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Private Christian Tour: Exploring Biblical and Medieval History from Amman
4.5
2 Ratings
Madaba
Embark on a private Christian tour from Amman to explore Jordan’s biblical and medieval history. Visit Madaba, Mount Nebo, and Mukawer, and discover the rich religious heritage of the region.
Embark on a private Christian tour from Amman to explore Jordan’s biblical and medieval history. Visit Madaba, Mount Nebo, and Mukawer, and discover the rich religious heritage of the region.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Madaba - Begin your journey from your Amman hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the city of Madaba, renowned for its early medieval mosaics. The highlight is the 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land, located in Madaba’s 19th-century Orthodox Saint George’s Church.
- St. George’s Church - Upon arrival, meet with a local guide and,…
- Madaba - Begin your journey from your Amman hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the city of Madaba, renowned for its early medieval mosaics. The highlight is the 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land, located in Madaba’s 19th-century Orthodox Saint George’s Church.
- St. George’s Church - Upon arrival, meet with a local guide and, after appreciating the church’s unassuming exterior, step inside to explore the interior and mosaic. Stroll around the intricately detailed map, learning how it illustrates the Holy Land and Jordan of its era. Marvel at the vibrant depictions of the Dead Sea, Jericho, and Jerusalem, and note the biblical references.
- Mount Nebo - Then, travel to Mount Nebo, ascending to the summit of this mountain ridge where it is believed Moses viewed the Holy Land before his passing. Enjoy the panoramic views over the Jordan Valley, and on a clear day, across to the Holy Land; and observe the modern sculpture representing Moses. Visit Mount Nebo Franciscan Church, a contemporary shrine that contains floor mosaics from around the 6th century. Admire the vivid scenes of soldiers, horses, hunters, and animals like peacocks and lions, and discover intriguing facts about the mosaic’s discovery.
- Mukawir - Subsequently, proceed to Mukawer (Machaerus); a fortified hilltop palace east of the Dead Sea, established by Herod the Great. According to the 1st-century Romano-Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus, the fortress was where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed in 32 A.D., with his head presented to Herod’s son, Herod Antipas, on a platter by Princess Salome. Explore the ruins of this once-grand and impregnable fortress, identifying the walls, baths, and even the hall where Salome is believed to have danced. Finally, return to your vehicle and head back to Amman, concluding your day with a hotel drop-off.
What's Included
- Entrance to Machaerus Fortress
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Entrance to Madaba Archaeological Park
- English Speaking Driver
- Entrance to Madaba Saint George Church and Saint John Church
- Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participants
- On board WI-FI
-
Entrance to Mount Nebo Memorial Church of Moses
-…
- Entrance to Machaerus Fortress
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Entrance to Madaba Archaeological Park
- English Speaking Driver
- Entrance to Madaba Saint George Church and Saint John Church
- Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participants
- On board WI-FI
- Entrance to Mount Nebo Memorial Church of Moses
- Local English-Speaking Guide at Madaba Saint George Church
What's Not Included
- All type of meals, unless option with lunch selected (Vegetarian meal by request)
- All type of beverages
- All type of gratuities (Tips to the Driver , and Local Guide) – Recommended
- Personal Expenses
- Any other service not mentioned
- All type of meals, unless option with lunch selected (Vegetarian meal by request)
- All type of beverages
- All type of gratuities (Tips to the Driver , and Local Guide) – Recommended
- Personal Expenses
- Any other service not mentioned
Additional Information
Embark on a private religious journey from Amman to Madaba, the city of mosaics, the hilltop church of Mount Nebo, and Mukawer, delving into Jordan’s rich biblical and early medieval past. Marvel at the 6th-century Mosaic Map housed in Madaba’s Saint George Church, and visit Mount Nebo, the final destination of Moses before his passing, offering…
Embark on a private religious journey from Amman to Madaba, the city of mosaics, the hilltop church of Mount Nebo, and Mukawer, delving into Jordan’s rich biblical and early medieval past. Marvel at the 6th-century Mosaic Map housed in Madaba’s Saint George Church, and visit Mount Nebo, the final destination of Moses before his passing, offering stunning views over the Holy Land and the Jordan Valley. Furthermore, visit the Fortress of Machaerus, an elevated palace believed to be where John the Baptist met his end under Herod the Great’s reign. The tour includes: hotel transfers, private, comfortable climate-controlled transportation with a bilingual driver who also acts as your guide, entrance fees, and guided visits of Madaba.
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
- Airport Pick-up and Drop-off by request.
- Contact your local operator (office phone number, emergency mobile number – out of office hours, or email address) a day before to reconfirm pick-up arrangements provided in your voucher.
- Tour activity is provided in English. For other languages by request.
- Clients with mobility issues, please contact us.
- Strollers and car seats for infants, please contact us.
- Most local tourist restaurants in Jordan do not serve alcohol, if you do not want a dry restaurant that does not serve alcohol, please contact us.
- Clients are advised to bring hats, sun screen, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Dress code at Churches: Modest.
- Visits to churches are not allowed during prayer times.
- Indicate special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Location
Madaba
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(2 Ratings)
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1 star
Johnsjournal
Feb 11, 2025
Historical and Scenic Beauty at Mukawir and Mount Nebo - During our time in Jordan, we visited Mukawir (Machaerus) and Mount Nebo, two sites rich in history and breathtaking views. Mukawir, the site of Herod Antipas’ fortress, is famous for being the location where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed. Our visit was especially memorable because we had the site entirely to ourselves, adding to its mystique. The hike up to the ruins was rewarding, offering panoramic views of the Dead Sea and surrounding landscapes. Though little remains of the fortress beyond its foundations, standing atop the hill and imagining its historical significance was an incredible experience.
Mount Nebo, a short drive from Madaba, holds deep biblical significance as the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. The highlight here was the Memorial Church of Moses, which features stunning Byzantine mosaics dating back to the 6th century. The Brazen Serpent Sculpture, symbolizing Moses’ staff, is another striking feature. However, the most breathtaking aspect was the panoramic view from the summit, which stretched across the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and, on a clear day, Jerusalem. The peaceful and well-preserved site made for a moving and contemplative visit.
Both locations offer unique historical insights and spectacular scenery, making them worthwhile stops for those interested in Jordan’s rich past. While Mukawir is more remote and requires a bit of a climb, it provides a more off-the-beaten-path experience. In contrast, Mount Nebo is easily accessible and ideal for both religious pilgrims and history enthusiasts. If you're visiting Madaba or traveling along the King’s Highway, both sites are must-visit destinations for their history, spirituality, and unforgettable views.
This tour also included a trip to St. George's Church, which we planned to visit on another day. We asked our driver, Basel, if we could see something else instead. Basel was very accommodating recommending that we visit the Shrine of the Beheading of John the Baptist. It proved to be an extraordinary visit and one that I would recommend over St. George's. While the latter has the famous historical mosaic map of the Holy Land, John the Baptist features an ancient acropolis and Moabite Well. Both were interesting. Basel was exceptional.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Georgina
Jul 30, 2016
So much fun because of the driver... - <p>So much fun because of the driver, Amr - the mosaic workshop was incredibly disappointing as it was really just a store.</p>
Review provided by Viator
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