Walking in the Footsteps of Faith: Discovering The Egeria Way – El Camino de Egeria Pilgrimage Route in Jordan

The Egeria Way (El Camino de Egeria) in Jordan: A Sacred Pilgrimage Route Through Biblical Landscapes

The Egeria Way—El Camino de Egeria—is a sacred Christian pilgrimage route retracing the journey of Egeria, a 4th-century Spanish nun whose travel writings offer one of the earliest accounts of Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Jordan, a country steeped in biblical history, holds many of the key sites she visited—making it an essential part of this spiritual path.

Who Was Egeria?

Egeria (also spelled Etheria or Aetheria) was a devout Christian pilgrim from the Roman Empire, likely from Galicia in modern-day Spain. Around 381–384 AD, she traveled to the Holy Land, recording her journey in the Itinerarium Egeriae—a spiritual diary that remains one of the most important testimonies of early Christian pilgrimage.

Her writings detail visits to sacred sites, rituals, and church services in Jordan, including:

• Mount Nebo

• Bethany Beyond the Jordan

• Madaba

• Machaerus

• Umm ar-Rasas

“And we arrived at the place where the Lord was baptized… there we offered prayers and sang psalms, giving thanks to God.”
— Egeria, Itinerarium Egeriae

The Route of the Camino de Egeria

In recent years, Egeria’s historic pilgrimage through the Holy Land has been revived as the Camino de Egeria—a meaningful spiritual trail that follows the last portion of her sacred journey. This route aligns with the final two days of the broader John the Baptist Trail, beginning at the revered heights of Mount Nebo and ending at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the authentic site of Jesus Christ’s baptism.

 Key Biblical and Archaeological Landmarks Along the Route:

• Mount Nebo – The legendary mountain from which Prophet Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death, offering panoramic views over the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.

• Mousa Springs – Traditionally identified with the region of Beth Peor, near where Moses was believed to be buried.

• Livias (Al-Rameh) – The ruins of a once-prominent Roman city known as Livias, named after the wife of Emperor Augustus.

• The Esbus–Jericho Road – Part of the Via Nova Trajana, an ancient Roman trade and pilgrimage route connecting key cities in the region.

• Salem Springs – Thought to be a possible site where John the Baptist was captured, offering insights into the prophet’s final days.

• Khirbet Gharaba – Home to ancient baptismal pools, possibly used by early Christian communities and ascetic monks.

• Elijah’s Hill and the Al-Kharrar Valley – A spiritually rich area associated with Elijah’s ascension to heaven, once inhabited by early Christian hermits.

• Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) – The sacred baptismal site on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, officially recognized as the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

Walking in Ancient Footsteps

Egeria likely followed segments of the Roman road between Husban and Jericho, a time-worn route believed to have also been used by the Three Wise Men (Magi) on their journey to Bethlehem. This ancient pathway still bears traces of its Roman past—watchtowers, milestones, rest stops, and original paving stones remain visible to this day, offering a tangible connection to pilgrims who walked these lands over 1,600 years ago.

Suggested 4-Day Egeria Way Pilgrimage Itinerary

This flexible, spiritually enriching route is ideal for pilgrims, faith-based groups, or culturally curious travelers. Here's a sample itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival & Biblical Heartland

• Arrive in Amman

• Visit Madaba (St. George Church and Mosaic Map)

• Tour Mount Nebo, overlooking the Holy Land

• Overnight in Madaba or Amman

Day 2: Baptism Site & the Dead Sea

• Visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas)

• Participate in prayers or blessings

• Reflect and relax at the Dead Sea

• Overnight near the Dead Sea

Day 3: Martyrdom & Monastic Echoes

• Visit Machaerus – the site of John the Baptist’s imprisonment

• Explore Umm ar-Rasas with its historic churches

• Return to Amman for overnight

Day 4: Optional Extension or Departure

• Add a visit to Jerash or Anjara (Marian shrine)

• Transfer to airport or continue into Israel/Palestine for a full Holy Land pilgrimage

Twinning with the Camino de Santiago

In January 2025, a significant milestone in Christian pilgrimage history was achieved: the Camino de Egeria in Jordan was officially twinned with the world-renowned Camino de Santiago in Spain. This landmark agreement celebrates the shared legacy of Egeria—herself believed to be from Galicia—and symbolizes a profound connection between two sacred routes spanning continents.

This twinning not only strengthens historical and spiritual ties between Jordan and Spain, but also lays the foundation for enhanced collaboration and cultural enrichment.

