Jericho, Dead Sea, and the Jordan River Tour

The Jericho Dead Sea Jordan River tour heads south from Jerusalem into the Judean Desert. Your guide provides commentary as the landscape transforms from green hills to barren desert. Pass the Inn of the Good Samaritan, the traditional setting for Jesus' famous parable (Luke 10:25-37). Catch a glimpse of the dramatic 5th-century Monastery of St. George clinging to the cliffs of Wadi Kelt in the distance.

The bus pauses at the famous sign marking sea level (0 meters). From here, you look out across the vast desert landscape stretching toward Jericho and the Jordan Valley. Take photos at the sign before continuing to descend further below sea level.

The Jericho Dead Sea Jordan River tour arrives in the ancient city of Jericho. First stop: the sycamore tree associated with the biblical story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus over the crowds (Luke 19:1-10). Your guide tells the story and explains Jericho's significance in both the Old and New Testaments.

Visit Elisha's Spring (Ein es-Sultan), the natural spring that has supplied Jericho with fresh water for thousands of years. Without this spring, human settlement in this desert would have been impossible. The spring is named after the prophet Elisha, who purified its bitter waters (2 Kings 2:19-22).

Walk through Tel Jericho, the archaeological mound that is the site of the original Jericho settlement. Archaeologists have uncovered 23 layers of previous civilizations dating back to approximately 9,000 BCE. See the remains of a Neolithic watchtower dated to approximately 8,000 BCE, one of the oldest man-made structures ever discovered. Your guide explains the Battle of Jericho, when Joshua's army marched around the city walls until they fell (Joshua 6:1-27).

The Jericho Dead Sea Jordan River tour continues to the Mount of Temptation (Jebel Quruntul), where Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness and the devil tried three times to tempt him to forsake God (Matthew 4:1-11).

Ride the cable car up the 366-meter mountain (cable car fee: approximately 60 NIS, not included). As you ascend, the views expand to reveal the entire Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and the Judean Desert. Halfway up the cliff face, the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation appears to defy gravity, clinging to the rock in a seemingly impossible position. Visit the monastery and see the stone believed to be where Jesus sat during his fast.

If you prefer not to ride the cable car, you can wait at the base with views of the monastery from below.

The Jericho Dead Sea Jordan River tour visits Qasr el Yahud, the traditional site on the Jordan River where John the Baptist baptized Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17). This is also believed to be the place where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Joshua 3) and where the Prophet Elijah ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11).

The site sits on the western bank of the Jordan River, with the Kingdom of Jordan visible on the opposite bank. Visitors can be baptized here today. If you wish to be baptized, bring a white garment or rent one on-site. Changing rooms and facilities are available.

Your guide explains the baptismal traditions and the historical significance of this stretch of the Jordan River to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Continue south from Qasr el Yahud toward the Dead Sea, the lowest body of water on earth at 430 meters below sea level.

The Jericho Dead Sea Jordan River tour arrives at a Dead Sea beach. Your guide briefs you on how to safely enjoy the Dead Sea (avoid eye contact with water, limit float sessions to 15-20 minutes, rinse with fresh water between sessions).

Enjoy approximately 2 hours of beach time. Float effortlessly in water that is 8.5 times saltier than the ocean. Apply mineral-rich black mud for a natural skin treatment. Relax on the beach, soak up the sun with reduced UVB rays at this low elevation, and breathe the allergen-free, oxygen-rich air.

The beach has showers, changing rooms, and a snack bar. Lunch is at your own expense (budget 50-80 NIS).

Board the bus for the return drive. The Jericho Dead Sea Jordan River tour heads back through the Judean Desert toward your pickup city.

If you enjoyed this day, explore more with our Dead Sea Relaxation Tour for a full day of beach time, our Masada and Dead Sea tour for Herod's fortress, or our Christian Jerusalem Tour for New Testament sites in the Old City.

Return to your hotel or central drop-off point in your pickup city.