Exploring the sacred site of Bethany Beyond the Jordan, believed to be the baptism location of Jesus, offers a profound spiritual experience. This private tour from the Dead Sea immerses visitors in the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Guided by a local expert, travellers can discover ancient ruins, relics, and baptism pools, uncovering the significance of this hallowed ground. For those seeking to delve deeper, optional excursions to the Iraq Al Amir caves and Qasr al-Abad provide additional insights into the area’s captivating past. Whether seeking spiritual enlightenment or historical exploration, this journey promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- Private 4-hour tour from Dead Sea to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, a UNESCO-listed site believed to be the location of Jesus’ baptism.
- Explore ancient relics, baptism pools, and ruins with insights from a local guide on the religious significance of the site.
- Option to upgrade the tour and visit nearby attractions like the Iraq Al Amir caves and Qasr al-Abad to further enrich the cultural experience.
- The site is revered in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, with beliefs around Prophet Elijah’s ascension and Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.
- Includes round-trip private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as on-board Wi-Fi for the journey.
Tour Overview
This 4-hour private tour provides the opportunity to journey from the Dead Sea to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the UNESCO-listed site believed to be the location of Jesus’ baptism.
You’ll explore ancient relics, baptism pools, and ruins while gaining insights from a local guide about the site’s significance in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
The tour includes round-trip private transportation and the option to upgrade and visit additional nearby sites like the Iraq Al Amir caves and Qasr al-Abad palace.
With hotel pickup and drop-off and English-speaking services provided, this tour offers a comprehensive way to discover this spiritually important destination.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sweimah.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at your Dead Sea hotel, where you’ll travel to the spiritual site of Bethany Beyond the Jordan, also known as El-Maghtas.
Here, you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed site that’s significant in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
The itinerary highlights include:
- Discovering ancient relics, baptism pools, and ruins with insights from a local guide.
- Learning about the site’s significance, including the belief that Prophet Elijah ascended to heaven here.
- Visiting the ruins of Roman and Byzantine churches.
- Optionally upgrading to visit Iraq Al Amir caves and Qasr al-Abad, a pre-Roman palace.
Transportation Arrangements
Round-trip private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle takes you from your Dead Sea hotel to the Bethany Beyond the Jordan site.
An English-speaking driver and local guide accompany you throughout the tour, providing insights into the significance of this UNESCO-listed site.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, ensuring a seamless start and end to your experience.
With on-board Wi-Fi, you can stay connected during the journey.
The tour operates daily, starting at 9:00 AM, and confirmation is received at the time of booking, guaranteeing a private tour just for your group.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes entrance fees to the Bethany Beyond the Jordan site, along with the services of a local guide who provides insights into the location’s significance.
The inclusions for this experience are:
- Entrance fees to the UNESCO-listed Bethany Beyond the Jordan site.
- The expertise of an English-speaking local guide to share the rich history and religious importance of the location.
- Round-trip private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off.
- On-board Wi-Fi during the tour.
The exclusions cover meals, beverages, gratuities, and personal expenses not mentioned in the inclusions.
Visiting the Site
Travelers begin their journey at their Dead Sea hotel, where they board a private, air-conditioned vehicle for the drive to the spiritual site of Bethany Beyond the Jordan.
Also known as El-Maghtas, this UNESCO-listed site is significant in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Visitors explore the ancient relics, baptism pools, and ruins, learning from a local guide about the site’s profound religious history.
They discover the belief that Prophet Elijah ascended to heaven here and the significance of this location in all three major faiths.
With the option to upgrade, travelers can also visit the nearby Iraq Al Amir caves and Qasr al-Abad, a pre-Roman palace, further enriching their understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Religious Significance
Bethany Beyond the Jordan, also known as El-Maghtas, holds profound religious significance in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The site is believed to be the location where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. For Christians, this is a sacred place that commemorates the start of Jesus’ public ministry.
In Judaism, it’s believed that the prophet Elijah ascended to heaven from this site. Muslims revere the location as the place where the prophet Isa (Jesus) was baptized.
The site features:
- Ancient ruins of Roman and Byzantine churches
- Baptism pools where pilgrims can reenact the baptism of Jesus
- Remnants of a monastery that once stood at the site
- Stunning views of the Jordan River and the surrounding wilderness
Optional Excursions
Visitors to Bethany Beyond the Jordan can opt to enhance their tour by visiting additional nearby attractions. For those interested in further exploring the region’s rich history and culture, an upgraded tour offers the opportunity to discover the Iraq Al Amir caves and Qasr al-Abad, a pre-Roman palace.
| Site | Significance |
|---|---|
| Iraq Al Amir Caves | Ancient natural formations with historical and archaeological importance |
| Qasr al-Abad | Impressive pre-Roman palace and one of the most well-preserved Hellenistic structures in the region |
This added excursion provides a deeper dive into the area’s multifaceted heritage, allowing visitors to uncover more layers of the region’s captivating past.
Practical Information
The tour departs daily at 9:00 AM from the Dead Sea area.
It includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and hotel transfers. An English-speaking driver and local guide will provide insights throughout the experience.
Visitors are recommended to bring the following:
- Hats and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Any dietary requirements should be indicated at the time of booking.
- Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available.
Wi-Fi is provided on-board for added convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Accessible Is the Site for Visitors With Disabilities?
The tour site is not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. Visitors with disabilities may face challenges navigating the uneven terrain and ruins. It’s best to inquire about specific accessibility needs when booking the tour.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any specific restrictions on photography, but visitors should be mindful of respecting the sacred nature of the site. Guests are welcome to take photos, but the guide may advise against certain areas or activities.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized to suit your interests. The provider offers flexibility, allowing you to personalize the itinerary and add optional activities like visiting Iraq Al Amir caves and Qasr al-Abad.
Are There Any Age-Specific Requirements or Recommendations for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age-specific requirements, but it’s recommended for children to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection. Infant car seats are available upon request to accommodate families.
What Is the Refund Policy if I Need to Cancel the Tour?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Customers can receive a full refund if they need to cancel their booking within this timeframe.
Recap
This private tour from the Dead Sea offers a profound spiritual experience at the Bethany Beyond the Jordan, believed to be the baptism site of Jesus. Visitors can explore ancient relics, baptism pools, and historical ruins, guided by a local expert. Optional excursions to the Iraq Al Amir caves and Qasr al-Abad provide deeper insights into the region’s rich heritage and history.