This morning drive to Mount Nebo which dates back to the time of the Prophet Moses, around the 12th century BC. It is believed to be the site of the Prophet’s burial place and the point from where he viewed the “Promised Land”. Visit the remains of the mosaic floors with stunning designs that feature hunting and pastoral scenes, found in the small church, built by the early Christians in the 4th century AD.   From a platform in front of the church, a visitor may see a bronze memorial of a snake on a cross, which symbolizes the serpent lifted up by Moses in the desert, as well as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Proceed to Madaba, home of the most famous Byzantine mosaics. Visit the greatest and most significant of all the city’s treasures, the wonderful mosaic map of ancient Palestine, which is located on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. The 6^th century AD map, hailed as the oldest in existence, was depicted for the benefit of the pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land, as it represented the surrounding regions as well.

The River Nile, the Jordan River, Lake Tiberias and the Dead Sea are easily identified on this map, in addition to many cities such as Bethlehem, Gaza and Jerusalem. One can clearly make out the walls, towers, gates, streets and buildings of the Holy City of Jerusalem, especially the colonnaded main street or Cardo, and the domed church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Drive on to the rose-red city of Petra for a 2-night stay…

Optional:  A visit en route to Little Petra, a miniature Petra with a modest gorge (Siq el-Barid) that leads into the area of carved tombs and monuments. Of interest is the Painted Cave which is believed to have been a shelter for a sect focused on Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, as it contains remains of Greek-style plaster artwork, quite unique for Petra, displaying tangled vines and flowers with brightly colored birds and Cupid-like figures.

Explore the legendary city of Petra which was carved entirely out of solid sandstone rock more than 2,000 years ago and has been recently voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The breathtaking ancient city is accessed by foot through the magnificent 1.2 km narrow Siq (gorge), which leads to Petra’s most famous 1^st century BC monument, the spectacularly carved Treasury which appears dramatically as you enter the hidden city at the end of the Siq. The numerous stunning ruins of tombs, known as the Street of Facades, lead your way into the remarkable 3,000 seat rock carved Theatre, and the impressive collection of Royal Tombs. The once bustling colonnaded market street, leads to the Great Temple, the beautiful 5^th century AD Byzantine Church and to the mighty Qasr el-Bint Faroun.  Overnight in Petra (B)

Optional: Petra By Night tour (pay locally)

Available on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays, but could be cancelled without prior notice.

You will walk from the Visitors’ Centre via the Siq (gorge), which will be lit with candles, up to the Treasury. The walk will take about 30 – 40 minutes. Once the whole group is gathered in front of the Treasury, a Bedouin – playing on the Nai – will walk out from inside of the Treasury towards the Siq, whilst another one will be playing on the Rababa musical instrument. An English-speaking guide will briefly narrate the history of Petra.