One Day Jordan River Baptism Tour | Christian Holy Land Tours

Baptisms at the site aren’t possible on a walk-in basis, as there are no Christian pastors / priests or other lay clergy / staff present on location. Ceremonies can only take place when arrangements are made in advance.

We’re often asked about baptisms and how they’re arranged. Most are conducted by Spirit-filled Christian guides or lay preachers as part of our tours. On request, and if available, we can sometimes invite pastors or priests to the site, but please understand that options are limited. Christianity in Israel still faces certain social challenges. Many Christian guides and staff keep their faith private to secure work, which is why we believe we’re one of the few truly Christian tour companies in Israel, with openly believing staff.

If you’re hoping for an ordained minister from a specific denomination—such as Church of England, Catholic or Methodist—we recommend reaching out to your local church to see if they have someone in Israel who might be able to travel to the baptism site for you.

We offer Christian baptisms to believers in Yeshua (Jesus) by Spirit Filled believers in Christ (The body of Christ) – we don’t baptise based on a specific religious doctrine or a set of traditions.  The baptisms we carry out (or our staff carry out) are Bible based (in line with Scripture) and are done as an act of commitment / giving our lives over to Yeshua (a recognition that the old life has been crucified with Christ and that we are all now new creations in Him) rather than just following a set of religious rules / traditions as set down by the many, many different religious doctrines in Israel and throughout the world. 

Our guides are not aligned with any specific doctrine and typically belong to Charismatic, Evangelical, or Non-Denominational fellowships like King of Kings, Jerusalem or Kehilat HaCarmel.

The vast majority of believers we baptize see the ceremony as a meaningful declaration between themselves and the Lord, regardless of the title or credentials of the person performing it.

(Please Note: if you request a priest / minister / pastor from a specific church/doctrine to visit the baptism site for the ceremony, they normally expect / request a donation for their church should someone be available to attend the service.  This donation is not collected by or paid to Elbow Holy Land Tours – it should be given to the priest, on the day, in cash by the person requesting the tour.)

No, there is no charge for the baptism itself—it’s a sacred commitment between you and the Lord.

However, costs associated with the Jordan River Baptism tour do apply. These include fees for your guide, transportation, and entry to any locations included on the itinerary.

Absolutely — if you’d prefer your pastor or Christian friends to lead the baptism for you, that’s completely fine. We’re happy to accommodate that.

Of course — we’re happy to organize single-day baptism tours for churches or groups. We’ve previously hosted groups as large as 120 participants, so handling group logistics is no problem.

Yes. Baptisms can be arranged at Yardenit but only as part of a one day Nazareth / Galilee Tour.

Meals are not included in the tour price. However, your guide will arrange for a convenient and appropriate lunch break during the day, where you can purchase food and drinks.

We believe that visiting the Holy Land should be spiritually enriching and financially accessible. Our private tours are more affordable than many others because:

• Ministry-Driven, Not Profit-Driven: As a Christian company, our mission is to serve fellow believers, not to maximize profit. We aim to make faith-based travel available to more people.

• Lean Operations: We operate with a small, efficient team and minimal overhead, which allows us to offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.

• Direct Booking, No Middlemen: Unlike many companies that rely on third-party platforms or travel agencies, we manage everything directly. This eliminates extra fees and commissions.

• Transparent Pricing: Our prices are straightforward and inclusive. There are no hidden costs or surprise charges.

While our tours are more affordable, we never compromise on the experience. You’ll enjoy a deeply personal, spiritually meaningful journey led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about sharing the land where Jesus walked.

Many tours marketed as “Christian” vary widely in their approach to faith-based travel. Large group tours—sometimes with up to 40 participants—are often led by guides whose focus is primarily historical and archaeological. While these guides may offer valuable insights into the region’s rich past, their commentary may not always reflect the spiritual depth or biblical perspective that some Christian travelers are seeking.

Some itineraries include stops at sites rooted in local tradition or folklore rather than in Scripture or early Church history. For example, stories such as Jesus leaving a footprint on a rock at the Mount of Olives or the white stone in Bethlehem’s Milk Grotto—while cherished by many—are not based on biblical texts or widely accepted theological sources. These elements may be meaningful to some visitors, but may not align with the expectations of those looking for a more Scripture-centered experience.

In addition, some lower-cost tours include visits to commercial venues where guides or operators may receive commissions from purchases. While this is a common practice in the travel industry, it can shift the focus away from the spiritual purpose of the journey. Travelers may also encounter additional costs, such as entrance fees to key sites that are not included in the tour package.

At Elbow Holy Land Tours, we offer a different kind of experience—one that is private, personalized, and purpose-driven. Our tours are designed specifically for Christians who want to explore Israel through a biblical lens. Our licensed guides are committed to the Christian faith and bring both theological understanding and personal conviction to each site, offering reflections grounded in Scripture.

This is more than sightseeing—it’s a pilgrimage. If you’re seeking a spiritually enriching journey through Israel, led by guides who share your faith and values, Elbow Holy Land Tours is here to walk that path with you.