Dead Sea

The Miraculous Waters Of The Dead Sea

June 8, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

So Salty That Nothing Can Live

The Dead Sea, a fascinating hypersaline lake, bringing health and healing to many. This land locked body of water is also known locally as the Salt Sea, where it’s shores are shared by Jordan, Israel, and The West Bank. It is one of the most unique places in the world. The Dead Sea and the shores that surround her, are over 1,300 feet below sea level. It has the unique honor of being the lowest place on the face of the earth. If that weren’t unusual enough, it is also the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. This fascinating lake is over 1,200 feet deep.

Peace And Tranquility Envelope You

As you arrive at the lake, it seems like the perfect place to spend the day, swimming in the beautiful and healing water. But just try to stand up, and you will get the biggest surprise. It is impossible to walk or stand. Your body will immediately want to float. The good news is, you will not sink. The bad news….just try to get out. Due to a natural buoyancy, anyone can easily float. Can’t swim? No problem, just lay back and relax. Let every muscle relax as you lay back, breathing in the fresh air. You are floating on the amazing Dead sea. Peace and tranquility will be your companions.

Are you one of these people who worry about critters in the lake? No need to worry, fish are totally unable to live in the harsh waters. Imagine water that is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean! Nothing lives in this harsh wonderland other than certain bacteria’s and microbial fungi. It is so salty that you can actually see different shapes of solid salt that have formed over the years. These salt shapes and figures are interesting to look at. Use your imagination and you can even see animals of salt and other shapes in these amazing waters.

“Miracle minerals of Life” in the salty Dead Sea.

The shores surrounding the Dead Sea are home to many health resorts. The mineral content of the water is extremely high. It is refreshing to the skin. People with skin ailments flock to these resorts to heal their dry flaky skin. There is healing in the water. There is health in the air. Due to the limited number of flowers that grow in the salty sand, the pollen count is quite low. The atmosphere surrounding the lake is also very low in allergens. There is very little pollen to blow around on a windy day. Even though very few things grow in this salty environment. There are beautiful flowers that call the area home.

Flowering Flamboyant Trees Live In The Desert Near The Dead Sea

There may not be many flowers near the Dead Sea, but these rare flowers of the desert are beautiful. Better known as the Flame Tree, these gorgeous flowers beckon you to tarry in the area. The desert is indeed blooming near the Dead Sea.

An Oasis In The Desert

Looking for a healthy retreat, or a place to relax? The Dead Sea can be your oasis in the desert. In the fresh desert air, you will rest and relaxation. In the mineral rich waters you will find healing. Leave your worries at home, pack your bag, and grab your passport. It is time for a desert experience at the Dead Sea.

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Published on [email protected] on June 18, 2017 at:

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Exploring Mount Nebo

April 13, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Mount Nebo Adventure

“The Promised Land” as Seen by ‪Moses on the top of Mount ‪Nebo in‪ Jordan is breathtaking. Mount Nebo is over 3,000 feet high and is just NW of Madaba across from the Northern most part of the Dead Sea. According to ancient tradition, it was from Mount Nebo that Moses looked out over “The Promised Land” before he died. We have the account of this experience recorded for us in the 34th chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Scriptures.

“Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land…. Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendents.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”

“And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day on one knows where his grave is.” Deuteronomy 34:1-6

Mount Nebo is an important site for Jews, Arabs, and Christians. Many visitors and pilgrims come to Jordan to visit this famous Mountain in the land of Moab. Many Christians include this area in their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

The site is owned and cared for by the Franciscan Order of the Roman Catholic Church. They have discovered many treasures from an earlier church on the site. They have found, not only significant remains of the early Byzantine Church itself, but many magnificent Byzantine mosaics. At the current time, a small simple structure has been built over these remains to protect them. The site is dedicated to Moses.

As Far As The Eye Can See

As for as the eye can see is the Holy Land as seen from Mount Nebo. It is amazing! Think about looking out over the side of Mount Nebo and seeing across the Holy Land and beyond. You literally see all of the Holy Land and even beyond its borders. Looking toward the north, is the valley of the River Jordan. The West Bank and the city of Jericho can usually be seen from the summit. Also on a clear day you can see the City of Jerusalem. What a magnificent view! What is the History of this astonishing view? Why is Mount Nebo so special? Come along with us as we explore the history of Jordan’s Mount Nebo.

