​Would you like to go on an adventure with a biblical archaeologist named Joel Kramer?

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Do you have a thirst to learn more about the Bible?​​

 

If so, this is the trip for you!

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(NOTE: This trip is for the adventurous and is not recommended for those who have mobility/balance issues. No walkers/wheelchairs allowed on the trip. You must be in good shape to go on this trip.)

November 3-November 14, 2025

Click boldface blue print for links!

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Sign up by February 28, 2025 

and receive a free book!

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(Quantities limited, one per family) ​

 

To see the optional insurance policy, click Travel Insurance Info 

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Trip is limited to one bus! We will not have a 2nd bus...no matter how fast it sells!

 

Join us for so many sites that you have read about in the Bible, including:

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• An entire day at Petra, one of the wonders of the world (need we say more!)

• Mount Nebo (Moses viewed Promised Land from here)

• Madaba Map (oldest map of the Holy Land, 1500 years old)

• Bethany on the Jordan (baptismal site of Jesus)

• Peniel (where Jacob wrestled with God)

• A rest day on the beach at the Red Sea!

• Sodom and Gomorrah

• Lot's Cave

• Machaerus (palace where John the Baptist was beheaded)

• Jordan Museum (where the Copper Scroll of the Dead Sea Scrolls is located)

• And so much more

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All guided by biblical archaeologist Joel Kramer--this will be an adventure!

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​Itinerary

(Click on boldfaced words for videos)

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DAY 1 – Monday, November 3, 2025: Flight from O'Hare Airport, Chicago

Today we will meet in Chicago for our flight to Amman, Jordan via wide-body aircraft arriving the next day. Meals served on board.

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DAY 2 – Tuesday, November 4, 2025: Flight to Amman, Jordan​

We transfer from the airport in Amman to our hotel for the first of a four-night stay.

HOTEL: Sulaf Luxury Hotel (Amman) Night 1 of 4

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DAY 3 – Wednesday, November 5, 2025: Tall Rabbath-Ammon/Philadelphia / Jordan Museum / Amorite Tower / Amman​

We will stick around Amman today as we begin the day at Tall Rabbath-Ammon, the Ammonite capitol city conquered by Joab under King David, both "the royal city" and "the city of waters" (probably the acropolis), but he postponed the conquest of the entire city until David's arrival (2 Sam. 11-12). From here we go to one of the Decapolis cities during the New Testament times, Philadelphia (Deut. 3:11; 2 Sam. 12:24-31; Jer. 49:1-6; Ez. 25:1-7). We get to spend a few hours this afternoon in the Jordan Museum which houses the Copper Scroll (3Q15) from the Dead Sea Scrolls. These were found in Cave 3 and apparently depicted a treasure map. Joel will take us to other places in the museum that have great biblical significance. Finally, we visit the Amorite Watchtower (Rjum al-Malfuf), a round tower constructed of large limestone slabs dating to the Roman period. We return to our Amman hotel for dinner and overnight.

HOTEL: Sulaf Luxury Hotel (Amman) Night 1 of 4

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Day 4  –  Thursday, November 6, 2025: Tall Hamman / Mt. Nebo / Madaba Map / Tall Heshban / Beth Peor/ Amman​

This morning we begin our day at Tall Hamman, the biblical Ariel Shittim that was used by the Israelites as their headquarters while preparing to cross the Jordan River (Nu. 25:1; 33:48-49; Josh. 2:1; 3:1; Micah 6:5). Next we go over to Mount Nebo (Pisgah in the OT) and visit the peak where Balaam son of Beor gave his second oracle (Nu. 23:13-26) and where Moses died after peering into the Promised Land (Deut. 34). We'll make our way to the church housing the Madaba Map, the oldest map of the Holy Land on an AD 6th century mosaic church floor. This is the real deal! Our next stop is Tall Heshban, the ancient capital of Sihon, king of the Ammorites, who was conquered by the Israelites and the city was rebuilt/inhabited by the tribe of Reuben (Nu. 21:21-31; 32:37). Our day ends at Beth Peor, which is located on the ridge overlooking Abel Shittim where Balaam gave his 3rd through 7th oracles (Nu. 23:27-24:25) and where the Israelites were led astray into sexual immorality and the worship of foreign gods (Nu. 25:1-18). We end the day by returning to our hotel in Amman. Click for Joel Kramer video of Beth Peor (5 minutes).​

HOTEL: Sulaf Luxury Hotel (Amman) Night 3 of 4

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DAY 5 –Friday, November 7, 2025:  Bethany by the Jordan / Tall Adam lookout / Tall Deir Allah (Succoth) / Peniel / Amman​

Today we go to Bethany by the Jordan, the actual site on the Jordan River where John the Baptist baptized Jesus (Matt. 3:13-17). It is at this ford of the river where Joshua and the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground as they entered the Promised Land (Josh. 3:14-17). This is also where Elijah was taken up into heaven (2 Kings 2). We'll then head over to Tall Adam, where the waters of the Jordan were cut off so that the Israelites could cross into the  Promised Land on dry ground (Josh. 3:14-17). Next is Deir Alla, or biblical Succoth (Gen. 33:17; Judges 8:4-17), one of the stations during the Israelite exodus (Ex. 12:37). Our last stop for the day is Peniel where Jacob wrestled with God (Gen. 32). This site is also called Mahanaim, where Ish-Bosheth (2 Sam 2:8-11) reigned over the northern kingdom of Israel and where David fled from Absalom (2 Sam. 17:24). This is our final night at our hotel in Amman. We pack up tonight to get ready for more adventures starting tomorrow!

