A-Holy Pilgrimage in Jordan

A-Holy Pilgrimage in Jordan 8 Days - 7 Nights
Theme: Religion & Faith

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan echoes with stories recorded in the Holy Bible, of Abraham, Job, Moses, Ruth, Elijah, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Paul, and many other leading Biblical figures, whose teachings and deeds have ultimately affected and influenced the lives of millions of people around the world.

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 01: Queen Alia Airport - Amman

Upon arrive Queen Alia international airport, you will be met and assist by our representative who will be waiting for you with a sign under your names to complete all airport procedures, then guide you to your driver / guide to pick you up from the Airport to your hotel in Amman.

You will be transferred from Queen Alia Airport to Amman
Distance	Estimated time duration
35 KM	45 Minutes

No excursions on this day

Hotel Name: Larsa (3*)
Room Type : Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon request
Meal Plan : HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Website: http://www.larsahotel.net/

Day 02: Amman – Ajloun – Jerash with a local guide – Amman

Meet your driver / guide at the hotel in the morning and transfer to north Jordan to see one of the Decapolis cities “Jerash”, as well explore Ajloun Castle and the biblical places.

You will be transferred from Amman to visit Ajloun (Tal Mar Elias, Ajloun Castles, Anjrah)
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
85 KM	1 Hour & 30 Minutes	3 Hours

You will be transferred from Ajloun to Jerash
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
25 KM	40 Minutes	2-3 Hour

You will be transferred from Jerash to Amman
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
45 KM	1 Hour	-----

Tal Mar Elias:
This little-visited archaeological site, believed to be the birthplace of the prophet Elijah, gives you just the excuse you need to explore the countryside around Ajloun. Although not a spectacular site by any stretch of the imagination, it's worth checking out for its religious and historical significance.

Anjara:
The ancient town of Anjara is located in the hills of Gilead east of the Jordan Valley. The town is mentioned in the Bible as a place where Jesus, his mother Mary and his disciples, passed through and rested in a nearby cave. The cave, which has long been a Holy place for pilgrims, has now been commemorated with a modern shrine / church of Our Lady of the Mountain. The cave was also designated by the Catholic Churches of the Middle East, as one of the five pilgrimage sites for the Year 2000.

Ajloun:
It's a 12th-century Muslim castle situated in the Northwest of Jordan. Located 75 km away from Amman, about an hour and a half drive.
It was named after a Christian monk who lived on the mountain in the Byzantine Period. The castle stands on the ruins of a monastery, traces of which were discovered during archaeological excavations. It is believed that the castle controlled traffic along the road connecting Damascus and Egypt.
Many areas of the castle can be explored, there is also a museum exhibition inside with many interesting artifacts from various time periods of the region. You can also admire the panoramic view over the Jordan Valley from the top of the castle. You can also see the Ajloun nature reserve, Mar Elias an archaeological site believed to be the birthplace of the prophet Elijah. Finally you can have a meal with a local family or even a homestay to truly immerse yourself in the culture.

Jerash (Gerasa):
It's is without doubt one of the most beautiful Roman cities preserved in the Near East, the city of 1000 pillars. After Petra, Jerash is the second largest tourist destination in Jordan. The ancient city of Jerash can proudly situate the beginning of its occupation by men to more than 6500 years. Conquered by General Pompey in the year 63 BC, it passed under Roman control and became one of the ten great Roman cities composing the Confederation of Decapolis. Our local guide will introduce you to his colonnades, temples, theaters, churches, cardo-maxims and other monuments.

Hotel Name: Larsa (3*).
Room Type : Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon request
Meal Plan : HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Website: http://www.larsahotel.net/

Day 03: Amman – As-Salt – Pella – Um Qais – Amman

Meet your driver / guide at the hotel in the morning, to find out about one of the oldest cities on earth - Al-Salt, then continue to explore the philosophes towns Pella & Um Qais.

You will be transferred from Amman to As-Salt
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
40 KM	1 Hour	2 Hours

You will be transferred from Al-Salt to Pella
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
85 KM	1 Hour & 30 Minutes	2-3 Hour

You will be transferred from Pella to Um Qais
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
40 KM	45 Minutes	1 Hour

You will be transferred from Um Qais to Amman
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
120 KM	2 Hours	-----

Al-Salt:
It's an ancient agricultural town in west-central Jordan. It is located on the old main highway leading from Amman to Jerusalem.

It was once known as the most important settlement in the area between the Jordan valley and the eastern desert as it used to be an important trading link between the eastern and west desert.

Until the early 1920s Al-Salt was the only town of any real significance in Jordan. Thanks to its good water supply and agricultural land, it had been settled since the Iron Age.

