Baptism Site Madaba, St. George Church, Mount Nebo, Machaerus, Petra

Amman - An English-speaking driver will greet travelers at their Amman hotel or Amman Airport.

The Baptism Site Of Jesus Christ - Known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan or Al-Maghtas, this archaeological World Heritage Site in Jordan is located on the east bank of the Jordan River, north of the Dead Sea. It is believed to be where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. This site has been a pilgrimage destination since the Byzantine era, with numerous church and monastery ruins from that time. Recent archaeological excavations have revealed more evidence of early Christian activity, including hermit caves and a baptismal pool. Open to the public, it attracts both Christian pilgrims and tourists. The on-site museum narrates the story of Jesus’ baptism, and guided tours are available.

Mount Nebo - Mount Nebo is a sacred mountain in Jordan, offering breathtaking views and rich religious significance. It is mentioned in the Bible as the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. The summit features the Memorial Church of Moses, originally built in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 5th century. The church showcases stunning mosaics depicting biblical scenes and offers panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and beyond. Visitors can enjoy the vistas of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, Jericho, and even Jerusalem on a clear day. Explore the Memorial Church of Moses, admire the beautiful mosaics, and learn about Moses’ life. Visit the archaeological site to see the ruins of an ancient Byzantine monastery and other historical relics. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and reflect on the site’s spiritual significance.

St. George’s Church - Constructed in the 19th century on the remains of a 6th-century Byzantine church, St. George houses the Madaba Map, a mosaic masterpiece considered the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land. This intricate mosaic, dating back to 560 AD, features Jerusalem, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, and other biblical landmarks, providing a fascinating glimpse into early Christian geography. Beyond the map, the church boasts colorful Byzantine mosaics throughout, depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints, enhancing its artistic and historical value. Dedicated to St. George, a revered military saint in both Christianity and Islam, the church attracts pilgrims and visitors from diverse backgrounds. Its location in Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics,” further underscores its importance as a center of Byzantine art and Christian heritage.

Machaerus - Fortress of Mukawir (Machaerus): This stark, windswept hilltop fortress is where King Herod Antipas imprisoned and ordered the beheading of John the Baptist following the famous dance of Salome. This site is rarely included in rushed 3-day tourist itineraries, making its inclusion here a significant historical highlight.

The Execution Site: According to the Jewish-Roman historian Flavius Josephus and the Gospels of Matthew (14:1–12) and Mark (6:14–29), Mukawir was the palace-fortress where John the Baptist was imprisoned and eventually beheaded by order of Herod Antipas.

The Fateful Dance: The execution was famously triggered by the dance of Salome (the daughter of Herodias), who, at her mother’s urging, requested John’s head on a platter as a reward from Herod.

Petra Full Day Visit

Petra - Start exploring Petra with a walk through the Siq, the main canyon, leading to the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh). This early start allows visitors to experience these magnificent sights with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

Next, explore the “lower” area of the park, including the Street of Facades, the Roman Theatre, and the Royal Tombs. (If a local site guide is hired, they typically cover this section in approximately three hours.)

For lunch, maximize time by either dining within the archaeological park or bringing a packed meal.

In the afternoon, choose an adventure:
Hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir), a journey of approximately 850 steps up.
Alternatively, hike to the High Place of Sacrifice for breathtaking panoramic views.
Conclude the day by walking back through the Siq to the Visitor Center, where the driver will be waiting to transport visitors back to their hotel.

Petra – Departure Or Amman

Amman - Relax during the drive back to Amman or Queen Alia International Airport while reflecting on the incredible Jordan journey.

• Private transportation
• Licensed English-speaking driver
• Admission fees
• On-board WiFi
• Door-to-door service

• Accommodation
• Local Guide
• Gratuities

This unique 3-day itinerary provides an exceptional exploration of Jordan, expertly combining a deep Christian pilgrimage and historical tour with the region’s iconic attractions. Unlike standard tours that usually concentrate only on Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, this carefully designed journey thoroughly explores the biblical historical geography. It uniquely focuses on linking two significant events in the life of John the Baptist to their historically verified sites in Jordan, offering a spiritually enriching and educational experience for all participants.

• Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
• This tour/activity is private, meaning that only your group will participate. This allows you to have a more personalized experience, as the guide can tailor
• Share your flight details for departure with your supplier
• We offer a diverse selection of choices for your consideration.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.