Magpie
4.3(3 reviews)

Day Tour to Bethany Baptism Jordan River, Madaba and Mount Nebo Visit from Amman

From$153.33
8 hours
Commentary: Guide · en

About this activity

A full-day excursion from Amman to Madaba, Mount Nebo, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, and the Dead Sea, offering historical insights and natural wonders.

Highlights

  • Explore Madaba's ancient mosaics
  • Visit Mount Nebo's panoramic views
  • Experience Bethany Beyond the Jordan's sacred waters
  • Discover the Dead Sea's unique salt formations
  • Enjoy a scenic drive through Jordan's landscapes

Full description

Stand beside the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized on this private 8-hour trip from Amman. Travel to the Bethany Beyond the Jordan Baptism Site, also known as “El-Maghtas”, and tour the riverbanks and ruins of ancient churches, wells, and baptismal pools. Proceed to Madaba’s mosaic city to visit Saint George’s Church, home to beautiful Byzantine mosaic map depicting the Holy Land and Jordan; besides other mosaics at Madaba’s Archeological Park, as well as visit Saint John Church. Continue to Mount Nebo to enjoy panoramic views over the Jordan Valley to Jericho and Jerusalem. Explore the ruins of a Byzantine church that once stood on the hilltop, and gain insight into biblical legend for which this ancient corner of the world is famous.

Included / Excluded

  • English-Speaking Driver
  • Local English-Speaking Guide at Bethany (collective), and Madaba Saint George Church (in private)
  • Entrance to Madaba Archaeological Park
  • Entrance to Madaba Saint George Church and Saint John Church
  • On board WI-FI
  • Entrance to Bethany (Baptism Site at Jordan River)
  • Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according number of participants
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Entrance to Mount Nebo Memorial Church of Moses
  • All type of gratuities (Tips to the Driver , and Local Guide) – Recommended
  • All type of beverages
  • All type of meals, unless option with lunch selected (Vegetarian meal by request)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Any other service not mentioned

Itinerary

1

Meet your driver at your Amman hotel, and travel by private, leisure air-conditioned vehicle to the River Jordan. On route, soak in views of Jordan’s barren landscapes, and pull up at Bethany Beyond the Jordan River, known as “El-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.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
2

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. 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: 1 hourAdmission: YES
3

Travel to Madaba, known for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Arrive in Madaba and head inside Saint George’s Church with a local guide. This 19th-century Greek Orthodox basilica is home to the famous Madaba Mosaic Map, a 6th-century A.D. floor mosaic that depicts the ancient Holy Land and Jordan. Gaze at this masterpiece and its richly detailed renderings of Jerusalem, Jericho, the Dead Sea and other biblical sites as your guide explains how it was unearthed in 1897 A.D

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
5

Proceed to the open-air museum known as the Archaeological Park, which houses a collection of ruins and mosaics like the Church of Virgin Mary and other floor house mosaics.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
6

Visit the historic Catholic Church of Saint John the Baptist, with its beautiful Bell Tower for a breath-taking view of Madaba. Visit its underground museum memorial of Saint John the Baptist.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
7

Having admired the mosaic, drive to Mount Nebo, the hill where, according to the bible, Moses was not only granted a view of the Holy Land but also died. Take in the stunning views from the summit that extend over the Jordan Valley, and on a clear day, can stretch as far as Jericho and Jerusalem. Go inside the excavated remains of the Byzantine church that once graced the hilltop. Here, archaeologists have uncovered a series of floor mosaics dating from between the 4th and 6th century A.D. Marvel at these intricate artworks with their still-vivid illustrations of peacocks, soldiers, horses and hunters, as your guide shares facts about their creation and discovery. After your visit of this marvelous Franciscan Monastery of Mount Nebo, return to your vehicle and make the drive back to Amman. Your tour concludes with a drop-off at your Amman hotel.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES

Important information

Know before you book

  • Confirm the tour's availability and schedule in advance.
  • Be aware that some sites may have specific visiting hours or days of operation.
  • Check if the tour includes lunch or if it's advisable to bring your own.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring swimwear if you plan to float in the Dead Sea.
  • Carry a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.

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
  • Stroller Accessible
  • Wheelchair Accessible

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.
  • Dress code at Churches: Modest.
  • Visits to churches are not allowed during prayer times.

Traveler reviews

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Very interesting tour of biblical sites

Very interesting tour of biblical sites. Amazing view from Mount Nebo over the entire West Bank (or as far as the haze allows). Our great driver, Abdullah, offered lots of extra and valuable advice.

FrankJ455Jun 18, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Private driver

Read the tour listing so you understand what you’re getting from this tour. If you’re looking for information overload from the driver this isn’t it. Also side trip to a store to see how mosaics are made. Some people might get turned off by being taken to a tourist shop but I didn’t mind it since it was educational.

cjschreinerJul 4, 2023TRIPADVISOR

Excellent tour

We arranged this tour with Zaid Tours and Travel agency. Our driver Issa was perfect, very informative, he provided us some small snacks and drinks and explained the most important facts about locations we were going to visit. Highly recommended.

Renata KDec 5, 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. Dress code at Churches: Modest. Visits to churches are not allowed during prayer times.
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