Bethlehem

Small group activities

On this full-day tour of the Holy Land, enjoy pick-up from your hotel in Tel Aviv in a comfortable air-conditioned coach and travel along highway no' 1 to Jerusalem. You’ll be accompanied throughout the day by a knowledgeable, professional guide. You’ll enjoy a panoramic overview from Mount Scopus, overlooking the new city of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount Esplanade of the old city. As you travel along the Kidron Valley, you’ll be able to take in views the Garden of Gethsemane as well as the walls of the city. On reaching the Armenian Quarter you'll enter the Western or Wailing Wall square via the local bazaar. See the Christian Quarter and the Stations of the Cross, also known as the Via Dolorosa. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is considered to be the site of the crucifixion of Jesus. You'll also walk along the 1700-year-old Byzantine Cardo, the main street, and see the renovated Jewish Quarter. Transfer to Bethlehem (Palestinian guide and vehicle). Bethlehem, meaning “City of Bread”, was the birthplace of Jesus according to Christian tradition. Your drive to Bethlehem takes you by way of Nativity Circle. Visit the Church of Nativity, and also the cave where Jesus was born. You’ll see Manger Square, where Jesus was placed after his birth. Before completing the tour, visit St' Catharine - a Roman Catholic Church. You’ll enjoy an overview of the Shepherd's Fields on the return drive to Tel Aviv.

After meeting at the David Citadel Hotel, you will begin your 3 to 5-hour tour, depending on the season. You will explore some of the religious highlights of Bethlehem, including the Church of the Nativity, St. Catherine, and the Shepherds' Fields. You will begin with the chance to visit the 1,500-year-old Church of Nativity where Jesus was born. From there you will enjoy beautiful views of the Old City of Bethlehem complete with the Manger Square. You will then take a ride through the city of Bethlehem and Beit Sahour passing by the main sites. A special visit to the Milk Grotto is also available, as well as a tour to the Shepherd’s Field where the Angels first announced the birth of Jesus Christ.

After being picked up from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem depending on your booking option, travel to Bethlehem where you will meet your guide before heading into the old city of Bethlehem. Enjoy a guided visit to the Church of the Nativity.  Continue your tour with a visit to the Milk Grotto Church before riding to the city of the shepherds, Bayt Sahur where you will visit the Chapel of the Shepherds Field before getting to visit an olive wood factory where you will see artisans crafting wooden sculptures.  Then journey through the wonderful Judean Desert to the lowest point on earth. Have chances to stop and take pictures at the sea level point in the desert overlooking the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, Jericho.  Drive into Jericho where you will see some of the famed sights in the city including Zaccheus's Tree which is mentioned in the bible. Itinerary in Detail - Best Bethlehem, Jericho and Jordan River Tour Explore Bethlehem for 4-5 hours, starting at about 8:30 AM in Bethlehem Shepherds Field (30 Minutes): Visit a charming place where the Christmas story happened. Milk Grotto Church (10 Minutes): Experience calm and peace in this spiritual church. Nativity Church (60 Minutes): Learn about Bethlehem's history at this important place. Note that Grotto visits may not be possible unless booked Small Group option Zuluf Olive Wood Factory & Community Store (25 Minutes): Watch skilled craftsmen at work and shop for handcrafted items, No Lunch Breaks: Enjoy convenient falafel and chicken shawarma sandwiches for takeout Jericho and Beyond Sea Level Stop (5 Minutes): Take a moment to appreciate the significance of this location at sea level. Saint Gerasimous Monastery (15 Minutes): Discover the history of Saint Gerasimous Monastery in Jericho. Jordan River (30 Minutes): Reflect by the Jordan River, a place with deep biblical meaning. Hisham Palace (30 Minutes): Explore Hisham Palace, where old architecture tells stories from the past. Old City of Jericho (30 Minutes): Step back in time as you explore the ancient tales of Jericho's Old City. The Sycamore Tree (5 Minutes): See the Sycamore Tree linked to the story of Zacchaeus from the Bible. Elijah Spring (5 Minutes): Enjoy the peaceful Elijah Spring, a calm oasis in the desert landscape.

