Embark on a profound 9-day pilgrimage tracing the footsteps of biblical figures and experiencing the sacred sites of Christian history in Jordan and Israel. This journey offers a deeply spiritual encounter with the origins of faith.
Upon your arrival at Aéroport d'Amman, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative who will assist with all immigration and customs procedures. Afterward, we will transfer you to your hotel in Amman, a city with ancient roots, providing a comfortable start to your pilgrimage. Enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, our spiritual journey begins. We travel to Béthanie au-delà du Jourdain (Al-Maghtas), the universally recognized site on the eastern bank of the Jordan River where Jesus is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist. Here, you will explore the ruins of ancient churches, pilgrim baptismal pools, and the revered landscape that resonates with immense spiritual significance for Christians worldwide.
Our journey continues to Elijah’s Hill (Tell Mar Elias), a site steeped in biblical tradition, believed to be where the Prophet Elijah ascended to heaven. We will also see the cave where John the Baptist is traditionally believed to have lived, later enshrined by a 5th-century church, offering a tangible connection to his ascetic life.
Next, we ascend Mont Nébo, the poignant place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. From this sacred summit, on a clear day, you can gaze upon the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, and even glimpse the spires of Jerusalem, reflecting on the profound journey of faith. After a reflective pause, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
We then proceed to Madaba, the famed "City of Mosaics." Our key visit here is Église Saint-Georges, home to the extraordinary 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land. This incredibly detailed map, made of over a million tesserae, provides a unique historical and geographical perspective on biblical lands, allowing pilgrims to visualize the ancient world. We return to Amman for dinner and overnight.
Following breakfast and check-out, we delve deeper into Jordan's Christian heritage. Our first stop is Khirbet Al-Mukhayyat, believed by many to be the biblical town of Nebo. Here, we will explore its remarkably well-preserved Byzantine churches, including the Église des Saints Lot et Procope, which boasts a magnificent 6th-century mosaic depicting biblical scenes and flora, offering insights into early Christian art and worship.
We then journey to Mukawir (Machaerus), the dramatic hilltop fortress where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed at the behest of Herod Antipas, following Salome's dance. Originally built by the Hasmonaeans and later rebuilt by Herod the Great, this site overlooks the Dead Sea, providing a powerful setting for contemplation on the life and martyrdom of John.
Après le déjeuner dans un restaurant local, nous nous dirigeons vers Umm al-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of immense Christian significance. This site features remarkable mosaics and ruins from Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods. The Église Saint-Étienne is particularly notable for its intricate floor mosaic, which depicts cities of the Holy Land, further emphasizing its connection to early Christian pilgrimage.
We conclude our day by traveling to the magnificent city of Pétra. Check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay at a hotel in Petra.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then begin your awe-inspiring exploration of Pétra, the ancient Nabatean capital. While known for its architectural grandeur, Petra also holds historical connections relevant to biblical times, with mentions of the Edomites and Nabateans who were part of the broader regional history. We will walk through the SIQ, a narrow, dramatic canyon, leading to the iconic Trésorerie (Al-Khazneh). Explore temples, royal tombs, a Roman theatre, and other incredible rock-carved monuments that reflect the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.
Lunch will be served at the Basin Restaurant. For those who wish to delve deeper, there is an optional hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir), a challenging but rewarding ascent to another stunning rock-carved monument, offering expansive views and a sense of enduring history.
Later, we will travel back via the Desert Highway to Amman. Dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
After breakfast and check-out, we will transfer to the Pont Allenby for the significant crossing into the Holy Land. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our driver and begin your profound tour of Jérusalem, the city central to Christianity.
We commence with a panoramic view from Mont Scopus, offering your first breathtaking vista of the holy city. We then proceed to the Mont des Oliviers, providing iconic views of the Old City and its sacred sites, a place frequently visited by Jesus. Here, we will visit the Jardin de Gethsémani, a deeply moving site where Jesus prayed before his arrest, allowing for quiet reflection.
In the afternoon, we enter the Vieille ville, beginning with a visit to the Mur occidental, a holy site for Jewish people but also historically significant as part of the Temple Mount area where Jesus often taught. We then embark on the deeply spiritual Via Dolorosa, walking the traditional path that Jesus took on his way to crucifixion, culminating at the Église du Saint-Sépulcre. This revered church is believed to encompass both the site of Jesus’ crucifixion (Calvary/Golgotha) and his resurrection, offering an unparalleled experience of the central tenets of Christian faith.
We conclude the day with a visit to Mont Sion, y compris le Room of the Last Supper (Cenacle), believed to be the location of Jesus' final meal with his disciples, and Tombeau du roi David. Transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Jerusalem.
After breakfast, our exploration of Jerusalem's rich Christian history continues. We visit the Sanctuaire du Livre, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the fascinating Maquette de Jérusalem from the Second Temple Period at the Israel Museum, offering a visual understanding of the city during Jesus' time. We then journey to Ein Karem, the traditional home of Elizabeth and Zacharias, and the site of the Église de la Visitation, commemorating Mary's visit to Elizabeth.
In the afternoon, we make a profound pilgrimage to Bethléem, the birthplace of Jesus. Here, we will visit the Église de la Nativité, built over the Grotte de la Nativité, the revered cave believed to be the very place of Jesus' birth. We will also explore the Chapelle Saint-Jérôme, where the saint translated the Bible into Latin. This visit offers an incredibly powerful connection to the Christmas story.
We return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight stay.
Profitez du petit-déjeuner, puis voyagez vers Jéricho, one of the world’s oldest cities, steeped in biblical narratives. We will visit the Sycomore de Zachée, commemorating his encounter with Jesus, and La source d'Élisée, a vital water source for this ancient city, connecting to the prophet Elisha. From Jericho, you can also view the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus is said to have fasted for forty days and been tempted by the devil.
We then continue to the Mer morte, the lowest point on Earth. While not directly a Christian religious site, its unique properties and historical proximity to many biblical events, including those of John the Baptist and Jesus, make it a significant part of the Holy Land experience. You'll have the opportunity to float in its mineral-rich waters, a truly unique experience. Afterward, we return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, we travel to Tel-Aviv. While a modern city, Tel Aviv is built near Jaffa, one of the oldest ports in the world with significant biblical connections, including the story of Jonah and Peter's vision at the house of Simon the Tanner. We will explore the Ville Blanche, a UNESCO-listed area featuring Bauhaus architecture along Rothschild Boulevard, showcasing Israel's contemporary culture.
Promenez-vous Chouk HaCarmel, Tel Aviv’s bustling marketplace, enjoying the vibrant mix of local produce, spices, cheeses, and sweets. Discover Tel Aviv’s vibrant street art scene in the southern neighborhoods, offering a glimpse into modern Israeli life. Though distinct from the religious sites, Tel Aviv's presence as a modern Israeli city completes the picture of the Holy Land today. We head back to Jerusalem for dinner and our final overnight.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying with you the profound memories and spiritual insights from your pilgrimage through Jordan and the Holy Land.