HOTEL: Sulaf Luxury Hotel (Amman) Night 4 of 4

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DAY 6 –Saturday, November 8, 2025:  Tall Dibon / Aeror / Selah / Bozrah / Petra​

What a learning experience to visit new biblical sites that you probably didn't even know exist before this trip! We pack up the luggage and head to Tall Dibon, which was captured by the Israelites and inhabited by the tribe of Gad (Nu. 32:34), the capital of Moab (2 Kings 3; Jer. 48). We then make our way to Aeror, an ancient city located on the Arnon gorge (Nu. 21:12-14; Deut. 2:36; Jer. 48:18-20). From here we travel to Selah where the Israelite army captured and executed 10,000 Edomite warriors by throwing them off a cliff (2 Kings 14:7; 2 Chron. 25:11-12). Finally, we stop by Bozrah, the ancient capital of Edom (Is. 34:5-15; 63:1-6; Jer. 49:7-22). We are getting an Old Testament education on this trip, aren't we? We end at our hotel in Petra (1st night of a 2-night stay) and prepare ourselves for the highlight of our trip: Petra!​

Hotel: Moon Hotel (Petra) Night 1 of 2

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DAY 7 – Sunday, November 9, 2025:  Petra

This is one of the 7 wonders of the world., so put on your hiking shoes. We are spending an entire day hiking in Petra to experience the amazing craftsmanship of the Nabateans. There is beautiful rock-cut architecture and an innovative water management system, allowing this region to be inhabitable. Known as the Lost City, Petra is thought to have been built in the 4th century BC but the site was not uncovered until 1812, as the city laid under ancient layers of sand. Walk about the corner and the Treasury (featured in Indiana Jones, pictured above on this website) can be seen--what an amazing sight! There are plenty of hiking trails you will want to experience. You could walk 10-12 miles this day and still not see everything! We return for the second night of our Petra hotel stay and find a bath to soak in!

Hotel: Moon Hotel (Petra) Night 2 of 2

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DAY 8 – Monday, November 10, 2025: Little Petra / Wadi Rum

We begin at Little Petra, which served as an entrance to Petra for the Nabateans. We then go to Wadi Rum, the old spice route where the Queen of Sheba and later the magi traveled to Jerusalem (1 Kings 10:1-13; Matt. 2:1-12). We will then spend the night at the Wadi Rum Bedouin camp for an experience you won't forget. ​

Hotel: Mazayen Camp (Wadi Rum) 

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DAY 9 – Tuesday, November 11, 2025: Aqaba

Cruise on the Red Sea including lunch. You will hear the story of the Exodus and undertand the geography of this area in depth after seeing from the boat.​

Hotel: LaCosta Hotel (Aqaba)

 

Day 10 – Wednesday, November 12, 2025: Lot's Cave / Zoar / Gomorrah (Numeira) / Sodom (Bab edh Dhra) / Amman

There is Judgement when we sin against God, so today is a day to see the consequences of disobeying Him. We begin at Lot's Cave, the traditional location where Lot lived with his daughters after the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19:30-38). From here we visit Sodom and Gomorrah, the cities that the Lord destroyed by fire (Genesis 19:1-29). These really are the places you have read about in the Bible! ​

Hotel: Hotel Sulaf 1 of 2 nights

 

DAY 11: Thursday, November 13, 2025: Jerash /  Gadara (Um Quas) / Pella / Amman

It's our final day touring, as we have seen so much archaeology that helps us better understand our Bible. We start with Jerash, another one of the Decapolis cities (Matt. 4:24; Mark 5:20, 7:31) and, very similar to Bet Shean (another Decapolis city) many of us visited in Israel as it is one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world. From here we make our way to Gadara the hometown of the pig herder that Jesus cast the legion of demons into the pigs (Mark 5). Our last stop, if there is time, is Pella where the early Jewish Christians went to escape the AD 70 Roman destruction of Jerusalem. We return to Amman and prepare ourselves to wake up early for a flight out of Amman to the United States. ​

Hotel: Hotel Sulaf 2 of 2 nights

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DAY 12 – Friday, November 14, 2025: Flight home to Chicago's O'Hare

We say goodbye to Joel and head to the airport for our flight out of the beautiful airport of Amman. I guarantee, your friends may have spent a day or two in Jordan, but I bet nobody you know has seen so many biblical sites in this country as you have! We will never read our Old Testament the same!​

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Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.

