Bethany Beyond Jordan & Dead Sea Private Baptism Tour

Stand at the baptism site, then float in the Dead Sea's mineral-rich waters

A private day tour from Amman to Bethany Beyond the Jordan Baptism Site and the Dead Sea, with an English-speaking driver, local guide, and hotel pickup included. Walk the riverbanks and ruins of ancient churches, wells, and baptismal pools where Jesus was baptized. Afterward, spend free time swimming and relaxing at a private beach area on the Dead Sea, the world's lowest point and first natural spa.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Yardenit2h · entry included
2. Dead Sea Museum1h

Bethany Baptism Site and Dead Sea Visit

• Meet driver at Amman hotel
• Travel to Bethany Beyond the Jordan
• Tour riverbanks and ancient ruins
• Return to Amman hotel
• Visit Dead Sea private beach area
• Swim and lounge at Dead Sea
• Return to Amman hotel

The experience

The tour begins with pickup from your Amman hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Your driver, who also serves as your guide during the drive, takes you to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, known locally as "Al-Maghtas", on the eastern bank where tradition holds that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. The journey itself frames the landscape: you'll see Jordan's terrain unfold before arriving at a site the Vatican sanctified as the baptism location, confirmed by Pope John Paul II's visit in 2000.

At Bethany, a local English-speaking guide meets you to walk the riverbanks and excavated ruins. You'll see remnants of Roman and Byzantine churches, caves, wells, and baptismal pools while learning why archaeologists believe John the Baptist lived and preached here. The site holds significance across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: revered as the believed place of the Prophet Elijah's ascension. The guide explains the spiritual weight of the location and its role as a major Christian pilgrimage destination.

After Bethany, you return to your driver and head to the Dead Sea, the world's lowest point. You have free time at a private water's edge beach area to swim in the mineral-dense waters, lounge on the beach, and experience the unique buoyancy the Dead Sea is known for. Showers and towels are provided. If you upgrade to hotel entry, you gain access to outdoor pools, changing facilities, and a spa offering Dead Sea mud treatments and massages at your own expense. Your driver returns you to your Amman hotel at the end of the day.

What’s included

• English-speaking driver and local guide at Bethany.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private air-conditioned vehicle.
• entrance to Bethany Beyond the Jordan Baptism Site.
• Dead Sea beach access with showers and towels.
• onboard Wi-Fi. Depending on your option, lunch may be included.
• Dead Sea spa treatments, beverages, and gratuities are at your own expense.

Options for this experience

2 options

Dead Sea and Baptism TourGuide in English · 09:00A standard visit to Bethany, the Jordan River, and the private beach at the Dead Sea Spa Hotel. Pickup is included.

Tour with LunchGuide in English · 09:00Tour with lunch: a standard visit to Bethany, the Jordan River, and the private beach at the Dead Sea Spa Hotel, with pickup included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats available

Operated by Zaid Tours and Travel

Is this one for you?The private vehicle and dedicated driver mean you set the pace at each stop: linger at the baptism site as long as the spiritual moment calls for, or move straight to the Dead Sea. Hotel pickup eliminates the logistics of getting to the river yourself, and the local guide at Bethany provides context that transforms the ruins from stones into history.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What is Bethany Beyond the Jordan, and why is it significant?

Bethany Beyond the Jordan, called "Al-Maghtas" in Arabic, is the site on the eastern bank of the Jordan River where Jesus is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist. The Vatican recognized it as the authentic baptism location, and Pope John Paul II visited in 2000. Archaeologists believe John the Baptist lived and preached there, and the site is held sacred in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as the believed place of the Prophet Elijah's ascension.

What can I do at the Dead Sea during this tour?

You have free time to swim in the Dead Sea's mineral-rich waters, which naturally keep you buoyant. You can lounge on the private beach area, use the showers, and enjoy towels provided. If you upgrade to hotel entry, you'll also have access to outdoor pools, changing rooms, and a spa offering Dead Sea mud treatments and massages for an additional cost.

Is a guide included, and what language do they speak?

Yes, an English-speaking driver accompanies you throughout the day and provides commentary during the drive. At Bethany Beyond the Jordan, a local English-speaking guide joins you to lead the walk through the ruins and explain the site's history and significance.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Amman, private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, entrance to the Dead Sea beach and spa facilities, showers, towels, and onboard Wi-Fi. Depending on your option, lunch may be included. Beverages, gratuities, and spa treatments are at your own expense.

How long is the tour, and what should I bring?

The tour runs for eight hours. Bring a swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Modest dress is required when visiting churches, and note that church visits are not permitted during prayer times.