Fodor's Expert Review Qasr Al Yahud

Just outside Jericho, this is the site where Christians believe Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:13–17) and where the Israelites are said to have crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land (Joshua 3). Back then, the Jordan was a mighty, roaring river; today, it is little more than a silty creek that Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection monitors for unsafe pollution. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority runs the site and maintains a wooden deck, picnic tables, changing rooms, a coffee shop, and an inexpensive gift shop. You can almost shake hands with the Jordanian soldier guarding the opposite bank. Access to dozens of old churches and monasteries nearby is only possible with coordination with the Israeli army due to old landmines. If you plan to go in the water, you must go in with modest clothing, or a white gown, which can be purchased on-site for 35 shekels. Swimsuits are not allowed.