Bethany Beyond the Jordan & Dead Sea tour from Amman

Walk ancient baptismal pools, then float weightless in the Dead Sea's healing waters

A 4.5-hour tour from Amman to Bethany Beyond the Jordan (El-Maghtas) and the Dead Sea, with air-conditioned transport and an English-speaking driver. You spend two hours exploring the UNESCO World Heritage baptism site (walking riverbanks, viewing ancient churches and baptismal pools), then visit the Dead Sea Museum and float in the mineral-rich waters at a luxury hotel on the shore. Entrance fees to the sites are optional. A tour guide is available on some departures.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Yardenit2h
2. Dead Sea Museum1h

Visit Baptism Site and Dead Sea

• Explore Bethany Beyond the Jordan ruins
• Walk along riverbanks and baptismal pools
• Visit Dead Sea Museum
• Relax and float in Dead Sea waters

The experience

The tour opens at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the site believed to be where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. You walk along the serene riverbanks for two hours, moving through the ruins of centuries-old churches and viewing the ancient baptismal pools and wells that mark this UNESCO World Heritage location. The spiritual weight of the place sits in the physical remains: the stone structures, the water channels, the layers of history underfoot.

After the baptism site, you head to the Dead Sea Museum for an hour, where the geology and ecological story of the Dead Sea unfolds. Then comes the main draw: floating in the mineral-rich waters at a luxury hotel right on the shore. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth, and its density lets you drift without effort. You have free time to soak in the serene setting, relax on the beach, or coat yourself in the famous healing mud before the return drive to Amman.

Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your Amman location. Your driver speaks English and handles the route through Jordan's desert landscapes. Wi-Fi is available on board.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transport from Amman.
• meet and greet at pickup.
• English-speaking driver.
• Wi-Fi on board.
• free time to float and relax at the Dead Sea shore.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 10:30

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Retaj Jordan Tours and transportation

Is this one for you?The 4.5-hour duration fits a half-day slot, leaving your morning or evening free for other Amman activities. If you need a full day or prefer a guided narrative through both sites, check whether a tour guide is available on your selected departure.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Bethany Beyond the Jordan?

Bethany Beyond the Jordan, also called El-Maghtas, is the UNESCO World Heritage site believed to be where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. You explore ancient churches, baptismal pools and wells along the riverbanks during a two-hour visit.

Can I actually float in the Dead Sea on this tour?

Yes. After the museum visit, you have free time at a luxury hotel on the Dead Sea shore to float in the mineral-rich waters, relax on the beach, and use the famous mud.

How long is the whole tour from Amman?

The tour runs 4.5 hours total, including two hours at the baptism site, one hour at the museum, and free time at the Dead Sea before the return drive to Amman.

Do entrance fees to the sites come with the tour?

Entrance fees are optional and can be added at checkout. The baptism site entrance is USD 17. The Dead Sea Museum fee varies by operator.

Is a guide included, or just the driver?

An English-speaking driver is included on all departures. A tour guide is available on some options and can be selected at checkout.