Biblical Archaeology Society

JORDAN
THE FORGOTTEN HOLY LAND
Understand Jordan Through the Eyes of A Scholar
Led by Dr. John Swanson of the American University in Cairo
November 5-14, 2021

The Dead Sea — Petra — Wadi Rum —Amman

Biblical Sites — Ancient Ruins — Desert Landscapes — Starry Skies
To see, to touch and briefly inhabit the scene of so many episodes of the Bible;
to reflect upon its heroes and heroines and imagine them in the setting in which they actually
lived; to walk in their footsteps, and contemplate the same landscapes, experience – as they
did – the heat of the day and the cool of the night, breathe the same scents – and come as
close as is humanly possible to the places and objects that were theirs in the hope of
acquiring, like an echo of the past, some tiny part of the ‘holiness’ of this Holy Land…Jordan is
the perfect setting for this experience. Perhaps because of the landscapes, the light, the
scents, and the silence which have remained unchanged; or perhaps the richness and variety
of one’s personal encounter bear the mark of a presence which alone gives meaning to this
country seemingly so small from without and yet so vast from within…. Richard Dale Billings 2001
Dr. John Swanson of the American University in Cairo
Brings Context and Perspective to your Experiences
John T. Swanson, Ph.D. African History, is currently Senior Advisor at the American University
in Cairo (AUC). He previously served as Associate Provost, Professor of Egyptology and
History, and Director of International Programs. During the time that he was director of AUC’s
outreach efforts he was featured as a study leader for a variety of major educational travel
programs for many prestigious American educational institutions. John’s Seminar received
rave reviews from BAS Participants in 2019.

“I cannot express sufficiently my positive response to the clarity and the fullness of
the Dr. Swanson Seminar. Without his thorough, interesting, and engaging day's
presentation what we saw and experienced would have been lost. Dr. Swanson's
gift stabilized and deepened our understanding of our Jordan encounters.”

BAS Signature Exclusive Experiences

Explore Jordan’s 12 Biblical Sites
Mount Nebo – Madaba – Machaerus – Bethany – Lot’s Cave and 7 more
Meet with archaeologists and view Petra Scrolls at the American Center of Oriental Research.
Explore Petra with an archaeologist
Spend a night at Wadi Rum in a luxury Bedouin tent:
Hunt for Neolithic Rock Art with an expert
Gaze at the starry desert night sky, take a desert safari and dine in a Bedouin tent
Marvel at the Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics at Madaba.
Discover Byzantine Churches at the rarely visited Madaba Archaeological Park.
Explore ongoing archaeology at Gawr As Safi.
Meet members of a farming community and cook a meal with them.

“Wadi Rum is home to modern Bedouins, ancient Nabataeans, some of the most massive and
unique rock formations on earth, and for a while, Lawrence of Arabia. Dinner and an overnight
experience under the stars in Bedouin tents are among my most unforgettable experiences.”
—BAR Editor Robert Cargill
Friday, November 5
On independent arrival transfer to the Hilton Dead Sea Resort and Spa. The balance of the day
is free before your enlightening encounters with Jordan begin.

Saturday, November 6 B L
This morning, enjoy a seminar led by Dr. John Swanson, PH.D. Middle East History; Professor
and Vice-Provost American University in Cairo covering the history of Jordan from Neolithic/
Biblical times to the present. John’s presentations will shed light on all of your Jordan
experiences, and offer a depth and breadth that will inform and inspire.

This afternoon visit Mt. Nebo, the traditional mountain that Moses ascended to gaze into the
promised land (Deut. 34:1). Madaba is famous for the Madaba Mosaic Map in the floor of the
Church of St. George, which offers a snapshot of where ancient cities were in the 6th century
CE when the map was created. At the rarely visited Archaeological Park we’ll view exquisite
mosaics in a collection of Byzantine Churches. Enjoy lunch in a 19th-century villa (considered
some of the best food in Jordan).

