Bethany Baptism Jordan River Site Visit from Amman

Summary

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.

Tour info

Duration
4 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

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.

What’s included?

  • Hotel pick up and drop off

  • Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according number of participants

  • English-Speaking Driver

  • Entrance Fees to Bethany (Baptism Site at Jordan River)

  • Local English-Speaking guide for classic visit of Bethany (Baptism Site at Jordan River)

  • On board WI-FI

  • Entrance fees Iraq Al Amir; if option selected

  • Entry/Admission - The Baptism Site Of Jesus Christ

  • Entry/Admission - Iraq Al Amir

  • 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) – Recommended

  • Personal Expenses

  • Anything else not mentioned

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 4h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Zaid Tours and Travel

About operator:

Zaid Tours & Travel: The Leading, Experienced, Professional, and Most Reliable Tour Operator and Travel Agent based in Amman-Jordan. Our team offers different personal private individual and small group travel arrangements and tourist services. Our local agency is well established and dynamic with around 40 years’ experience. Our services include a range of customized private and regular seat in coach package itineraries, multi day tours, and day tour excursions to suit your preferences: cultural, historic, classic, religious faith based, wellness, and outdoor adventure with authentic local experience and high-level value for money service to color your memories. We also offer incentive conference corporate services that suit your needs, airport as well as internal transfers, and more! We are here for you, for services inside and outside Jordan.

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