Madaba – Mount Nebo – Dead Sea | Day Tour (starting from $160)

• Activity: Cultural and historical tour to Madaba & Mount Nebo, followed by relaxation at the Dead Sea.
• Start Time: 8:00 A.M. (recommended)
• Total Driving Distance: ~ 130 km (80 miles) round trip
• Total Duration: 8–9 hours (including sightseeing and travel)

Morning – Departure to Madaba, the City of Mosaics
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your private guide and driver. They will escort you for the entire duration of the tour, from hotel pick-up to final hotel drop-off.
Depart Amman southwest (approx. 35 km, 45 minutes) to the city of Madaba, known as the "City of Mosaics" for its rich collection of Byzantine and Umayyad mosaic art.
Upon arrival at the Madaba Visitors Center, your guide will lead you through the city's most significant sites.
St. George's Church (Church of the Map):
From the Visitors Center, we proceed to St. George's Church, located approximately 240 meters northwest. This Greek Orthodox Church was built in 1896 over a 6th-century Byzantine original. Inside, you will find the world-famous Madaba Mosaic Map—the oldest preserved geographic floor mosaic in art history, dating back to approximately 560 AD. Your guide will explain the significance of this extraordinary masterpiece, which depicts over 150 biblical sites with Jerusalem at its center, and how its discovery in 1884 reshaped the understanding of the region's geography.
Madaba Archaeological Park:
After visiting St. George's Church, we continue to the Madaba Archaeological Park, located just a few meters from the Visitors Center. Established in 1995 to preserve and make accessible the archaeological remains from Roman times and several valuable Byzantine mosaic floors, this park is a highlight of the city. Your guide will escort you through the remains of several Byzantine churches showcasing stunning mosaic floors. Highlights include the Hippolytus Hall and the Church of the Apostles, each revealing intricate artwork that reflects the city's vibrant Christian heritage. Your guide will provide historical context and point out the artistic details that make these mosaics world-renowned.
Al-Hussein bin Ali Street (Tourist Street):
After exploring the archaeological park, your guide will take you to Al-Hussein bin Ali Street, known locally as "Tourist Street." This vibrant thoroughfare is lined with shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, icons, and products specific to Madaba's renowned mosaic art. It is the perfect place to browse local industries and perhaps purchase a unique mosaic piece to remember your visit.
Madaba Archaeological Museum (Muzeum Archeologiczne):
We conclude our Madaba exploration at the Madaba Archaeological Museum, located within the Archaeological Park complex. The museum is housed in a traditional late 19th-century building and showcases artifacts spanning Madaba's long history, including pottery, glassware, coins, and jewelry from Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad, Abbasid, Mamluk, and Late Ottoman periods. The museum is included with the Archaeological Park entrance ticket.

Midday – Mount Nebo: The Memorial of Moses
Depart Madaba for Mount Nebo (approx. 10 km, 15 minutes), one of Jordan's most revered religious sites.
Upon arrival, your guide will lead you through this sacred mountain, believed to be where Prophet Moses stood to view the Promised Land before his death. From the summit (elevation 870 meters), you will gaze across the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and—on exceptionally clear days—the distant hills of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Your guide will share the biblical narrative and historical significance of this site, which has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries.
Explore the Memorial Church of Moses, originally constructed in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 20th century to preserve its Byzantine heritage. Inside, your guide will point out the remarkably preserved 6th-century mosaic floors, depicting hunting scenes, pastoral life, and exotic animals—among the finest examples of early Christian mosaic art in the region. Outside, you will see the iconic Bronze Serpent Sculpture (created by Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni in 1984), which symbolizes the biblical story of Moses and the serpent, and serves as a striking landmark against the panoramic backdrop.
Your guide will allow approximately 30–60 minutes for exploration of the site.

Afternoon – The Dead Sea: Lowest Point on Earth
Depart Mount Nebo for the Dead Sea (approx. 29 km, 40 minutes), descending to the lowest point on Earth—more than 430 meters below sea level. The drive itself offers dramatic views as you lose elevation rapidly.
Upon arrival at the Dead Sea, your guide will direct you to a suitable beach facility where you can experience the surreal sensation of floating effortlessly in the hyper-saline waters—so buoyant that sinking is impossible. The mineral-rich mud along the shoreline is renowned for its therapeutic properties, and you are invited to cover yourself in the dark, silky mud—a natural spa experience that leaves skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Lunch Break:
Time will be allocated for an optional lunch at one of the Dead Sea resort restaurants or at the beach facility (optional and not included in the tour price). Your guide can assist with recommendations.