Sunday, November 7 B L
After your morning seminar, enjoy a date tasting experience at a local Date Farm (Jordan is
known for some of the finest dates in the world); savor a home cooked lunch at the farm. Visit
Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan; mentioned in the New Testament as the place where John the
Baptist performed baptisms, including that of Jesus; Bethany (John 1:28-29) is known as
Bethabara in the Madaba Map. Visit the Dead Sea Panorama Museum with spectacular views
of the area.

Monday, November 8 B L
Depart the Dead Sea this morning for Lot’s Cave, the traditional site where Lot hid and lived
with his two daughters (Gen. 19:30), and the Sugar Mill recent archaeological discovery and its
museum, meet local farmers - pick fruits and vegetables and enjoy lunch with them. From
here, drive to Petra and check into the Hyatt Zaman Village.

Tuesday, November 9 B L
Over 2,000 years ago the Nabataean Arabs created a city by carving houses, temples, tombs,
theaters and a water system out of rock. This morning meet an expert Archaeologist for a full
day tour of Petra: the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, it is the crown jewel of Jordan and
one of the archaeological wonders of the ancient world. A city carved from stone, Petra is a
must-see site that cannot be adequately captured in words or on film.

Wednesday, November 10 B L D
This morning visit Beidha or Little Petra where archaeologists believe the site was a merchant’s
‘suburb’ of its namesake. Travel to Wadi Rum where you will be immersed in stunningly
magnificent desert landscapes that T. E. Lawrence described as ‘Vast, echoing, and God-like’.
Take a desert safari, hunt for Rock Art with a Bedouin expert, enjoy dinner with him in a
Bedouin Tent, and spend the evening gazing at the desert sky. “Wadi Rum is home to modern
Bedouins, ancient Nabataeans, some of the most massive and unique rock formations on earth,
and for a while, Lawrence of Arabia. “Dinner, and an overnight experience under the stars in
Bedouin tents are among my most unforgettable experiences.” – BAR Editor Robert Cargill
Thursday, November 11 B
Depart Wadi Rum; visit Umm ar-Rassas which is identified with the Biblical site of Mephaat
(Jer. 48:21) due to the discovery of massive, sophisticated mosaics that once served as the floor
of the 8th century Church of Saint Stephen. On the way to Amman, visit Machaerus, the hilltop
fortress where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed by Herod Antipas (Josephus,
Antiquities 18.5.2; Mark 6:24). Arrive Amman; check in to the Al Qasr Metropole Hotel.

Friday, November 12 B L
Amidst beautiful pine forests and olive groves visit; Ajloun - a 12th-century Muslim castle built
by the Ayyubids that guarded three wadis that led to the Jordan Valley below, Anjara or
“running spring,” is home to the “Our Lady of the Mount” Catholic pilgrimage site, and Tel Mar
Elias, an archaeological site recognized by some as the possible Biblical site of Tishbe
mentioned 1 Kings 17:1, the residence and/or birthplace of the Prophet Elijah. Enjoy a Lebanese
lunch and visit Um Quis, the former Decapolis city of Gadara (Matt. 8:28) leveled during the
Jewish Revolt against Rome. Explore the ruins with magnificent views of the Golan Heights and
Lake Tiberias. Visit the Decapolis city of Pella; known as early as the Neolithic period, it grew
powerful during the Greek and Roman periods, and became a center for Christianity,
constructing hundreds of monasteries during the Byzantine period. This evening attend a
private reception and presentation at ACOR; meet with archaeologists view the Petra Scrolls.

Saturday, November 13 B L
Travel north of Amman to Jerash; one of the best-preserved Hellenistic and Roman sites in the
eastern Mediterranean, and the Decapolis city of Biblical Gerasa (Mark 5:1) is a vast treasure
trove of remains of temples, theatres, colonnaded streets, and a magnificent cardo maximus,
transporting you back to the glory of Rome. Back in Amman visit the Citadel; site of ancient
Rabbath-Ammon with Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic remains, the Roman Theater, which
dates back to AD138-161 and the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Visit the Jordan Museum
which houses artefacts from Jordanian History and is home to some of the Dead Sea Scrolls,
including the enigmatic Copper Scroll, and the ʿAin Ghazal statues, which are among the oldest
figurines ever made by human hands. Enjoy lunch at the famous Wild Jordan Café. With organic
food and spectacular views of Amman, this is the perfect ending to your Jordan experience.

