Two Banks of the Jordan River: Israel & Jordan

Tours to Israel » Туры » Two Banks of the Jordan River: Israel & Jordan

Discover the spiritual, historical, and cultural treasures of the Holy Land on an extraordinary journey through Israel and Jordan — two countries united by the sacred waters of the Jordan River and thousands of years of biblical history.

This unique pilgrimage and cultural tour follows the footsteps of prophets, kings, apostles, and ancient civilizations. From the holy places of Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the Jordan River to the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum and the legendary rose-red city of Petra, every day reveals a new chapter of sacred history and timeless beauty.

The route includes some of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the world: the birthplace of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the baptismal site on the Jordan River, the monasteries of the Judean Desert, Mount Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land, and many other places deeply connected with biblical tradition.

Along the way, travelers will also explore magnificent Crusader castles, ancient Roman cities, Byzantine churches, desert monasteries, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while experiencing the rich culture, hospitality, and landscapes of the Middle East.

This tour is ideal for travelers interested in biblical history, Christianity, archaeology, culture, and unforgettable spiritual journeys across two remarkable countries.

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Tour Date

Accommodation

Accommodation in hotels of the selected category

Bethlehem - 1 night/s

Jerusalem -3 night/s

Jordan - 3 night/s

Eilat - 1 night/s

Included in the Price

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

Guided tour services

Transportation services

Paid admissions

Visa to Jordan

Not Included in the Price

Аirfare

Medical insurance

Tips for the guide and driver

Border fees

Notes

Changes to the excursion schedule and itineraries may occur during national holidays, Jewish and Christian religious holidays, as well as due to circumstances beyond the company’s control, including weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.

Please note: when visiting cities within the Palestinian Authority, including Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron, and others, travelers must hold non-Israeli passports.

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Day 1 ✧ Bethlehem, the Judean Desert & Hebron

Today we journey through some of the most sacred biblical sites of the Holy Land.

Our tour begins in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

We visit the magnificent Church of the Nativity, including the Grotto of the Nativity, the Cave of the Holy Innocents, and the cave of Saint Jerome, where the saint lived and was buried.

We also visit the revered Milk Grotto, traditionally believed to be the resting place of the Holy Family on their journey to Egypt.

Continuation to Beit Sahour, where we visit the Greek Orthodox cave church known as the Field of the Shepherds, built on the site where angels announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds on the night of Christmas. The site is also associated with the biblical meeting of Ruth and Boaz.

Visit to the ancient Solomon's Pools, the remains of impressive ancient hydraulic structures, and the Church of Saint Nicholas.

We then continue to Herodium, the palace-fortress of Herod the Great. According to Christian tradition, it was here that Herod Antipas mocked Jesus Christ before sending Him back to Pontius Pilate.

Our route also includes the Monastery of Saint Theodosius, established at the site of the cave where the Three Wise Men are believed to have rested after worshipping the Christ Child.

Panoramic stop at the famous Mar Saba Monastery, founded by Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, one of the greatest monastic centers of the Judean Desert, preserving ancient monastic traditions to this day (external view only).

Later, we visit Hebron, one of the oldest cities in the world and closely associated with the biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as the kingdom of King David.

Visits include the Holy Trinity Monastery and the famous Mamre Oak, traditionally linked to the appearance of the Holy Trinity to Abraham.

Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 2 ✧ Jerusalem — The Eternal City

Today we explore Jerusalem, the sacred city where history, faith, and centuries of tradition intertwine.

Entering the Old City through the Lion’s Gate, we begin in the Christian Quarter with the Church of Saint Anne, traditionally associated with the birthplace of the Virgin Mary.

We then visit Pool of Bethesda (“Sheep Pool”), the site where, according to the Gospel, Jesus miraculously healed the paralytic.

Walking along the Via Dolorosa, we follow the path of Christ from the place of His condemnation to the site of the Crucifixion. Highlights include the Threshold of the Judgment Gate and the famous “Needle’s Eye” at the Alexander Nevsky Church compound.

Visit to the sacred Church of the Holy Sepulchre, including Golgotha, the Stone of Anointing, and the Holy Tomb.

We will also visit the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest prayer site.

Continuation to Mount Zion, where we see the traditional site of the Room of the Last Supper, the Dormition Abbey, built on the site associated with the home of Saint John the Theologian, and the David's Tomb.

In Gethsemane, we visit the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, the Gethsemane Grotto — also known as the Cave of the Disciples — and the beautiful Church of All Nations beside the Garden of Gethsemane.

Here we will see the sacred Rock of Agony, where Christ prayed before His arrest and where the betrayal by Judas took place.

We also visit the grounds of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission and the magnificent Church of Mary Magdalene, where the relics of Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna and Sister Barbara are preserved.