 Key Outcomes of the Twinning Agreement:

• Commemorative Landmarks:

  • A Jordanian monument will be established in Santiago de Compostela, honoring Egeria’s origins and journey.

  • A Spanish landmark or installation will be placed in Jordan, likely along the Camino de Egeria route, symbolizing the bond with the Camino de Santiago.

• Joint Cultural & Tourism Initiatives:
  Coordinated promotional efforts will target both spiritual pilgrims and cultural travelers, inviting them to explore these interconnected routes of faith.

• Investment in Infrastructure:
  The partnership is expected to catalyze further development of visitor facilities, signage, interpretation centers, and trail enhancements along the Egeria Way to improve accessibility and the overall pilgrimage experience.

This collaboration opens a new chapter in the story of faith-based tourism, offering pilgrims from around the world the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of saints, prophets, and pioneers like Egeria—connecting Galicia to Jordan, and the Camino de Santiago to the Holy Land.

Spiritual Significance of Jordan in the Holy Land

Jordan is more than a neighbor to the Holy Land—it is part of it. Over 100 biblical events took place east of the Jordan River. This land holds:

• The Baptism of Jesus

• The final moments of Moses' life

• The path of Elijah’s ascension to heaven

• Sites visited by Jesus and early Christians

Walking the Egeria Way connects believers to these sacred stories.

Why Walk the Egeria Way Today?

Modern pilgrims choose the Egeria Way to:

• Deepen their Christian faith

• Experience scripture where it happened

• Connect with ancient traditions

• Reflect in peaceful, uncrowded holy sites

• Be inspired by landscapes unchanged for millennia

Cultural & Religious Experience with Jordan Horizons Tours

Jordan Horizons Tours is honored to guide pilgrims along the Egeria Way with customizable tours that combine:

• Professional and spiritual guides

• Coordination with local churches and priests

• Visits to active Christian communities

• Optional masses, baptisms, and blessings

• Comfortable transport and lodging options

“Walking the Egeria Way was more than a trip—it was a spiritual awakening.”
— Sister Maria, Galicia, Spain (Jordan Horizons Pilgrim)

Helpful Tips for Pilgrims

• Best Time to Visit: March–May or September–November

• Language: English and Arabic widely spoken. Spanish-speaking guides available on request

• Dress Code: Modest attire required at religious sites

• Difficulty: Mostly accessible by vehicle with short walking sections

• Services: Mass or blessing ceremonies can be arranged with prior notice

Plan Your Journey on the Egeria Way

Experience a unique spiritual adventure with Jordan Horizons Tours. Whether you are planning a personal pilgrimage, church group retreat, or multi-country Holy Land tour, we are here to make your journey meaningful, safe, and memorable.

Contact Us Today to Start Planning

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Egeria Way?

The Egeria Way is a spiritual pilgrimage route retracing the travels of Egeria, a 4th-century Christian pilgrim, across the Holy Land—including key sites in Jordan.

Which sites in Jordan are part of the Egeria Way?

Mount Nebo, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Madaba, Machaerus, and Umm ar-Rasas are core destinations on the Egeria Way in Jordan.

Is the Egeria Way suitable for older travelers or groups?

Yes, it is mostly vehicle-accessible with short walks. Our guides accommodate various mobility levels and can adapt tours accordingly.

Can we combine this with Israel or Egypt tours?

We offer integrated "Holy Land pilgrimage packages" covering Jordan, Israel/Palestine, and Egypt. Visa and border support included. 

Tour Sample:

Experience the spiritual journey of The Egeria Way (El Camino de Egeria) with our 9-day Jordan itinerary, which can be fully customized to suit your group's preferences and pace.

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9 Days

The Egeria Way (El camino de Egeria) Trail & Jordan Biblical Tour

Embark on a spiritually enriching 9-day journey through Jordan, tracing the footsteps of biblical figures and the historic Camino Egeria pilgrimage route. This guided tour blends faith, history, and natural beauty, visiting key biblical sites such as Mount Nebo, the Jordan River

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Biblical Jordan Tours

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 Watch the Journey Unfold:

This video offers a moving visual introduction to the Egeria Way pilgrimage in Jordan. Walk through ancient biblical landscapes, witness the serene beauty of Mount Nebo and Bethany Beyond the Jordan, and experience the spiritual legacy of Egeria come to life. Let the images inspire your own journey of faith.