Details: Madaba, city of mosaics visit
Madaba is widely known for its unparalleled Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, making it one of the most memorable cities in the Holy Land. Hundreds of exquisite stone mosaics fill the churches and homes in the city. Most notably, you will see the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, which is covered with a 6th century Mosaic Map. Consisting of two million pieces of brilliantly colored local stone this map depicts the hills, valleys, homes, towns, and villages of Jerusalem. A masterpiece, to say the least!
Details: Mount Nebo Byzantine church visit
Christian and Jewish tradition states that this religious site is where Moses brought to view The Promised Land, and the place where he would later be buried. In 1933, atop the highest point of the mountain, Syagha, a 4th century church, built to commemorate the place of Moses’ death was uncovered. You will be able to travel back in time and see the remains of this ancient church, including hollowed out tombs, and vivid mosaic floors. Being one of the most important sites in Jordan for religious history, Pope John Paul II visited in 2000, and planted an olive tree, which you can see beside the Byzantine chapel.
Details: Um er-Rasas archaeological site visit
Most of this archaeological site, which started as a Roman military camp and grew to become a town from the 5th century, has not been excavated. It contains remains from the Roman, Byzantine and Early Muslim periods (end of 3rd to 9th centuries AD) and a fortified Roman military camp. The site also has 16 churches, some with well-preserved mosaic floors. Particularly noteworthy is the mosaic floor of the Church of Saint Stephen with its representation of towns in the region. Two square towers are probably the only remains of the practice, well known in this part of the world, of the stylites (ascetic monks who spent time in isolation atop a column or tower). Um er-Rasas is surrounded by, and dotted with, remains of ancient agricultural cultivation in an arid area.
Details: Kerak Castle visit
Before entering this magnificent castle, spend some time studying the map at its entry point. This will help you to understand a bit of the history of Kerak, and the people who once lived there. Bring a flashlight with you! This fortress is filled with dark tunnels and passageways that you will definitely want to see! Although the castle that will be standing before you dates back to the 12th century, Karak was a fortress long before then. The Bible refers to the King of Isreal and his allies ravaging the Moab and seizing king Mesha in the fortress of Kir Heres, known today as Karak.