Shahed-136 drones
• 120 ballistic missiles
• 30 cruise missiles

Ballistic missiles are powered by one or more rockets that lift the missile into the atmosphere on an arching trajectory . The rockets then shut down and the unpowered missile descends to its target.

Cruise missiles are powered by jet engines. They can be launched from the ground, air or sea. The missiles can fly very low and are difficult to detect.

Cruise missiles are self-guiding but can be controlled by remote operators with cameras.

How the Iranian attack unfolded

The attack started at about 3:30 p.m Eastern time, according to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War . It consisted of at least three waves over several hours.

Drones were launched first; ballistic missiles were fired about an hour later so they would strike Israel at about the same time, according to a statement from Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps that was reported by the BBC.

The Defense Department said U.S. forces from undisclosed bases in the region intercepted dozens of missiles and drones launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

Military forces from the U.S., U.K., Jordan and Israel began intercepting drones and missiles outside Israeli airspace between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern, the war study institute said.

Israeli defense systems helped thwart the attack

Israel's Iron Dome and Arrow 3 systems were credited with shooting down most of the drones and missiles from Iran.

The Iron Dome is a mobile all-weather missile defense system, designed to detect and shoot down short-range rockets fired into Israel. It’s also used against enemy artillery and drones.

How the Iron Dome system works:

Iron Dome can detect and engage rockets up to 40 miles away. Each of its 10 batteries can protect a 58-square-mile area.

It’s a portable system, towed by trucks. The batteries are units with three main elements:

• ELM 2084 Multimission Radar (MMR):  Radar that detects incoming threats from Palestinian territories and Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon.
• Battle management and weapon control system (BMC):  A computer that tracks a rocket’s trajectory and calculates whether it will hit an inhabited area. Rockets presenting the greatest threat are targeted. Rockets that will fall into uninhabited regions are ignored.
• Tamir missiles and launchers:  Each battery has three to four launchers, each with up to 20 Tamirs. The control system launches a missile that will intercept and destroy the incoming rocket.

Work on the Iron Dome began in 2007. It became operational in March 2011 and has been upgraded over the years. Its success rate has  exceeded 90% , says its manufacturer, Raytheon says.

Iron Dome is designed as protection against rockets at low altitudes. It's part of Israel's three-tiered air defense system that includes:

◾   David's Sling :  Defense against short-range ballistic missiles, large-caliber rockets and cruise missiles.

◾ Arrow-3 :  Defense against medium-range ballistic missiles.

Israel also uses U.S. Patriot missiles to defend itself from enemy aircraft and drones.

SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; Reuters; U.S. Department of Defense; Institute for the Study of War ; Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation; U.S. Naval Institute