Beyond Borders Study Tour

OVERVIEW

Beyond Borders is a curated, small-group journey through Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank that goes behind the scenes to share a rare, on-the-ground perspective on the region’s culture, politics, and environment. Led by regional experts in environmental diplomacy and cross-border cooperation, including Ambassador Daniel Shek and Arava Institute Executive Director Dr. Tareq Abu Hamed, this immersive experience goes far beyond the typical tourist path. 

Participants will gain firsthand insight into the complex realities shaping the Middle East today through direct engagement with civil society leaders, environmental innovators, and Arava Institute experts working across borders to build a more sustainable and peaceful future.

For those interested in extending their experience, an optional post-trip add-on to Morocco will explore the country’s environmental and cultural landscape through the lens of regional environmental cooperation.

The itinerary is subject to change and will be updated based on current events. Register today to reserve your spot.

2026 DATES: OCTOBER 10-20, 2026

Study Tour Pricing

  • Participant Fee: $4,995 per person (based on double occupancy)
  • Single Room Supplement: $1,100

Optional Program Extension

An optional post-program extension to Morocco will be available for registration following acceptance to the Beyond Borders tour. 

  • Participant Fee: $1,995 per person (based on double occupancy)
  • Single Room Supplement: $680

Registration/Payment Timeline

  • By July 2: $300 nonrefundable placeholder deposit
  • July 2: 50% of fees due
  • July 27: Remaining tour fee due

For more information on the Beyond Borders Study Tour, please email alyssa@friendsofarava.org.

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Register here

SAMPLE ITINERARY

October 10–13 | Jordan

Arrive in Amman and explore the country’s environmental and cultural landscapes, including the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and Petra. Travel south to Aqaba, connecting with Arava Institute alumni and partners engaged in environmental cooperation and cross into Israel, ending the week at Kibbutz Ketura, home of the Arava Institute.

October 14–15 | Arava Institute / Eilat

Engage directly with Arava Institute students and researchers working on cross-border environmental projects, and explore the surrounding desert and Red Sea region.

October 17–20 | Jerusalem & Tel Aviv / West Bank

Explore Jerusalem, the Jordan Valley, and Tel Aviv, meeting Bedouin, Palestinian, and Israeli communities alongside local leaders, Arava Institute alumni, and changemakers working at the intersection of sustainability and coexistence.

Optional Morocco Extension

October 20-24 2026

For those who aren’t quite ready for the adventure to end, our optional Morocco extension awaits. Immerse yourself in rich conversations, expert-led learning, and on-the-ground encounters with sustainability and peacebuilding leaders and the communities shaping a better future.

 

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Tuesday, October 20, Tel Aviv – Marrakech

  • Morning flight to Marrakech
  • Guided tour of Marrakech
  • Free evening

Day 2: Wednesday, October 21, Marrakech

  • Travel to Essaouira
  • Immersive educational programming featuring some of the most prominent voices in environmental leadership, community advocacy, and sustainability research.

Day 3: Thursday, October 22, Essaouira

  • Guided tour of Essaouira
  • Immersive educational programming featuring some of the most prominent voices in environmental leadership, community advocacy, and sustainability research.

Day 4: Friday, October 23, Marrakech

  • Travel to Marrakech  
  • Intimate gathering and dialogue with Morocco’s Jewish community

Day 5: Saturday, October 24, Departure

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to participate?

No, you do not. 

Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?

Beginning January 1, 2025, U.S. citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) or Israeli Visa before traveling to Israel. Please refer to the Israel Population and Immigration Authority for more information.

Do I need to have traveled to Israel or the Middle East beforehand?

No, this tour is open to all.

Is travel to and from the Middle East included in the tour price?

No.

Will we need to travel on group flights to and from the Middle East?

At this point, we do not anticipate that you will need to travel on a group flight. 

Will someone pick me up from the airport?

Yes, we will pick you up from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and arrange all airport transfers on arrival as well as visa assistance at the airport, or we can work with you on coordinating your arrival if you have different plans. Upon conclusion of the main tour, travelers can work with the hotel to easily arrange airport transfers to Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. For those continuing onto the Morocco post-tour extension, a group transfer will be arranged to take the travelers together to Ben Gurion International Airport.

Are there kosher options at every meal?

Meals will be either kosher or vegetarian in Israel. Vegetarian options will be available in the West Bank, Jordan and Morocco.

I keep Shabbat; how are the activities structured during Shabbat?

Our schedule will accommodate those who observe Shabbat.

What should I bring?

Friends of the Arava Institute staff will be in touch with suggested packing lists closer to the trip date.