Discover the famous old city of Bethlemen and the Dead Sea on a guided day trip from Jerusalem. Swim in the Dead Sea, visit an olive wood factory and see the famous Church of the Nativity. Following pickup in Jerusalem, ride to Bethlehem to meet your guide before heading to the Old City of Bethlehem. Begin with a guided visit to the Church of the Nativity. Next, if availability allows, visit the Nativity Star and the Cave of St. Jerome. From there, head to the Milk Grotto Church, where it is believed that the Holy Family found refuge from the Massacre of the Innocents before they could flee into Egypt. Next, drive to the City of the Shepherd's, Bayt Sahur. In Bayt Sahurt, enjoy a guided visit to the Chapel of The Shepherd's Field, the church where the angels first appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. Continue your trip with a visit to an olive wood factory and watch the artisans crafting wooden sculptures. Continue through the Judean Desert to reach the lowest point on Earth. Hop out and take pictures at sea-level in the desert . Continue to the Dead Sea to enjoy the rest of the day, either floating in the rich water or relaxing at the beach.

This full-day tour is a perfect way to discover the Holy Land. Led by a professional guide, you will get to explore the religious city of Jerusalem, and discover Bethlehem, which is home to one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Starting in Jerusalem, you will visit Mount Scopus, from where you will enjoy picturesque views over Jerusalem and the Temple of Mount Esplanade. Traveling through Jerusalem through the Kidron Valley, you will discover the old city walls, and take in views of the Garden of Gethsemane. Jerusalem is a Holy City of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and your guide will take you to different neighborhoods that are important to each religion. In the Armenian Quarter, you will explore the bazaar leading to the Wailing Wall Square. In the Christian Quarter, you will view the Stations of the Cross, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is considered to be the place where Jesus was crucified. Finally, you will walk along the Byzantine Cardo, a 1700-year-old street, to reach the restored Jewish Quarter. To continue your tour in Bethlehem, you will pass through a Palestinian border-crossing, and switch buses to continue your tour with a knowledgeable Palestinian guide. According to Christian tradition, Bethlehem was the birthplace of Jesus. Your guide will take you to see the Nativity Circle, and the Church of Nativity. From there, you will view the cave where it is believed Jesus was born, and Manger Square, where Jesus was placed after his birth. As your tour comes to a close, you will enjoy sweeping views of the Shepherd’s Fields on the way back to Jerusalem.

Start with pickup from your hotel and travel in a fully air-conditioned bus to Taba, where you will cross the border into Israel. Make the first stop of the day at the Dead Sea, the lowest point of elevation on Earth. While here swim in the salty water which enables you to float. Next, discover Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. Wander its numerous alleyways with small shops. Enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the on-site restaurants before making your way to Jerusalem. Once in the city, enjoy the view from the Mount of Olives. Visit notable local landmarks including the Wailing Wall and Temple Mount. After strolling across the Arab market on Via Dolorosa, you can visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Finally, be transferred back to your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh.

Embark on an unforgettable Jeep tour through the rugged and ancient landscapes of the Judean Desert from Jerusalem. Experience the thrill of off-road adventures, witness breathtaking vistas from towering cliffs, and delve into the region's rich history and natural wonders. Get ready for an action-packed journey that will leave you mesmerized. Main Activity Features: • Explore Hidden Gems: Venture deep into the heart of the Judean Desert, uncovering hidden oases, ancient caves, and fascinating archaeological sites. • Expert Guides: Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the desert's secrets, providing insightful information and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. • Off-Road Excitement: Buckle up for exhilarating off-road rides across rocky terrain, adding a dash of adventure to your desert exploration. • Scenic Vistas: Marvel at panoramic views from high vantage points, capturing the desert's grandeur and serene beauty. • Rich Cultural Heritage: Immerse yourself in the history of the Judean Desert, with stories of ancient civilizations, nomadic tribes, and biblical legends. • Photography Opportunities: Capture the mesmerizing beauty of the desert landscapes, creating lasting memories of your thrilling adventure. As the Jeep tour concludes, you'll return to Jerusalem with a heart full of unforgettable moments, a newfound connection to the desert's history, and a desire to explore more of the captivating Judean Desert. Book now for an adventure like no other.

