Magpie
4.2(9 reviews)

Bethany Baptism Jordan River from Dead Sea Optional Iraq Al Amir

From$133.33
4 hours
Commentary: Guide · en

About this activity

Experience a 4-hour private tour from the Dead Sea to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, exploring ancient ruins and baptism pools, with an optional visit to Iraq Al Amir caves and Qasr al-Abad palace.

Highlights

  • Explore ancient ruins and baptism pools
  • Learn about the site's religious significance
  • Optional visit to Iraq Al Amir caves
  • Discover the history of Qasr al-Abad palace
  • Enjoy comfortable private transportation

Full description

Stand beside the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized on this private 4-hour trip from Dead Sea. Travel to Bethany Beyond the Jordan River Baptism Site, also known as “Al-Maghtas”, tour the riverbanks and ruins of ancient churches, wells, and baptismal pools. Entrance fees, Local Guide, and round-trip private transport with a well-informed English-Speaking Driver included. If you wish to upgrade to add a visit to the nearby Iraq Al Amir caves and pre-Roman Qasr al-Abad palace. Return to your hotel included.

Included / Excluded

  • Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participants
  • Entrance fees to Iraq Al Amir; if option selected
  • On board WI-FI
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Local English-Speaking Guide at Bethany Jordan River (collective)
  • English-Speaking Driver
  • Entrance Fees to Bethany (Baptism Site at Jordan River)
  • All type of meals, unless option with lunch selected (Vegetarian meal by request)
  • All type of beverages
  • All type of gratuities (Tips to the Driver, Local Guide) – Recommended
  • Personal Expenses
  • Any other service not mentioned

Itinerary

1

Meet your driver at your Dead Sea hotel, and travel by private, leisure air-conditioned vehicle to the River Jordan with your own private English-Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide. On route, soak in views of Jordan’s barren landscapes, and pull up at Bethany Beyond the Jordan River, known as “Al-Maghtas” in Arabic. The site on the eastern bank of the river where it’s believed Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Meet up with a local guide, and take a tour of the riverbanks and key excavated ruins, learning how the site was sanctified as the place of Jesus’ baptism by the Vatican and a visit by Pope John Paul II in 2000. Drink in the powerful sense of spirituality, and see the remnants of Roman and Byzantine churches, caves, wells, and baptismal pools. As you walk, listen as your guide explains why archaeologists believe that it was here that John the Baptist lived, preached, and performed baptisms. Hear more about this famous Christian pilgrimage spot and how it is held holy in all three major religions — Christianity, Judaism, and Islam for being the believed site of the Prophet Elijah’s ascension to heaven. Afterward, reconvene with your driver and return to Amman, where your tour ends with a hotel drop-off. Please note: the Bethany in this trip should not be confused with Bethany in Jerusalem, where it's believed that Mary Magdalene lived and Lazarus rose from the dead.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
3

Upgrade Iraq Al Amir Visit: Alternatively, if you’ve chosen to upgrade, travel to Iraq Al Amir, home to numerous cliff-side caves dating to the Copper Age. Drive through olive groves and pine trees, and after viewing the caves, continue to nearby Qasr al-Abad, a restored pre-Roman building dating from the 2nd or 3rd century B.C. Admire the exterior, pillars, and animal carvings as you walk around the age-old edifice, thought to have been a villa or minor palace. Then, rejoin your driver and conclude your tour with an Dead Sea hotel drop-off.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES

Important information

Know before you book

  • Optional visits to Iraq Al Amir caves and Qasr al-Abad palace may require additional time
  • Entrance fees to optional sites are not included in the base price
  • Gratuities for the driver and guide are recommended but not included

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off by request.
  • Contact your local operator (office phone number, emergency mobile number – out of office hours, or email address) a day before to reconfirm pick-up arrangements provided in your voucher.
  • Tour activity is provided in English. For other languages by request.
  • Clients with mobility issues, please contact us.
  • Strollers and car seats for infants, please contact us
  • Most local tourist restaurants in Jordan do not serve alcohol, if you do not want a dry restaurant that does not serve alcohol, please contact us.
  • Clients are advised to bring hats, sun screen, and comfortable walking shoes.

Traveler reviews

4.2
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Spiritual

Place of the baptism of Christ. You can only visit in groups. We have to wait for the bus. Nice place to wait. One hour tour. Be careful it's very hot.

sgavoyagesSep 11, 2024TRIPADVISOR

Must-see before the Dead Sea

Must visit before the passage to the Dead Sea. It's definitely worth a visit. The place is emblematic but unfortunately travelers often pass by without going there ( OK you have to pay an entrance ) it will still remain the place where Christ was baptized. You can also soak your feet if your heart likes, for my part no, the water of the Jordan was too loaded with mud or sand.

didiermO5527XWMay 11, 2023TRIPADVISOR

Dirty water to clean the soul?

We visited both the northern and southern baptismal sites that Israel has. The southern site near Bethany is also well catered for with facilities towels and changing areas which are clean : unlike the water of the Jordan which seems to be even more foul as it travels. I didn't even want to stick my foot in it is looked so dirty.

brendas127Apr 5, 2023TRIPADVISOR

a place where everything is monitored

a place that is sacred but highly militarized with the nearby Israeli border. The waters of the Jordan are brown and do not engage in swimming. The little church is beautiful and the tours are in English. Good luck to those who don't understand much

martial51Dec 21, 2022TRIPADVISOR

Sublime

The feeling of visiting the place where Jesus was baptized is really exciting - everything very well organized , clean and all well preserved , I recommend making the visit with a guide to be aware of all the details

marcoabertoliNov 27, 2022TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking. Airport Pick-up and Drop-off by request. Contact your local operator (office phone number, emergency mobile number – out of office hours, or email address) a day before to reconfirm pick-up arrangements provided in your voucher. Tour activity is provided in English. For other languages by request. Clients with mobility issues, please contact us. Strollers and car seats for infants, please contact us Most local tourist restaurants in Jordan do not serve alcohol, if you do not want a dry restaurant that does not serve alcohol, please contact us. Clients are advised to bring hats, sun screen, and comfortable walking shoes.
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