In exploring the writings of the Fourth Century, we meet a Pilgrim Nun named Egeria. In her writings she shares about a Sanctuary built on Mount Nebo to honor Moses. It is thought that this church was built on the site of an earlier sanctuary. This church was completed in the year 394. This large church had three apses or semicircles on the East side. The altar was located in the apses with arches and a domed roof. Two funeral chapels completed the building. One was on the North side and the other on the South side. What a magnificent building it must have been!

During the Sixth Century we see even more change and excitement for this small church. The church was enlarged and then made into a Basilica. The Basilica was completed with a sacristy and new baptistery. There are many surviving floor mosaics that date from c.530 AD. The mosaics are beautiful! Soon after, a large monastery was built and a pilgrimage center. This was a thriving Basilica and Monastery for over six centuries. The Pilgrimage Center was constantly in use. Many Muslims visit the Memorial Church of Moses each year. Moses is considered a prophet to Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike. Many pilgrimages continue to this day.

This outstanding site was mostly abandoned by 1564. It remained highly neglected for many centuries. It was purchased by the Franciscan Order in 1993. The site was then excavated and restored.The modern additions to the excavated church have been very simple. They are little more than a basic shelter which protect the excavations and ancient mosaic floors.

On March 19,2000 Pope John Paul II was it’s first distinguished visitor. He came to the chapel during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. While he was there he planted an Olive Tree next to the Benzidine Chapel For Peace.

Today, Mount Nebo is an active Franciscan Monastery. The Franciscan Archaeological Institute also has their headquarters within the Monastery. This is a special stop for both visitors and pilgrims. Many come every year to walk in the steps of Moses.

The Great Rock On Mount Nebo

The Great Stone on Mount ‪Nebo is believed to be from the Tomb of Jesus. It stands today‬ as a memorial to ‪Moses. During recent years, the rock has been measured and found to fit the tomb exactly. The tomb also has the original stop for the rock when moved into place. Today it stands on the very spot that it is thought that Moses stood to look at the “Promised Land.” What a spectacular view!

Brazen Serpent Monument

A serpentine cross sculpture stands at the top of the Mountain. This was the creation of Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni. This monument is symbolic of the bronze serpent that was created by Moses in the wilderness. The words of Jesus in John 3:14 appear on the Monument.

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.”

The story of the bronze serpent is found in the Hebrew Bible in Numbers 21:4-9. The cross symbolizes the Cross on which Jesus was crucified. The words are recorded in the New Testament Scriptures in John 3:14.

The Ancient Baptistery

As you enter the Memorial Church of Moses on Mount Nebo, keep to the left for a magnificent surprise. You will see the excavated Baptistery complete with the most spectacular mosaics ever excavated. These magnificent mosaics can be skillfully dated to August 531, thanks to a inscription in Greek. It also lists the three workers on this project and the Bishop at the time it was built. The Bishop listed was Bishop Elias.

These amazing pristine mosaics were preserved in part, due to a second Baptistery that was laid over the top of the ancient Baptistery in 597. These spectacular mosaics remained undiscovered for over 1400 years. It was not until the excavation in 1976 that the first mosaic was found. It was restored and hangs on a wall.

These mosaics were very large squares that were divided into 4 real life strips. These strips contained scenes of men and animals depicting a way of life. Each had a nice border. The top two sections depict extreme hunting scenes. The first scene shows a humble shepherd fighting a lion and the second a solider in a fierce fight with a lioness. The other scene shows two horseback hunters engaged in a fight with a bear and a wild boar. All four of these mosaics show the precise detail of the artist.

The bottom scenes are very pastoral and calming. The first shows a shepherd watching after his sheep and goats while under the cover of a tree. The second depicts a darker skinned man leading an Ostrich on a leash. Another scene shows a young boy with a Zebra on a leash. The final scene shows a large spotted animal that looks much like a camel, though it could also be a zebra.

