Madaba, Mt Nebo and the Dead Sea

Day 1:

Pick up from your Amman Hotel by English* speaking driver, transfer by air conditioned family-sized sedan or van to Madaba. Beautiful examples of mosaics can be found throughout this village - you will visit the 6th Century St George Church to see the oldest mosaic map of the Holy Lands (approx. AD 560), discovered rebuilding of the church in 1884. A short distance away is Mt. Nebo, the site where God allowed Moses to view the Promised Land shortly before dying. A Byzantine Church, built to honor Moses, still stands proudly near the Brazen Serpent Cross. Views out over the Jordan Valley to Jericho, Bethlehem and Jerusalem make this a special place to visit. Heading west, we will descend into the Dead Sea Valley, stopping at the hot thermal pools of Hammamat Ma'in, 264m below sea level. There are two main public baths - the Roman Baths which have indoor hot baths, and the Family Pool beneath a small waterfall - since Roman times, their therapeutic qualities have been appreciated. Please wear appropriate swimwear so as not to offend local dress codes. Late afternoon, transfer back to your hotel.