Finally, we walk along the ancient steps traditionally believed to have been used by Jesus during His entry into Jerusalem.

Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 3 ✧ Jerusalem — Ein Karem & Sacred Monasteries

Today begins with a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and to Jewish heroism.

The name Yad Vashem — “a memorial and a name” — comes from the words of the prophet Isaiah:

“And to them will I give in My house and within My walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.”

We then continue to Ein Karem, traditionally identified as the “City of Judah” and revered as the birthplace of John the Baptist.

Visits include the Church of Saint John the Baptist, the nearby hermitage known as “The Desert,” and the Spring of the Virgin Mary.

We also visit the Monastery of Saint Simeon and the beautiful Gorny Convent, the Russian Orthodox women’s monastery in Jerusalem, including the church “My Soul Magnifies the Lord.”

Continuation to the Church of the Visitation, traditionally associated with the home of the righteous Elizabeth and Zechariah.

Later, we visit the Valley of the Cross and the historic Monastery of the Cross — formerly Georgian and now Greek Orthodox. According to tradition, the tree from which the Romans made the Cross of the Crucifixion once grew here since the time of Abraham.

Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 4 ✧ The Judean Desert & the Jordan Valley

Today we journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Judean Desert, the sacred “Desert of the Holy City” and one of the most important regions in Christian history.

Our first stop is Bethany, where we visit the traditional tomb of Saint Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead on the fourth day.

We continue past the Inn of the Good Samaritan and the remains of an ancient church commemorating the famous parable told by Jesus.

Arrival at the Jordan River at Qasr al-Yahud, the traditional site of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Pilgrims will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sacred waters of the Jordan River.

Visit to the 5th-century Monastery of Saint Gerasimus, founded by Saint Gerasimus of the Jordan Valley.

We also visit the Monastery of Saint Onuphrius, traditionally believed to stand on the field purchased by the high priests with the thirty pieces of silver received by Judas Iscariot for betraying Jesus Christ.

Continuation to Jericho for a panoramic view and ascent to the Mount of Temptation, where Christ fasted and was tempted in the wilderness.

Visits also include the Monastery of Prophet Elisha and the famous Zacchaeus Tree.

Later, we visit the Chapel of the Ascension, traditionally associated with the Ascension of the Lord, as well as the Ascension Convent, the Russian Orthodox women’s monastery on the Mount of Olives.

We will also see the grave of Archimandrite Antonin Kapustin, the historic head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem.

Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 5 ✧ Amman, Bethany Beyond the Jordan & the Baptism Site

Today we travel to Amman, the “White City” and capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The tour begins at the historic Amman Citadel, crowned by the ruins of the Temple of Hercules and archaeological treasures dating back to some of the earliest human settlements in the region — nearly 700,000 years ago.

We will also visit the impressive Roman Theater, once capable of seating 5,000 spectators, the Umayyad Governor’s Palace, and the lively eastern market quarter.

According to biblical tradition, the massive ancient fortifications in this area are associated with the story of King David and Uriah the Hittite.

Visit to the Orthodox church in Al Abdali and the Jordan Archaeological Museum, home to many remarkable artifacts, including the famous Dead Sea Scrolls.

We then continue to Al-Maghtas (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), traditionally recognized as the site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ and the place where John the Baptist carried out his ministry.

Nearby, we visit the Lot's Cave, where, according to the Book of Genesis, Lot and his daughters found refuge after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The excursion also includes Elijah's Hill, with its ancient monastic remains: the Monastery of Rotorius, the North and West Churches, the Cave of John the Baptist, prayer halls, water systems, pools, ancient reservoirs, the Spring of John the Baptist, and cave cells once inhabited by hermit monks.

Pilgrims will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sacred waters of the Jordan River.

We will also learn about the traditions connected with Mary of Egypt, who is believed to have lived in this desert region.

Dinner and overnight at the Russian Pilgrims’ House near the Baptism Site.

Day 6 ✧ Jerash, Ajloun & Northern Jordan

Today we journey through the remarkable historical and biblical landscapes of northern Jordan.

Our first stop is Jerash — ancient Gerasa — one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. The archaeological site is filled with magnificent monuments created by ancient architects, including temples, altars, fountains, colonnaded streets, and other extraordinary structures.

Particular highlights include the Hippodrome, the Arch of Hadrian, the Temple of Zeus, and the Temple of Artemis.

We will also visit a remarkable complex of three Orthodox churches dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian, Saint George the Great Martyr, and the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, dating back to the 4th century.

Continuation to Ajloun, famous for the impressive Ajloun Castle (Qalaat ar-Rabad). Built in 1184 by one of Saladin’s generals, the fortress was designed to protect the region’s iron mines and defend the area from Crusader attacks.