There are many more mosaics hanging in the central section of the church and on the side aisles. There are many pieces of the almost 600 tiles that made up the magnificent mosaic pavement. One of the most outstanding and oldest mosaics is a braided cross that is displayed on the south wall. There are also many mosaics taken from the Church of George in Mukhiya. These mosaics have a very old Arabic script, though it is not yet clear which one or how old.

To one side of the Baptistry hangs a extraordinary mosaic cross. The cross was excavated from the original Fourth Century Church and now hangs on the new modern altar. Next to the altar is a photograph of the Pope praying at this modern altar. The cross is shown in the background.

Theotokos Chapel

As you prepare to exit the Memorial Church of Moses there is a simple chapel over three of the rooms of the old Monastery. In the semi-circles on the East side of the church is a mosaic of a square object that may be a vessel used for Eucharist or may be an altar canopy. The mosaic also features many bulls and gazelles. The floor of the chapel is laid with many original mosaics of plants and animals of the time period. All these shed light into what life was like during the fourth to the seventh centuries.

The Ancient Monastery

On the highest section of Mount Nebo, Syagha, were found the complete remains of an ancient Byzantine church and the original monastery. These were found in the excavation of 1933. The walls of this ancient monastery can be seen as you exit and go outside.

Today the work of excavation continues as visitors and monks work and pray hand in hand. Morning and evening there is prayer in the monastery and all workers who desire are welcome to join. There are simple accommodations for a few workers at a time. During the day the many workers continue to locate new treasure and categorize the previous treasure found. The work is exacting but many hands make the labor easier. There is an atmosphere of prayer and meditation as they work. Today’s life on Mount Nebo is guided by a principle of simplicity and hard work.

Caves on Mount Nebo

The Mount Nebo Mountain Range is home to many caves. Some of these caves are shallow and open and others are deep and closed off. One of the deepest mysteries of Mount Nebo is the where-abouts of the Ark of the Covenant. According to the ancient Hebrew writings of the Maccabees, it was hid in a cave on Mount Pisgah, the highest peak in the Mount Nebo Mountain Range. According to Second Maccabees, Jeremiah carried the tent, the ark, and the incense altar into a cave on Mount Pisgah and then sealed the opening. The account in Second Maccabees reads as follows:

2 Maccabees 2:4-8

^4″These same records also tell us that Jeremiah, acting under divine guidance, commanded the Tent of the Lord’s Presence and the Covenant Box to follow him to the mountain where Moses had looked down on the land which God had promised our people. ⁵When Jeremiah got to the mountain, he found a huge cave and there he hid the Tent of the Lord’s Presence, the Covenant Box, and the altar of incense. Then he sealed up the entrance.

⁶Some of Jeremiah’s friends tried to follow him and mark the way, but they could not find the cave. ⁷When Jeremiah learned what they had done, he reprimanded them, saying,

No one must know about this place until God gathers his people together again and shows them mercy. ⁸At that time he will reveal where these things are hidden, and the dazzling light of his presence will be seen in the cloud, as it was in the time of Moses and on the occasion when Solomon prayed that the Temple might be dedicated in holy splendor.”

Whatever your belief about the Ark of the Covenant, one thing is for certain, it is one of the possible mysteries of the Mount Nebo Mountain Range. Archaeologist Crotser, in the fall of 1981, is said to have found the ark and took pictures. No one has dared to touch it. They all remember what happened in days of old when someone dared to touch this unique golden box. So for now, it still remains one of the mysteries of Mount Nebo in Jordan.

If you are looking for adventure, then consider Mount Nebo. Go beyond the Memorial Church of Moses and climb the beautiful mountain range. Explore all the ruins and treasures. Find the answer to many questions by spending time exploring the wonderful mosaics of the original baptistry. Grab your passport and pack your back pack. Get the necessary permissions if you want to hike the mountain range. A Jordan adventure is waiting in the Mount Nebo Mountain Range.