Pella:

It's located approximately 81 km from Amman, about 1 hour and 40 min drive. With a history extending back into the Bronze Age, Pella is a site favored by archaeologists as it is exceptionally rich in antiquities as well as the excavated ruins from Graeco; Roman period, including the Odeon theatre. It also offers visitors the opportunity to see the remains of a Chalcolithic settlement from the 4th millennium BC, the remains of Bronze and Iron Age walled cities, Byzantine churches and houses, Early Islamic residential quarters, and a small medieval mosque.

You can also see the 6th century West Church, 6th century Civic Complex Church, 1st century Odeon, Roman Nymphaeum and East Church.

Um Qais (Gadara):
was a fort city set on a hill and the ruins are still surrounded by the ancient walls, crumbled and part submerged in places.

It is a hilltop site with grand views over Lake Tiberias, the Yarmouk River and the Golan Heights. It is mainly associated with the story of Jesus casting out demons and sending them into a herd of pigs which rushed down a steep slope and drowned in the lake.

Segments of a temple and basilica, two amphitheatres, a bathhouse, a hippodrome and other important buildings have survived along with a section of paved road, complete with chariot wheel grooves.

Gadara was noted for its rich intellectual life and as the birthplace of several famous philosophers and poets of the ancient world like the Cynic philosopher Menippus. It was the home of several classical poets and philosophers, including Theodorus, founder of a rhetorical school in Rome, and was once called “a new Athens” by a poet.

Hotel Name: Larsa (3*)
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon request
Meal Plan: HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Website: http://www.larsahotel.net/

Day 04: Amman – Mount Nebo – Madaba – Mukawer – Kings Highway – Petra

Meet your driver / guide at the hotel in the morning, transfer to Petra via King's Highway Road, it is the world’s oldest continuously used commutation route. It used to link ancient Bashan, Giliad, and Ammon in the north with Moab, Edom, Paran, and Midian in the south. The Kings’ Highway is first mentioned in the bible by name in Genesis 20:17, when Moses led the Exodus through southern Jordan, also King’s Highway connected Syria with the Gulf of Aqaba by way of what is now Jordan.

On the way to Petra you will visit Madaba, Mount Nebo and Mukawer.

You will be transferred from Amman to Mount Nebo
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
40 KM	1 Hour	45 Minutes

You will be transferred from Mount Nebo to Madaba
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
10 KM	15 Minutes	30 Minutes

You will be transferred from Madaba to Mukawir
Distance	Estimated time duration	Time for visit
55 KM	1 Hour	1 Hour

You will be transferred from Mukawir to Petra
Distance	Estimated time duration	Time for visit
370 KM	4 Hours	-----

Mount Nebo:

It's located about 47 km from Amman and 10km from Madaba. It is believed to be the place where Moses lived out his remaining days and viewed as the Promised Land.
The first church in Mount Nebo was built at the end of the 4th century AD and marks its historical importance in the area.
From a platform in front of the church, you can see a bronze memorial of a snake on a cross that symbolizes the serpent raised by Moses in the desert, as well as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Mount Nebo offers a fantastic view of the Dead Sea, the West Bank, Jericho, the Jordan River, and on a clear day Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
According to Christian and Islamic beliefs, Moses was buried somewhere in the mountain, although the exact place of burial is not specified.

Madaba:

Madaba is a small town in central Jordan located 33 km south of the capital Amman. It was an important early Christian station on the pilgrim’s route from Jerusalem to Mount Nebo via the Jordan River. This city is a gift among of many churches which are decorated with mosaics, hence its name came from "City of the Mosaic".
It is now inhabited by Christians and Muslims a like, an example for religious tolerance between Christians & Muslims in Jordan.
In addition to this it is also known as the location of the "Madaba Map" at St. George Churches, which were built in the 6th century showing depiction of Jerusalem and parts of the Holy Land.

Mukawir:

it is the hilltop stronghold of Herod the Great, located 73 km from Amman and 25 km southeast of the mouth of the Jordan River on the eastern side of the Dead Sea.
Mukawir stands about 1,100 meters above Dead Sea level, and it is surrounded on all sides by deep ravines which provide great natural strength for the stronghold. The palace was built in the center of the fortified area. Upon the Herod’s death, his son Herod Antipas inherited the fortress and it’s from here that he ordered John the Baptist to be beheaded after Salome’s fateful dance of the seven veils.
From there you can see the surrounding countryside, the Dead Sea, and the West Bank.

Hotel Name: Amra Palace (3*)
Room Type : Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon request
Meal Plan : HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Website : http://www.amrapalace.com/

Day 05: Petra visit with a local guide – Walking up to 10 KM

You will meet your local guide to escort you during the Petra visit, he will stay with around 2 hours.

Start point: visitor center

Endpoint: the Petra treasury

Your driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Petra visitor center.

Petra – The Hidden Rock City:
The giant red mountains and vast mausoleums of a departed race have nothing in common with modern civilization, and ask nothing of it except to be appreciated at their true value - as one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by Nature and Man.
Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed.

