Short answer: Yes, your church group can be baptized in the Jordan River on a Holy Land tour. On selected baptism tours, Mission Travel Faith Tours takes your group to the Jordan River Baptismal Site as part of a private, customized Christian group tour of Israel. We plan Holy Land group tours for parties of 10 to 500 people. You bring the group; we bring the journey to life. Call 407-377-7912 to start planning.
The Jordan River holds great significance to both Jews and Christians. This is where Jesus is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). For many believers, stepping into the same river is one of the most moving moments of their lives. When it happens with your own church family around you, singing and praying, it becomes a memory your congregation will talk about for years.
Who books a Jordan River baptism tour?
- Churches and pastors who want to give members the chance to be baptized, or to remember their baptism, where Jesus' public ministry began.
- Bible study groups who have studied the Gospels together and want to see the places they have read about.
- Christian schools, ministries and nonprofits who want a spiritual high point on a Holy Land trip for their students, staff or supporters.
- Family and friends groups traveling together with a shared faith.
Sample itineraries that include the Jordan River
Every itinerary on our site is a sample created by experts. It is ready to be customized to your group's interests, schedule and budget.
- Holy Land Baptism Tour: 13 days and 12 nights, visiting Tel Aviv, Joppa, Caesarea, the Sea of Galilee, Jericho, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Masada, with breakfast and dinner daily at the hotel, airport transfers on Days 1 and 13, and the Dead Sea.
- Christian Israel Tour Holy Land: 9 days and 8 nights in Tel Aviv, Galilee and Jerusalem, built around the River Jordan, with breakfast daily and airport transfers on Days 1 and 9.
Want to add Petra or another country? Read our guide to an Israel and Jordan church group tour.
What to know about the baptism itself
- White robes are required. Baptisms at the Jordan River Baptismal Site are only allowed while wearing the special white robes, which can be rented or purchased on site.
- Wear a swimsuit underneath. Swimsuits must be worn under the robe.
- A baptismal kit is available. The kit includes the mandatory baptismal robe, a baptismal certificate, a towel, and entrance to the changing facility and hot showers. It can be rented or bought at the gift shop.
- Plan the moment as a church. Decide ahead of time who will be baptized, who will lead, and how your group will worship together at the river. We build the time into your itinerary so it never feels rushed.
Why plan it as a private church group
When your group of 14 or more travels with us, it travels in a private-only tour, on the dates that best fit your schedule. Groups of 10 or more receive a discounted group rate, with increasing discounts as your group grows. For every 20 paid travelers, we provide one free spot, and groups of 20 or more are accompanied by one of our tour managers. English-speaking local guides lead the sightseeing, and our guides are very familiar with our devotional, scriptural, historical and cultural requirements.
If you are a pastor leading the trip, our guide to pastor-led church group Holy Land tours walks through how to shepherd your people on the road, and how to plan a church Holy Land tour covers timing, recruiting and next steps.
Start planning your church baptism tour
Our hope is that by traveling with us, your group's faith and love for God will increase. Call 407-377-7912, read about planning a tour as a pastor or leader, learn about our private custom Christian group tours, customize your trip, or contact us to begin.