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Refuge In The Judean Desert

March 9, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Refuge In The Judean Desert

Ein Gedi is a refuge in the Judean Desert. An exciting tourist destination, it sits on the banks of the Dead Sea. It is an oasis in the midst of a harsh and relentless desert. It is sandwiched between the harsh Judean Desert and this amazing sea of health. Ein Gedi is one of the most exciting destinations in Israel, next to Jerusalem. It’s natural and unrestrained beauty is tantalizing. It’s history is intriguing. The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth. It is also the saltiest place on earth. This makes any Dead Sea adventure an exploration in health and rejuvenation.

Ein Gedi is nestled among the rough and wild mountains of the Judean Desert. This is perhaps one of Israel’s harshest deserts. Nestled between the outstanding Dead Sea and this harsh and wild desert is a natural oasis of health and beauty. This is an exciting destination and jumping off point to explore this vast and fascinating area. With its captivating history, inspiring day trips, and many spas, it is the perfect place to spend several days.

Ein Gedi also provides the perfect place to discover the hidden beauty of this amazing desert. Here you will see a green garden of Eden at the edge of a dry and hot desert. There are two year around springs that flow all year. There are rivers that run through the steep canyons . These canyons are surrounded with lush green vegetation and trees. Indeed, the desert is green and blooming.

Kibbutz Ein Gedi was built in 1953 and has a lovely botanical garden. Here you will find many unusual plants and trees from all over the world. There are some unique plants in the garden that can only be viewed at night. A walk through the kibbutz in the evening will allow you to see some plants that only show their beauty at night. Visitor accommodations are in nice guest houses on the kibbutz, a near-by field school or if you prefer, you can camp on the shore of the Dead Sea.

Ein Bokek is another near by day trip. This is a beautiful area of reeds and shrubs. It is an area that is always spring. This area in the desert has both water and shade. What an oasis for those who thirst and are weary. High in the Judean mountains is the source of this abundant water, which then leaks through the limestone. Here you will also find the ruins of a wall that survived from the Byzantine era and the remains of a bathhouse. It is a perfect half-day trip on a hot afternoon. It is always spring at Ein Bokek.

Ein Tzukim is another nearby jewel. Ein Tzukim is a natural reserve and archaeological site on the northwestern shores of the Dead Sea. There are three sections to the natural reserve. One part is open to the public and has many natural pools of mineral water for bathing. These pools are surrounded by tall foliage. The second section has many different native fish and is only open to the public for tours on Fridays. There is a third section of the reserve that is open to scientists only.

The archaeological site is the ruins of a community thought to be built about the same time as the buildings at the Qumran Community. It is a rather large ruins and is quite interesting. Because of similar building styles, it was most likely inhabited by members of the same community.

Mount Sodom is a hill along the southwestern part of the Dead Sea. It is another part of the Judean Desert Nature Reserve. Here you will find awesome desert beauty. Mount Sodom is made up of earth, rock, and salt. It continues to grow taller each year. One of the pillars of salt is named “Lot’s Wife.” The story of how Lot’s wife looked back when fleeing from Sodom and Gomorrah is found in the book of Genesis in the Bible. This Bible narrative begins in the 19th chapter of the book of Genesis.

This is an area of many caves waiting to be explored. Just south of the Valley of Elah is the remains of Adullam, a Biblical city. After the battle between David and Goliath, David became a hero to the people. It also caused great jealousy in the heart of King Saul, who then sought to kill him. It was here that David, the future king of Israel, fled to get away from King Saul.

Adullam was also the Village home of the wives of Judah. Judah was the fourth son of the Patriarch Jacob who became known as Israel.This was one of several cities that King Rehoboam, son of King Solomon, fortified. He fortified these cities with food, oil, and wine. He also had great collections of shields and spears.

Another day trip by jeep are the Qumran Caves. Here you can discover the remains of the town where the 2,000 year old Dead Sea Scrolls were written and unearthed. This was during the time of the Second Temple. Qumran is located on the Northwest shore of the Dead Sea. It is believed that the Dead Sea Scrolls belonged to a small community of hermits that are called the Dead Sea Sect. You can see these scrolls while in Jerusalem at the Shrine of The Book.

