Skip to content
Jordan by Locals — Through the Eyes of Locals logo Jordan by Locals Discover Jordan Through the Eyes of a Local

Bethany Beyond the Jordan Baptism Site Tour from Amman

New experience— be the first to review Bethany, Jordan Half Day · 5 hours
From$87per person Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your tour start time.
Faith Journey
  • Half Day · 5 hours
  • Private or small-group tour
  • Pickup offered
  • 1–7 guests (sedan or H1 van)
  • Mobile ticket
  • English, Arabic

From $87 per person

Travelers2 guests

Adults

Age 18+

Children

Age 3–17 · 50% off

Infants

Age 0–2 · Free

Maximum 7 guests per booking — larger groups, use Group Request.

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your tour start time.

No payment required at this stage

Overview

Difficulty

Easy to moderate — short walks on mostly even ground

Walking

2–4 km at the main site

Driving

See the day-by-day itinerary for driving distances and times.

A half-day private tour to Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas), the UNESCO baptism site on the Jordan River where Jesus is believed to have been baptized.

Highlights

  • Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas), the UNESCO baptism site
  • The place where Jesus is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist
  • The remains of ancient churches and baptism pools
  • Walk to the banks of the Jordan River
  • Private transport from Amman with an English-speaking driver

What to expect

A comfortable private day with a local driver, air-conditioned transport and a flexible itinerary. You will visit the sites on your route at your own pace, with a sensible lunch stop and time to take photographs. Expect some walking on uneven ground at the sites and a relaxed, unhurried rhythm. Tell us your interests when you book and the day can be tailored around them.

What’s Included

Included

  • Hotel pickup & drop-off in Amman
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle
  • English-speaking driver
  • Bottled water

Not included

  • Entrance fees not included — we recommend the Jordan Pass (jordanpass.jo)
  • Specialist guide (optional add-on)
  • Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Hotel pickup in Amman. Meet your driver at reception — your exact time is confirmed the day before.

Pickup time

Confirmed the day before — most day trips start between 07:00 and 09:00.

Drop-off

Return drop-off at your original pickup point (or another agreed location).

Special instructions

Tell us your hotel or accommodation name and address when booking. For airport or port pickup, share your arrival details.

Pickup areas

  • Amman hotels & residences
  • Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
  • Madaba
  • Dead Sea resorts
  • Aqaba (on request)

Meals

Breakfast is included on multi-day tours. Lunches and dinners are not included unless stated in "What’s included".

Itinerary

The order is flexible, and you choose your preferred start time when booking.

  1. 08:00

    Pickup in Amman

    Drive to the Jordan Valley.

  2. 09:30

    Bethany Beyond the Jordan

    Visit the UNESCO baptism site and the ancient church remains.

  3. 11:00

    Jordan River banks

    Walk to the banks of the Jordan River.

  4. 12:30

    Return to Amman

    Drive back to your hotel.

Additional Info

Confirmation is received at the time of booking. A current passport or photo ID is required on the day of travel. Itineraries are flexible on private tours — tell us your interests and pace and we will adjust.

Confirmation

You will receive a booking confirmation by email immediately after payment. Final meeting-point details and pickup time are confirmed the day before your tour.

Mobile ticket

Mobile ticket accepted — show your confirmation on your phone.

Accessibility & physical requirements

Accessibility

Most day-trip sites involve some walking on uneven ground and gentle inclines. Tell us about any mobility considerations when you book and we will adjust the pace and route.

Physical requirements

Light to moderate — some walking on uneven ground at sites. Suitable for most travelers in reasonable health.

Seasonal considerations

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions. Summer afternoons are hot across Jordan — start early. Winter is quiet and clear but cold in the desert and highlands.

Important notes

Jordan is a safe, welcoming destination. Dress modestly at religious and cultural sites (shoulders and knees covered). Carry cash (JOD) for small purchases and gratuities. Every tour group entering Jordan at the Arava / Wadi Araba (Eilat–Aqaba) border must be accompanied by a licensed Jordanian guide. If you are arriving at this border, we add a guiding fee of USD 175 per tour day for your whole group (not per person). Example: a 2-day tour adds USD 350.

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Light layers for the season
  • Cash (JOD) for small purchases & gratuities
  • Passport or ID

Frequently asked questions

What is Bethany Beyond the Jordan?

Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) is the UNESCO baptism site where Jesus is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist.

Is the entrance fee included?

Yes, the Bethany Beyond the Jordan entrance fee is included.

Where does the tour start?

Pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel in Amman.

Is a guide included?

A specialist guide is available as an optional add-on; it is not included by default.

How long is the tour?

It is a half-day of about five hours, including a walk to the banks of the Jordan River.

What is the Jordan Pass, and is it required?

The Jordan Pass is an official package from the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities that bundles a tourist-visa fee waiver with entrance tickets to around 40 of Jordan’s leading sites. It is entirely optional — you do not need it to travel with us, and you are welcome to pay each entrance fee individually at the gate instead. You buy it online before you arrive, show it at each site entrance, and it also waives the tourist visa fee when you stay at least three nights in Jordan.

When is the Jordan Pass worthwhile, and what entrance fees does it cover?

The Pass covers entrance to Petra (one, two or three days depending on the tier), Jerash, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea resorts, Mount Nebo, Madaba, Kerak, Ajloun, Bethany Beyond the Jordan and many more sites. For most travelers it pays for itself with a single Petra visit plus the visa waiver, so any additional site is effectively free — making it the best value if you are visiting Petra and at least one other major site, or staying two or more nights. If your tour already includes entrance fees (check “What’s included”), you may not need the Pass at all. We are happy to recommend the right tier for your itinerary — just ask.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the tour, or no-shows, are non-refundable. Exceptions apply only where agreed in writing by email from Jordan by Locals. Refunds (where applicable) are returned to your original payment method.

If you paid a 25% deposit, it is non-refundable within 48 hours of the tour. Exceptions apply only where agreed in writing by email from Jordan by Locals.

Read our full payment policy

Share your experience

Reviews on this site are verified through our booking system. After your tour is completed, we send you a secure, single-use review invitation linked to your booking — so every review comes from a real traveler.

If you have completed a journey with us and have not received your review link, please message us and we will send one.

Ready when you are

Read everything you need above. Now choose how you’d like to move forward — instant booking, a tailor-made plan, a quick question, or a chat on WhatsApp.

From $87 per person

Check availability