Walking on Jesus Steps

After breakfast, transfer to visit Jarash; the best-preserved Roman city of the Decapolis. Entering the city through the monumental South Gate, one comes upon the lovely Oval Plaza, the Temple of Zeus, and the South Theater, which seats more than 3,000 spectators. Walking through the Colonnaded Street, one can see the Market Place, the Omayyad residential quarter, a 4th century AD cathedral, St. Theodore’s Church, the Nymphaeum, and the North Theater.

Transfer to the biblical city of Anjara. It is believed that Jesus Christ and his disciples including Virgin Mary passed through Anjara once and rested in a cave there during a journey between Jerusalem and Galilee. Then, visit the nearby Cave of Jesus that has long been a holy place for pilgrims. Then proceed to Tell Mar Elias that has long been identified with Tishbe, mentioned in the Bible as the hometown or region of the Prophet Elijah. The remains of one of the largest known Byzantine churches in Jordan can also be found at the site. Then return to Amman.

Overnight in Amman

After breakfast, drive to Madaba (home of the most famous Byzantine mosaics); Visit the greatest and most significant of all the city’s treasures, the wonderful mosaic map of ancient Palestine, which is located on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George.

Then visit Mount Nebo, which dates back to the time of the Prophet Moses, around the 12th century BC. It is believed to be the site of the Prophet’s burial place and the point from where he viewed the “Promised Land”. Drive to visit Bethany where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. Stunning archaeological discoveries between the Jordan River and Tall al-Karrer since 1996 have identified this area as biblical “Bethany beyond the Jordan” where John was living when he baptized Jesus. Continue to the Dead Sea (the lowest point on the earth) to enjoy swimming and floating on its salty water.

Overnight in Dead Sea

After breakfast, visit the Red Rose city of Petra, which was carved out of the solid Rock before about 2000 years ago by the Arab Nabateans. Start the tour on horse-back till the Dam area, then on foot pass by the fascinating narrow gorge (the Siq), which is about one kilometer long and eighty meters high. Once of a sudden you will be facing Petra’s most famous monument the Treasury (el-Khazneh). Free time for exploring the site. Drive to Wadi Rum, one of the world’s most colorful and unique landscapes of desert and mountain scenery.

Overnight in Wadi Rum (under a tent)

After breakfast, tour through Wadi Rum colored sands by Bedouin four-wheel drive vehicles for two hours. Continue to Karak, where you will visit its imposing Crusader castle.

Then visit Um Al-Rasas; one of the most important archaeological sites that was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. Its structures date from the 3rd to 9th centuries and most have not yet been excavated. The site is especially known for its magnificent Byzantine mosaics, which have been uncovered in two churches dating from the 6th and 8th centuries. Then, continue to Amman.

Overnight in Amman