Explore Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Jordan River in one comprehensive day tour that visits each historic location with a guide. Starting in Bethlehem, visit the Church of Nativity, which houses the grotto (the birthplace of Jesus). While in Bethlehem, stop in front of the famous Banksy hotel for a quick photo op. Purchase souvenirs from a local artisan shop before enjoying a short presentation about craftsmanship and arts in the area. During the presentation, relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Depart from Bethlehem and travel down towards the city of Jericho, located in the Jordan Valley. In Jericho, enjoy breathtaking views overlooking the valley from a cable car as well as a guided tour of the Mount of Temptation. While in the area, you’ll take a quick stop at the Gallery of Temptations, with the chance to sample halva, local dates, and other sweets before heading east towards the Jordan River. Stop at Qasr el Yahud baptismal site overlooking the Jordan River, the site where it is believed Jesus was baptized.  

What better place to celebrate Christmas than in the holy land itself? Begin the tour with a beautiful view over the entire city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, and then enjoy a short drive around the Old City walls, taking in the lovely panoramas of the Kidron Valley and the Garden of Gethsemane. Then enter the Old City itself, and embark on a short walking tour through the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Continue the tour with a drive to the legendary city of Bethlehem, stopping briefly at Evil Mountain for an illuminated panoramic view of the city. Once in Bethlehem, visit some authentic Christmas souvenir stores for light refreshments, and then sit down to a festive dinner at a local Bethlehem restaurant. Once you're finished, make your way to Mangers Square to view the Mass service on outdoor screens.

Ah, a day trip to uncover Jordan's treasures! Exploring Madaba, Mount Nebo, and the Dead Sea in one day promises a whirlwind of history, wonder, and natural rejuvenation. Buckle up for an adventure! Morning in Madaba: Mosaic Marvels: Begin your day at St. George's Church, home to the famed Madaba Map, a 6th-century masterpiece depicting the Holy Land. Imagine pilgrims tracing their routes centuries ago! Beyond the Map: Dive deeper into Madaba's rich past at the Church of the Virgin, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics. Explore the Archaeological Park for remnants of Roman and Byzantine settlements. also, The St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Madaba, Jordan, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered! While not as widely known as some of the city's iconic sites like the Church of St. George, this charming church offers a unique blend of history, religious significance, and architectural beauty Historical Gem: Built in the 19th century, the church stands as a testament to Jordan's rich Christian heritage. Its elegant stone façade and stained glass windows whisper stories of devotion & faith across generations. Architectural Intrigue: The church's design blends Western & Eastern influences, showcasing a graceful mixture of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles. Take in the delicate arches, the intricate detailing around the entrance, & the peaceful courtyard adorned with greenery Religious Significance: Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in both Christianity & Islam, the church offers a space for quiet contemplation and prayer for visitors of all faiths Midday Ascent to Mount Nebo: Moses' View: Ascend Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have glimpsed the Promised Land. Feel the weight of history as you gaze upon the breathtaking panorama of the Jordan Valley and beyond. Step Back in Time: Explore the ruins of the Byzantine church and admire its well-preserved mosaics depicting biblical scenes. Pack a picnic and savor the scenery while sharing stories and soaking in the atmosphere. Rejuvenation at the Dead Sea: Float Away: Immerse yourself in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Let the mineral-rich liquid work its magic, leaving you feeling weightless and rejuvenated. Muddy Indulgence: Treat yourself to a Dead Sea mud treatment – its exfoliating properties will leave your skin feeling silky smooth. Relax on the beach, take a dip in a resort pool, or simply bask in the warm desert sun. Tips Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. If you are planning to float in the Dead Sea, be sure to apply sunscreen and bring a towel. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This tour can be customized to fit your interests and budget. For example, if you are interested in history, you could spend more time visiting the archaeological sites in Madaba.