Climbing Up The Side Of Masada

The dramatic ascension up to the ancient fortress of Masada is breathtaking. The spectacular view of the valley below and the wide expanse of the desert is magnificent. You will see amazing views of the Dead Sea, Masada, Gomorrah, Sodom, and Ein Gedi.

Masada was King Herod’s Fortress in the sky. It is believed that King Herod built Masada between 37 and 31 BCE. The fortress stands more than 440 feet above the Dead Sea and is completely isolated with deep gorges and canyons all around it. It has been beautifully preserved. It is a short walk from where you get off the cable car to the fortress. What magnificent and unspoiled beauty.

Masada was the last Jewish stronghold that stood against the Roman invasion. There are many Jewish symbols here that are well-preserved. The fortress with it’s sad story has been well protected because of its desert location. The hot dry climate and it’s remoteness have helped to preserve this beautiful fortress. Josephus writes about Masada in his book, “The Jewish War.”

Soothing Miracle Waters

Soothing miracle-working waters of the Dead Sea border Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan. What an amazing resource of health to all three areas. Like Eden, it provides health and renewal to those who visit her shores. It’s amazing beauty is relentless. It’s shores provide calmness and relaxation. It’s miracle waters bring healing to many, leaving your skin smooth like the day you were born. Many skin diseases reportedly have been healed in this amazing body of water.

King Herod was the first person known to take advantage of this ancient miracle water. Now this location has gotten International attention. Tourists flock there from all over the world seeking healing and relaxation.

Surrounding Area Of The Dead Sea

The area surrounding the Dead Sea has many hotels, hostels and guest houses to accommodate visitors to the area. There is also camping on the Dead Sea near the kibbutz. There are many fine restaurants and several shopping centers. The area has mineral baths, mud baths, spas, and health resorts.

For those who like an adventure, there are jeep tours, bicycle tours, and even camel tours. There is Bedouin hospitality and tent camps in the desert. The area has many art galleries, cultural centers, archaeological sites and ruins that have been well-preserved. This is a unique area with fascinating architecture and local markets.

There are also several resorts in the area where those that have severe skin problems can come and spend a couple of weeks and get personalized assistance. Here, they enjoy the healing waters of the Dead Sea. Dotted throughout the area are numerous gift stores where you can buy Dead Sea products to take home, such as bath salts, skin creams, and soaps.

The Northwestern side of the Dead Sea is also a Pilgrimage site for Christians who visit here especially during the time of Easter. After leaving the Dead Sea they continue on their Pilgrimage to the Jordan River, which is the traditional site of the Baptism of Jesus. Pilgrimages have followed this route over the centuries and still continue to do so. Many pilgrimages are set up by Church groups and they travel together. You can also contact a local tour guide to arrange to add you to a Holy Land pilgrimage.

Another amazing discovery in the area are the monasteries. During the fourth century it was quite common for Christian monks to build magnificent monasteries on the sides of the cliffs. Some of the most famous in the area are St. George Monastery, Quruntul Monastery, Khozeba Monastery, and Mar Saba Monastery. Some of these monasteries are still in use today and they share wonderful accounts of what life is like in these remote desert monasteries.

No matter if this is your first trip or if you have been here several times before, there is always more to see and do. Take time to enjoy the people, the rich history, and all the uniqueness of this area. This is one of the most fabulous places to visit in the world.

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Siq al-Barid In Jordan‬

February 4, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Siq al-Barid In Jordan

Siq al-Barid, literally means “the cold canyon.” It is one of the most amazing archaeological sites in the Middle East. It is located just north of Petra near the town of Wadi Musa. It’s rugged beauty is extraordinary! It is another one of the incredible Nabataean sites. Like Petra, you can only reach Siq al-Barid by traveling through a Siq. It is a very high carved pathway through the rocks. It is the only way to reach Siq al-Barid. The sides are so tall, that very little sunshine reaches the Siq. Most likely that is where the name comes from. It is indeed much colder than the surrounding area in the Siqs.

In these beautiful sandstone canyons you will find whole buildings carved into the stone. They are magnificent! The workmanship is suburb by any standard. The Nabataeans were a very advanced civilization. Join our team as we climb the Siq al-Barid. The beauty we see is staggering. Nothing in this world prepared us for what we would discover in the Siq al-Barid.

