About this experience
Explore Jordan’s biblical and early medieval history on this private Christian based faith trip from Amman to Madaba, mosaic city, Mount Nebo top hill mosaic church, and Mukawer. Admire the 6th-century Mosaic Map at Madaba’s Saint George Church, and visit Mount Nebo, Moses last stop before his death, for a breathtaking view of the Holy Land and the Jordan Valley. Plus, indulge to the Fortress of Machaerus, Herod the Great’s hilltop palace where it is thought John the Baptist was beheaded. This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, private transportation with a new leisure climate conditioned vehicle with English-Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide, admission fees, and guided visits of Madaba included.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Clients are advised to bring hats, sun screen, and comfortable walking shoes.
What is included
- Hotel pick-up and drop -off
- Entrance to Madaba Archaeological Park
- Entrance to Machaerus Fortress
- English Speaking Driver
- Entrance to Madaba Saint George Church and Saint John Church
- On board WI-FI
- Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participants
- Entrance to Mount Nebo Memorial Church of Moses
- Local English-Speaking Guide at Madaba Saint George Church
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
Itinerary and highlights
After pick-up from your Amman hotel, journey by a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the city of Madaba, known for its early medieval mosaics. The most famous is the 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land, housed in Madaba’s 19th-century Orthodox Saint George’s Church.
On arrival, join up with a local guide and, after admiring the church’s deceptively simple exterior, head inside to view the interior and mosaic. Wander around the richly detailed map, and learn how it depicts the Holy Land and Jordan of its time. Admire the colorful renderings of the Dead Sea, Jericho, and Jerusalem, note the references to biblical locations.
Next, drive to Mount Nebo, heading to the top of this mountain ridge where it’s believed Moses saw the Holy Land before he died. Admire the views over the Jordan Valley, and on a clear day, across to the Holy Land; and see the modern sculpture depicting Moses. Tour Mount Nebo Franciscan Church, a modern shrine that houses floor mosaics from around the 6th century. Gaze at the still-vivid scenes of soldiers, horses, hunters, and animals like peacocks and lions, and hear fascinating facts about the mosaic’s discovery.
Afterward, continue to Mukawer (Machaerus); a fortified hilltop palace to the east of the Dead Sea, founded by Herod the Great. According to 1st-century Romano-Jewish scholar, Flavius Josephus, the fortress was where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded in 32 A.D., with his head presented to Herod’s son, Herod Antipas, on a plate by Princess Salome. View the ruins of this once-palatial and impregnable fortress, making out the walls, baths, and even the hall where it’s believed that Salome danced. Then, rejoin your vehicle, and return to Amman, where your day finishes with a hotel drop-off.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Zaid Tours and Travel
Accessibility and practical details
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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What accessibility information is provided?
Strollers and car seats for infants, please contact us.
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