Sunday, November 14 B
Depart Amman and transfer to the airport for your individual flights to the U.S.
INFORMATION
Date
November 5-14, 2021

Costs

$5,695 Per person based on double occupancy

$ 895 Single supplement

Included

Visa for U.S. Citizens with proper documentation

Private arrival transfers

Private bus transportation within Jordan

Meals Per Itinerary

Entrance fees to sites per itinerary

10 nights hotel accommodations

All tours as described in itinerary

Educational program as outlined in itinerary

Pre-departure information including suggested reading and general information

What to Expect
You must be able to make long walks, unassisted, over uneven terrain and up and down steps.
Participants who are not able to walk or stand unassisted for extended periods are kindly
advised not to join this tour. All participants are expected to be physically active and not be an
impediment to others on excursions, to enjoy traveling as part of a group, and to be ready to
experience cultural differences. Some sites require strenuous and/or brisk walking or climbing,
sometimes with difficult footing. You must wear a sturdy walking shoe, not sandals, at all
times. At the time of year that we visit Jordan – a desert climate, the weather should be sunny
and dry; average daytime temperatures in the mid- 70s F and nighttime temperatures dipping
to the 50s F.

Note
The departure for Jordan has been planned for November 2021 when, according to the best
information available now, participants will be protected by vaccination for Covid 19. Should
this information change, we will adjust accordingly or possibly postpone to March 2022.
Jordan The Forgotten Holy Land
November 5-14, 2021 BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY
REGISTRATION FORM SOCIETY

Enclosed is my deposit check of $1,000 per person payable to Journeys of the Mind, Inc. I understand that Join us on this new and
I will lose my deposit should I cancel between 120-90 days prior to departure and am responsible for exciting adventure
full payment no later than August 5, 2021. Please mail either copy or original with original signature to:

Biblical Archaeology Society PRICES AND INFORMATION:

4710 41st St, NW - Washington, DC 20016
202-364-3300 ext 216
E-mail: abregon@bib-arch.org TOUR COSTS
Per Person $ 5,695
Please read the terms and conditions (reverse side) and retain a copy for your records.
(based on double occupancy)
Upon receipt and confirmation, general information, insurance form and reading list will be provided.

Name in full as it appears on passport: Single Supplement $895

____________________________________Birthdate____________
INCLUDED:
Passport No: _________________________________ Issue Date: _____________ Expires: _____________
 Private arrival/departure
Name in full as it appears on passport: transfers to/from flights
____________________________________Birthdate____________
 Deluxe Bus Transportation
Passport No: _________________________________ Issue Date: _____________ Expires: _____________
within Jordan
 Meals per itinerary - daily
Name(s) for badge(s) _____________________________________________________________________ breakfast Entrance fees to
sites per itinerary
Address: _________________________________________City/State/Zip ___________________________  Professional tour host plus
seminar, guide and on site
Day Phone ( ) ____________________________ Evening Phone ( ) _______________________________ experts.
 Enrichment Seminar
E-mail(s) ________________________________________________________________________________
 Pre-trip information packet
Single Supplement ___________ Rooming With ________________________________________________  Visa processing for U.S.
Citizens with proper
Room Preference _____ Single _____Double _____ Twin documents

Medical issues/physical limitations we should know about: _______________________________________