The Siq al-Barid is actually three wide open areas that is connected by a canyon that is 1,480 feet deep. The canyon is beautiful with the many different colors of sandstone. It is considered part of the Petra Heritage Site, though it is much smaller in size than Petra. It is thought to have been a suburb of the Nabataean capital, Petra. Archaeologists are not able to identify all the ways each building was used, but most feel that it was a place to accommodate visiting traders traveling on the Silk Road. What a magnificent inn!

Little Petra, like Petra, most likely was built during the first century CE. During this time period, the Nabataeans were extremely influential. In later years, as the Nabataean influence began to fall into obscurity, so their beautiful cities were abandoned and lost to mankind. Only the local Bedouins knew where they were. Until the 20th Century, only the Bedouins used Siq al-Barid. In the 20th Century the excavation of the area began. What amazing things they have found and are still uncovering. Not only the buildings themselves, but the amazing art-work on the walls gives much insight to the life of the Nabataeans.

Little Petra sits in a very dry area. It is in a “baked and thirsty land.” The mountains of the desert are rugged but the beauty is breathtaking. The area is over 3,000 feet above sea level. It is just East of the famous Arabian Desert. The wide range of colors in the Jordan desserts are unbelievable. There are hues of brown, orange, and red. The deserts themselves are amazing! Leaving Siq al-Barid to the West, you will descend out of the mountains and into the beautiful Jordan Rift Valley. This valley also includes areas around the Dead Sea. There are places near the Dead Sea that are over 1,300 feet below sea level. This is a magnificent area that is full of history. A Nabataean adventure is perhaps one of the most interesting in the Middle East.

If you have an eye for adventure, then Jordan will provide the perfect locations. Jordan is a country that is immersed in natural beauty. The beautiful red desserts are breathtaking. The workmanship of the Nabataean people is beyond anything else of that era. The people of Jordan are friendly and welcoming. There is no where else that provides so much breathtaking history. This is a perfect year to plan a Jordanian adventure.

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Middle East Adventure Week Two

July 24, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Middle East Adventure Week Two

Middle East Adventure continues as we now embark on week two. Our guide, Elinoar Nitzani, arrives and we are off to see the hot and amazing Judean Desert. We pass the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a Bedouin Shepherd. Fragments from over 2oo books were found in these caves. The caves are beautiful and many can be seen from the highway. It is yet another example of natural beauty in the Middle East.

Reaching Masada our team experiences the most amazing beauty dating back to Roman times. Masada is a beautiful fortress built on an isolated rock cliff at the western end of the Judean Desert. This amazing Middle East fortress overlooks the Dead Sea. Josephus Flavius dramatically recounts the sad story of Masada, told to him by the only two survivors in his book, The Jewish War.

Arriving at the Dead Sea we experience the pleasures of the world’s lowest and saltest Sea. The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, is bordered by Israel, Jordan, and The West Bank. The shore of the Dead Sea is 1,388 feet below sea level. It is the world’s lowest point on earth! At 1,237 feet deep, it is the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. The saline levels of this lake surpass those found in the ocean by 8.6 %. The salinity of the Dead Sea is 33.7%, making it the saltest body of water in the world. The unusually high levels of salt concentrations makes it possible for people to easily float on the lake. This amazing body of water is too salty for any animal or fish to live in its waters. The Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea and is its only tributary. Biblically, the Dead Sea was a place of refuge for King David and has always been a place dedicated to health and beauty. What a fantastic place of natural beauty! This is another jewel in the Middle East.

From the Dead Sea we make a seamless transfer at the Taba Border Station. We say good bye to our Israeli guide, Elinoar Nitzani, and with the help of several drivers make the transfer into Jordan where we meet our new guide, Ahmad Hussein. After entering Jordan, we travel to Aqaba where we spend the night at the Intercontinental Aqaba Hotel. This quality 5 star resort hotel has all the amenities that one would expect in a quality resort. The service was excellent, and they serve a fantastic breakfast and dinner buffet. From our room, we have a treasured view of the Red Sea and the resorts own private beach. The Red Sea has dazzling and spectacular coral beds and is a major destination for divers and snorkelers.

