Bethany Beyond the Jordan River & Iraq al Amir Tour Bethany Beyond and Iraq al Amir Tour with Lunch
ID: GYG208932-O-325407
Category:
Country: Jordan
Duration:
04:00 hours
Description
Stand beside the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized on this private 4-hour trip from Amman. Travel to the Bethany Beyond the Jordan Baptism Site, also known as El-Maghtas. Choose to include a visit Iraq Al Amir, and a delicious traditional lunch.
After pickup from your accommodation in Amman, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to the River Jordan, soaking in views of Jordan's barren landscapes along the way. Arrive at Bethany Beyond the Jordan River, known as El-Maghtas in Arabic, which is the site on the eastern bank of the river where it is believed that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
Meet your local guide and take a tour of the riverbanks and key excavated ruins. Learn how the site was sanctified as the place of Jesus’ baptism by the Vatican and visited 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. Discover why this place is held to be deeply holy in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam: learn why archaeologists believe that John the Baptist lived, preached, and performed baptisms here, and why it is believed to be the site of the Prophet Elijah’s ascension to heaven. Afterward, reconvene with your driver and return to Amman, where your tour ends at your accommodation.
You can also choose to include a visit to Iraq Al Amir after your tour of Bethany Beyond the Jordan River. This is home to numerous cliff-side 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 B.C. Admire the exterior, pillars, and animal carvings as you walk around the age-old edifice, which is thought to have been a villa or minor palace. Then, reconvene with your driver and return to Amman, where your tour ends at your accommodation.
Highlights
- Visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan Baptism, also known as El-Maghtas
- Take a tour of the riverbanks and ancient ruins
- Choose to add on a visit to Iraq Al Amir
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Please note that the Bethany on this tour should not be confused with Bethany in Jerusalem, where it is believed that Mary Magdalene lived and Lazarus rose from the dead
• Pickup and drop-off at Amman Queen Alia International Airport is available upon request
• If you hold a Jordan Pass the entrance fees will be refunded at the site
• Please note that most local tourist restaurants in Jordan are non-alcoholic
• Local SIM cards and Wi-Fi are available upon request at an additional charge of approximately $20 (USD)
• The tour is in English but is available in Spanish or French upon request
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You are required to bring and wear a mask
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