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
 $1000 deposit upon
application
_______________________________________________________________________________________
 Balance due, payable by
check, no later than August 5,
We consider this a moderately strenuous program. All tour participants are expected to be in active 2021
good health, enjoy traveling as part of a group, and ready to experience cultural differences with grace.
As a condition to acceptance of any application, each applicant must agree to, and sign, the statement set
forth below. Pre tour
I have read carefully the itinerary and outline for this tour, the What to Expect section, as well as the Extra Hotel Nights $189
terms and conditions and refund policy of application and participation on the reverse side. My signature
below and payments constitute my acceptance of the above items. I represent that I am physically and
mentally fit to be able to participate fully in it and recognize and accept any risks thereof and the
Information is available upon
conditions set forth therein, including the refund policy. I also understand and hereby agree for and on request and subject to the tour
behalf of myself, my dependents, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns to abide by the terms
conditions set forth under RESPONSIBILITY on the reverse side, and to release, defend and hold harmless
The Biblical Archaeology Society and Journeys of the Mind, Inc. and any of their officers, agents,
licensees or representatives from any and all liability for delays, illness, injuries or death, or for the loss
of or damage to my property, however occurring, during any portion of, or in relation to, Jordan The
Forgotten Holy Land, November 5-14, 2021.

Signature __________________________________________________ Date __________________

Signature __________________________________________________ Date __________________