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Cost of the LAND Trip: $4695 (all inclusive)

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​​Airfare out of Chicago on Royal Jordanian, direct flight to Amman: $1300 ​​​​

Single Room extra cost: $650

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November 3: Royal Jordanian 264 leaves ORD at 6:50 p.m., arrives 11/4 at 3:50 p.m.

November 14: Royal Jordanian 263 leaves Amman at 10:35 a.m., arrives ORD 3:15 p.m.

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Trip is sold out. Please contact Eric (eric@mrm.org)  to get on the secondary waitlist.

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What does the land only trip cost include?

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• Secondary Jordanian guide / bus / driver

• Archaeologist Joel Kramer is the main guide for the entire trip

• Hotels (most nights the hotel is 4 stars)

• All admission fees to archaeological sites and museums

• 2 meals a day, breakfast and dinner buffets

• Jordanian visa 

• Taxes and tips

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Not included: Optional travel insurance policy, lunches, transfer fee to airport (if purchasing land only), snacks/drinks, and souvenirs

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Questions you may have​

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Who is organizing this trip?

Eric Johnson (bio below) is the organizer along with Joel Kramer. Our professional travel agency working on all the details is Pilgrim Tours, based in Pennsylvania. Dan Bergey  is our personal representative. Joel Kramer is in charge of the itinerary and will guide us throughout the trip.

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What if I am coming by myself? Could I get a roommate?

The cost of the trip is based on double occupancy. You have 2 options:

1. You can request a single room, which will cost extra ($650)--this is QUITE a deal and recommended if you are single.

2. You can tell us who your roommate (also signing up) will be.

3. You can request a roommate if you don't know anyone. We will do our best to pair you up with someone of the same sex who is close (as possible) to  your age.

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Will there be a lot of walking?

Yes. You need to understand that this will be a very hands-on physical trip with hikes on dirt and mountain trails. Those who do not have good stamina or balance should not come on this trip, as we will walk on tells and do other archaeological "stuff." On our day in Petra, it will not be unusual to cover 10-15 miles that day. If you get tired, you are free to stay with the bus, as our driver stays with the bus when we are gone. Our day typically begins at 6 a.m. wake-up call, 6:30 breakfast, and 7:30 drive away from the hotel. We usually try to get back to the hotel by 5:30 p.m. Dinner is usually at 6:30 p.m.

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Do we need passports and visas?

Of course, you will need a passport. Your passport should not expire before May 2026 or you will need to renew it. You can apply for a passport at your local post office. Do yourself a favor and obtain this well in advance! As far as a Jordan visa, we will give you information how to obtain a visa that is included in your price.

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About archaeologist Joel Kramer

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Joel Kramer has led a life of adventure. (If you doubt this, just read his 2001 book Beyond Fear: A Harrowing Journey Across New Guinea through Rivers, Swamps, Jungle, and the Most Remote Mountains in the World).  He is the author of a 2020 book Where God Came Down, available on Amazon.com.  Joel operates the YouTube site Expedition Bible, with more than 700,000 subscribers!  Joel studied archaeology in Israel while working hands-on with top-notch archaeologists, including Shimon Gibson.  Joel is married to Cathy and has three children, one of whom gets married next summer. Those of you have experienced Joel in Israel know the treat you are in for! Don't miss this opportunity.

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About trip organizer Eric Johnson

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Eric Johnson taken more than 700 people, including more than 40 pastors and full-time Christian minister, to Israel and other biblical lands (including Footsteps of Paul and Jordan) since 2009! Those who have come with him have had the chance to learn how the Bible speaks about real people and real places while describing historical events. Eric believes that everyone should come to these places because seeing them for yourselves makes the Bible come alive. Eric has been to Jordan once before, but never a trip of this magnitude. ​Eric is married to Terri and together they have three daughters. 

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Registering for the Trip​

Get the link from Eric Johnson (eric@mrm.org) to register. This link will not be made public and is given only to those who are given permission to register. Please only register 2 people maximum at a time to avoid confusion.

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Check/Credit card: I recommend credit card, no additional fees

First/Last name

Passport copy: Your passport must be valid through May 2026. If you have a valid passport, PLEASE scan and upload your copy now. It saves a lot of time later. If you do not have a passport through that time, you must rewnew in the next 6 months.

Gender: Only 2 genders, we refuse to be politically correct!

Tour Name Nickname: What do you want to be called? Please do not be silly, just a shortened name or what you are called is best.

Date of Birth

Address/Email/Phone

Passport # and country: Again, if you can do this now, it really is helpful, but only if your passport is valid through May 2026.

Rooming: Single room costs $650 more. If you want a roommate, request one and we'll try to pair you with someone else. I do not recommend triple rooms unless it's absolutely necessary.

Emergency Contact and Phone Number

Second page, please pay the $500 per person deposit--credit card is recommended

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