Day Tour Bethany Baptism Jordan River Site & Dead Sea from Amman
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the historic Bethany Baptism Site
- Float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Jordan Valley
- Learn about the significance of the Jordan River
- Experience Jordanian hospitality and culture
Full description
Included / Excluded
- English-Speaking Driver
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Entrance to the Dead Sea Spa Hotel for the use of beach, pool, & changing rooms
- Showers in Dead Sea
- On board WI-FI
- Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according number of participants
- Local English-Speaking Guide at Bethany Jordan River (collective)
- Entrance Fees to Bethany (Baptism Site at Jordan River)
- Towel in Dead Sea
- 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 and Local Guide) – Recommended
- Personal Expenses
- Entrance to the spa not included
- Any other service not mentioned
Itinerary
Meet your driver at your Amman 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 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.
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 - Judaism, Christianity 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.
Proceed to discover the delights of the Dead Sea visiting a water’s edge private beach area and enjoy free time to swim in the Dead Sea’s waters; lounge on the beach, and absorb the beautiful setting never found elsewhere. Alternatively, you can upgrade your tour to a hotel entry with a wider range of facilities, including several outdoor swimming pools, and a stylish spa offering Dead Sea Mud Treatments including revitalizing body scrubs and massages, which are at your own expense.
The Dead Sea is one of the most incredible places and the world’s first natural spa. It is known for the Biblical story of the destruction of the old cities of Sodom and Gomorra in the Old Testament, which was turned into salt. The Dead Sea speaks for itself; there is no living fish! It is by far one of Jordan’s most impressive and spectacular places to visit. Its calm shining water glowing from its scorching sun is known for the concentration of salt and minerals, which makes it a therapeutic property, as well as a unique swimming experience not to be missed! After such a relaxing experience in the first world’s natural spa, your driver will take you back to your centrally located Amman hotel.
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm the tour's availability and schedule in advance.
- Be aware that meals and personal expenses are not included in the tour price.
- Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly for outdoor activities.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and water activities.
- Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes for the Dead Sea visit.
- Carry a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated during the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- 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.
- Swim suit is required.
- Dress code at Churches: Modest.
- Visits to churches are not allowed during prayer times.
Traveler reviews
Wonderful experience
We had such an incredible day with Basel our driver. Basel picked us up perfectly on time, with some water in the car for us. He explained the plan for the day and answered all our questions about the sites and Jordan in general (and advised on our future travel plans). His English was perfect and we felt safe and comfortable the whole day (his driving was excellent). We joined a larger group tour at the baptism site, and had plenty of time at the site. Then we were taken to the Dead Sea Spa hotel, which was beautiful with good facilities for showering and changing after. We were not rushed at all and had time to eat lunch at the pool restaurant after our time at the dead sea. It was a lovely day, I'm not massively religious but can imagine it being even better if the baptism site holds more spiritual meaning for you. At the baptism site you can go buy a white "dress" to wear to get into the river. The Palestinian side of the river is only a few meters away, which is closer than I expected and there were some people getting baptised on the other side.
A must do from Amman
This tour has the perfect itinerary for a day trip from Amman. Not only do you see and float in the Dead Sea, but you go to the Bethany site on the Jordan River where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. The museums by Bethany give you a perspective of where events took place on the Jordan side of the river. It was super informative. Sami was so knowledgeable and fun that he made our day!
Super day trip
Very knowledgable, friendly, articulate driver. Highly recommend him to anyone. Speaks fluent English.
Really good
Really good experience. Excellent food Very professional and helpful service. Highly recommend this trip
No words can describe the energy felt by visiting the place where Jesus was batpized
Visiting the place where Jesus was baptized has been one of the most humbling and undescribable experiences we have ever had….