Late Afternoon – Return to Amman
After approximately 1–2 hours of leisure time at the Dead Sea, begin your journey back to the capital (approx. 55 km, 1 hour). The route climbs from the desert floor back to the hills of Amman.
You will arrive at your Amman hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.

:: Thank you for choosing to explore Jordan with us ::

Highlights of Your Day:

• Private Full-Day Journey: Enjoy the personalized experience of having your own dedicated guide and driver from the moment you leave your hotel until your return.
• Madaba Archaeological Park: Wander through ancient Roman roads and Byzantine church ruins, marveling at exquisite mosaic floors including the Hippolytus Hall's depiction of a Greek tragedy.
• Al-Hussein bin Ali Street (Tourist Street): Stroll through this vibrant thoroughfare lined with shops selling mosaic art, icons, and local handicrafts.
• George's Church: View the world-famous 6th-century Madaba Mosaic Map—the oldest preserved geographic floor mosaic of the Holy Land—with your guide revealing its biblical and historical significance.
• Madaba Archaeological Museum: Discover artifacts spanning Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods—pottery, glassware, coins, and jewelry—housed in a traditional 19th-century building.
• Mount Nebo: Stand atop the sacred mountain where Moses viewed the Promised Land, taking in panoramic vistas of the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea while exploring the Memorial Church's exquisite 6th-century mosaics.
• The Bronze Serpent Sculpture: View the iconic modern sculpture that stands as a powerful symbol of faith against the breathtaking backdrop of the Jordan Valley.
• Dead Sea Float: Experience the surreal sensation of floating effortlessly in the hyper-saline waters of the Dead Sea—the lowest point on Earth—and treat your skin to a natural mud spa.
• Scenic Landscapes: Journey through the dramatic landscapes of western Jordan, from the rolling hills of Madaba to the descending road leading to the Dead Sea's shimmering shores.
• Premium Comfort: Travel in a private Premium Business Class Van throughout your journey, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable experience with better views.

Notes:

• Prices are per person (adult and child), in USD and are inclusive all taxes.
• This tour departs daily from Amman, subject to availability.
• This is a private guided tour with pickup and drop-off at your Amman hotel.
• An advance full payment is required to complete and confirm this booking.

 Important Information: 

• Premium Comfort: To ensure a more comfortable and luxurious experience with better views, this tour is operated with a private Premium Business Class Van “Business Vans “.
• What to Bring: Swimwear, towel, flip-flops (the salt crystals can be sharp), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen), plenty of water, and your passport/ID.
• Fitness Level: A moderate level of fitness is required due to walking at archaeological sites over uneven terrain. Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible. For wheelchair-friendly tours or transfers, please contact us.
• Entrance Fees: If you have purchased a Jordan Pass, please bring a printed copy. It covers entrance fees to some sites in Madaba such as Archaeological Park and Museum, but does not cover St. George's Church (Madaba Map Church), other churches, Mount Nebo and Dead Sea beach facility entrance.
• Distances & Times: Travel times in Jordan can vary significantly due to traffic, checkpoints, and road conditions. The times provided are realistic estimates under normal conditions.
• Site Visits: Your guide may adjust the order of visits based on timing and local conditions to ensure the best possible experience.
• The local currency: is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). It is advisable to have cash on hand.

Important Notes for Your Dead Sea Visit:

• Avoid shaving 24 hours before entering the water, as the high salt content will cause stinging.
• Do not splash or submerge your face—keep water out of your eyes and mouth.
• Wear old swimwear, as the salt and mud can be difficult to rinse out completely.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water, as the desert heat can be intense.
• Shower facilities are available at the beach to rinse off the salt and mud after your swim.

Price Includes:

• Private Guided Service: A licensed professional English-speaking guide will accompany you for the entire duration of the tour.
• Private transportation: Air-conditioned Premium Business Class Van with a professional driver.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman.
• Bottled water on board.

Price Excludes:

• Travel insurance (highly recommended).
• Entrance fees to all sites and Dead Sea beach facility.
• Lunch, beverages and any personal expenses.
• Services of local guides at the visited sites.
• Gratuities (tips) for drivers, guides, etc. (expected).
• Any items or services not mentioned in the "Includes" section.