The castle occupies a commanding position high in the mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the Jordan Valley and, on clear days, even the golden domes of Jerusalem nearly 100 kilometers away.

We then continue to Anjara, an ancient town in the hills of Gilead east of the Jordan Valley. According to Christian tradition, Jesus traveled here with His apostles and the Virgin Mary, resting in a cave where today stands the revered Church of Our Lady of the Mountain.

Visit to Tell Mar Elias, a sacred site revered by Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. Tradition holds that the prophet Elijah was born and lived here. The area is also associated with the journeys of Moses, John the Baptist, and Jesus Christ. According to the Old Testament, Elijah ascended into heaven in a fiery chariot from nearby Wadi al-Kharrar.

At the summit of Tell Mar Elias, the remains of two Byzantine churches and ancient biblical-era structures can still be seen.

Later, we arrive at Umm Qais, ancient Gadara, where according to the Gospel Jesus performed the miracle of healing the possessed man.

Under Roman rule, Gadara belonged to the Decapolis and became an important cultural center where the elite of the eastern Roman Empire came to relax and seek healing. Often called the “Black City,” many of its buildings were constructed from local black basalt stone.

Among the preserved remains are amphitheaters, an aqueduct, colonnaded streets, mausoleums, and bathhouses.

From the hills of Gadara, stunning panoramic views open over the northern Jordan Valley, the Sea of Galilee, the Yarmouk River, the Golan Heights, and the snow-covered summit of Mount Hermon.

Dinner and overnight at the Russian Pilgrims’ House near the Baptism Site.

Day 7 ✧ Madaba, Mount Nebo, Machaerus & Kerak

Today we continue our pilgrimage through the sacred and historical landscapes of Jordan.

Our first stop is Madaba, repeatedly mentioned in the Old Testament under the name Medeba. The city appears in the biblical narratives of Moses and the Exodus, the wars of David against the Moabites, the prophecies of Isaiah concerning Moab, and the revolt of the Moabite king Mesha against Israel.

Madaba is famously known as the “City of Mosaics.” Its greatest treasure is the extraordinary 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land preserved on the floor of the Saint George Church.

We then ascend Mount Nebo, one of the most sacred biblical sites in Jordan. According to the Old Testament, it was here, after forty years of wandering in the desert, that Moses led the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land.

Tradition says that at the foot of the mountain Moses struck the rock with his staff to bring forth water for his thirsty people. From this summit he saw the Promised Land, blessed Joshua before the crossing of the Jordan River, and completed his earthly journey.

According to ancient tradition, the prophet Jeremiah also hid the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, and the altar of incense somewhere on this mountain.

Continuation to Machaerus, the fortress of Herod the Great. It was here that the palace of Herod Antipas once stood, and according to the Gospel account, Salome danced before the ruler, leading to the beheading of John the Baptist.

Later, we visit the mighty Kerak Castle, one of the greatest Crusader fortresses of the Middle East.

The castle is a vast labyrinth of vaulted stone corridors, tunnels, and defensive passages. More impressive for its monumental power than for elegance, Kerak remains one of the finest examples of Crusader military engineering and medieval fortress architecture.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Petra.

Day 8 ✧ Wadi Rum, Petra & Return to Israel

Today begins with an unforgettable journey through Wadi Rum — one of the most extraordinary desert landscapes in the world.

This timeless wilderness, untouched by modern civilization, has been shaped for thousands of years by wind and sun into dramatic rock formations, natural arches, deep canyons, and ancient wells. Some of the rock carvings found within the reserve date back more than four thousand years.

Since June 2011, Wadi Rum has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A two-hour jeep tour through the desert allows us to experience the breathtaking beauty and silence of this legendary place.

We then continue to Petra, the famous “Rose City,” once the capital of Edom and later the flourishing capital of the Nabataean Kingdom.

Hidden among mountains that change color throughout the day — from soft pink to deep red and purple — Petra stands as one of the greatest achievements of the Nabataean civilization, renowned for its monumental architecture and remarkable engineering ingenuity.

Among Petra’s most famous landmarks are the magnificent Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), ancient water reservoirs and dams, the Roman-style amphitheater, and the remains of fortifications carved directly into the rock.

According to tradition, Petra was the final stop of the Three Wise Men before continuing to Bethlehem with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the infant Jesus.

The excursion begins with a short horseback ride of approximately 700 meters, followed by a walk through the spectacular Siq canyon leading to the Treasury and the Roman Theater.

After the visit, departure from Petra to Aqaba.

Border crossing via the Aqaba Border Crossing.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Eilat.

Day 9 ✧ Eilat & Departure

Free time for leisure and relaxation on the shores of the Red Sea in Eilat.

Transfer from Eilat to the airport.