Intercontinental Aqaba Hotel
AQABA RESORT ON JORDAN’S RED SEA
http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/aqaba/aqjha/hoteldetail

Our first day in Jordan and we are able to relax and enjoy the Red Sea. Can you imagine all the stories it could tell around the campfire? In the afternoon we take a Jeep ride out into this Middle East desert. Just think, Lawrence of Arabia came this same way! Would you like to join us for tea in the desert? The Bedouins make an excellent pot of tea! What an enjoyable way to end the day! Our second night in Jordan we are spending in the modern city of Petra at the Movenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel. This 5 star hotel is amazing! Service is excellent and the food is marvelous.
http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/middle-east/jordan/petra/hotel-petra-nabatean-castle/overview/

Today we get an early start, as we are spending the day at Petra, an ancient city carved into the sandstone of the desert. Petra is surrounded by tall and lofty mountains, filled with passage ways and gorges, riddled with mysterious caves and secret places. Petra has been inhabited since prehistoric times! This is a Nabataean caravan-city, hidden in the rocks between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. This amazing rock-cut city was the capital city of the Nabateans. Can you imagine the secrets it could tell? Latter during Hellenistic and Roman periods, it became a major caravan center in the Middle East. As a caravan center, it helped Arabia with it’s incense trade, provided a way for China silks to become known world wide, and the spices of India became a household name. The mysterious Petra is a city lost among the rock. What amazing Middle East architecture!

There are several ways to get to the top of Petra, and most of the team elects to walk. The first leg of this amazing journey can be done with a cart and a donkey. Guests of a Bedouin driver, you can elect to take a cart for the first half of the journey. The Bedouins are active in providing different types of transportation for a reasonable fee. Once you get to the hidden city, you can walk to the top or choose to take a camel to the top. The camels are awesome and provide a safe trip to the top. Personally, I am delighted and enjoying my camel and donkey transportation! What an amazing way to travel in the Middle East!

This is the day that we prepare to see Madaba. Madaba is home to some of the most amazing mosaics on earth. We watch as skilled artisans demonstrate the art of mosaics. What a fascinating art!

From Madaba we prepare to climb to the top of Mount Nebo, like Moses did so many years before us. The view from this mountain seems like we can see whole Middle East. In the words of Moses, see the description of this amazing view of the Holy Land and beyond.
Deuteronomy 34: 1-3 (JPS Tanakh 1917)
“1 And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, even Gilead as far as Dan; 2 and all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah as far as the hinder sea; 3 and the South, and the Plain, even the valley of Jericho the city of palm-trees, as far as Zoar.”

Our last stop before we leave Jordan is Jerash. Jerash is another ancient Middle East city built by the Romans. The ruins at Jerash are marvelous. We are amazed as we climb and walk this ancient city. This city has been continuously occupied for the last 6,500 years and many consider it a favorite destination in Jordan. Here in Jeresh, we meet antiquity in all it’s splendor. Ahmad Hussein is our excellent guide for this day. Our guide leaves us at the border crossing. We cross the border at Beit Shean and our driver returns us to The Market House in Tel Aviv.

Today we are up and ready early to visit the West Bank and the towns of Ramallah and Nablus. Ramallah is a Palestinian city in the central West Bank. While in Ramallah we are having a very traditional Palestinian lunch. The food is fantastic. All of the food we have had in the Middle East has been terrific! We are enjoying our day in the West Bank very much. We are so privileged to have Mr. Yossef Barakat and Mrs Silvia Barakat as our guides today. They are excellent guides and we enjoy our time under their guidance. The day is quickly ending and we return to The Market House in Tel Aviv.

This part of our journey is totally awesome. The Exploretraveler Team are thankful for all our guides and drivers and for Noah Tours and their countless hours of planning in our behalf. We look forward to our next adventure in the Middle East.

Guy/ Sales Department
Noah Tours Ltd.
Communication Centre Neve Ilan,
Harey Yehuda 90850, Israel

Office: +972-2-6339956
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