 TERMS AND CONDITIONS
JORDAN THE FORGOTTEN HOLY LAND—November 5-14, 2021
THE TOUR COSTS INCLUDE:
AIR TRANSPORTATION: If you decide to purchase your international air
prior to 90 days before departure, please contact our office first. Journeys
of the Mind, Inc./BAS cannot be held responsible for cancellation penalties
related to international airline tickets. .
HOTELS: Deluxe or as indicated based on two persons sharing twin-bedded
room with private bath and/or shower. Journeys of the Mind reserves the
right to substitute hotels in similar categories. Standard of hotels are not
consistent with norms.
SINGLE ACCOMMODATIONS: Journeys of the Mind will endeavor to ar-
range for a congenial roommate, this is not always possible or recommend-
ed; a single supplement will be charged when required or requested.
MEALS: Breakfast daily and as indicated.
TRANSFERS: Complimentary international arrival and departure transfers
are provided plus group transfers in conjunction with tour flights.
SIGHTSEEING/TRANSPORTATION: All sightseeing tours described provided
by best available air-conditioned motor coaches, or other vehicles depend-
ing upon circumstances at the time of tour operation. All entrance fees to
places visited in the itinerary are included.
LECTURER/GUIDES: As indicated on itinerary.
BAGGAGE: Includes the transportation and handling of two pieces of lug-
gage per person throughout within the limits of airline regulations.
GRATUITIES AND TAXES: All local/government taxes on hotels, meals and
services listed. Tips are not included.
ARRANGEMENTS: The tour price includes planning, handling and operating
charges. The tour price is based on 10 participants. An administration fee
of $200 will be charged for any deviation (limited) from the printed itiner-
ary when requested in writing up to 60 days prior to departure and are not
accepted after this time. All deviations and options are subject to the terms
and conditions stated herein.
THE TOUR COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE:
International/domestic air, passport and visa fees, cost of personal/trip
cancellation and baggage insurance, transportation of excess baggage, all
items of a personal nature such as laundry, beverages, drinks, gratuities,
optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour, individual trans-
fers to join or leave the group once the tour has commenced, meals not
shown as included, menu items not on the table d'hote menu, and any
item not specifically mentioned as included.
RATES: All rates quoted in U.S. dollars based on tariffs and rate of exchange
in effect as of November, 2020. These rates are subject to change prior to
the operation of the tour. In the event of a marked increase in foreign
currency or in tariff rates, the cost is subject to revision.
RESERVATION AND DEPOSIT: Early reservations are essential. A deposit of
$1000 is required to ensure your membership. Balance of payment is due
no later than August 5, 2021.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND: Cancellations must be made in writing and
subject to the following charges: up to 120 days prior to departure, full
refund less $500 per person; from 120 to 90 days prior to departure, less
$1000 per person; from 90 and 60 days forward, no refund. For these and
other reasons mentioned herein, you are strongly encouraged to obtain
trip cancellation insurance. A cancellation by a share could result in the
need to accommodate a roommate in single accommodations, this cost
will also be deducted from refunds due, if any, to the person canceling.
Journeys of the Mind does not assume responsibility for cancellation fees
imposed by air carriers, due to itinerary departure changes, and cancella-
tions made after ticketing, nor are we responsible for any individual air
arrangements made in connection with group flights.
UNUSED: Prices quoted based on group participation; no refund for un-
used services, or portions of the tour not taken. No refunds to tour mem-
bers who do not complete the tour for any reason.
INSURANCE: Journeys of the Mind is not responsible or liable for loss, dam-
age, or theft of personal baggage and belongings. Journeys of the M ind is
not liable for personal injury, accident, or illness. We strongly suggest
that you check with your insurance agent for adequate coverage for any
eventualities. Upon booking, our specially designed insurance covering
baggage, accident, health and trip-cancellation will be made available. We
strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance.
VISA: A visa is required; fees and processing for U.S. citizens is included.
Passports must be valid within six months from return date.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Terms apply to all optional extensions and excur-
sions and must be purchased through Journeys of the Mind, Inc.
HEALTH: We strongly suggest that tour members contact their personal
physician. By forwarding a deposit the passenger certifies that he/she does
not have a physical condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or
other passengers.
SMOKING: This is a non-smoking tour. Smoking is not permitted where the
group is gathered. ALCOHOL: It is against the law to purchase alcohol off
the street.
NOTICE: Although Journeys of the Mind and the Biblical Archaeology Socie-
ty make every effort to adhere to the printed itinerary, on rare occasion it
may be necessary to adjust arrangements and or enrichment due to cir-
cumstances beyond our control. Private functions are subject to the availa-
bility of the respective sponsors at the time of travel and, occasionally,
substitutions may be required. Should any activity be unavailable, substitu-
tion will be made to the best of our ability and no refund will be made. Any
additional costs necessitated by such changes are the responsibility of the
tour member. Journeys of the Mind reserves the right to cancel the tour
prior to departure, to decline, to accept or retain any person's membership
in its entirety or for any part of the tour before departure of the tour or
during the tour, should such person's health, mental or physical condition,
or general deportment impede or may tend to impede the normal opera-
tion of the tour and/or may or does impose on the rights and comfort of
the other tour members. A refund of recoverable unused services is the
limit of liability for cancellation by Journeys of the Mind. Please note: Jour-
neys of the Mind cannot be held responsible for any hotel or airline ar-
rangements that we have not made.
RESPONSIBILITY: Journeys of the Mind, Chicago, Illinois, and the Biblical
Archaeology Society, Washington, D. C. their affiliates, assignees and coop-
erative agents act only as agents for the passenger with respect to trans-
portation, hotels and automobile contractors. They exercise every care
possible, but cannot be held responsible for personal injury in connection
with the service of any airplane, train, automobile, carriage or other con-
veyance which is used in carrying out these tours, nor are they responsible
for delay, accident, sickness, loss of personal property, strikes, armed con-
flict, additional expenses due to weather, disruption of advertised sched-
ules, refusal of visas, or any other causes beyond their control. They are
not responsible war, terror or acts of God. Further, the operation of the
vehicles used in their tours is the full responsibility of the companies and
individuals engaged in the conveying of passengers; said companies or
individuals are governed by laws of the country of operations and recourse
for any mishap must be filed locally. Unforeseen conditions may necessitate
tour changes and the right is reserved to make such changes or withdraw
the tour as deemed advisable. The right is also reserved to refuse to accept
or retain any passenger on any tour at any time for any reason. All cooper-
ating airlines and steamship companies are not to be held responsible for
any act, omission or event during the time passengers are on board; the
limit of the liability is that of a common carrier and the passage contract in
use by such carriers, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract be-
tween companies and the purchaser of this tour and/or passenger. Ac-
ceptance of the services of Journeys of the Mind by all agents and/or travel-
ers constitutes acceptance by them of all the above noted terms and condi-
tions.
RELEASE: All members must sign a release and waiver of claims acknowl-
edging their assumption of risk by participating in the tour.