Bethany Baptism Jordan River Site Visit from Amman

Choose your required tour option on booking. Then, meet your driver at your Amman hotel, and travel by private, 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,’ 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.

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.

Alternatively, if you’ve chosen to upgrade, travel to Iraq Al Amir, home to numerous cliffside 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 BC.

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 Amman 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.

Stand beside the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized on this private 4-hour trip from Amman. 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.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
Airport Pick-up and Drop-off by request.
Order of visits may change for day tours with more than one visit as long as all sites completed.
Contact your local operator (phone number, emergency mobile number, or email address) a day before to reconfirm pick-up arrangements provided in your voucher.
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Infant seats available
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Clients are advised to bring hats, sun screen, and comfortable walking shoes.
Tour activity is provided in English. For other languages (Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German) by request.
Mobile SIM cards including internet are available with assistance of our team upon request and can be subject to a small additional charge approximately: 15 USD. (Prices subject to change by the communication company).
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
Most local tourist restaurants in Jordan do not serve alcohol, if you do not want a dry restaurant please contact us.
Most travelers can participate
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate