Okay, this is the finalized itinerary:
AUG 15 - Tel Aviv - (not sure where we're booked as of yet)
AUG 16 - Tel Aviv - (not sure where we're booked as of yet)
AUG 17 - Tel Aviv - (not sure where we're booked as of yet)
AUG 18 - Tel Aviv - (not sure where we're booked as of yet)
AUG 19 - Tel Aviv - (not sure where we're booked as of yet)
AUG 20 - Tel Aviv - (not sure where we're booked as of yet)
AUG 21 - The Scots, Tiberias
AUG 22 - American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem
AUG 23 - American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem
AUG 24 - American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem
AUG 25 - American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem
AUG 26 - Evason Ma'in Hot Springs, Madaba
AUG 27 - Movenpick, Petra
AUG 28 - Kempinski Ishtar, Dead Sea
AUG 29 - Kempinski Ishtar, Dead Sea
AUG 30 - Tel Aviv - (late-evening return flight to NYC)
A few quick questions:
Will Aug. 21 and the morning of Aug. 22 afford us enough time to visit the North of Israel? I'd like to see Tiberias, Acre, Golan Heights, and Beit She'an. Will a day tour on the 21st with an overnight stay at The Scots suffice?
We are staying a single night at the Evason Ma'In (despite critical feedback and controversial reports) only as a way to break up the driving distance to Petra, which we'll continue on to the next day. Approx. how far is the drive from Madaba to Petra and would I need to hire a private car transfer? I don't think I'd feel comfortable driving myself in a rental, not being able to read road signs or understanding the language.
Would our two nights (Aug. 28 and 29) at the Kempinski Dead Sea, afford us ample time to visit both Jerash and Wadi Rum as day trips? This would be the main focus of the stay, over beach and spa. Approx. how long is the drive to both Wadi Rum and Jerash from Madaba? Same question as above re. car transfer too! What's the best way to get there?
Lastly, what is the most efficient way to cross the Israeli border into Jordan, coming from Jerusalem with Madaba as our initial destination? Are there car services that would take us over the border and would it be difficult to pass?
Thanks so much once again!!!