$110 from Amman
$130 per person (min. 2 ppl.) from the Dead Sea
$70 single supplement
Known as Gadera
in ancient times, modern Umm Qais is in the northernmost part of Jordan,
just south and east of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan. Founded by the Ptolomies as a
military post after the death of Alexander the Great in the 3rd
century BC, Gadera was a member of the Decapolis during Roman times. There are significant Roman and
Ottoman ruins including two amphitheaters in the area. From the guesthouse one can enjoy
sweeping views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan.
The biblical significance of
Gadera comes from its claim to be the setting for the tale of the Gerasene
swine, told in the gospels of Mathew, Mark, and Luke. In this story, Jesus crossed the
Sea of Galilee and entered the country of the Gerasenes, where a man had
been possessed by a multitude of evil spirits. Jesus caused these spirits to
leave the man and enter a great herd of swine that were grazing
nearby. The pigs then charged
down into the Sea of Galilee and drowned. Terrified at what they had
seen, the people of Gadera implored Jesus to leave, which he did. The man whom Jesus had helped
wanted to go with him, but Jesus requested that he stay behind to tell his
story (Mark 5:20) “So the man
went off and proceeded to spread throughout the Decapolis all that Jesus
had done for him.”
Rate
Includes - entry fees - private car and driver - guide
licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
Please bring: passports, comfortable shoes
& jacket in winter
months.
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