Petra the world wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is without a doubt Jordan's most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2000 years ago. Their presence turned it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome.

you will visit the unique "Rose-Red" city of Petra, built by the Arab Nabatean’s who hewed their monumental tombs, palaces, temples and treasury from the desert rock’s sandstone in its’ natural hues of rose and gold.
You will begin the trip on horseback for 700m till the entrance of the impressive narrow gorge (Siq) that leads marvelously to the magical moment. There you can glimpse the Treasury, continue to the street of facades, the Royal Tombs, the Cardo, Temples, Churches and Museums.

Hotel Name: Amra Palace (3*)
Room Type : Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon request
Meal Plan : HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Website : http://www.amrapalace.com/

Day 06: Petra – Little Petra – Wadi Rum (4x4 Jeep Ride)

Meet your driver / guide at the hotel in the morning, travel around the Little Petra, it’s close to Petra and you will find it after a 15 minute drive. Then transfer south to the Largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s landscape – Wadi Rum, you will discover the desert by the old Bedouin 4x4 SUV.

You will be transferred from Petra to Little Petra
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
10 KM	15 Minutes	30 Minutes

You will be transferred from Little Petra to Wadi Rum
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
150 KM	2 Hours & 30 Minutes	2 Hours

Al Beidha better known as Little Petra:

You enter the site through a narrow gorge called Siq Al-Barid, the "cold Siq". The name refers to the circumstance that the high walls prevent sunlight from entering the canyon and warming it. The Siq is 350 meters long with three wider areas inside.

It is believed that Little Petra was an important suburb of Petra, the entry and exit point for the trade routes to the north and north-west. Here the caravans from the Negev, Gaza, Jerusalem, Egypt and the Mediterranean coast arrived, had a rest and engaged in trade. Like in Petra buildings had been carved into the sandstone, used as residences, storages and tombs along with water channels and cisterns. In one of the buildings you can find the remains of painted frescoes with birds, grapes and flowers, dating from the 1st century AD.

Wadi Rum:
It's the largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes, it's also known as the "Valley of the moon". You can explore the desert with a 4x4 SUV, as well as excellent opportunities for unusual treks to discover the desert on foot.
Our team will take you down virtually to unexplored canyons where ancient Thamudic inscriptions and drawings can be seen carved into the rocks, and Nabataean steps can be found leading to higher places. Also to be discovered are Lawrence’s Well, a Nabataean temple, desert oasis, and amazing rock bridges. Everywhere you look, breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of deep tranquillity.
This is a stupendous, timeless place. Virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. The weather and winds carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described by T.E. Lawrence as “vast, echoing and God-like..."

Hotel Name: Mazayen Rum Camp - Luxury
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon request
Meal Plan: HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Website: https://mazayenrumcamp.com/en/

Day 07: Wadi Rum – Bethany – Dead Sea – Amman

Meet your driver / guide at the camp in the morning and transfer to the lowest spot on earth - The Dead Sea – visit the baptism site and relaxing at private beach in there, and then continue to Amman.

You will be transferred from Wadi Rum to Bethany (Baptism Site)
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
320 KM	4 Hours	2 Hours

You will be transferred from Bethany to Dead Sea (the lowest point on the earth)
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
20 KM	20 Minutes	2 Hours

You will be transferred from The Dead Sea to Amman
Distance	Estimated Time Duration	Time for visit
45 KM	1 Hour	-----

Bethany:
It\s officially known as the Baptism Site "Bethany beyond the Jordan" (Al-Maghtas). It is considered to be the original location of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. Located about 53 km from Amman and can be reached via the Dead Sea road.
Bethany is home to two main sites, the remnants of a monastery on a mound known as Jabal Mar-Elias as well as an area close to the river with remains of churches, baptism ponds and pilgrim and hermit dwellings.
You can also see the eleven Byzantine churches, five baptismal pools from the Roman and Byzantine periods, caves of monks and hermits, lodges for pilgrims and in addition to all this a wealth of medieval accounts of pilgrims and travelers to the area.

The Dead Sea:
It has an extensive historical and spiritual legacy. Its surface and shores are 430.5 meters below sea level the Earth's lowest elevation on land.

It is the lowest point on earth located 60 km from Amman. It is believed to be the site of five biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah Admah, Zeboiim and Zoar (Bela).

Dead Sea waters have been known by many for centuries to be the only place in the world where this particular combination of spa benefits exists. Peculiar sun radiation and climatic conditions, enriched oxygen atmosphere, mineral-rich sea salt, thermo-mineral springs, and mineral-rich mud all offer effective medical treatment and therapeutic benefits that attract visitors from all over the world.

You will spend an amazing time with sunbathing, swimming and dining, as well as enjoy a strange but delightful experience: "float on the surface of the waters", the high buoyancy is due to the salt content being nine times higher than that of ordinary seawater.

Hotel Name: Larsa (3*).
Room Type : Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon request
Meal Plan : HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Website: http://www.larsahotel.net/