About this experience
Indulge in this interesting art and history private day trip from Amman, dedicated to Jordan’s early medieval mosaics. Visit UNESCO-listed Umm ar-Rasas to see its Byzantine Church with its impressive one of a kind mosaics, admire Madaba's 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land found in Saint George Orthodox Church, and view the early floor mosaics at Madaba’s Archaeological Park. Proceed to Mount Nebo to visit the Franciscan Church artistic mosaics showing different animals. Following, a visit to a workshop to see artisans’ hand-making these delicate mosaic intricate artworks. Tour includes private leisure transportation with English – Speaking Driver who doubles ups as your guide.
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, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.
What is included
- English-Speaking Driver
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Entrance to Madaba Archaeological Park
- On board WI-FI
- Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participants
- Entrances Fees to Umm ar-Rasas
- Entrance to Madaba Saint George Church
- 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
Depart your Amman hotel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with your own private English-Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide, and make the scenic journey south toward Umm ar-Rasas. After roughly 2 hours, step outside to walk around what is one of Jordan’s most important archaeological sites. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004
Umm ar-Rasas features well-preserved Roman, Byzantine, and early Muslim ruins dating from the 3rd to the 9th centuries. Highlights include several Byzantine churches, notable for their still-vivid and hugely artistic floor mosaics.
After admiring the mosaics that depict everything from agriculture and hunting to cities like Jerusalem and Caesarea, move on to Madaba,
Madaba is a town famous for its early medieval mosaics. Best known among them is the 6th-century Mosaic Map, housed in Saint George’s Church. On arrival, meet a local guide, and tour Saint George’s, seeing its stunning mosaic — a depiction of the Holy Land and Jordan. Admire the detailed renderings of Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and Jericho, noting the references to biblical locations
Next, visit Madaba’s Archeological Park, home to remnants of Byzantine churches and a 6th-century villa. Inspect the antiquities here, lingering at the beautiful villa mosaic that portrays the four seasons and Greek gods.
Continue to Mount Nebo, a mountain ridge where Moses is said to have seen the Holy Land before dying. Admire the views over the Jordan Valley, and on a clear day, to the Holy Land. Then, enter Mount Nebo church to see its fascinating historical mosaics picturing different figures. Absorb the intricate artworks showing soldiers, hunting, and animals, hear about their history and discovery. Lastly, visit a local mosaic workshop where mosaics are still made using centuries-old techniques. Watch as artisans’ piece together complex motifs from pieces of ceramics, glass, or stone, creating incredibly intricate images. Your tour concludes in Amman, 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.
- For Jordan Pass holders that purchased tour activity with entrance fees, please inform us to reimburse the entrance fees in destination.
- 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, sunscreen, 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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Strollers and car seats for infants, please contact us
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