Embark on a profound 9-day Christian pilgrimage through the sacred landscapes of Jordan and Israel, walking in the footsteps of prophets and experiencing the spiritual heartland of faith.
Your pilgrimage begins with your arrival at Flughafen Amman. After a warm welcome from our representative and completing airport formalities, we'll transfer you to your Amman hotel. Settle in, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the spiritual journey ahead.
After breakfast, we'll embark on a deeply spiritual day.
Our primary destination is Bethanien jenseits des Jordans (Al-Maghtas), the revered site on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. This hallowed ground is widely believed to be where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, making it a cornerstone of Christian pilgrimage. As you explore, discover ancient churches, baptismal pools, and enduring ruins that echo the whispers of Roman and Byzantine eras. Within this sacred complex, we'll also visit Elijah's Hill, where the prophet Elijah is said to have ascended to heaven, and the cave believed to be John the Baptist's dwelling. The serene, natural landscape here vividly recalls the time of John and Jesus.
Next, we journey to Berg Nebo, a site of immense biblical significance. Here, it's believed that Moses gazed upon the Promised Land before his death (Deuteronomy 34:1). From this elevated point, on a clear day, you'll be awestruck by the magnificent panoramic views stretching across the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, and even glimpses of Jerusalem on the distant horizon.
After lunch at a local restaurant, our journey continues to Madaba, famously known as the "City of Mosaics." This vibrant town is a treasure trove of Byzantine and Umayyad mosaic art. Our key visit here is St. George's Church, home to the oldest known mosaic map of the Holy Land. This incredible 6th-century CE artwork, intricately crafted from millions of tiny pieces, offers a unique ancient perspective on biblical geography.
We'll then return to your Amman hotel for dinner and overnight.
Following breakfast and check-out from your Amman hotel, we set off for a day steeped in biblical history before reaching Petra.
Our first stop is Khirbet Al-Mukhayyat, identified as the ancient town of Nebo and situated on Mount Nebo's southern peak. This hidden gem reveals three 6th-century Byzantine churches, most notably the Kirche der Heiligen Lot und Prokop, which boasts one of Jordan's most exquisite and well-preserved mosaic floors from 557 A.D., depicting vivid scenes of daily life. Archaeological findings here also trace back to an Iron Age settlement, underscoring the site's enduring significance.
Next, we venture to Mukawir (Machaerus), a dramatically perched fortress offering commanding views over the Dead Sea. This site holds profound biblical importance as the traditional location of John the Baptist's imprisonment and execution. Learn about its history as a Hasmonaean stronghold, its rebuilding by King Herod, and the infamous events surrounding Salome's dance.
Nach dem Mittagessen in einem lokalen Restaurant fahren wir weiter nach Umm al-Rasas, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from the 3rd to 9th centuries, this extensive archaeological complex is celebrated for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, particularly those found in the Kirche St. Stephan (dedicated in 785 A.D.) and the Bishop Sergius Church. These intricate mosaics offer a unique testament to the thriving Christian community and interfaith tolerance of the era, adorned with symbolic imagery like rams and pomegranate trees.
Finally, we journey to the legendary city of Petra, where you'll check into your hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, prepare for an awe-inspiring day exploring Petra, the "Rose-Red City," a marvel of ancient Nabataean civilization and a vital trading hub carved directly into soaring sandstone cliffs.
Our immersive visit begins as we pass ancient tombs before entering through the Siq, a breathtaking, winding fissure in the rock face that dramatically reveals El Khazneh, "The Treasury." This iconic, almost 140-foot-high facade, carved with exquisite detail, is one of antiquity's most elegant remains. Beyond the Treasury, you'll be surrounded by hundreds of Petra's rock-cut and built structures, including soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a Roman theater, and various dwellings.
Lunch will be served at the Basin restaurant within Petra. In the afternoon, for those interested, there's an optional, self-guided hike to The Monastery (Ad Deir), one of Petra's most impressive and less-visited monuments. This moderate-to-challenging trail offers stunning views and leads to an even grander rock-cut structure.
In the late afternoon, we'll drive via the Desert Highway back to Amman for dinner and your overnight stay.
After breakfast and check-out from your Amman hotel, we'll transfer you to the Allenby-Brücke for your crossing into the Holy Land.
Upon arrival, you'll meet your driver for an early start to a comprehensive tour of Jerusalem, a city revered by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Our journey begins on Berg Skopus, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Old City from the east. We then proceed to the Ölberg, a ridge steeped in biblical events, offering unparalleled vistas of Jerusalem. Continue to the Garten Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed on the night before his crucifixion.
In the afternoon, we'll walk into the Alte Stadt zum Besuch des Western Wall (Wailing Wall), the sole remnant of the Second Temple. Follow the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, leading to Calvary and the Kirche des Heiligen Grabes, which enshrines both the traditional site of Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection. Afterward, we'll turn southwest just outside the Old City to visit Berg Zion, home to the traditional tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper.
We'll then transfer you to your Jerusalem hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast at your Jerusalem hotel, prepare for another day of profound discovery. We'll begin with a visit to the New City of Jerusalem.
Our first stop is the Heiligtum des Buches at the Israel Museum, where you can view the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls and a detailed model of Jerusalem from the time of Jesus. We'll then journey to Ein Karem, a picturesque neighborhood on Jerusalem's outskirts, to visit the Kirche der Heimsuchung, honoring the Virgin Mary's visit to Elizabeth, and believed to be where Mary recited the Magnificat.
In the afternoon, we travel to Bethlehem, the cherished birthplace of Jesus. Here, you'll visit the iconic Kirche der Geburt Christi, explore the sacred Grotte der Geburt Christi, and see the Chapel of Saint Jerome. This ancient basilica marks the precise site where Mary gave birth to Jesus over two millennia ago.
Finally, we transfer back to your Jerusalem hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, we transfer to Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns on Earth. Explore its biblical connections as you visit the sycamore tree associated with Zacchaeus and stop at Elisas Quelle, which has provided fresh water to Jericho for centuries.
Our journey continues to the remarkable Totes Meer, the lowest point on the surface of the Earth. Experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly in its incredibly buoyant, saline waters. Beyond the novelty, the Dead Sea's mineral-rich waters and therapeutic mud are renowned for their health and healing properties. Enjoy a relaxing float and cleanse in the mud before heading back to Jerusalem in the late afternoon for dinner and your overnight stay.
After breakfast at your Jerusalem hotel, we transfer to Tel Aviv, Israel's vibrant and modern coastal city.
Begin by exploring Tel Aviv's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the White City, known for its distinctive Bauhaus, International, and Eclectic architecture. Walk along Rothschild-Boulevard and surrounding streets, admiring the historical buildings that tell the story of the city's founding by European migrants over a century ago and how their roots influenced its unique culture.
Next, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market), Tel Aviv’s main marketplace. Discover a diverse array of international flavors and local ingredients, from fresh olives and spices to artisan bread and sweet delights like halva and baklava. Enjoy sampling authentic local specialties amidst the bustling market.
Conclude your day by exploring the dynamic street art scene in South Tel Aviv, admiring the rich history and cultural significance expressed through vibrant graffiti.
We'll then transfer back to Jerusalem for dinner and your overnight stay.
After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, we'll transfer you to the airport for your departure. You have the flexibility to depart from either Flughafen Amman or Ben Gurion Airport, depending on your onward travel plans.
