Biblical Jordan Pilgrimage – 8-Day Journey

8 Days of Spiritual Discovery: Tracing the Steps of Jesus

This thoughtfully crafted 8-day pilgrimage is designed to immerse you in the heart of Jordan’s biblical history. Journey through sacred landmarks, rich religious traditions, and stunning natural beauty. As you visit renowned biblical locations, attend Mass, and experience profound moments of spiritual reflection, you’ll connect deeply with the significance of each site. Below is your detailed itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Amman Airport – Transfer to Amman

• Arrival: After landing at Queen Alia International Airport, your guide will greet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel in Amman.
• Evening: Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner where you’ll receive an introduction to the pilgrimage and the biblical importance of the sites you’ll visit.
• Overnight: Stay in Amman.

Day 2: Amman – Jerash – Ajloun Castle – Anjara (Lady of the Mountain)

• Morning: Begin your day with a visit to Jerash, one of the most well-preserved Roman cities, where you'll explore its grand colonnaded streets and historic temples—reflecting on the significance of the area in early Christian times.
• Mass: Attend Mass at St. George’s Church in Amman or Jerash.
• Afternoon:
  • Travel to Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century Crusader stronghold offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Visit Anjara, a cherished pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary, believed to be the place where she rested during her journey to Egypt. The Church of the Virgin Mary is home to a venerated icon.
  • Stop at Tell Mar Elias (Hill of Elijah), a location traditionally associated with the prophet Elijah.
• Evening: Return to Amman for the night.
• Overnight: Stay in Amman.

Day 3: Amman – Madaba – Mount Nebo – Mukawir (Machaerus) – Baptism Site – Dead Sea

• Morning:
  • Visit Madaba to see the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land at St. George’s Church.
  • Travel to Mount Nebo, where Moses is believed to have seen the Promised Land before his death. The sweeping views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and Jerusalem are awe-inspiring.
  • Continue to Mukawir (Machaerus), a historical site where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. The views of the Dead Sea from this fortress are spectacular.
• Mass: Celebrate Mass at St. George’s Church in Madaba or a nearby local church.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the Baptism Site of Jesus (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), where it is believed John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
  • Head to the Dead Sea for a relaxing dip in its therapeutic waters.
• Evening: Check into your resort by the Dead Sea.
• Overnight: Stay at a Dead Sea Resort.

Day 4: Dead Sea – Wadi Al Mujib – Shobak Castle – Petra

• Morning:
  • Visit Wadi Al Mujib, the "Jordanian Grand Canyon," historically significant as a site where the Israelites are thought to have passed during the Exodus.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore Shobak Castle, a Crusader fortress from the 12th century, offering dramatic views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Continue to Petra, the ancient rock-hewn city, rich in biblical history and architectural splendor.
• Evening: Check into your hotel in Petra.
• Overnight: Stay in Petra.

Day 5: Petra – Exploring Biblical Sites

• Morning:
  • Explore Petra’s biblical landmarks:
    • The Siq, a narrow gorge, believed to be a significant ancient passage.
    • The Treasury (Al-Khazneh), one of Petra’s most iconic structures, possibly linked to the biblical "treasure" of the region.
    • The High Place of Sacrifice, an ancient altar where religious offerings were made.
    • The Church of Petra, famous for its early Christian mosaics.
• Mass: Attend Mass at a local church in Petra.
• Afternoon:
  • Continue your exploration of Petra, visiting the Monastery (Ad-Deir), an imposing monument offering incredible views over the desert.
  • Optional: Enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal in Petra or stroll through the ancient city.
• Evening: Return to your hotel for dinner and relaxation.
• Overnight: Stay in Petra.

Day 6: Petra – Wadi Rum (3-Hour Jeep Tour) – Overnight in Wadi Rum

• Morning:
  • Depart for Wadi Rum, a stunning desert valley known for its biblical connections, as some believe it is where Moses and the Israelites wandered after the Exodus.
  • Take a 3-hour Jeep tour through Wadi Rum, visiting rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and significant biblical sites.
• Afternoon: After your Jeep tour, enjoy a Bedouin-style lunch and immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the Bedouins who live in this awe-inspiring desert.
• Evening: Experience a traditional Bedouin dinner in the desert and overnight in a Bedouin camp or desert resort under the stars.
• Overnight: Stay in Wadi Rum.

Day 7: Wadi Rum – Fortress of Umm ar-Rasas – Amman City Tour

• Morning:
  • Visit Umm ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its ancient Byzantine mosaics and several Christian churches, which are important for understanding early Christianity in Jordan.
• Afternoon:
  • Travel back to Amman for a City Tour, visiting Amman Citadel, Roman Theater, and the Jordan Museum to learn about the biblical history of the region.
  • Optionally, attend Mass at St. George's Church or Our Lady of the Mountain Church in Amman.
• Evening: Free time for shopping, relaxation, or further exploration.
• Overnight: Stay in Amman.

Day 8: Amman – Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, you can enjoy a final morning of relaxation or last-minute shopping.
• Departure: Transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for your departure flight.
• End of Tour: Depart with cherished memories of your Biblical Jordan Pilgrimage.

Tour Inclusions:

• Accommodation: 7 nights in 4 or 5-star hotels, resorts, or desert camps (based on your preference).
• Transportation: Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing.
• Guide: Expert, English-speaking guide with knowledge of biblical history.
• Meals: Daily breakfast and selected dinners with traditional Jordanian cuisine.
• Masses: 5 Masses at key pilgrimage locations, including Madaba, Petra, Mount Haroun, the Baptism Site, and Amman.
• Entrance Fees: All entry fees to biblical and historical sites (e.g., Petra, Jerash, Baptism Site, Shobak Castle).
• Activities: Jeep tour in Wadi Rum, floating in the Dead Sea, and exploration of Petra.

Tour Exclusions:

• International flights.
• Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, drinks, tips).
• Additional meals or services not included in the itinerary.

This 8-day Biblical Jordan Pilgrimage offers a balanced journey through sacred sites, biblical history, and spiritual reflection, ideal for those seeking to deepen their faith and connection with the Bible’s rich heritage.